### Man Reaches Parents in NC Mountains After Grueling Hike Following Hurricane Helene

Sam Perkins embarked on an arduous 11-mile hike that ascended 2,200 feet over rough terrain to reach his parents' home near Spruce Pine, North Carolina, following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. His journey, which lasted more than three-and-a-half hours, culminated in the relief of finding his parents safe.

After 48 hours with no communication from his parents and understanding the severity of the situation, Perkins set off early Saturday morning. The once idyllic and isolated area between Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland had turned perilous. Roads and utility networks were demolished, leaving communities completely cut off.

The hurricane's wrath left a fatal mark, with over 100 casualties reported across the southeastern United States. North Carolina alone suffered more than 30 deaths in Buncombe County, where Asheville is located. Days of relentless flooding transformed roads into waterways, stranding residents and overwhelming state resources. Governor Roy Cooper described it as "one of the worst storms in modern history."

Realizing conventional routes to his parents' home were blocked, Perkins left his vehicle and continued on foot. He encountered multiple blockages, from failing roads to deep mudslides and fallen trees, but persevered through the challenges. Perkins described his relief upon finding his resourceful parents in decent health, though they faced the difficulty of being unable to hike down the mountain themselves.

Despite having food, Perkins' parents were nearly out of water but had propane to boil their supply if needed. Recognizing the struggle ahead for power restoration, Perkins took a thoughtful approach. After ensuring their well-being, he decided to leave and not consume their limited resources. He managed to hitch a partial ride from a community member on his way down to safety.

In the broader region, communities continue to grapple with severe damage. In McDowell County, significant flooding led to more than 20 air rescues after the Swannanoa River overflowed. Residents like Jim and Allie Bourdy experienced catastrophic losses, finding themselves forced onto a neighbor's roof with their dog to escape rising waters. The Bourdys lost nearly all their possessions but were rescued by a neighbor with a kayak.

Asheville and surrounding areas remain in dire straits with no power, running water, or cell reception. Residents like Meredith Keisler and others collect firewood to cook food amidst widespread debris. The community, though strained, demonstrates remarkable solidarity and resilience in these trying times.

Disabled Vietnam War veteran Gary O'Dell, who made his first venture out due to debris clearance, has been sharing his oxygen tank with a neighbor. Despite significant personal losses, O'Dell, like many others, remains thankful for the community's support and shared determination to rebuild.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the residents of western North Carolina face a long road to recovery, but their spirit of cooperation and strength shines through amid the dire circumstances.