Back to school in Camas Washington - Bus Schedule Does someone have the "back to school" jitters at your house? This quick snippet from Billy Madison, should put a smile on their face. <> You can ease some of the anxiety of going "back to school" with some handy information about the Camas School District's bus schedules.  First of all, the district's Transportation Department chooses not to post a schedule on-line, or issue information prior to the third or fourth week in August. That's because they don't want any student to miss the bus because of errors in the bus schedule. Therefore, if your child(ren) is registered by mid August, the district will send you a letter in the mail with specific information about the bus schedule. If you'd like some information in advance, here are so... 08/10/2011

This home has sold, but there are other homes like it -Please click here to search all Camas WA homes!   Not a short sale, distressed property, or beat up foreclosure! Charming and historic downtown Camas Cape Cod was perfectly preserved and lovingly maintained. Many original fixtures and features including:  Original doors and trim Over 2500 square feet (including unfinished basement) Oversized lot with single garage and carport 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths Hardwood floors, vintage light fixtures, glass door knobs Blocks to the Camas library, Lacamas walking trails, and shopping   This home has sold, but there are other homes like it -Please click here to search all Camas WA homes! 08/09/2011

Pink Fluorescent Dog on the Loose - Lacamas Creek Warning One of my favorite running trails is Heritage Trail in Camas which leads to Lacamas Lake where we let Mac, our white Golden Retriever, swim.  He's fun to run with because the trail is bordered in large part, by Lacamas Creek.  He plunges in, swims against the current, hops back out, then runs to the next spot where he can jump back in again.  He does this all the way to the lake.    Imagine our surprise if we had not read the paper this morning – today, the stream will change color – as in fluorescent red!  I’m trying to imagine what Mac would look like emerging from the creek a whole new color – like wow, psychedelic pink!  And imagine the surprise for other runners and hikers to see a pink fluorescent dog on the loose. The red ... 07/26/2011

Camas Washington Real Estate - A HOT Month in June. Camas Home Sales knocked a couple out of the park with Pending Home Sales increasing 27% while Active listings decreased by about 15%!Earlier this month we've logged into the Camas MLS to identify what direction the real estate market is heading. Here are the key statistics we have to report: From this quick look at the home sales action we see 14.9% fewer Active listings, with relatively strong numbers for Pending and Closed Sales. Additionally, we see the distressed property category moving down to 26.3% of the existing inventory (27.1% the prior month). The table below shows the RMLS market data for the transactions within the Camas Zip code of 98607. Since Camas is a relatively small area with a reasonably wide mix of home sales p... 07/25/2011

Hummingbird don't fly away, fly away...don't fly away. Sundays and nature. A garden and thee.  The forecast calls for sunny with highs in the mid 80’s. Another perfect summer day in Camas, Washington.      And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid air stand still.  Robert Frost It's another perfect summer day in Camas Washington for gardening, or watching hummingbirds. If you're looking for a house with a garden in Camas, Washington.I know who to call.  And, where to start looking. 07/24/2011

Camas Days are here again! Camas Days - It’s a 2 day street party! It’s a jungle out there, or at least a Jungle Safari in Camas soon. Each year around this time, the city of Camas hosts a two-day street party. And since, Camas days are always held on the fourth weekend in July, this year the town will be roaring with fun on Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd. Food and Drink. Arts and crafts vendors literally line the streets, with one street exclusively reserved for the food vendors. There’s also a street featuring a gated wine and beer garden, and concerts held in the park from open to close. Lots to do! Activities include a softball tournament, ducky derby and bathtub races in front of City Hall. There’s also a kid’s street with lots of activities and vendors aimed at keeping chil... 07/20/2011

A Perfect Spot in Camas Washington   The sun is out, but not too hot, it's the perfect day for our perfect spot. A pot of lavender sits nearby, the scent of sweetness fills the air. Yellows, and oranges, with blues and greens - colors splash so merrily.     Let’s meet out back, I’ll see you soon, we’ll sit and savor the afternoon. The sun is out, it’s not too hot, it’s the perfect day for our perfect spot.   Looking for your perfect spot in Camas Washington?  Let's explore your options. 07/10/2011

