2.26.11 – Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

I’ve gotten myself backlogged again, partially because of work, but also, with this segment, I feel a bit guilty. I really wanted to like Rabbit Hash, which is not far from Cincinnati, enjoyed the documentary I saw on it several years ago, and have always like the idea of the community. What’s not to like about a city where only animals can run for mayor? That’s right – dogs, cats, birds, but no humans serve as elected officials, and with the current state and federal political situations, I’m sure many would agree that our pets would do a better job than the current bozos in office. That said, I really didn’t like Rabbit Hash.

I enjoyed being the passenger in the car and being able to film the wild curves of Kentucky’s Scenic Byway (that seemed less than scenic this time of year), but was disappointed with the community. It probably didn’t help that we went just after the rains we’d been receiving, so it was very muddy everywhere and a bit overcast. Being greeted by a group of men discussing guns – one even went back to his truck to show off his handgun, and frighteningly enough, pulled the trigger. Luckily it was not loaded.

At that point, it seemed a good idea to visit with the dogs sitting outside the General Store (the Boone County Health Inspector has made them keep the animals outside now). None of the dogs outside were the current mayor, Lucy Lou, but all seemed far more engaging than the men with the guns. We encountered many more men with pickup trucks buying six-packs of beer. There was really nothing at the General Store you couldn’t buy elsewhere, which reminded me of my disappointment with the shopping on my first European visit in 2003. The global economy certainly has mainstreamed the offerings of items, and in a bad way.

I think mostly what kept creeping up in my mind after the trip was how lucky I had been to not grow up in the country. While I didn’t have a great childhood, I almost had to move from the city (Tampa) to the country (Plant City). Back in the 70s and 80s, the country really was the country. Now, places like Rabbit Hash have cell phone reception and WiFi, but I think spending my adolescent and teen years in such a place would have been awful. I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I received from being in a very good city school district, with, at least at that time, ample money for education. I’m not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t had those opportunities, but probably nowhere good.

Rabbit Hash isn’t a bad Saturday drive, but I’m not sure I’ll be back. Some places just don’t match expectations.