South Yuba River, Northern California: The Connection between Nature and Human Nature

09 May 2014

Lens:

1. South Yuba River, Northern California, iPhone 4s, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

2. Bridge, South Yuba River, Northern California, Nikon DSLR, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

3. Swimmer, South Yuba River, Northern California, Nikon DSLR, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

4. Running, South Yuba River, Northern California, iPhone 4s, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

5. South Yuba River, Nikon DSLR,, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

6 Wildflowers, South Yuba River, Northern California, Nikon DSLR, April 2014; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2014

Let me know which you prefer and why.

Pens:

My recent pilgrimage to Northern California disclosed results of unforeseen forces from nature’s history. That was my reaction at the first sighting of the South Yuba River, which is north on Highway 49 and not far from where I was staying in Nevada City.

This place is so spectacular that I could barely hold my composure. The wild of this section of the Yuba River is a place that instigates huge respect and reverence for Mother Nature’s power and omnipresence.

The spatial planes give rise to awe and euphoria, and at the same time they urged me to investigate, to float along with the expanse. The scale simply staggers, and leaves no doubt that we must protect open space such as this grandiose spot.

The granite shapes are so massive as to diminish our physical place. Still, I felt completely at home, even serene in the abundance of the wilderness.

Swallows danced across the underbelly of the bridge, and dove into the waters. They were not in the least deterred by the few visitors swimming and wading, and enjoying the sun-drenched boulders.

Even as we explored and hiked above the river, the scene below wrapped itself around me with rapidity. My emotions continued to rise and even as wildflowers smiled at me, my thoughts were tranquilized, which allowed me to appreciate what was before me.

It was hard to leave, but we had destinations. This part of the South Yuba River is pronounced with visual prominence, and it is but one example of this region’s natural mystical qualities.

In the Lens section are six images taken with my iPhone 4s and my Nikon DSLR. They record a tiny hint of the breathtaking colors, formations and vast spaces associated with the South Fork of the Yuba River.

This river runs through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Fortunately, it is part of the state park system, and the tender loving care that it’s given is obvious.

Mostly, I saw with clarity the bond between nature and human nature. Everyone explored in their own way: climbing, gazing, meditating, swimming, wading, and hiking. You can even pan for gold in the river.

The bridge allowed for a view that emphasized the beauty in a way that is missed on ground level. But in the river a different sense of calm and quiet is realized. Both views offer memorable moments that conjure the past and present.

Each person seemed totally at one with this nature wonder. The connection between the natural world and the human animal was simpatico. The sun beamed, the world was in balance at least for a while.

Note: As always I welcome your comments about this post or any part of my blog. If you want to read my first post about this recent trip to Northern California, click here.