An Interesting Look at SE Ohio

Whenever I get to spend a few days back home, I always try to get down to the Ohio River to drive the routes along the river bank. The bank is peppered with little towns with fabulous little gems. In Gallipolis, if you are driving through the main square, there is a great little 50's dinner with an enormously diverse menu (for SE Ohio, that is). There are comfortable little side roads (off the main river roads) that will take you through coal reclamation country. Some hills are clear cut in attempts to bring in a little bit cash for the landowner (or developer/outside investor).

In one little hiccup of a town, Chesire, Ohio. The air is filled with smog and thick smoke (apparently toxic, thick smoke). The electric company (owner of the local coal-burning power plant), bought out most of the town's residents. They took some money with the promise never to seek retribution on the company, etc. (regular legal stuff). There are a few remaining residents who refuse to sell out and hold tight to what little is theirs, their property.

Well, there was a recent picture that captures the disparity of SE Ohio. Large house, coal stacks in the background and the smog forming. Check it out here.