The Yuba River by Magdalene Jaeckel
People who have lived in Nevada County and Grass Valley have a wonderful treasure nearby: the Yuba River. In all seasons it is a great place to visit. It’s a wild and scenic river that is fed by the melting snow in the High Sierras. In the spring it is a raging torrent. You can hike on a trail above it and admire its majesty, while you smell the wildflowers that come out on the trail after the winter rains. Then the water has a beautiful turquoise color with white foam riding on it.
Later on when the weather becomes hot and the water has subsided, the pilgrimage to the swimming holes begins. Everyone seems to have their own favorite spot to swim. It is an awe-inspiring experience to swim and dive among the enormous granite boulders and climb up on your favorite one to take a sun bath. The boulders are so smooth and colorful, and you marvel at their age and their steadfast presence. And you can observe the patterns that the sun and shade make on the rocks, the little fish and dragonflies and water-bugs that scurry along on the surface.
Even in the fall and winter the River is a special healing place. The river canyon is mostly mild and protected from the wind, and you can just go and listen to the water and feel the gentle breeze.
