My work commute to Seattle is not a pretty sight. Homeless encampments flank Interstate 5. Garbage spills down a hill next to an overpass. I witnessed the other extreme in wheat country across the state. The land is pristine. That's why I was surprised to see a litter crew working State Route 272 near the town of Palouse. Community volunteers, including parents and their children, were patrolling the roadside with garbage bags. I can't imagine they found much. As I drove by they looked up and waved. This is the heartbeat of America I've been missing. I'm thankful it still exists. I saw other Americana themes during my photo trip, including the rusty Pontiac at a closed Chevy dealership in Tekoa (TEE-koh), and the patriot barn down the road in Latah.

CAMERA  MAMIYA 645 PRO  FILM  FUJI VELVIA 50, KODAK EKTAR 100