I debated on whether or not to show the next photos simply because I don’t believe it would be real clear what I found disturbing. I am showing them though to try and show you the effects of blasting on neighboring ridgelines.

All of these photos depict what I like to call chaos. Being a hiker and pretty familiar with the terrain in the Appalachia’s even an ordinary rock outcropping has order. Rock formations and outcroppings don’t just happen they were created with changes to the Earth’s crust, weather, and the passing of time. These rocks scattered about have no order. Time didn’t put them there. A couple of them look like they may have originated on the adjacent ridge. Some of them simply slid down the mountain. Normally, rocks don’t just slide down the mountain. Unless they are being pushed by chaos or something that is not meant to be in the scheme of things.

One rock I found particularly disturbing. It didn’t look like it could take too many more concussions. What is it that bothers me about this rock? First of all, obviously the angle it’s resting on. Another thing, it is being precariously supported by sandrock. The explosions are coming from behind the rock on the adjacent ridge and actually will be getting closer as the site progresses. And most importantly - there are houses at the bottom of this mountain and there would be no stopping it.

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I started thinking about the effects of the explosions on this mountain and couldn’t help but wonder about the effects of the blasting on a cemetery on the mountain being mined.

When I was on top of the clear cut mountain looking over into Drews Creek the first thing that caught my eye was the blue metal roof of a little country church. It was in that church in late 2004 where I had to say goodbye to a dear friend. Ronnie was his name and he had lost his battle with cancer.

Ronnie and I grew up roaming these mountains hunting and fishing together. I thought a couple of things about Ronnie as I stood there. I wondered what he would think of the mess behind me. But I knew, he loved these mountains as much if not more than I do. One of the last things I remember him wanting to do, although he couldn’t, was go deer hunting. He didn’t want to kill one. By that time he wouldn’t have had the strength to hold a rifle let alone shoot one. He just wanted to get out in the mountains one more time.

It was less than a month afterwards that Ronnie would get his final trip to the mountains. He is buried in a small cemetery on a ridge just up from the church and directly connected to the mountaintop removal site.

As I move forward in my battle with King Coal I do it in part for Ronnie. May he eventually rest in peace.