Camas, Washington -- Downtown
After days and days of gray skies the sun made its long awaited appearance last Saturday. Of course, I grabbed my camera and headed for a nearby small town to discover what it was all about. I had not been to Camas before (population 19,000 plus) and immediately liked its small town environment upon arriving.
People were out roaming the stores, teen boys were riding their skateboards down the middle of the street, folks were strolling the sidewalks slowly with their dogs and there were signs (smiles) that all were enjoying the sunny day.
Above two men bask in the warm sun on an otherwise cool day
Sarah at the coffee shop
I stopped for a cup of java in a small coffee shop in downtown Camas. Above is Sarah, who was the very congenial cashier that told me that she worked very part time at the store as she has six kids -- the oldest being eight! She was lovely and I thought the photo above with the sunlight shining through the front window illuminated her soft demeanor.
Dog Kisses
I noticed this man talking to his dog after returning from buying a cup of coffee. The dog was excited to see him even though it was just minutes that he waited. The man told me he found his dog at a shelter and now he has the best home ever. I believe it from the emotions expressed by his dog -- don't you?
Support small towns -- take a day trip and discover the uniqueness of their architecture and art, local people, and conversations. Or just visit one and sit on a bench in the sun and observe.
Six kids? Now here's where I sound like the old woman I am -- she looks like a kid herself. ha.
ReplyDeleteDid you notice much in the way of thrift shops in Camas? I'll have to get over there one of these days and explore that antique store with the big bench.
Rubye -- she does look so young. I did not notice any thrift shops but perhaps they were around corners where I did not go. The sun was out today and I imagine it was for you too. I hear Portland has some funky places that would be good for a camera. It probably has some good thrift shops too. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI agree with Rubye Jack - I thought the mother of six was a teen herself. What a lovely day it was; the street looks wonderful with the shadows of the leaf-less trees and I imagined it in summer all green and shaded. What a nice place to stroll and have a cup of coffee, people watch and take photos.
ReplyDeleteJune -- that is exactly what I did -- stroll, have coffee, people watch and photograph. The sun really can lift ones spirits after many days of gray skies. Today is another sunny day -- I hope your area is not entrenched in snow. All I hear about for the east coast is cold and snow. thanks -- barbara
DeleteA town with benches, and people who sit on them to pass the time of day. Like a Norman Rockwell.
ReplyDeleteJoanne -- Every town should have benches to sit a spell and perhaps talk with others. To strike up a conversation with someone you know or don't know in a small town many times results in a warming of your heart. thanks -- barbara
DeleteHi Barbara, how great that you took your camera to Camas. I had to google it to figure out where it is, since I've never been to that state (WA or OR). And I found my big mistake in thinking Vancouver WA was anywhere near the one in Canada...no, I was really off base on that one. You're down near Portland OR, aren't you? Duh.
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- I always try to have my camera ready to leave with me when I walk out the door. Battery charged, SD card in the camera, and a notebook for quick notes. I have not been out and about as much as I was in Kentucky -- at least not yet. Yes, many think I live in Canada. Two Vancouvers in adjacent areas can mix you up -- at least it mixed me up when my son first moved here. thanks -- barbara
DeleteYup - people are happier when the sun is out. Just the sun down here in Roswell,NM. A couple hundred to a 1000 maybe would be small for me. 19k is a fairly large city. There may be 10 people in this state park. It's like having it all to yourself. Maybe the pooch might not like others so well though. Isn't that a sort of muzzle he has on. Fun pictures! I like the street scene a lot.
ReplyDeleteOne Fly -- you mention 19k as a fairly large city. Out of curiosity I checked Wiki to see what their definition was. It seems that the term "small town" can have several definitions. Depends on such factors as numbers, industries, type of government etc. Your definition of hundred to 1000 folks sounds, to me, like a village or settlement. I guess there are no "exacts" in calling a place a small town. The dog had part of a leash around his muzzle -- why I am not sure. I did pet him and he was very loving. thanks for your comment -- barbara
DeleteFriends of mine just moved from Portland to Camas and like it very much. Seattle remains cold and overcast, mostly, but the sun was out yesterday and we took the kids to the playground.
ReplyDeleteI do love the quaintness of the town. The place has a good name as the place to live when you don't want city.The only drawback for me was the huge Georgia Pacific Paper plant on the edge of town. Taking photos of the plant was interesting from an industrial patterns standpoint. thanks -- barbara
DeleteNice to see people going about their everyday lives. The definition of "small town" would be one where independent shops still exist and as a result the place has a unique character. Big towns and cities are increasingly uniform wherever you go in the world.
ReplyDeleteJohn -- I agree with your definition of small towns. Our small towns have independent shops as well as some corporate shops, but mostly independent. No two towns are alike. Thanks for sharing your words about the definition of small towns -- barbara
DeleteWonderful snapshots of this small town, and its inhabitants. I must admit that I admire Sarah for having such a young, and plentiful, brood and I don't even know her :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- thanks for your nice comments. Sarah seemed to have her act together while she worked in the coffee shop. She was running it herself. Probably having six children taught her how to stay organized. -- barbara
DeleteLooks like it was one of those unforgettable days that didn't seem that special until you realize how rare they have become.
ReplyDeleteRaining Iguanas -- Sun has been a rare commodity since I moved here four months ago. The sun sure lifts ones mood about the day -- for sure -- thanks barbara
DeleteWhat a lovely little town! Your picture of Sarah is charming -- and I love that header!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- Sarah seemed amazing.. This small town looked really good to me as I have been living in the city of Vancouver, Washington which I find large and very busy. thanks -- barbara
DeleteSome terrific winter photos of Camas. I love the street with all the shadows!
ReplyDeleteMelissa -- Yes the sun is giving us plenty of neat shadows right now if one wants to take advantage of them. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI would heartily recommend that - especially the last part and armed with a small camera :-)
ReplyDeleteRune -- You have given me an idea -- sitting on a bench in a small town with my little camera. Yes, someday I will try that. thanks -- barbara
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