As we write this it’s still very much spring with river temperatures in the 60’s, but according to all forecasts, this summer will be a hot one. One of the best places to beat the summer heat is at the Russian River. It’s not only a great place to escape the heat, but it will also make you feel better.
We’re fortunate to have had another very wet rainy season. This rain season had more atmospheric rivers (51) than we did the previous season (38) and yet no major floods. Luckily most of those rivers of water vapor in the sky over Northern California were weak to moderate compared to the previous season’s four major atmospheric river events.
We’re now turning the corner from the rainy season to our long dry summer season. The trees along the river that were bare this past winter are full of leaves and we’re starting to see our native Western Pond Turtles out basking. Our lakes are full. River flows should be well above the drought years.
For over a hundred years, people have been recreating at the Russian River. I think it is because many of our favorite moments and memories revolve around water. Memories of swimming or boating in the river, wading in and casting a line for fish, sitting on the beach listening to a baseball game or the latest music. These memories quickly evoke happy feelings. There is something about water that attracts us. It is where we find relaxation, peace of mind, and joy.
Across different cultures, languages, and communities people experience a sense of peace and well-being when in, on, or near water. In “Blue Mind” Wallace Nichols documents this through gathering personal stories and using the latest neuroscience. He concludes water can make us happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what we do.
Many of us don’t need research to tell that our blood pressure, cortisol (stress hormone), breathing and pulse all calm down yielding a sense of peace when we are near water. There is something magical about getting away from our homes, cars, jobs, and everyday life to step into the natural world of the river. Once you are on the river, cares fade away to the sounds of water, birds, kids playing, and the rustle of wind in the trees. This is why so many of us live here and treasure the Russian River.
If you haven’t made time to go to the river in a while, find the time this summer. We have many public parks along the river, courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks and the County of Mendocino, and where the river meets the ocean, you can enjoy Sonoma Coast State Beach at Goat Rock. Even though the world has become more hectic and stressful, the river is there to help you take a break and step away to a more peaceful place.