North Carolina Bridges – Feb. 8-14, 2026

Our second week at the Bridges project was off to a good start as we welcomed six new short term volunteers.  Four men from Ohio joined us, as well as a couple from Virginia.  The five men will work on bridges and Lori and I will work together to cook this week.

Under Mark’s  guidance, the bridge was pulled out of the creek at Briar Hollow and loaded on a trailer.  At Blue Rock, stone work was begun and excavation was started to fill in and lay rip rap, then the cap was poured.  One of the volunteers finished putting down rock and another volunteer spent time hauling in barrier blocks.  By the end of the week, bridge beams were set, along with the supports.

Keith led the work with the volunteers on the Cordova bridge.  Forms were stripped on Monday and excavating was done, which continued through the week.  Rocks were placed, steel beams set, and decking put on.  By the end of the week the final grading was done, deck railing finished and the gate hung.

The folks are so excited about getting new bridges and the guys have been enjoying lots of breakfast and lunch food prepared by the home owners!

On Thursday evening, the Asheville group joined us again for our evening meal, which we are able to eat together in the hall at the Episcopal Church thanks to their hospitality and their sharing of their space!  We are so grateful for all of them who make us feel so welcome!

We had a week with lots of laughter and as our volunteers left Saturday morning, we were left with good memories and lots of work that had gotten accomplished!  Later on Saturday we welcomed Jim, our new cook for the next two weeks.

From the long term team:  Mike & Linda, Keith and Mark