Prune Hill in Camas WashingtonPerhaps, Prune Hill might sound a bit odd to you, while the name is peculiar, once you learn its rich local history, it will make more sense.  Prune Hill in Camas, Washington is actually the cinder cone of an extinct volcano and was once home to a major agricultural product. As the name implies, at one time, Prune Hill was planted with many prune orchards, beginning with the largest, which was planted in the 1880‘a by a man named Mr. Boyer.  According to the Camas - Washougal Historical Society, many other settlers after Boyer also planted Prune orchards, and at one time Clark County was known as the prune capitol of the world.Sadly, the depression was the beginning of the end for that status. As once the market for prunes collapsed, most of the trees were ... 07/08/2011

Camas Washington Homes for Sale. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Camas,Washington, good for you, you've made a great decision. Camas is a wonderful community filled with a variety of neighborhoods, lifestyle choices and opportunities. Camas offers you quaint, small town living, lots of nearby recreation and easy access to our more sophisticated neighbor across the river, Portland.     As you know prices in most areas of Clark County are at historic lows. It's simply THE perfect time to purchase a home! Now, let's see if we can find the best match for you. Here's a quick guide featuring Camas Washington homes for sale. Do enjoy a river, mountain, lake or city view?Let’s explore your options for view properties in Camas, Washington.               Do you enjoy living close to town?... 06/30/2011

Camas Washington Real Estate - Getting Back on Track for May. Camas Pending Home Sales increased 12% from April's lower results however, Active listings increased by about 23%, with a slight decrease in the overall volume of distressed properties in the Active Inventory.Earlier this month we've logged into the Camas MLS to identify what direction the real estate market is heading. Here are the key statistics we have to report: From this quick look at the home sales action we see 22.9% more Active listings. Additionally, we see the distressed property category moving down to 27.1% of the existing inventory. However, the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosure Pending Sales reversed last month's dip, with a good number of short sales going Pending. The table below shows the RMLS market data for the ... 06/20/2011

Roots Restaurant and Bar in Camas, Washington - Father's Day Brunch. Our favorite local Chef Brad Root has a special treat for Dad. His popular Camas restaurant, Roots, will be serving Father's Day brunch beginning at 11 AM on Sunday.   If you've not had to the pleasure to dine at Roots Restaurant and Bar, you're in for a treat. Chef Root hails from a few of Portland's most notable eateries - Wildwood, The Heathman and Higgins. His culinary skills and committment to using local and fresh ingredfients translates in to an ever changing menu. As he would say, "I change the menu up every couple of months, because I'm really at the mercy of the seasons." Apparently, we've had enough sun ( or at least glare through the clouds) to ripen a crop of strawberries and cherries. One of Roots Restaur... 06/17/2011

Lacamas Shores is a great place to live in Camas Washington. Looking for a home that offers you year round recreation, neighborhood camaraderie and luxury homes? Consider a move to  Lacamas Shores, located just minutes from downtown Camas. More than 250 single family homes sit nestled into the hillside above beautiful Lacamas Lake. Most of the homes offer stunning views of either the lake, or nearby Camas Meadows Golf Course, making it a great place to live in Camas, Washington.  Locals use the lake for fishing, paddling and water-skiing with public access on each end of the lake. Walkers, runners and mountain bikers frequent a relatively flat 3.2 mile trail that runs along the lake’s entire southern edge. The trail butts up against the Lacamas Shores neighborhood, and passersby will se... 06/13/2011

   Debb Dodges Raindrops, Sells with Soul and Enjoys Exploring Neighborhoods in Camas Washington  Ready to begin your home search in Camas, Washington?  Use my special search tool that enables you to pinpoint exact homes, neighborhoods and NEARBY Ammenities. It's a great new Lifestyle search option for my clients.  Explore now! 06/11/2011

Hey Kids! CamTown is Coming! CamTown is Coming!  This weekend June 11th, 2011....the place to be is Camas WA up at Crown Park to take part in My grandkids LOVE this day!! It's provided by the city Parks and Recreation Department  Camas, WA and it's so much fun. As you can see from the list I've pasted from the Camas, WA City website...it's gonna be a fun day for all local youth. And the event has something for just about everyone. It has entertainment, food, activities, a kid's fleamarket, crafts and hopefully a sunny day to enjoy it all! And, there is no admission fee. A lot of the fun is for free. So, bring your family and try something new! See you there! What fun things can I do? I've pasted their list from the City Website: Take a look at the games and crafts activities offered la... 06/09/2011

