I’m pretty embarassed to admit that we’ve lived up here for almost 5 years, and it’s the first time we’ve gone to the fish hatchery.
Especially when you realize it’s about a ten minute drive from the house. But we went yesterday: me, the boyo, and the boyo’s dad. The concrete fish runs were almost all empty. but still had a few with fish (if you check the website, they tell you the best time to come for the hatchery itself). Even some that were jumping up out of the water, tasting sunshine. Cute little buggers. We went down to the river from the hatchery, and it was ok.
The boy was so happy! But I was not. While yes, we had some fun, the boyo’s father tends to rush through things. He went through the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 30 minutes flat.
Think about that for a minute. Because it took the boyo and I hours to make our way through the Aquarium.
So.
Today is Mother’s Day.
Mommy came up with a plan. 10 minutes down the road + picnic lunch + spare clothes & shoes… and we had ourselves a river day! And oh my… I’ve never been here before…
But I have dreamt of this place.
And oh, look! A rare Wynwords Sighting!
Things I loved: Shallow enough to wade, however there are life vests available for kids (for free!) right before you walk down to the shore. This is a launch site (canoe/rafts/inner-tubes), but everyone was friendly. We took a group photo of about 5 canoes, and they got the one of me and my boyo. The water is C-O-L-D, but you know, in the August heat? We’re gonna love it. I also love the quiet— I could hear hawks crying out, the river itself… and my boyo’s laughter.
We ended up spending about 3 hours at the river, just that one spot. We explored a little bit, got very very wet, and had a blast. Best decision I’ve made in a long time. And since it’s free (Free! No Admission!), I had money for some homemade fudge in Clements.
So. That was the first half of Mother’s Day. The rest of it did not go so well, with a family emergency. But those first few, precious hours… I want to go back and grab them in both fists, never letting go.
Ta, my lovelies! I have some things I’m working on, I’ll let you know when I have more details 🙂
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