They’re so busy trying to check in on people and help survivors, I haven’t seen the best of reporting. But this is an interesting report of a man that hiked in to check on his parents after not hearing from them for a couple days. If you’re going to live in such a remote area, you might want to become a ham radio operator with at least a General license so you can use HF SSB (voice) on more bands, and you’d be able to get messages in and out no matter what through ionospheric skip below the horizon (there is even Winlink email via HF). And you could go generator and Starlink too, but ham radio is much more robust as you don’t depend on a third party’s infrastructure. Consequently, I had dropped off using ham radio after small portable cellular phones came along, but motorcycling in remote places of Northern California without cellular coverage had me look into satellite SOS systems which were expensive at the time, so I ended up just buying a 2m HT to carry since we had very good repeater coverage with systems located on mountain peaks. And that started a new fascination with ham radio, now with 161 countries contacted on HF, and even having DXCC (100+ countries) using morse code and digital modes. It’s a fabulous hobby to exercise your mind.
https://revolver.news/2024/10/sam-perkins-hike-to-save-parents/
Many of the stories coming out of North Carolina are harrowing, to say the least. One that will both move and inspire you is Sam Perkins’ story. He hiked 11 miles and 2,200 feet to check on his parents after Hurricane Helene devastated the NC mountains. He found them safe but stranded, surrounded by destroyed roads, mudslides, and fallen trees. Crews are working to restore power, but the devastation is overwhelming.
Sam’s story showcases the incredible American spirit—resilient and determined. With the government falling short, it’s clear we can only rely on ourselves and each other. Sam’s perseverance is proof of that.
Sam Perkins shared his experience of hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to check on his parents after Hurricane Helene hit the NC mountains. He found them safe but stranded due to severely damaged roads and infrastructure. The area, known for its scenic views, is now filled with devastation, including destroyed homes and downed trees. Sam expressed his gratitude for finding his parents alive and urged others to be patient as crews work to restore power and access to the affected areas.
Post from Sam ” My parents are ok but completely trapped. Yesterday, I hiked up to check on them. Brain spew coming; I’m still processing it all and was just locked in on go-mode yesterday.
Still not having heard from my parents in 48 hours, I was drowning in worry. My parents live in an absolute gem of the NC mountains — the Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine, Burnsville area — halfway between Asheville and Boone. Under normal circumstances, it’s pleasantly very isolated.
Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes and utility networks. **This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.** I tried multiple routes to drive up but had to settle on parking in Marion at the base of a closed road (Hwys 221/226) and hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to find my parents thankfully ok but surrounded by devastation. I have never been so relieved to see anyone ok.
Crews weren’t even close yesterday. I can’t tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross, how many fallen trees I had to take off my backpack for and navigate through. While hiking up 226A, I met multiple people trapped by devastation in both directions of the highway.
In this part of the mountains with steep terrain rolling off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not only did water rise, it RAGED to tear up roads, earth and homes. Then, the winds (I’m certain tornados in some places) have brought down up to half the tree canopy.
I’m still processing it all. I’ve never seen anything like it. Power is a couple weeks out. I cannot fathom how long it will take DOT to repair the curvy roads that hug steep mountainsides with the most amazing views. Most of all, I want my parents to have the same basic needs they always provided me — food, water, shelter (house is mostly ok) and the ability to explore! But they can’t even leave their home right now. The steep part of their gravel road has braided channels only 18″ wide but up to 5′ deep from rushing water.
It’s just a waiting game now. If you are or you have family in the mountains, I feel for you. Know that crews are chipping away.”
https://facebook.com/share/p/rYQkD5kB1dY5HZRn/?mibextid=WC7FNe
#helene #ncwx #wnc
Sam Perkins shared his experience of hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to check on his parents after Hurricane Helene hit the NC mountains. He found them safe but stranded due to severely damaged roads and infrastructure. The area, known for its scenic views, is now filled with… pic.twitter.com/V3pHcoiD8z
— NONBidenary (@KellyLMcCarty) September 30, 2024
Sam appeared on NewsNation, where he retold his harrowing story.
Sam Perkins hiked 11 miles in the mountains of North Carolina to get to his parents after Hurricane Helene. Perkins recounts the journey he took and obstacles he faced. “I just had to make sure they were okay and had what they needed,” Perkins says.
More: https://t.co/NMyfb3z18p pic.twitter.com/XmOGkZL13l— NewsNation (@NewsNation) September 30, 2024
Here’s another video with wild b-roll.
Sam tells the Story
When Sam Perkins couldn’t reach his parents in
Little Switzerland, North Carolina and the roads to
get to them were impassible, he decided to hike
the 11-mile trek to their mountain home. pic.twitter.com/fPIxSnL9jj— Cyndexia America Truther 💯🥂 (@TrutherAmerica) October 2, 2024
Sam is just another American hero, rising to the challenge to ensure his loved ones are safe. We see stories like his everywhere, as Americans come together during times of crisis. What’s truly shameful is that our government can’t say the same. They’re more focused on funding an illegal invasion and foreign wars than helping their own citizens in need.