At the end of the year I took a road trip, 5 hours north, to a little town called Three Rivers. It is just outside of Sequoia National Park at about 1500 feet elevation. The town is small. You can pass right through if you aren't paying attention. The town itself is quiet and comfortable, but the main attraction is the river and surrounding mountains.
I'm usually a beach vacation sort of guy. I tend to pick my destinations by the quality of waves. In this case a friend of mine will be moving soon and she will no longer own her home on the river. Before she leaves I wanted to see her place. Am I glad I did.
Three Rivers is a truly beautiful place. The views are fantastic and the energy is calm and relaxing. From my friends home you can see mountains, the river and wildlife.
Right out her back yard is the river. She told us stories about when the river gets big after a storm. This is about as low as it gets. The highest rocks are ten feet high and they get covered when the water is flowing. At night when the water is surging rocks collide and spark underwater. I'm told it looks like lightening in the river.
Kissing rocks.
4 foot Boulders scattered like pebbles. Evidence of the power of the river.
My friend's home is beautiful. Built into the side of the hill it looks out with one whole wall of windows to the beauty of the mountains and the river below.
One of the most stunning features of the river that I found was the moss. Its vibrant color contrasted the gray of the rocks.
Nature is amazing. Out of simple cracks spawn trees.
The area is abundant with water. On the side of a road you will find small untouched waterfall habitats.
A small walk brings unexpected things.
Like this Buddha statue complete with bark alter.
Leaves of green framed by stone walls of yesteryear.
Yellow colored moss covered fences.
The textures of the surroundings caught my eye more than once. Everywhere I looked I was inspired to take just one more photo.
Being a water person I couldn't help but long to play in the river. Although it was cold I found myself daydreaming and feeling myself gravitate to the motion and power of the river.
Going there I thought I was a beach person through and through, but I have to admit, I did find myself wanting to stay longer and curious about the possibility of living in such a place. Even though my allegiance is to the ocean I do think that any place with nature and vast emptiness is a draw. At least until the North West Swells come.
