Spokane Up Close

Hanford, Washingtion

2012-01-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

Apple Tree on the South Hill

2011-11-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

This apple tree is found in a median on the South Hill . It needs pruning come February.

Cottage Housing Project Spokane

2011-11-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Spokane land use code allows for cottage style housing. This picture is of a cottage housing project south of Southeast Blvd. south of 29th Ave.

Highway 2 Motel

2011-11-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sign at an old motel on Highway 2 near Coulee City, Washington.

Spokane Fall 2011

2011-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2011 -- Spokane from Rimrock Drive. Fall is coming fast now. Soon we will have our first frost.

A Walk Above the West Shore of Medical Lake

2011-09-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2011 -- A walk along the path on the west side of Medical Lake, Washington. About the turn of the century before last Medical Lake was a favorite recreation lake for swimming, fishing, skating and ice fishing. It is still good for such pleasures but the recreation areas providing access have changed to locations on the north and south shores.

A Northern Palouse Hill

2011-06-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Late June in the northern part of the Palouse. A hillside in pasture, a field in summer fallow, and spring wheat in a field below. Beautiful.

Milk Cow Barn, Eastern State Hosp. Washington

2011-06-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Cattle use the pasture but the barn, where decades ago the cows which provided milk to Eastern State Hospital were once milked twice a day, is no longer in use -- for anything. Someday, it will be restored. Maybe, it will be used again for milk cows and the production of milk. This would be a good and simple use of capital and would provide good and rewarding work for many.

Peoples Park

2010-11-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

These pictures are of parts of Peoples Park in Spokane at the confluence of Latah Creek and the Spokane River. The park is about a mile to the west of downtown Spokane. A railroad high bridge used to pass over parts of the park area. And, at one time the area was populated with many houses. The park was puchased just prior to Expo '74. Use of the land is restricted to a natural use. At one time some in the city wanted to build a golf course in the park. That effort came to an end when the politicians were reminded of the restrictive covenants.

Graineries South of Wilbur, Washington

2010-11-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

These two structures are old wooden graineries built before the use of steel in the area. They probably date back to the 30's.

Eastern Washington Scab Land

2010-10-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Missoula Floods passed through here many thousands of years ago. This road in Eastern Washington south and a bit west of Creston is heading into the scab land area. Soon it will drop down into valleys carved out by the floods.

For more on the floods see this piece in the Seattle - Times by Ron Judd -- Route to trace wonders of Central Wshington ice-age floods.

Geiger Field (World War II)

2010-10-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

This picture is of the area of Geiger Field during the War (World War II) used for office and support buildings for the airport. The airport, Geiger Field, was used for support for the Air Force and Navy during World War II. Some of the infrastructure is still is place, waiting.

Lawyer Advertising

2010-10-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

Lawyer advertizing in downtown Spokane.

One Room School On the Palouse

2010-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Spent many hours wandering about the Palouse in eastern Washington. A few nights ago I came across an old building nestled in some trees. I thought is was an old farmhouse. But, it was not. I was a turn of the century one room school. What a find! Imagine what it must have been like back then. In the fall weeks after harvest and just as the field were finished being seeded with winter wheat the children would be back in school. School, then, as now had a purpose and had its pleasures. For the children one of the pleasures would have been seeing other children every day.

Palouse Harvest 2010

2010-08-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Harvest in the Palouse in southeast Washington is coming to an end. This picture was taken near Plaza, Washington. The combine came to the end of its run and pulled along side the second truck from the left. It then filled the truck with is load of harvested wheat from the elevator on board the combine. I hear wheat is selling at a good price this year. Trouble elsewhere makes this so.

Highway 195 and Cheney - Spokane Road

2010-01-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

The intersection at Highway 195 and Cheney - Spokane Road.

A Carnegie Library Bldg.

2010-01-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

Years ago a man by the name of Andrew Carnegie made contributions of libraries to towns and cities all across the United States. Here is one of of those libraries. What a fine contribution to our people. We are indeed blessed by the generosity of those who have made fortunes and then have decided to make those fortunes available to the people from which they came. This is truly an American phenomenon. The point may be this: There, in the end result, are no real distinctions between us. We all come from the same immigrant stock. We are all immigrants. We are the new world. We are the new being. And, to realize this new being we have to continue to be an immigrant United States of America. It will be risky, but it is the only thing we can do to be what we are, a light in the world.

