From our friends at Appalachain Voices

See the link to 'App Voices' on the right side of this page to access their website and the studies mentioned below. And then call your congresspersons state and federal and tell them about it! You'll find the numbers at the bottom of the page. Below is an excerpt from the latest App Voices website.

Mapping the Human Cost of Coal

According to 21 new scientific studies, people living near mountaintop removal and other types of coal mines suffer higher cancer rates, more birth defects, and have shorter life spans than other people in Appalachia.

Check out the new interactive health mapping feature on iLoveMountains.org or read summaries of the key findings of these 21 studies and you’ll understand why Appalachian people have long been saying: “What we do to the land, we do to the people.”

[ Check out the map and read summaries of the studies on iLoveMountains.org ]

They are killing us!

This link was sent from a woman; Maria Gunnoe, who knows personally about the ethical and environmental injustice being allowed by policy makers as foreign and domestic energy companies blow up our mountains for coal. Coal which in most cases is exported to other countries while our peoples homes, communities and history are destroyed.
Click the title for more.....and I think I'll go for a hike. Peace

Just a picture

The areas to the northwest of Knoxville are beautiful and there is relatively little development. This area of which I type contains part of the Cumberland Mountains just east of the Big South Fork and is being pillaged in another fashion as it's resources are extracted and sold on the stock exchange. If you would, click on and enlarge this picture of these signs I saw as I drove into Elk Valley TN today. Read with a prayer. Peace

Hiking in a little snow

So Saturday included a few few first for me one of which was the first snow; though minimal, in the lowlands this winter and the other a hike with a family member who I've never hiked with. My concerns about the weather and adequate clothing were noted in the days prior to our walk and her cover was OK for a short day hike. We followed a route which would keep us off the ridge lines because of the strong winds which were gusting thus bringing windchill's into the single digits early in the day.

Our walk began at the Schoolhouse Gap trailhead; much to my surprise the parking area was overflowing, and followed it up to the intersection with trail leading down to White Oak Sink. After about a half a mile along the Sink trail we passed a group of 8 who were exiting and which made for a quiet walk for us the rest of the way.
This area is really getting a lot of use as compared to when I first ventured down an indiscreet manway into the Sink only 4 and half years ago. I recall being cautioned by other, more experienced volunteers at the VC, to not be giving away the locations and routes of all "our spots". I must say though when I did, I did so with discretion, and no longer distribute such information to the general public.
We visited the caves and waterfall then exited through the one of the other routes which brought us out at the cabin and School House Gap Trail. Which we followed back to the trailhead, passing a few folks on the way out. Another great experience in the woods made possible by a lot of people that have come before us, and leaving with us a great responsibility to do the same. Peace