Power to the People

Another spectacular sunrise this morning!

Momentarily, I basked in the power and beauty of nature—and snapped a picture of it before the sunrise gave way to clouds.

Next year, my view might not be so spectacular. A metal power pole (65–95 feet high) will rise in the brightest spot beside the tree on the right.

Last night the Board of Supervisors approved APCO’s route for the power lines that will carry electricity from the Penhook substation to Westlake, so the upscale shops and fast food places that have overtaken Westlake will have enough power to sell their wares to the increasing populace.

My sunset views will also change. Here’s a shot, taken last year, of the western sky as seen from my pasture. Jack's Mountain is the rise at the right:


Here's a shot of the same area taken today at noon. Just above the treeline to the left, you can just see a thin line of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Floyd County; to the right is Jack's Mountain :


Now, imagine a whole line of power poles, towering above the treeline, as they come straight across the field, then turn, and vanish behind Jack’s Mountain. That’ll be my view next year.

I can't think of a single item in any Westlake shop that I'd rather have than today's view.