Spotted on the Roadside: And that’s no bull in Ellensburg, WA

August 14, 2015 Comments Off read Pacific, Spotted on the Roadside, Travel, USA, Washington, West

In Ellensburg, there’s a statue celebrating the town’s cattle ranching and frontier history originally titled “Cowboy”…and what a boy he is, with his, uh, tail dangling between his legs just so, inviting you to sit next to him on the bench. Still in the building stages, people were offended by the name, people were offended by the potential schlong, there was presumably some shrieking of “Won’t somebody please think of the children?”, and ultimately the name was changed to “The Bull” before being cast and erected in 1986. Heh…erected.

Spotted on N Pearl St in Ellensburg, WA

Dick & Jane’s Spot in Ellensburg, WA

August 12, 2015 3 Comments read Attractions, Pacific, Travel, USA, Washington, West

A sign outside Dick & Jane’s Spot reads “What is this place?” What is this place, indeed? It’s a 37 year project in the making, a constantly evolving collaboration between outsider artists Richard C Elliot (1945-2008) and Jane Orleman that also serves as their home. As old pieces decay, they are replaced and restored, and thus Dick & Jane’s spot is in a constant state of flux–each year, there’s a new postcard for sale via a vending machine in the front yard that reflects the changes to the installation. Work from almost fifty other artists graces the yard as well. The Spring 2015 update outside the house describes Dick & Jane’s Spot as “What is this place: Art for the heart, from the heart, in the heart of Washington. Remember, one hearty laugh is worth ten trips to the doctor.”

The art and joyful spirit of Dick & Jane’s Spot did warm my heart and make me laugh multiple times. Their use of reflectors also reminded me powerfully of another outsider art house I visited in 2010: the now-demolished RichArt’s ArtYard. And the “you are beautiful” on the gate reminded me of Chicago’s “You Are Beautiful” project. Dick & Jane’s Spot, YOU are beautiful. And no one is going to miss you at night.

A hike to Cape Flattery

August 10, 2015 Comments Off read Attractions, Pacific, The Great Outdoors, Travel, USA, Washington, West

It was a long road to Cape Flattery–almost five hours from my doorstep to Neah Bay, including a ferry ride across the sound. After stopping at the Makah Museum to pick up a recreation pass (required to park and hike on tribal land, and good for the entirety of the year in which it’s purchased), I drove the winding forest roads to the trailhead. From the trailhead, it was a short, easy hike to several viewpoint areas…and there I was, on the northwesternmost point of the continental United States, the deep blue-green waves relentlessly pounding on the sandstone cliffs, the distant Sitka trees blanketed in fog, a gentle rain falling, the few other people there also in silent awe of the beauty of the cape. On the way out, I saw deer calmly cropping on the side of the road and bald eagles circling in the sky. I hope to go back soon to hike the other, longer trail on Makah land: Shi Shi Beach.

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