I worked hard this weekend. I got through all the line edits on the book except for the recipes. I’m going to tackle those today. I skipped them while I did the line edits because I want to comb back over them carefully, making final decisions. I’m probably going to add a few more, and maybe switch some out. Also on my list was my column for the Daily Mail (done) and three freelance articles (for Chevy). I did all of that except for the third article. I worked all day Saturday and started working again at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
And then!
I took my 2013 CITR calendar seriously (I told you, I put those things in there for a reason!).
When my friend Jerry called and asked me if I wanted to go to Blue Creek with him and ride the rail bed on his four-wheeler, I went! I could have gotten more work done if I’d stayed home, but I decided that was enough work for one weekend so by noon I was here:
Blue Creek is in an area not too far away, next county over. There are tons of trails, and most of them are former rail beds. The railroad carried coal and ran to what is now the Capitol Market (farmers market) in Charleston. In an odd twist, the railroad also was the “school bus” that carried kids to school. It’s hard to imagine putting your kids on a train to send them to school, but out of those wild and woolly hollers where a bus would actually be dangerous, it was the most efficient way to get them there. (If you’re interested in that weird bit of West Virginia history, there are some neat pics of kids getting on the trains here.)
While crumbling trestles remain, the trails cross back and forth over Blue Creek repeatedly, which is an aspect that just makes it all the more appealing for four-wheelers.
These are punch mines. I’d never seen a punch mine before, so that was interesting. And creepy.
This is a specialized type of mining where they mine right into an open seam of coal in a rock face. This is what it looks like inside (taken with my flash).
Cuz you know I had to go in there!
At least a little bit, not far, because it was so creepy in there. You could not pay me enough to do that job.
Then I came home and made fried chicken for Morgan.
And I’m glad I took the afternoon off (that was fun!), and I really need to take time out, get away from the farm and the computer, and have some fun sometimes. But, now I have to get back to work, so please bear with me a few days while I finish up with the final edits on the book. I’m almost there!
rurification says:
I really enjoyed this post. I read all through the site you linked to, too. Made me smile. And wonder a little what things I see that seem mundane around here, but I should be photographing to show folks 70 years from now.
On December 3, 2012 at 7:28 am
mds9 says:
Thanks for the connecting story.
On December 3, 2012 at 9:30 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
That story at the link is written by Jerry, by the way! That’s his site.
On December 3, 2012 at 10:22 am
NancyL says:
My Mom told stories of riding a train to school in rural PA. It’s not surprising, as she was born in 1905.
On December 3, 2012 at 11:24 am
beforethedawn says:
Oh what fun exploring! I love going places I’ve never been to around here. The Rockies are full of places too, so I’ll never get bored. 🙂
On December 3, 2012 at 11:54 am
jeandf says:
Interesting. I never heard about punch-mining. You were brave to go in there. I’m too chicken.
On December 3, 2012 at 12:56 pm
BuckeyeGirl says:
Very interesting Suzanne! Thank you for sharing the story with us. I was trying to compare some of the photos like where the train crossed Blue Creek, which is a bit silly after all this time, but I still had to try.
I don’t do well inside caves and such either so I agree with Jean that you were very brave to go into the punch mine even that far! Did it feel like the roof was going to squish you? I agree with you about there not being enough money in the world that would make it worth mining for a living. Bless all the miners everywhere!
On December 3, 2012 at 1:18 pm
yvonnem says:
Very interesting story, both your’s & Jerry’s. It’s good that you got off the farm for a bit.
I love riding four-wheelers, and it’s been great weather for it. We had a nice place to ride, but rumor has it the Hatfield & McCoy Trail is taking it over. That’s fine I guess, but will miss having a “free” place to ride. Might have to check out Blue Creek. Isn’t that near Elkview?
On December 3, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yvonne, yes, it’s near Elview!
On December 3, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Abiga says:
Glad you got some free time because you need it from all the writing. Enjoy! Thanks for the neat pics and sharing.
On December 3, 2012 at 6:57 pm
SuzieQ says:
I’m a train nut and love the photos and stories…would have loved the ride on the caboose. :snoopy:
On December 3, 2012 at 8:27 pm
oct4luv says:
How fun! Atvs are great!
On December 3, 2012 at 10:09 pm