Travels With Charley, J. Steinbeck

2010-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Years ago, John Steinbeck wrote a book called Travels with Charley. It was about his travels from the East Coast to the West Coast and back to see America when he was in his late 60's with his dog Charley and his GMC Truck with a camper on the back. The truck and camper were named Rocinante, the name of Don Quixote's horse. This past week I had a chance to see Rocinante in the John Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California.

Goldmark Overlook Plaque

2009-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

The outline of Chuck and Annie Goldmark with their sons Colin, 10, on the left and Derek, 12, on the right are shown in bas-relief.

Mt. Rainer, Goldmark Overlook

2009-11-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

This Mount Rainier from the Goldmark Family Overlook at the foot of Madrona Drive on the west shore of Lake Washington, Seattle. Chuck, Annie, Colin and Derek Goldmark were my dearest of friends. They were murdered at their home in Seattle overlooking Lake Washington with Mount Rainier in the not so far distance on Christmas Eve, 1985. Not a day goes by when I do not think of them.

Walla Walla, Blue Mountains

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the Blue Mountains of Washington and Oregon east and southerly of Walla Walla, Washington. It is early November. In two weeks time these mountains were covered with snow.

Walla Walla Airport Wineries

2009-11-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

November 2009 -- Walla Walla has become known for its vineyards and wineries. The wineries are located throughout the area away from the vineyards. Many of them are located at the Walla Walla Airport port district. This picture is of one of the wineries locations at the airport. There are many others spread thoughout this large airport area.

The airport was created during WW II. Many of the original buildings have been preserved.

Bring Back the Canopy

2009-10-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Spokane River Falls below the Howard Street Bridge -- painted light blue. The YMCA is to the right behind a Washington Water Power (Avista) power facility. The IMAX and Spokane World's Fair Canopy can be seen beyond the bridge.

Summer Sky over Spokane

2009-10-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Summer clouds over Spokane, 2009.

Spokane Post Office

2009-10-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Spokane United States Post Office. The Federal Building is in the background. Summer 2009.

Seattle, Early Fall 2009

2009-09-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

It is a Saturday in September 2009. This is Seattle from the I-5 freeway heading north. No accidents so the traffic is moving at a good clip.

In about 5 years the US 99 tunnel will have been built taking north south traffic parallel and west of I-5 along the Puget Sound shore. It will reduce some of the traffic delays on I-5. One never really knows whether a new highway is a solution -- if you build it it will fill to capacity very soon and will probably go over capacity because of the influx of people to the Eastern Puget Sound Region. In the future there will be a solid residential metropolitan area from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia.

I See You Too

2009-09-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

The grain has been harvested. The deer are welcome in the fields. This beautiful doe felt safe. She was over 300 feet away from me, and I like to think she knows me from my numerous travels through her home fields and forest.

Supper Time

2009-09-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Deer and Canadian geese (locals) picking up the left over wheat on a September Evening at Eastern State Hospital.

An Old Road

2009-09-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

This road is the roadbed of an old railroad line just west of Spokane. This road ran west from the high bridge across the Spokane River. At least, so I think.

Ione - Metaline Road Circa 1920

2009-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

An old picture of travel north of Metalene Falls on the way to Canada. Boundary Dam is nearby. It is owned by Seattle-City Light. It is on the Pond Oreille River. The river flows north into British Columbia and then, flowing west, connects with the Columbia River.

Afternoon Clouds Forming

2009-09-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

The clouds you see were forming over the mountains just east of Highway 395 north of Spokane, Washington during the last week in August 2009.

Protest

2009-08-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

A protest in front of the American Legion Building of the "doctors" advising the CIA on interrogation techniques including waterboarding.

Sacred Heart on the South Hill

2009-08-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is an August 2009 view of Sacred Heart Hospital on the north side of Spokane's "South Hill." I am standing at the edge of the rimrock west of the city limits.

