Days 2-3: Whitesburg and the Deep South

Partyin' in Whitesburg
After our hike, and a little respite, by running to the laundromat for Ginger and me to the local auto parts store for a new bulb, we finally went to The Party. Jamilia and Joel's house is in the town and it looks to be fairly modern with a nice kitchen as well as a great living room. It was a low-key affair, where people just chatted with one another and ate the food that was offered. Eventually, the birthday boy arrived and he expressed gratitude and eventually killed the pinata that the hosts had decided would be an appropriate and sweet gifts.

Late into the evening, Ginger decided it was time to call on her new Mexican friends. Ginger has this great quality, where she tries to bridge different cultures and groups. She had traveled to South America and had developed an appreciation of the Latin culture. When migrant workers came to Whitesburg looking for jobs, she reached out and befriended some, whom she invited to the party that night.

It was interesting to see the mix of people at the house, particularly the interactions between the different groups. This was an eclectic group that was by no means the typical group, but they certainly were influencing life in Appalachia.

Other things:
> after partying for a while, left the next morning and drove through Southwest Virginia on the way to Alabama.
> saw two confederate flags on the front lawns on US-23.
> Chatanooga's a big city. Never thought it would be.
> Checked out Birmingham's Five Points for dinner before arriving in Tuscaloosa.