The River Yuba tells its own story

The rounded, organic and smooth images are only found in the South Yuba. In the wake of the Gold Rush, hydraulic mining destroyed much of the natural terrain of the area, but the river gave us back a special gift in these serene rocks, tumbled and worn from the release of rushing gravel. This unusual wearing also allowed us a glimpse into the rich stories carved in the rocks for centuries, stories Chris says her "mind's eye" brings to life as she swims among and photographs the wondrous shapes.

Chris sees the the adaptation of the earth's skeleton grown more beautiful, etched from the wearing of unforeseen circumstance, a process and result not unlike the bones, flesh and spirit of human existence.

These snaps of the unique rock formations of the Yuba River were taken between 2008 and 2009, mostly in the late summer/early fall.