A River Runs Through It

        The Truckee River now has water: the gates are open at Fanny Bridge and the rafters are taking advantage.   Water levels at Fanny Bridge are perfect for this final month of summer and timing is great.   Clouds of excited families jumped at the chance to experience the thrills of drifting the chilly waters as the clear overflow from the lake makes its way to Nevada.
       My friend, Gil, was a guest over the last 4 days at River Ranch on Highway 89  at Alpine Meadows.   He said it was really lots of fun:  great crowds, great weather, and all accentuated by rushing water next to the hotel.   For those not familiar with the scene, it's something to behold.  Score of revelers descend on the patio of the hotel beginning around 10am.  They have pulled themselves from the river rafting excursion, and are hungry and thirsty: just what a restaurant wants.
By noon, the chance of getting a table is nil.  The grill is on at full capacity as the beer and burgers fly off the outdoor cooker.   Music is blaring in the air, and the sun-drenched patio offers respite from the rigors of summer fun. 
     Gil said his return home on I-80 was trouble free, hitting the Bay Area in 3 hours.  A great time was had by all.   This weekend will be the grand finale of Summer 2017.   Some schools begin next week for students and most teachers begin classroom meetings and staff orientation.   Seems like June was only yesterday.