October 1, 2013
On a recent and wonderful bicycle ride from Pittsburgh PA back to my home in Silver Spring, I saw and heard the sights and sounds of nature as well as the good and bad of our energy infrastructure.
- I heard the whistel and the roar of freight trains almost continually although I could not see them through the foliage. A Wikipedia entry states that it takes up to 5 coal trains per day to feed a coal plant. During my shorter ride in 2005, at another time of year, I did see many coal trains going my way and many returning empty for more coal.
- I saw what appeared to be a reclaimed open pit coal mine near the Eastern Continental Divide
- Around Belle Vernon PA, I saw lots of convoys of tanker trucks perhaps carrying fresh or waste water to and from fracking sites.
- I saw lots wind turbines along the way. (Picture taken from Meyersdale PA)
- Bicycling is the most energy efficient form of transportation and a great way to see the country
Link to Pictures of Reclamed Mine, Convoy, Turbines, Bicycle on Towpath
I led a Nature Hike and Beyond Coal Event October 13 - Click Here to Learn More Contact me to learn about similar events.