Centerville, Washington

Climbing the serpentine Centerville Highway out of the Columbia River Gorge transports you from rugged basalt canyons into another world—the high prairie. Cresting the plateau, the world of people and noise drops away. In their place is cold wind, dry grass, and open sky. Silence and emptiness. The stillness of this interior country draws me back, and I try to pull it into my photographs.

On the highway from Lyle to Centerville

No one on the road

Centerville feels like towns I know: Hardman, Mayville, Fossil, Spray, and others. Its grain elevator, grange, and garage buildings speak to generations of work and community. The fading paint and derelict cars, the empty houses, all show a past that erodes and seems to slip off with the wind.

On the main street

Motor oil and general repair

Sentinels

With the light failing and the wind rising, I packed my camera away and turned for the warmth of home. I want to experience Centerville in another season, and connect with those who live there. Until next time, then.

Leaving the high prairie

Camera: Leica M10-R

Lenses: Voigtlander 50mm and 35mm f1.5 Noktons and an ancient Nikkor 24mm f2.8 (adapted)