In this first entry about rivers I want to bring up the scenery. To read the next two posts click the links Raging River and Tame the River

Rivers are where they are because the water eroded the land making this the lowest path of resistance. Faster rivers down slopes cut a harsh rocky path, slower ones meander through a meadow leaving grassy sides with overhanging trees along the bank.

I can see both kinds near where I live.

Standing on a bridge made for the purpose of viewing the river below, the waterfalls flow over rocks leading to the water being bent by rock walls further downstream. Behind my son’s house is a creek where the family was fishing while my dog romped through the shallow areas and tried to drink half of the stream. He failed, but we learned he could play and stay close to us which was an exciting growth for the pup.

A year ago we were in Alaska on a raft going down the river. When the guide let me take the ores, I steered the raft around a tight bend when she declared, “Where did you learn that? I can have trouble making that corner.” She had worked hard enough leading our hike, driving the van, and now rowing the raft that I was happy to give her a break.

With each pull of the ores the snow topped mountain behind us bobbed a little left then a little right, always remaining breathtaking. This ride was not just about the feeling of floating on water or being pushed upwards by an eddy but rather about soaking in the atmosphere of the Alaskan wild while flowing with water from the snowy tops of surrounding slopes. This river, like the one at home, is one to enjoy moments of peace and nature, in the midst of a distant knowledge that brought its path to this exact scenery. Glorious.

Find a river or stream. Enjoy the moments. If you can’t today, don’t worry. It’ll be there tomorrow.

Hope you have a Happy Friday.