November 9, 2013
Merced River Recreation Area, Mariposa County

Wild and scenic is what the sign said. This autumn, the Merced River is better described as calm, even lazy.

Chris and I drove along the gravel road above the river until we came to a spot where we could easily access the water.  Carefully, we walked down the steep slope and spent a breezy Saturday afternoon along the banks of the wild and scenic Merced River.

Autumn colors surrounded us. Golden brown leaves hung loosely from branches and littered the ground.

Red plants grew in the water near the sandy shore.

Orange lichen spread prolifically over many of the granite boulders.

Wispy white clouds changed shape quickly in the blue sky.

We enjoyed cheese and crackers, a bottle of wine, and several spicy treats at the river’s edge.

At the end of the afternoon, we hiked uphill and back to the car leaving the wild and scenic river behind, filled with memories of an intimate afternoon.