Jenner

Panorama shot, four pictures stitched together, taken from the deck of the inn. To the left, the low hills whence the Russian River rises; to the right, the sea.

Less than two centuries ago this country was known only to the Pomo and the Miwok. Then the Russians built a log fort and gathered otter pelts. The Spaniards built missions and gathered Indians. A lot of land separated them, and this river, and so the river got its name.

It runs through an unspectacular but peaceful country. The sea air holds its breath as the sun sinks gently into bed.

Where river meets sea ...

... we look at sea lions ...

... and they look at us.

Down the road are reminders that this coast is young, and every storm carves its name in the earth.