Patrick Smith South Bend, Washington

Shortly after we moved to South Bend, my (then) thirteen year old daughter came home from school, obviously upset. When I asked her what was the matter, she said,: There are thirty people in my class." Thinking I was agreeing with her I remarked that thirty seemed like an awful lot. Looking at me with scorn and amazement, as only a thirteen year old can, she sighed and said, "You don't understand. There are only thirty people in the whole eighth grade!"
It was then that I knew we were home.
I decided to construct this page to tell people about our home, South Bend, Washinton, and about some of the things you might miss if you just drive through on your way up or down on US 101. There are no stop lights at all in this town and no stop signs either on the highway. But if you are heading north be advised that the change from 55mph to 25mph comes up at you pretty quick.
But to tell you about South Bend I have to say a little about the city of Raymond, which is just a couple miles up the road, as well. Raymond has four stop lights but the speed limit never gets below 35mph, so I guess it all evens out.
The population of South Bend is around 2000, Raymond has about 3000; mostly white but 20% Hispanic, Asian, American Indian and black. It's a gentle atmosphere, not all artsy-fartsy the way some coastal towns try to be.Visitors are welcome and there are a number of fine places to patronize. I'm just going to tell you about a few of my favorite places on the next couple of pages. Just click a link!