JourneysPhotograph

A Long Weekend Spent Down by the River

·Walnut Creek, California·#dog#forest#river#northern california#late summer
A black and white dog stands on a rocky river bank looking towards the clear water with trees in the background.

We spent the Labor Day weekend out of the Bay Area, somewhere quieter. The days were warm and clear, and we passed most of the time down by the river where the air was cooler.

The water was running clear and fast over the rocks. We followed the bank, climbing over smooth, sun-warmed granite. Pip led the way, scrambling along the edge and investigating every scent. He was brave on the low rocks but a little more hesitant on the higher ledges that overlooked the deeper, greener pools of water.

There wasn't much to do besides watch the light change. In the afternoons, the sun would break through the tall pines, making the surface of the water sparkle. It was peaceful just to sit and watch the current, seeing the collection of colored stones on the riverbed through the ripples. Just a few quiet days before heading back home.

A clear river flows over rocks through a sunlit forest, with two people by the far bank.A panoramic view of a clear river with rocky banks, surrounded by dense green forest, and a bridge in the distance.A black and white dog stands on a rocky ledge overlooking dark water, with a forested hillside.A black and white dog walks on a large rock next to dark water and a lush green, rocky hillside.A river flows through a forested mountain valley with a person swimming and a fallen log.Clear water flows over a large stratified rock and many smaller colorful pebbles, with sunlight creating rippled patterns.A rocky river flows through a dense evergreen forest under a bright blue sky.A sparkling river flows over smooth rocks, with a dense forest covering hills under a blue sky.