A mountaintop lodge near Little Switzerland, North Carolina, has become a safe haven for about 80 stranded residents and travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway after floodwaters wreaked havoc on the state.
Hoyt Johnson, the owner of Big Lynn Lodge for 14 years, has opened the doors of the 42-room inn to those in need. Situated at an elevation of 3,100 feet between Asheville and Boone off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the lodge has welcomed individuals seeking shelter from the devastating floods.
Despite the challenges, Johnson remains committed to helping those who have sought refuge at the lodge. He expressed his surprise at the extent of the disaster, stating, “I never, ever would imagine that something like this would happen.”
While resources are limited, efforts are being made to provide essential amenities to the lodge's occupants. A helicopter delivered a generator to ensure a supply of hot water, and additional helicopters have brought much-needed supplies such as water, food, diapers, and medical supplies.
Johnson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from those who have offered assistance but emphasized the ongoing need for more support. The lodge currently has eight rooms available for showers and a charging station for cell phones. Plans are in place to serve two hot meals a day starting Wednesday.
Reflecting on the unprecedented nature of the disaster, Johnson remarked, “I’ve lived on the coast all my life and I’ve never seen anything like this. Whole towns are washed away.”
