People float down the Russian River June 28 in a variety of vessels. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Water is the way to escape hot temperatures.

An inner tube and the Russian River were the logical solution while in Sonoma County at the end of June.

It’s amazing how floating can be so relaxing. In some ways it’s like being transported to a different world.

The sides of the river are mostly lush, with dense foliage. Birds and the laughter of people are the predominate sounds. An egret thought it had a spot to itself until a couple dogs chased it to a tree on the other side.

A flock of ducks takes over a log on the Russian River. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

All sorts of human-powered watercraft were in use. Some people had dogs with them, others were traveling in groups. Some were in the water hanging on to a floaty, one person was lying in a raft with only a foot and hat visible, some paddled, some let Mother Nature be in charge.

Luckily, we were floating on a Friday, so it really didn’t seem crowded except on the beaches.

Fortunately, Sue has two inflatable water devices. She also had paddles. This was a good thing. The current had a way of taking us toward the shore and into the foliage. Then there was one spot just past the Forestville Bridge where the breeze was pushing us in the opposite direction. No exaggeration. We were going upstream.

I got into her two-person raft (I had been solo in an inner tube), which allowed us to combine our muscle power to get past this spot.

An egret watches the people go by. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Sonoma County Regional Parks says, “It takes about five minutes to drive from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach but four and a half hours to float that distance.”

We left a vehicle at Sunset Beach and started at Steelhead Beach. Shuttles are available for a small fee on weekends. Rental companies can also supply you with the necessary equipment as well as do the driving.

Rivers and other bodies of water are still chilly in so many locations in California; and alcohol and sun only contribute to diminishing common sense. Be careful out there; already this season four people have drowned on the Russian River, with the river claiming 31 lives since 2019.