Appalachian Magic Author:Janet Rice In order for you to understand me, you must understand the spirit of the hills and the spirit of the people that live in these hills. I grew up in the wonderful world of Appalachia. A place that is still isolated and remote from the rest of the world. Some people say that it is America's best kept secret and I would have to agree with them... more ». The land of Appalachia is mostly rural. Oh, there are a few small cities (population 60,000 people or less), but overall it is still the same land that my grandparents and parents knew and the land I know now. It is a place where the hills stand tall and majestic overlooking the two lane roads that wind in and out of the hollows and small towns that are spread across the valley floors. A place where people still sit and talk about the weather and how it affects their crops and gardens. People also relate health problems to the weather. I can still hear my grandpa saying, "I can smell rain coming and my joints are starting to ache."« less