bliss & squid

yuba or bust

When I daydream (a rare event) my mind will bring me to one of the most peaceful places on Earth, the Yuba River. If I was born in the 50’s, surely I would’ve (safely) hitchhiked to Northern California. I sense the illusion of autonomy, a liberation in the canopy of the trees and an organic inundation. Time slows when you’re eating the juiciest peach, absorbing the caressing sun and inhaling whiffs of eucalyptus.

Nevada City is the ideal resting location in between splashes at the Yuba River. The mild incline of main street showcases a façade of a bygone era in small town history. Visiting Nevada City always feels like a time warp. The volume never exceeds a dull decibel and the collective gait enforces a reminder to slow down. When grabbing a good coffee in town the barista never asks why you’re there, in fact, they know why.

The Yuba River is cleansing water. The runoff from the Sierra Nevada mountains flows heavily in the spring with chilling urgency. By July the water slows and lures in a crowd of people looking to soak. In the gorge of Purdon or Edwards Crossing the sun illuminates perfectly around 2PM offering ideal conditions for drying between dips in the healing waters. By 5-6PM “golden hour” casts an unimaginable filter upon the foliage and river rocks, golden in every sense of the word.

The water is in fact healing. I’ve felt lost before a visit to the Yuba River. The moment the beads of water grace my skin nothing seems to matter. Any worry, doubt or uncertainty washes away down the riverbed. My friends know I can perhaps be a bit “woo woo” at times. Ask anyone whose ever been the Yuba, their testament is evidential.

I enjoy resigning myself to the woods for a few days, almost unplugging. It makes complete sense to me that cellphones don’t work by the river. The river demands your full attention. When driving to the best watering holes, you’re greeted by the sound first. The water coursing its way through the riverbed offers a hypnotic chant. Any internal inflammation decreases, the mind goes from active to meditative. Your body knows relief is imminent.

Relinquishing yourself over to the purifying runoff is a religious experience. Don’t bring a book, leave the alcohol at home, check out for a while. Do bring some water, sunscreen and an appropriate shoe to descend the steep pathway. I’ve spent many hours thinking about the days of my life on these rocks.

What surfaces from within down by the water are feelings of gratitude. When I dip into the aquamarine waters feelings become just that, feelings. I am reminded of how life is subsequent choices that are made consciously and subconsciously. When I’m laying out on a rock formed by subsequent erosion I’m magically present. I’m here, existing now, unbothered by what has or will happen. This is what life intended both beautiful and mysterious.