Camtown Youth Festival in Downtown Camas If you want to know how to make kids happy...ask kids. And that’s just what Camas Parks and Recreation program coordinator did when she wanted to create a summer festival for children. Krista Bashaw decided to incorporate students into the planning process of such an event to ensure it truly did cater to their needs and wishes. So, Bashaw, working with a local middle school teacher, her students and various other students and community volunteers, created the first Camtown Youth Festival in downtown Camas in 2002. The Camtown Youth Festival takes place the second Saturday in June in Crown Park. Admission to the day long event is free and well attended, normally attracting 2500 participants. Chalk it up to the creative and abilities of our local c... 06/02/2011

Lace up your running (and walking shoes) this month and exercise on behalf of Camas school children.  The Camas Educational Foundation’s Fun Run takes you on beautiful trail systems throughout Lacamas Park. Specifically, the trails that wind around scenic Round Lake. The Fun Run is part of the  Parks and Recreation Department’s Camtown Youth Festival at Crown Park on Saturday, June 11th. The Camas Educational Foundation is a non-profit volunteer group  comprised of teachers, parents and other community members. The CEF’s purpose is to raise money and award grants to support of academic enrichment programs that benefit more than 5,000 local students.  CEF has given over $900,000 to Camas schools over the past eleven years. So far, the monies have been used to enhance reading, math, arts ... 06/02/2011

If you're interested in Green homes in Camas, Washington, you're in luck.  You're also not alone, according to the Green Resource Council, two thirds of buyers recognize the link between Green properties, cost savings and healthier living.  However, you need to be aware of the many shades of Green.   Energy star certified homes must meet guidelines that show they are 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. Green Homes in Camas Washington, achieve this level of performance in a variety of ways.    Effective Insulation    High Performance Windows    Tight Construction and Ducts    Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems.    ENGERGY STAR Qualified Lighting and Appliances Third party verification by a certified Home Energy Rater (or equivilent) is required. The "rater" works with the build... 05/24/2011

  Dozer Days, where Camas and Vancouver Connect for children. As a young girl, driving the tractor around our raspberry farm in Vancouver, Washington was pure nirvana. It was such an obession, that dad actually had to hide the keys. Therefore, an event that lets you drive a tractor, and other big rigs, holds great appeal. Dozer Days literally puts kids of all ages in the driver’s seat of a big rig with a professional operator safely at their side. In addition to being loads of fun for the entire family, it’s also a fundraiser for local children’s charities. Don’t you dig it?Your entry into the event is even BIG fun, as participants ride into the Cemex/Fisher Quarry atop a gigantic articulated hauler. Once inside, there’s not just the big rigs to drive, but tire and pipe crawls, treasure... 05/20/2011

Camas Washington Real Estate - Positive but Mixed Results for April. Camas Pending Home Sales took a pause, decreasing 34% from March's results however, Active listings dropped by about 8% and the overall volume of distressed properties decreased also!Earlier this month we've logged into the Camas MLS to identify what direction the real estate market is heading. Here are the key statistics we have to report: From this quick look at the home sales action we see 8% fewer Active listings. Additionally, we see the distressed property category moving down levels at just above 25% of the existing inventory. However, the 3rd Party + Pre-Foreclosure Pending Sales took a significant dip, which is something we'll want to watch in the coming months. The table below shows the RMLS market data for ... 05/20/2011

 A trail leads to learning and especially this morning in Camas, Washington.We drove to the Lacamas Creek  trail head this morning and groaned audibly upon seeing the parking lot filled with a gang of teenagers milling around. “Uh Oh, no good can come of this” we both muttered. So we quickly leashed up the dog, locked up the car and took off running, vowing to return as soon as possible. On the loop back, we spotted the same group of the teens in a wooded meadow, about three quarters of a mile from the parking lot. Some were crouched down over plants, others stood with pads and pencils jotting down notes. Their teacher, bent down with one group, held a wildflower identification book in her hand.  Boy did we feel lousy about our previous reaction to that group of kids.  But that feeling ... 05/18/2011