The river behind our house is a reflection of the seasons. In the fall and winter, its flows fluctuate with the rain and then ebb with the snow. The moisture remains locked up within the frozen high mountains until the warmth of spring returns. Thin ribbons of melting water descend and merge along the length of the mountain until finally they converge, turning the river into a roaring torrent.
The Kaweah River is an altogether different body of water in the late summer season. As the weeks pass, it flows gently through the valley with ever decreasing velocity and volume, creating a serene oasis of cool moisture in the hot, dry foothills. Aside from an unusual pulse of tropical moisture which pushed its way up into the central Sierra for one day at the end of July, the mountains have not seen a drop of precipitation since late May. All but the last remaining patches of stubborn snow have melted in the high Sierra, feeding the river with scant trickles of moisture.
The gradient of the riverbed is more perceptible now that the level is lower, turning torrid rapids into steps and terraces which create a cascading effect. The resulting white froth contrasts sharply with the earth toned rocks obscured just under the surface. Paths of safe passage out into and across the river emerge as the shallow water allows increased visibility of rocks both above and below.
The rounded angles of the boulders create all manner of seats and perches for experiencing the flow of the water. Although cold to the touch at first, it takes only a minute to recognize the temperature as refreshing rather than freezing. Sitting on a boulder above the water, flecks of cool spray periodically jump up to dot my back and legs. Fingers outstretched with palms upstream I feel the buffeting current thread through my fingers.
One of last year’s sycamore leaves long since dried and curled, is dislodged from its limb by the breeze and descends, gently landing onto the surface of the river. Its golden orange color is similar to the patch of rocks in the water below. I watch it bob and shift with the current, navigating the ripples for a while before tipping and plunging under the water. It moves swiftly now with the flowing water in the direction I expect it to go until suddenly it veers sharply with a much stronger current. I follow it just a little further before it gets sucked into an eddy amongst the boulders and I lose sight of it altogether. My gaze returns to the bed of the river and I notice that it is a patchwork of yellow, cream, dark gray, reddish brown and tan interlaced with and covered by clear greenish blue water. Looking upstream the rounded granite boulders are awash in sunshine, suspended in a plain of undulating glass.
The golden summer season will linger for many more weeks, but in spite of the scorching direct sun and brittle blanket of spent vegetation covering the ground, the days are somehow sweeter this time of year because of the knowledge that they will not last. Long to-do lists and a hurried pace are not compatible with this time of year. Better to make a priority of finding some time to take a dip in the river or rest in a cool patch of shade along its banks. Flowing water demands alignment, which is easy to realize when dangling a foot in the water. Kept toes pointed up or down stream, it’s possible to achieve relative stability and balance, but the moment your foot turns broadside to the current, the river exerts its force. Observing the river, I’m reminded of the peace that comes with slowing down and the awareness that even subdued pressure can realign obstacles.
The Kaweah River is an altogether different body of water in the late summer season. As the weeks pass, it flows gently through the valley with ever decreasing velocity and volume, creating a serene oasis of cool moisture in the hot, dry foothills. Aside from an unusual pulse of tropical moisture which pushed its way up into the central Sierra for one day at the end of July, the mountains have not seen a drop of precipitation since late May. All but the last remaining patches of stubborn snow have melted in the high Sierra, feeding the river with scant trickles of moisture.
The gradient of the riverbed is more perceptible now that the level is lower, turning torrid rapids into steps and terraces which create a cascading effect. The resulting white froth contrasts sharply with the earth toned rocks obscured just under the surface. Paths of safe passage out into and across the river emerge as the shallow water allows increased visibility of rocks both above and below.
The rounded angles of the boulders create all manner of seats and perches for experiencing the flow of the water. Although cold to the touch at first, it takes only a minute to recognize the temperature as refreshing rather than freezing. Sitting on a boulder above the water, flecks of cool spray periodically jump up to dot my back and legs. Fingers outstretched with palms upstream I feel the buffeting current thread through my fingers.
One of last year’s sycamore leaves long since dried and curled, is dislodged from its limb by the breeze and descends, gently landing onto the surface of the river. Its golden orange color is similar to the patch of rocks in the water below. I watch it bob and shift with the current, navigating the ripples for a while before tipping and plunging under the water. It moves swiftly now with the flowing water in the direction I expect it to go until suddenly it veers sharply with a much stronger current. I follow it just a little further before it gets sucked into an eddy amongst the boulders and I lose sight of it altogether. My gaze returns to the bed of the river and I notice that it is a patchwork of yellow, cream, dark gray, reddish brown and tan interlaced with and covered by clear greenish blue water. Looking upstream the rounded granite boulders are awash in sunshine, suspended in a plain of undulating glass.
