Tuesdays in my Town - Lotus and the American River

Last night for Summer Solstice, my friends and I went to play at a park by the river and then dance at a roadhouse. I was telling them about my "Tuesdays in my Town" feature and they suggested I do this week's on the very place we were hanging out: Lotus!

So Lotus is a little town (hamlet?) neighboring Coloma where gold was first discovered in 1848. These are river towns; the South Fork of the American River runs right through on its wild and sprawling course. And a river place is a very special place. All summerlong, crazy stuff goes on in a river town...it's like a big wild rumpus in the water and the sun. With lots of beer.

Lotus Park (its real name is Heningsen Park) is a big green recreational area along the river just south of the big bridge. It's an easy place to jump in the water, although it is waaaaayyyyy icy cold right now: pure snow run off. Our picnic last night was held on the rolling grass of Lotus Park, and Lesley and the boys played soccer. It got dark quickly so I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few (we were trying on these crazy yellow sunglasses)

But most importantly; the RIVER ITSELF!

Here are some of my favorite old photos of times spent enjoying the river.

Next, another favorite place in Lotus.

Just up the road, the Coloma Club is probably the best roadhouse bar I've ever seen. 

I mean, look at it:

It is totally old-timey, all wooden and rickety and full of displays of old mining tools and hardware.
Plus, all summer long the beer is cold, the jukebox is singing, and the river guides and summer campers come crowding in to make it a lively scene.

hanging out for solstice last night.

 and summers past:

So much goes on in Lotus and I feel lucky to live by such a wonderful section of river. I'll be honest, there are other tucked-away hidden river spots that are much more perfect for swimming holes, but around Lotus you get the total riverry vibe, with campgrounds, kayaks, old busses carrying river rafts, teenagers and dogs and beer, just the whole river crowd.

I haven't even mentioned Marco's, the best little cafe and pub right next to Coloma Club that TOTALLY hits the spot after a day at the river. Maybe I'll save that for another post.

And there you have it folks, the makings for a perfect summer day in my town.