Washington State Highlights Text by: Emily Fagan Photos by: Emily and Mark Fagan
Did you know the state of Washington is home to vast wheat fields, picturesque lakes lined with orchards, and a remote town that can be reached only by boat? We took our RV on a trip diagonally across the state from southeast to northwest, and we were enchanted by the beauty and variety of what we saw. Pomeroy - Artsy Charm As we pulled into the town of Pomeroy in southeastern Washington, our heads whipped around when we passed a gas station filled with antique cars and equipment. Two towering statues stood in their midst: a smiling cowboy and a woman in a red bikini. What a welcome! We’d arrived early on a Sunday morning just as a huge summer storm was about to unleash its fury. Running past the historic storefronts on the main drag, we took cover at the Blue Mountain Artisan Guild where the curator, Nancy, kindly let us in, even though the gallery wasn’t officially open. Blue Mountain Artisan Guild features artwork by local artists, and most of the paintings depicted scenes from around the area. Nancy provided a wealth of information about the town, and it turns out that a local resident owns the unusual gas station property we’d seen on our way in. His antique collection is actually spread throughout the town, especially old neon signs. As we wandered through town after the storm, we saw signs for an antique Greyhound Bus Depot, Savoy Ice Cream, Louisville Moving and Storage, and many others. A 1951 city bus was parked on a back street with the door open inviting us in. Inside, the luggage racks were filled with antique luggage. Three old gas pumps were nearby. A block away, the former Pataha flour mill has been converted into a church with a restaurant run by volunteers. Open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 to 2, guests can explore the old mill where the original wheat milling equipment still stands. We were captivated by the eclectic and artsy flair of Pomeroy.
In Othello, we happened upon a colorful parade.
Othello - 4th of July In the heart of southeastern Washington’s vast wheat fields, Othello’s lifeblood is wheat farming. It also turned out to be a fun place to celebrate the 4th of July. The whole town turned out for the big parade in the morning. Little kids were dressed up in red, white, and blue, and they zig-zagged at top speed to pounce on the candy that was thrown out to them by passing floats. Road and housing construction are also major industries in the area, and the parade featured truly gargantuan farming and construction equipment. Massive combines and tractors rolled past us followed by enormous backhoes and earth movers. Of course, the more typical baton twirling dance teams and marching bands took part as well, and a beautiful young rodeo queen waved at us from atop her horse. Othello’s population is predominantly of Mexican descent, and the huge fair in the town park after the parade featured booths selling all kinds of authentic Mexican street food rarely found north of the border. Signs for tortas and chorizo stood alongside jugs of horchata and jamaica, and long rows of plastic cups were overflowing with sliced mangos. Not to be outdone, the
WASHINGTON STATE HIGHLIGHTS
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