Rimrock on a cloudy day in August

2009-08-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

This is part of the road above the Rimrock. August 2009. It is an area at the edge of the Spokane city limits. The place is beautiful. One wonders why there are so few people here. It is because the mass of human kind finds no real pleasure in the solitude of nature? Perhaps.

Going Back In Time, Sunset Highway Circa 1940

2009-08-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Road Crosses

2009-08-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

More and more one sees a marker of some kind near a roadway to tell of a death nearby. In the West one sees this more and more. These markers are ways of saying goodbye to the loved one. These are public remembrances. When we pass them we also say goodbye to our loved ones who have passed.

Latah Creek

2009-08-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Latah Creek a few yards upstream from its confluence with the Spokane River. The water is considerably warmer than the water of the river. It is clear.

A Calm Afternoon on Lake Roosevelt

2009-06-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Lake Roosevelt north of Seven Bays

Lincoln County Wheat Growers not Captives of Harvest Markets

2009-06-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

These small grain storage facilities make it possible for a grower to be free of market prices at the time of harvest. As one can see, these structures should not be all that expensive. They probably pay for themselves over a few seasons.

2009-06-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

A wheat ranch in Eastern Washington west of Spokane.

2009-06-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Swanson Lakes Public School north of Swanson Lakes, Washington. The school was built circa 1910. This picture was taken in late May, 2009. Water is still in the lakes. This area was known as place where the horses, mules and donkeys used in the construction of railroads and other roads wintered. It may seem stark, but all one has to do is to spend a few hours in the area and then he or she will realize how alive and even mystical this place is. You have to have a welcoming soul to see it, but when you do you will know.

Sunset Highway, Lincoln County

2009-05-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Sunset Highway -- following section lines and the contour of the land.

The Wilbur, Washington Cemetary

2009-05-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the Wilbur, Washington Cemetery on Memorial Day Weekend, May 2009. It is on the crest of a hill north of the town. This picture is taken from Highway US 2 East of Wilbur. The highway is also known as the Sunset Highway or the Yellowstone Trail Highway.

Deb's Cafe, Creston, WA

2009-05-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is a shot of Deb's Cafe in Creston. It is closed now.

Deb Copenhaver, a world reknown bronc rider, owned and operated the cafe for many years. It was a popular spot, especially during the years of the construction of Coulee Dam.

Swanson Lakes School, Creston

2009-05-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a May 2009 picture of the Swanson Lakes School in Lincoln County south of Creston on Highway 2, the old Sunset Highway, the old Yellowstone Road.

Protest Against the Torture Psychologists

2009-05-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2009 -- A protest against the psychologists advising the CIA on how to torture prisoners of 9/11. This is in the midst of downtown Spokane at Riverside and Washington.

Road South from Reardan

2009-05-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

The farm road heading south from Reardan, Washington early evening in mid May, 2009.

St. "Als" at Gonzaga

2009-04-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is the view of St. Aloysius Gonzaga University on the north side of the Spokane River in Downtown Spokane. The river is high with the winter snow melt. The church is beautiful off in the close distance. A fine setting. One which evokes memory, creates memory, invites us to join in its presence and the silent beckoning of its majesty. It is good to see such structures placed so well in our world.

Sunset Highway 1920 East of Reardan WA

2009-04-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the old Sunset Highway circa 1920 heading toward Reardan, Washington. Moving west along a section line, the highway had to go north o avoid a hill. Thus, it curved north at a section junction and moved up to the next section line running east to west. From there it ran on a series of new section lines toward Reardan. Things were much simpler then. Today, things have become more complicated. I wonder whether we have risen to the complication. The human mind and our values move more slowly than the exigencies of our condition. Or, so it is I fear.

More Spring Snow

2009-04-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

This a shot of the main drag north in Spokane. It is a Tuesday during the second week in April, 2009. Good slushy snow everywhere, eight inches of the stuff. Coming back after a meeting in Usk, Washington around 1:00 PM all the snow was gone and it was 50 degrees .

