An invitation to rest and look out at Willapa Bay, Oysterville has many benches located along the bay. If you are even a little curious about Oysterville, Sydney Stevens' book Oysterville is worth looking at (Google Books allows a lot of good browsing of the book here).
But, near and dear to my heart is Willard R. Espy's book, Oysterville: Roads to Grandpa's Village. Oysterville was founded by R.H. Espy and I.A. Clark back in the mid-1800s to capitalize on the oyster trade. Today, I find and am charmed by the picket fences and historic homes of many of the town founders and early residents. They are under the lofty umbrella of the towering Monterey Cypress trees that line the main road.
I sat on a welcoming bench to sketch the bay. On the bench were inscribed these words from Willard Espy:
"I can watch the slow breathing of the bay,
six hours in, six hours out."
6 comments:
The sketch is effortless - always a good trait. I envy you your access to the ocean, Kvan.
Now I want to eat some oysters, except my family won't let me get away with that. Battered and pan fried.
interesting re author and books, and i really like this long sketch-i too am jealous of your close proximity to the sea
you are right about the bench-the best bench i ever found was on the isle of Skye--after hiking quite a steep hill i reached the top to find a bench/DESK-it was heaven looking down into the sea and sketching-wouldn't it be cool to do a show inspired by benches?
There used to be a perfect sittin' rock on top of Rabbit Mountain, a bench of sorts. Now it's probably anchoring someone's backyard landscaping. Tacky. Yes, the ranch is sweet, but the grass is always greener by the sea.
Hi Casey! Great little fish house in Oysterville -- buy the oysters by the pound, as many as you like! Or, if you must, in the restaurants for a little more. Yum! Thanks about the sketch!
Jan! Yes, that would make a great show! We should talk about it more! Your bench/desk on the Isle of Skye reminds me of the set up for Ira Glass' "This American Life" program. He would have his desk set up in the most isolated locations to introduce his topic. Love it!
Sam -- you're right about the sea. It's an all-senses get away and I love it. For me, just a 2.5 hour drive and I'm at the coast. I love it!! Maybe one day you'll get to come here and join me for a beach painting adventure!
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