Strolling Reno’s Riverwalk
The sun was out, the Truckee was running the highest I’ve seen in years and there were lots of people strolling along the Truckee Riverwalk.
Last weekend, my wife, daughter and I decided to take a break from yard work and head to downtown Reno to enjoy the river. The incredible snowfall of the past winter is melting so there’s plenty of water running in the river, which winds through the center of the city.
In fact, the river is so high that the lowest steps on the West Street Plaza, behind the movie theaters, are underwater. We were fascinated watching how the ducks coped with the swiftly moving waters of the Truckee. A pair landed on the river, then fought mightily against the current as they swam to the opposite shore.
The kayakers, who never seem to be bothered by the weather and are on the river year-round, were practicing their maneuvers in the Whitewater Park area. As we leaned on the railing to watch the kayakers on the river, we listened to a young man with dreadlocks playing his drums. Nearby, a group of five young people kicked around a brightly-colored “hacky sack” footbag. A young woman bounced a tennis ball off a wall and her dog jumped into the river to catch it. Summer is almost here.
We crossed one of the wooden bridges that lead to Wingfield Park, passed the outdoor amphitheater and several folks sunbathing on the lawn, and continued to the south side of the river. We headed east on the Riverwalk, enjoying the sun, the river, the animal sculptures, and the small water features.
Ahead, we could hear piano music floating out of the Dreamer’s Coffeehouse. After grabbing a cup of coffee for my wife, we crossed the river at Virginia Street and looped back to our car. Our break was over. There was still yard work to be done.—Richard Moreno