2009-04-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

An April afternoon heading into the mountains on the was to Nespelem. Going to the east, always a beautiful drive. A few miles back, Omak and Okanogan. This is very rural Washington. A place to live a life of great vigor and creativity. It is done and meeting the people, you can tell it is done well. Nespelem is north of the Columbia River about 15 miles from Coulee Dam. We have yet to understand the magnitude of Coulee Dam. It is sad the river no longer runs free, but the dam and its environs are something to behold.

West of Spokane, On a Spring Day

2009-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

These open areas and skies evoke memories and thoughts about the West -- of the Rockies, the High Plains, the great inclines running east from the strong backbone of the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico way into Canada, to Jasper and north. Very few of us have seen the whole range. In a sense, the plains flowing east and draining north to places like Churchill on Hudson's Bay and south to New Orleans and the Gulf are a vast mystery only a few really understand, appreciate, imagine in mystery of the vastness. One could find a home in these places, in the place -- think of it, in the place from the Gulf of Mexico to the seas of the Arctic. Not a bit of it is a place of foreboding. It is a place of home, a place of peace, a place where one knows, when one thinks slowly, of home. We come home in these vast expanses. All we have to do is to open our hearts, relax, and listen and look.

People have wandered and thought about these places -- Wallace Stegner, Gretle Ehrlich, Kent Haruf, Garrison Keillor, Carol Bly, Willa Cather ... the names go on an on. And, there were those very many who passed their reverence on to their children, the children of the High Plains who lived centuries ago and whose heirs today are grasping for breath, finally, and fitfully, and forever. And, with those who by fate have become a part of . . . . . a part of vast expanse gently sloping to the east, the north and the south. It is all --- it is n0thing strange.

If one drives one of the thousands of gravel roads toward the horizon and forgets, one will, in his soul, begin to feel the remembrance of things long ago -- and, could it be?, things long into the future.

Trails Near the River

2009-04-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

The trails about Latah Creek and the Spokane River are now passable. There is a great variety. One could hike for hours within three miles of the center of Spokane. We have a treasure here, always ready to be found and appreciated. It s a wonder so many of us stay within four walls most of the time, most of our lives.

A Spring Snow

2009-04-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a view from by backyard the morning of our last snowfall at the end of March, 2009.

US 195 and Cheney Spokane Road

2009-03-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of a speed limit sign at the intersection of Highway 195 and the Cheney Spokane Road. A teenager was killed here a few weeks ago. The intersection is deadly. And thousands of vehicles pass by each day. Until the roadway is turned into a safe limited access highway, the city of Spokane should reduce the speed limits to no more than 35 mph. It has the authority to do so. The question is does it have the will to do so.

The U District, Seattle

2009-03-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

A shot of the University of Washington University District on a March Afternoon.

Wind Mills

2009-03-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wind power generators above the Columbia River north of Vantage, Washington.

Gambling in Spokane

2009-03-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture taken the second week of March 2009 of construction cranes and construction at the Northern Quest Casino just west of Spokane. The Kalispel Tribe is expanding the casino -- a hotel, family entertainment facility, increased gambling space, better stage, and so on. The parking garage is finished.

It is 2009 we are moving rapidly into a depression. Gambling will do well.

I hear there are about 200 members of the Kalispel Tribe. I wonder if that is true.

March Snow

2009-03-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

This past week two inches of light clean snow. It was followed by four days of cold weather, temperatures well below freezing just above zero. This springtime freshing also brought clear skies and striking color. Nature by this part of springtime makes it possible for us to be reminded of the beauty of place.

A River Walk

2009-03-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am on the north side of the Spokane River about 200 yards north of the Sandifur Bridge. It is the week of March 1, 2009. The river is high and moving fast. Spring has arrived. It will be cool -- in the lower 40's for the month of March. There are swimming holes here and there on the north side of the river. In the past reaching the end of a run I would go to one of the beaches and swim across to the north side bank. From there I would run or walk back to the center of the city and shower and dress and go back to work.

North of Reardan, Wa

2009-02-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

The road heading north from Reardan, Washington. The Spokane River passes east to west where the trees are in the background.

East Medical Lake

2009-02-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

The dogs and I found this hillside structure on one of our excursions on the ice of East Medical Lake in mid February 2009. Could not tell what the structure had been used for. I would say it was last used about 1920 or so. Perhaps some sort of pumping facility. Or, maybe it was a place to keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A "root cellar." Seems I read there once was a residence in the vicinity long ago.

