Even as more development occurs, the hills will remain a sanctuary of low-key life. That's an asset. The Shortline Reunion is named for the old Shortline Railroad from New Martinsville to Clarksburg. There were 13 in my graduating class. Noticeably, all the former farm youths seemed to have done well.
Hill people are hardy and diligent.
On the return trip, I saw multitudes of Canada geese at a roadside lagoon, and lunched at a park where barefoot children squealed and romped. In the newspaper business, we focus on the horrors of Bosnia and Rwanda, the hopelessness that bred the Los Angeles riots, the danger that forces metropolitan schools to have metal detectors and armed guards. It's reassuring that a secure and placid life prevails through much of this state. People still climb hills with their children and dogs. Whippoorwills still make their sad call at night.