On a small hill in a cow pasture nestled in the Willapa Hills of SW Washington stands a testament of the strength of a father's promise to his son. Willie Keil's Grave is no more than a pullout along highway 6 but it's story if far grander.
Willie's father was the leader of a religious sect called the Bethelites based in Bethel, MO. The group of Bethelites decided to look for their "promised land" in the fertile hills of the Oregon Territory. The year was 1855 and the way to the northwest from Missouri was a long arduous trek over the great plains by wagon. Willie was 19 and enthusiastic about the adventure. He learned to drive the oxen team that would pull his family's wagon across the plains. He became so proficient that the Bethelites awarded him the honor of driving the lead team.
However, prior to the departure, Willies became ill with Malaria. His father promised that he would not leave Willie behind - no matter what. Four days before the departure, Willie died. Remembering his promise to his son, he built a sturdy coffin lined with lead and filled it with whiskey to preserve Willie's body, put the coffin in the lead wagon and proceeded to lead his followers to the fertile lands of the northwest.
Six months later Willie was finally laid to rest in his coffin filled with whiskey in the rolling green hills of the Willapa valley.
Sadly, the Bethelites moved south of the Columbia River a few years later, but they left Willie in the lands he had dreamed of.
Now, you might not think there is much to photograph at a highway roadside along a cow pasture, but it is these situations where you can really exercise your creativity. While on road trips, have you ever grabbed your camera while running to the bathroom at the rest area? If so then you know what I'm talking about. If not, why not?
Practicing your photographic craft isn't all about the grand landscape with stunning lighting and awe-inspiring sunlight reflected in the clouds. Practicing photography is finding the elements of a landscape that help portray your emotions and experience at that time. It's in places like waysides when you want to stretch your legs that are perfect for stretching your creative muscles.
Camera memory is cheap so why not play and practice to understand what you're aiming for and how to get there. Maybe at some point, you will be asked to lead the way as Willie was. Just stay healthy so when you reach your goal you can appreciate it.
To get there: Willie Keil's Grave State park is located on Highway 6 just 4 miles east of Raymond or 51 miles west of Chehalis.
