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Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge consists of 75 first person narratives and more than 100 scenic photographs. Entries feature stories and photographs over 18 months on the river ~ two fall salmon runs, wildlife antics, the impact of 2017 winter floods on wildlife and habitat, spectacular sunrises and the 2017 solar eclipse.
Some narratives ask the question, “where are the…?“ and reflect on larger concerns of river and wildlife management. Other entries highlight the simple pleasures of being in this peaceful place.
As background on the setting and relationship of the bridge to its surroundings, the book opens with introductory pages describing nearby Fair Oaks Village, Fair Oaks Bluff, the American River Parkway and bridge history. Fair Oaks Bridge, an area icon, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. It was the first bridge built in the suburban area of Sacramento to cross the American River; and originally used by early farmer/residents to transport their produce to market by train via a spur line.
“Janice’s meanderings provide an observant slice of the many little elements that make up the parkway experience. She takes the time to slow down and catch the moods and rhythms of parkway inhabitants and muses on their interactions. Her queries and ponderings on the ways of river life give one pause to take a deeper look at life and explore its subtleties. One can easily be drawn in by her reflections as they offer a soothing yet intimate look at the river – a natural gem and identity of the Sacramento region.“
Bruce Forman, Naturalist, Sacramento