Whatever it was, the dogs and I were pleased to find it.

We went back onto the ice once we had finished our explorations.

Spokane Airport Stutuary

2009-02-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the moose and wolves statuary at the Spokane International Airport. It is mid-Frebruary.

Spokane

2009-02-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

The Palouse on a February Afternoon

2009-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

The Palouse looking southeast on a February afternoon in 2009. The sky has not completely cleared since the middle of December. I remember such a sky and thus to look at this sky awakens hope and the thrill of the sharp visual difference between blue and white. As we move toward a more austere manner of living, we will begin to take ever greater pleasure in nature and the strange phenomenon of the unfolding of the seasons. In three months time, the open land in white will be all green with winter wheat. Warmer and warmer breezes will float over the land.

Fairchild Air Force Base Training

2009-01-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

A C-135 coming in for a touchdown at Fairchild Air Force Base. January 2009.

Mount Spokane, January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

Mount Spokane in the distance. This shot is taken from the West Plains area about five miles east of Fairchild Air Force Base. We finally have some clear sky. While I was out on the plains the pilots who operate the refueling planes were practicing their landings. Every five minutes or so a plane would come into view, land, and take off. This went on the whole time I was there -- about an hour. This flight group of high altitude re-fuelers serves all over the world -- from right here in Spokane, Washington. Remarkable! Just think of the dimensions of this local human effort.

Rimrock January 2009

2009-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

The road coming up to the Rimrock from the Spokane River Valley.

Spokane County Jail

2009-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

The north side of the Spokane County Jail. The population of Spokane County has not changed that much but it seems the jails are filled. The Spokane Establishment seeks to increase the capacity of system of jails. This will supposedly help the community deal with and punish and deter criminal behavior. The behavior the Establishment is concerned includes drugs, rape, violence, theft, murder, homicide, child abuse and so on. The people will benefit from the expanded jail are only those who are invited -- it is not enough to engage in such conduct, law enforcement must ask that the system be applied to you. Some people, people who are a part of the Establishment itself, do not get invited. They do not get invited even when judges, prosecutors and others are asked to take action. The death of Jo Ellen Savage in 2007 is a good example of people not being invited to participate.

Spokane Homes 2009

2009-01-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

A home in the West Central area of Spokane near the courthouse and downtown.

Spokane and Its Possible Participation in War Crime

2009-01-17T16:46:00.000-08:00

In the top floors of this downtown Spokane building some psychologists are conducting their business. The are consultants. They consult with the United States military or how best to interrogate prisoners of war. They are in constant contact, I hear, communicating with the prisoner interrogators from a special communications facility west of Spokane in an area known as the West Plains. We do such things in the name of righteous war. The war people will say it is all necessary. I would suppose so if you believed in the final efficacy of war and wished to be sure the ethic of war is what our society should be based on. The building is known as the "Old American Legion Building."

The Deer are All Right

2009-01-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

During the time of the heavy snowfall in the Spokane area in December 2008 I worried about the welfare of the deer. As I drove around the areas I was used to seeing them I found they were few and far between. The snow was so deep they simply could not get around very well. They must have been staying deep in the woods.

Yesterday was a good day. The deer are back and their numbers do not seem reduced. The recent warmth has reduced the depth of the snow and so the deer are able to move about again. Surprisingly they looked healthy -- not too lean and with healthy coats of fur. In this picture they are feeding on branches downed by a recent heavy frost.

I will not say where, . . . .

Winter December 27, 2008

2008-12-29T11:01:00.000-08:00

It has been so cold the shutter to my camera has been failing. Here is a shot looking over my back yard to the trees and houses on the other side of the Spokane River Valley. My house is in Browne's Addition just west of downtown Spokane.

The Martin Woldson Theater: The Fox

2008-12-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Look at the snow on the cornice above the marquee of the Fox -- the Martin Woldson Theater. This is the home of the Spokane Symphony. It is one of most beautiful restored buildings of downtown Spokane. What a treasure. It will be with us for at least another 100 years.

