We always went to the Russian River for our family vacations back in the day. It used to be the place where mom and dad hung out in their younger days. I guess by the time I was born, the river had changed into a family place. Its funny the stuff you remember. The old cabins that we rented for the week were old and dusty, up small canyons away from the river. A cube of butter in an empty fridge, Tree swings outside, playing ball and going to the river. Bro Mike jumping off a bridge into the water and almost breaking his back because the water was so shallow. Canoe rides and the river boat rides. Frozen milkshake bars at the snack bar. The footbridge to the beach at Rio nido. In “town” there was a town square with a big bonfire pit and a second floor bandstand that looked out over the square. Dick Crest and his orchestra use to play there. 
At the end of his show he use to throw handfuls of candy into the crowd. Every kid in the place used to scramble to get the candy. I think I was a bit too young to partake in this but did do it at least once and remember getting scraped knees and little candy. My big brothers shared their loot with me. The after show bonfire seemed so huge! My first roasted marshmallow was at the Rio Nido bonfire. The hunt for a perfect roasting stick took place around the cabin the first day we were there. Here are a couple of pictures. Bro John helping me out of a canoe at the river, and little Jimmy laying on a raft. If the Flaherty boys ever get skin cancer it will be from these hot summer days at the river. Great times!
