Return to West Virginia

It has been almost a year since I was down here studying mountaintop removal (MTR), but I have returned, but this time with six students who were interested enough in the issues to come down and spend a few days learning first hand. Today we drove down in our rented van. Left my house about 10 and after a brief return (I forgot an address) we were on our way. Stopped near Columbus for lunch (looking for a Baja Fresh that we never found, but did find a Panera) and then continued on to Cheshire. I had lectured about it in class and asked if they were interested, and voila they were. So here they are, the Gavin plant behind them. Michael, Ian, Sarah, Chelsea , Michelle, and Paula (in that order).

After this we were on the road again to Charleston. Tomorrow morning we go on a Southwings flight over the MTR area, and then head over to Kayford.

Returning to WV

The past year has been filled with classes, honing writing skills, and now a return to WV. This time though, I will be taking a van filled with students who have shown an interest in Mountaintop removal(MTR). Over the past year, I have had Dave Cooper and his MTR Roadshow at the school twice. The first time he brought Larry Gibson, and the second time Judy Bonds. I volunteered to take them if they showed an interst and voila 7 did, and have put up the money to help pay for the expenses. We leave on Sunday (April 30) for a 5 day trip. We will be visiting Larry on Kayford Mountain (before he heads out for the UN!), Hillary and Judy in Coal River Valley, have a flight with Southwings, and then head over for Mingo County where we will visit James Simpkins before spending the night at Matewan. Filled with things to learn, see and do. I am thrilled with the prospects.