Last Day in Longview

We went into Downtown Longview Washington for our last day there and saw the Columbia Theater.

"At one point in 1980, in fact, a contract was signed to demolish the Columbia.  With the countdown to its demise measured in days, it seemed that only an act of God could save the Columbia Theatre.  That act of God came with the eruption of Mount St. Helen's on May 18, 1980."

"The eruption pulled the demolition contractor away to other parts of southwest Washington, and allowed concerned citizens to organize an effort to save the Columbia.  On July 21, 1981, the Columbia Theatre Task Force was created to help save the venue, and although they met with a rough start, their efforts culminated in the sale of the historic theater to the city of Longview on December 9, 1982. 

With a few ups and downs in-between, the Task Force has managed to resurrect the old Columbia, now (in 2003) known as the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. "

 Contrast in color and deterioration was seen near the theater and caught Sharyn's eye.

 The Downtown has many interesting pieces of art like these founding fathers of Longview...

 ... this great statue...

... this cool metal dog...

...and this even cooler public bench.

 Even the Longview Theater built in 1941 is great and colorful though not a theater any longer.
"The marquee of this historic movie house. It once seated 700 patrons. Its facade is an excellent example of Art Deco, popular in the 1930s"

 Another great sign and Rose Motif

 Lumberman’s Bank Pedestal Clock, 1926. "During its heyday, the bank installed this freestanding clock for the benefit of the entire downtown neighborhood...

 After years of neglect, it was restored by the Longview Public Service Group, a charitable organization also responsible for the interpretive panels ...

 and steam whistle.

Looking back through the Lewis and Clark Bridge from Oregon we can see Longview as a large port complex.

July 21, 2004 We did a lot in Southwestern Washington

Not planned but I liked this place Backstage Cafe for Dinner and a movie...

Then it was the Kelso Train Depot ...

... and a really unique mural.

Longview, Washington has a very nice park surrounding a lake and the park is called Sakagawea Lake Park...

There are a couple of islands in the long narrow lake and this one is the Japanese Garden Island .

Walking through the park every turn has a new and serene view like this portal with flower 

petals .........

... strewn in two rows ...

...and there are contemplative spots to sit and enjoy the view...

... and some of the views are amazingly calming.

I liked the bamboo fence...

... the small pagoda tower....

... and this delightful shaded covered spot...

 The Ducklings like a partially shaded place close to the water. 

Kelso and Longview were closed to our RV park but then we drove along the Columbia River to Cathlamet, Washington in Wahkiakum County where we were greeted by Gumby and Pokey...

and some fantastic flowers.

We saw the Columbia Saloon...

... and I visited the Wahkiakum Eagle a county newspaper so charming I had to go inside ...

... where I met Kathy (sp) and another fellow staff member and had a nice chat...

... and on the way back got another long distance view of Mount St Helens from near Stella, Washington  and...

...back in Longview a political sign for Joe Gardner who isn't afraid of tough issues or Bigfoot for that matter. I suspect the tough issues have to do with drowning government in a bathtub but I could be wrong he may not be a Tea Party type.

Quote of the Day ~ “A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” ~ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Last Day on the Olympic Peninsula

 We spent most of the last day on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Angeles and did some random shots like this (s)hoe store - I had forgotten about Red Wing Shoes. The first shoes I remember I owned were some Leather Red Wing Sandals my Mom got for me.


Next to the (s)hoe store a SoHo

 I still like sunflowers and the many varieties, these are especially nice.

 Even broken flower pots can be cool

 Must be a dog shop that is now closed - I think next to ...

 ... the Hair School where Sharyn had her hair cut...


... and the Blue Flame BBQ.

 There is nothing like a Farmer's Market in the Northwest

 Port Angeles has aq great little park downtown with a mural of the Olympic Mountains

 I think California Poppies grow everywhere...

 ... and Cormorants rarely honored but here they are...

 ... Never thought I'd see an A&M truck in Port Angeles but I think it isn't for the Aggies.

 A rare seagull sighting...

 ... and a buzz by a helicopter

 We missed going into Zak's but it looked interesting.

 Another rare bird sighting (Bird on a Wire)

 I never got up on the great viewing tower

 Gotta love Puget Sound markers on the street in Port Angeles

 Great Market store called "Nashs Organic Produce"...

 ...With great produce...

 ... and a child play area.

 By comparison a Self serve produce stand guarded by Barney Fife.

We got some of the Magda Lebanese Squash (Called Zucchini) and Sharyn stuffed it same way we stuff the Yellow Crook Neck and I loved it even more Kathy and Elaine and Maggi should give it a try.

We are near Mount St Helens and ready for a closer look today.

Quote of the Day ~ “The land was not the arctic waste commonly envisioned, but a fertile paradise; Puget Sound, said one rhapsodic report, was 'the Mediterranean of the Northwest” ~ David Lavender