A Spokane Front Door

2008-12-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

December 27, 2008. We have had over 45 inches of snow this December. It is is warmer today. We had 6 inches of snow overnight. It is quite beautiful today as it has been for the last two weeks.

The Snow of December 18, 2008

2008-12-20T14:35:00.001-08:00

Overnight Spokane received 20 inches of dry snow. The temperature was in the about 14 degrees. It is beautiful in Spokane. A great Christmas gift from nature.

Elk

2008-12-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

This herd of elk was moving accross a clearing in a forest in northeastern Washington. I will not say where.

It is always a puzzle to me that some of us seeing this picture would presume we should get out 30-06's or our 30-30's or 32 Specials and try to kill one of these beautiful creatures. We are not very far away from the primative, I suppose. And, that is why we have war. As things escalate, we may no longer have a civilization. Maybe that is the necessary result of our hubris.

Sacred Heart Hospital

2008-11-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

This picture is of Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. For years this hospital was administered by Sister Peter Claver of the Sisters of Providence. We lose much as time passes and life becomes more and more complicated. Sister Peter Claver could handle it all but those who worked with her and knew her first hand remember the personal touch of this fine person. Will the past ever become the future?

Air Force Cemetery, Spokane

2008-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Fall at the Air Force Cemetery just off Government Way and West of Fort Wright. There are a surprising number of infants and very young children buried here. Children of enlisted men. The most prominent death years were 1955, 56, 57. Odd. Surely infant deaths are common but there are too many. Something must have been happening which was unusual. One wonders about radiation of parents as the fathers flew the bombers going to and from Fairchild Air Force Base just west of Spokane.

Puget Sound Late in the Day

2008-11-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

The cars and their drivers are heading home from the Olympic Peninsula a couple of weeks ago. This very nondescript picture shows the everyday nature of ferry travel on Puget Sound. This is the ferry run between Kingston and Edmunds just north of Seattle. The picture does not show it, but there were several commercial fishing boats at work just south of the ferry run. They were working purse seines.

Late Fall: A Road West of Town

2008-11-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of a gravel road west of Spokane. The winter sky was beautiful that day. Soon the road will be covered with snow and impassible for most of the season. The conditions will force one out of his car and onto his feet. Wonder if there is a metaphor there which might apply to the current economic conditions which are starting to make demands upon us to become different. How might we become different? By becoming self-sufficient, by slowing down, leading simpler less money intense lives. The economic downturn will get us to move away from our intense effort to pass though life hardly noticing the pleasures of truth life affords. But maybe nothing will come of our difficulties. Of course nothing will come of it if we can find a way to "buy" our way out of it for another 20 - 30 years.

Mount Spokane, November 2008

2008-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Winter is on its way. Mount Spokane, just a few miles north of downtown Spokane, has had its first snow of the season. About 10 inches, but much of it melted at the lower elevations of the ski area. The depth in the woods at the base of the ski area was still at 8 inches or so the weekend of November 8, 2008.

This morning, November 14, 2008, it was cold in Spokane, below freezing. That means colder weather at higher elevations. The sky was clear this morning but now it is greying. Weather is moving in.

A Pine Just Below the Rimrock

2008-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

This tall pine is just below the Rimrock west of Spokane. Spokane is nearly surrounded on the west by Rimrock. The Rimrock forms a pleasant barrier for the city. It is a place where one is constantly delighted -- the light always changes, the seasons bring out the unique qualities of our home. Vachel Lindsey, loved the Rimrock and went to it again and again from his rooms in the Davenport Hotel and his apartment in Browne's Addition.

Fairchild Air Force Base Cemetery

2008-10-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the Fairchild Air Force Base Cemetery. There are a remarkable number of infants buried here -- over 100. They died mostly in the Spring of 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1958. I wonder why.

The cemetery overlooks the Spokane River to the North. It is adjacent to the Centennial Trail.

Mule Stables, Fort Spokane

2008-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the mule stables at Fort Spokane, Washington.

The fort, built about 1880 was located at the confluence of the Spokane River with the Columbia River about 60 miles west and a bit north of present day Spokane.

