This morning we ventured into some of the most remote areas in Kentucky. There are a number of Jett Cemeteries in this area. Highway 30 runs southeast below Lexington, on towards Hazard and into Virginia. There are various hollers that run along this highway. Basically the rules here are paved roads are safe, unpaved or gravel roads are venture into at your own risk. From talking to various people we have met, people heavily guard their property here against theft and trespassers. Most have guns and are not afraid to use them. Some shoot warning shots into the air, some do not. A good share are very skeptical of strangers. Many people are hiding down here, some are just not looking to be found. Everyone we have approached has been very friendly. Since the Jett name is so prominent down here, it is our entry into conversation. Usually if I tell them i am a Jett, looking for the Jett cemeteries, they offer stories about all the Jetts they have known. This leads into telling us how long they have been in these parts, what their parents did and their grandparents, and why they stay. Kentucky has many family cemeteries scattered all over, most on old family homesteads or farms. You cant go very far without seeing a patch of headstones up on a hill. Since this part of Kentucky runs through the Daniel Boone Forest, there are many hills and valleys. Many folks have invited us to go visit their family cemeteries, although the directions on how to get there many times proves very challenging. Families are very close here, and many children take care of their aging parents. Life is hard, no doubt, and work is scarce. Coal mining used to be much more prevalent here, but has since faded out. The factories that are here arent hiring a lot of new workers. One big challenge here in Owlsey county is the methamphetamine manufacturing and usage. We have been told on more than one occasion that many of the people looking for work here cannot pass the urine tests that are required to get employment. I am shocked when they tell me their ages, as I usually would guess them as much older. The people here are a beautiful people, once you are able to break the initial barriers, with large hearts and a genuine interest in why we are here. I feel as though we are starting to peel back a layer on a way of life i know nothing about, and I am fascinated by it. We are having the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned!
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 03:27:05 +0000
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