Wind Turbines and Pennsylvania Beauty

When I started out today I was just taking my dad some
homemade lasagna.. but it was early and I was in
the mood to take some pictures so I kept on driving.
He is half way up the mountain from a local Ski
resort and I would never have attempted to go there
in the winter with my old car.... but I got a new SUV with
4wheel drive so up up and away I went.

Along the way I took pictures ... This is an old familiar
farm where I look for deer in the spring and fall. None today.
But I enjoy the beauty of the snow covered hills.

The Wind Turbines have always fascinated me and
I wanted a close-up look. Controversial as they are
here in PA, we DO need energy alternatives.
Central Pennsylvania, with its many blustery
ridgetops, is seen as a prime location. Some of
the debate centers around these issues: 1) ridgetops
are home to unbroken forests and wildlife, 2)areas are
important bird and mammal areas,3) ridgetops are
the last forest habitat in central Pennsylvania
and 4)they bring damage to the aesthetics of the region.

The road is narrow and hilly but I fearlessly drive..

An abandoned house with most of the windows missing
makes an interesting shot out the passenger window

Closer the road is a enclosure with a picnic table inside..
I bet some family fun was shared here once upon a time.

The road is snow covered and gets steeper..
but I press on...the radio is playing an old song and
I am singing along... Marvin Gaye sings:

"Ain't no Mountain High Enough"

As I near the top the snow is much deeper....

The road is completely covered and the wind is blowing

I start down the other side and it's drifting and blowing
snow across the road... Hmmmmm was this a mistake?
Then in the distance I see the turbines and what a sight
I loved seeing it.

Up here it's colder and all the snow is sticking to
the tree trunks and limbs

It's like a winter wonderland

When I came upon the first huge majestic turbine
I was awed. They are some kind of BIG!!

The wind is turning them slowly and I can hear a
slight noise.

I am just amazed by these steel and metal structures

As I was reading about these particular turbines...I found
that there is a law suit pending by a local couple who
own a 100 acre farm within 1 mile of the wind farm.

Odd as it may sound, they did not sue for any of the reasons
I listed above, but because of the 'noise'..They describe
the sound from the equipment as a "whooshing" and "screeching.'

They say they have a significantly negative impact on their sleep, health,
quality of life and enjoyment of their property purchased in 1992.
While holding a bottle of water inside the home, the turbines'
vibrations can be felt through the hand. I will be interested
in the outcome of the suit.

Now I'm singing along with The Righteous Brothers;
"You've Lost that loving Feeling"

Enjoying more of that beautiful Pennsylvania landscape

As I round the bend, the snow is piled so high I can see
just the tops of two silos...

And a short distance later comes the barn and house.

These two would not lift their heads for me....I gave them
my best whinny and snort, but nothing...

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done