Hurricane Helen hit the southeastern United States late last month, leaving behind a devastating aftermath that left around 227 people dead and thousands without running water. Along the path of destruction was a bridge of memory for a North Carolina pet lover who was swept away by floodwaters.
“Gateway to a Beautiful Place” Lake Lure Flowering Bridge as the community transforms the once abandoned bridge and surrounding space into 30 themed gardens filled with more than 200 species of plants and views of Chimney Rock , has become a staple in the area. Lake Lure and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
In 2022, artist and volunteer Amy Wald conceived and installed Rainbow Bridge in a separate area of the outdoor oasis. The topic quickly went ‘viral’ as visitors to the colorful bridge were able to honor their beloved pets who had ‘crossed the Rainbow Bridge’.
“Over the past two years, hundreds of collars and tags have been hung at Rainbow Bridge by grieving pet owners from all over the country,” Lake Lure Flowering Bridge volunteer Linda Riandeau said in an email. told Newsweek magazine.
By Oct. 5, Leander said, people were starting to see aerial photos and notice extensive structural damage to Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge and Rainbow Bridge.
“Rainbow Bridge was so close to the Rocky Broad River that it was completely washed away,” she said. “Hundreds of collars and tags were hung at Rainbow Bridge by grieving pet owners. At this time, we do not know if any of them have been found.”
The news came as a shock to the community and visitors, as those who had honored their pets with collars and tags had their memories washed away by the torrent. Heartbroken TikTok user @raise3dogs shared a clip of Rainbow Bridge from her spring visit.
The caption reads: “Absolutely devastated by the news that the bridge was washed away. My heart goes out to everyone affected by Lake Lure and Hurricane Helen.”
Screenshot from a TikTok video of Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina. The person who posted the video shared his memories of the bridge after hearing that it was washed away by Hurricane Helen. A screenshot of a TikTok video of the Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina. The person who posted the video shared his memories of the bridge after hearing that it was washed away by Hurricane Helen. @raise3dogs/TikTok
Looking back on her time at Rainbow Bridge, the poster shared with Newsweek magazine via TikTok, “It was such a beautiful, healing environment.” She holds out hope that some of the collars may be recovered and that the bridge may eventually be rebuilt. Leandeau said she didn’t know what was in store for her at the Lake Lua Flowering Bridge.
“All of our volunteers are residents of their local communities or neighborhoods and are dealing with the effects of Hurricane Helen,” she said. “We hope to be able to rebuild someday, but right now our priority is the well-being and safety of our residents and the rebuilding of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.”
A TikTok video honoring the bridge brought viewers to tears multiple times. Some shared that when the bridge washed away, it felt like their fur babies were being taken away for a second time.
“The bridge was washed away, so the dogs were able to help other dogs find their way to the Rainbow Bridge,” said one person, trying to put a positive spin on it.
Another person added: “I ugly cried when I saw the comment on another video that said, “It was necessary to help the babies who were stranded in the storm so they wouldn’t have to cross alone.”
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was photographed after Hurricane Helen. The bridge sustained significant structural damage after a hurricane hit western North Carolina. Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was photographed after Hurricane Helen. The bridge sustained significant structural damage after a hurricane hit western North Carolina. lake lure flowering bridge
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