The autumn view on Shasta View Drive
Late summer sunset, where the river runs through Redding
Here’s a soothing flight overlooking the Sacramento River as it passes through Redding California on its way to the sea. The devastating Park Fire rages into the fragile and crucial Mill Creek drainage of the norther Sierra. One of the few remaining un-dammed Salmon runs for protected spring run fish. Truly awful events taking place to the east provide a a golden and smoky light to Redding. Pretty, but deadly.
Video capture and editing by Skip Murphy. Soundtrack by me and Craig Padilla.
Timelapse sunrise over Redding CA 4/12/2024 – 5 seconds long.
Did this TL yesterday. Turned out nice.
While 5 seconds may be my attention span lately, bear in mind that this took a lot longer to shoot and edit. I shot a frame every 10 seconds and you see it here at 24 frames per second. So, roughly 128 shots taken over 20 minutes or so. Took about an hour to edit it to what you see here. Makes you appreciate those really long timelapses you see some artists do.
Glowing Wild at Turtle Bay
Here are a few images I captured of the Glowing Wild exhibit at the McConnell Arboretum at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.
New Courthouse in Redding is about to open
I see the new courthouse in Redding is finally set to open. I captured this aerial footage of it under construction in the fall of 2022. The scene starts across the street at the old courthouse, dressed in beautiful fall colors, and then (takes too long) to circle the new structure. Worth a view, if you haven’t seen it elsewhere on social media.
Redding projected as #1 for real estate appreciation by Core Logic
Rare (read: Never) is it that I re-post anything here from our local paper, which is often very negative about my favorite city. If it bleeds, it leads. But this article really caught my attention. People are starting to notice that Redding is actually a pretty nice place to live:
Redding’s Garden of Lights 2023
A quick aerial overview of Redding’s Garden of Lights from 2023. Music excerpt “Live illusions” by Craig Padilla and Skip Murphy from the CD “Analog Destination,” recorded in Redding California in 2008, courtesy of of Groove Unlimited NL. Thank you again this year, Redding! #thisisredding, #gardenoflights, #craigpadilla
Where can you see the real night sky near Redding?
Light pollution. That sounds ugly, but that’s what it is. For many places on the modern earth, the night sky is not filled with stars. Fortunately, nearby to Redding you can see the Milky Way and other wonders of celestial majesty with the clarity more familiar to our immediate ancestors.
This segment of map comes from here: Light Pollution Map
Local dark sky enthusiasts head west to the Whiskeytown Visitor Center parking lot for quick access. But it looks like a camping trip to Old Station in the east might be best. Just a bit further. I’ve seen several fantastic Milky Way shots with Mt Lassen in the image, so evidently that’s a good choice as well. Check out the amazing work of local photographer Cory Poole for a 2024 Calendar of jaw dropping images like this:
Makes great Christmas gifts!!!
It’s Really Redding.
The Sacramento River runs through Redding
I shot this view of Redding one Summer day in 2023. The extent to which Redding is shaped and defined by the gorgeous Sacramento River is clear. Musical backdrop by Craig Padilla and Skip Murphy.
Click the image below to enlarge:
The Sacramento River is a major river in Northern California, USA. It is one of the most significant rivers in the state and plays a vital role in the region’s geography, ecology, and economy:
Location and Length:
The Sacramento River flows through Northern California, originating in the Klamath Mountains in the northern part of the state.
It flows south for approximately 400 miles (640 kilometers) before emptying into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and eventually the San Francisco Bay.
Watershed:
The Sacramento River watershed is extensive, covering a large portion of Northern California. It encompasses an area of approximately 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers).
The river and its tributaries drain water from various mountain ranges, including the Klamath Mountains, Cascade Range, and the Sierra Nevada.
Importance:
The Sacramento River is of great ecological and economic importance. It provides freshwater to support a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, riparian zones, and estuaries.
It’s a vital water source for agriculture in the Sacramento Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in California.
Wildlife and Fisheries:
The river is home to diverse wildlife, including various fish species such as salmon, steelhead trout, and sturgeon.
It is known for its historic salmon runs, which were once prolific but have been impacted by dams and water management practices.
Dams and Reservoirs:
Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the Sacramento River and its tributaries for flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
Shasta Dam, located on the upper Sacramento River, is one of the largest dams in California and forms Shasta Lake, a major reservoir.
Recreation:
The Sacramento River offers numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Its scenic beauty and tranquil waters attract outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.
Conservation Efforts:
Conservation efforts have been undertaken to restore and protect the Sacramento River ecosystem, particularly the salmon populations. Various initiatives aim to improve fish passage, water quality, and habitat restoration.
Delta and Estuary:
The Sacramento River’s delta, where it meets the San Joaquin River, forms a vast and complex estuary known as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This delta is a critical habitat for many species and is a hub for water conveyance in California.
Historical Significance:
The Sacramento River has historical significance, particularly noted during the California Gold Rush era of the mid-1800s when it played a significant role in transporting people and goods to the goldfields. Prior to that, the banks of this verdant lifeline was populated with indigenous people. Here in Redding, those were the Wintu people.
Overall, the Sacramento River is a vital natural resource in California, serving as a source of water, supporting ecosystems, and contributing to the state’s agricultural and recreational activities. Efforts to manage and preserve the river’s health and sustainability remain a priority for the region.