Lunch Time, Biggs, Oregon

2008-08-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Driving a car hauler is interesting work. After a while you get used to having a large US made sedan gently moving up and down immediately above your head. Here we have parked for lunch at Biggs, Oregon.

1st Avenue, Spokane

2008-08-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

A picture of the Wharton, Oakley and Minnesota buildings on the south side of 1st Ave. in the West 400 block. About 7:39 am on a summer morning in August. The Oakely building has been converted mostly to residential lofts. The Minnesota building is in the process of conversion of its commercial units into residential units. One unit is finished on the main floor. Three units on the second floor are in the works. One unit will be finished in three weeks (of August 18, 2008).

Annie and Nina in Lake Roosevelt

2008-08-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Annie and her friend Nina swimming in Lake Roosevelt. The lake is over the area of Spokane River. We are up river. The depth here is about 40 feet. The water is clear and warm. A brisk wind is blowing from the southwest up the river.

Seven Bays on Lake Roosevelt

2008-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

A picture of Seven Bays. The marina is to the left and up the hill from the large pontoon boat at the dock. Our moorage is straight ahead from the pontoon boat at one of the moorage clusters further into a bay. We on water which is about 180 feet deep. The Seven Bays area has a depth of 29 - 80 feet. The water is clear and somewhat warm, about 60 degrees. The lake is almost at the maximum elevation for Coulee Dam, 1290 feet above sea level . The level you see is 1285 feet above sea level. As a result, of this level, there are beaches in many places for camping and swimming and mooring. Above the marina on the hillside a developer is developing 92 homesite lots. It will be tough getting a boat slip in the years to come.

Spokan Garry

2008-07-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

A sign found on a road near the Camp of Spokan Garry. 1811 - 1891.
Spokane, Washington. Rest In Peace.

Click on the picture to expand it. Then read what the sign says.

Fields of Grain, Hope Springs Eternal

2008-07-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

In a few weeks Lincoln County just west of Spokane will look like this. Harvest will begin. It should be another good year for the wheat growers.

Lincoln County, Washington

2008-06-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Heading south on the way to Swanson Lakes. June, 2008.

Fort Spokane

2008-06-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another picture from the grounds of the old Fort Spokane.

Horse Barn, Fort Spokane

2008-06-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is the only barn left standing. This picture looks to the East.

It is eary June, 2oo8.

Fort Spokane, Lincoln County, Washington

2008-06-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

In the late 1800's the United States Military had a fort at the confluence of the Spokane River and the Columbia River. This is the view the soldiers would have had back then looking from the fort to the north accross the Spokane River.

After the military closed the fort, it became a school for Native Americans. The school was closed after only a few years.

There is little that remains of the fort. A few buildings and lots of footings of buildings long since torn down.

It is a beautiful site. Information and pictures can be found here -- Fort Spokane.

Korean War Memorial

2008-04-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here are two pictures of the etching of the wall at the Korean War Memorial. The wall is to the left in the second picture. The second picture was taken looking into the soldiers marching toward me.

Korean War Memorial, Washington D.C.

2008-04-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of the statues in the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall in the background has images etched into it, barely visible.

Like the Vietnam War Memorial across the way toward the White House, this memorial was a moving experience. One cannot fathom the many deaths which occurred and lives which have been ruined or damaged as a result of war. And to what purpose? Perhaps when our ends come to us we will gain an explanation. Wouldn't that be something. To finally find out what all this vanity is about?

We are not in a recession

2008-04-29T18:23:00.001-07:00

We are not in a recession. No sirree. The tax incentive money is on its way. In Washington state I hear the gas stations are being allowed to price gasoline in half gallon amounts. That sure will help. I also hear pizza parlors are selling pizza sliced in twice the number of pieces as before. You get more under these approachs. That is what the wise ones think. You know what, it is all advertising and deception. We are a nation of flim flam!

2008-04-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

The graffiti has a similarity. The same sort of art can be found in a spread of area south of the business district and west of the downtown area.

Graffiti

2008-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

In parts of Spokane near and about the downtown area one encounters the remnant of "artists" who wish to put their mark on property not theirs. It is quite detracting, a blight.

This picture is of graffiti on the second story wall of a building near the heart of downtown.