Carefully Calculated Spontaneity

By Mark Winkler

We’ve all had those magic moments that seem to arise out of nowhere- the perfect thing happens at just the perfect time and it turns into an all-time favorite experience, memory and story to tell. Well, we’re not here to say we don’t believe magic happens in Nevada County, let’s just say we like to prepare the space for magic to touch down. We’ve all had those magic moments that seem to arise out of nowhere- the perfect thing happens at just the perfect time and it turns into an all-time favorite experience, memory and story to tell. Well, we’re not here to say we don’t believe magic happens in Nevada County, let’s just say we like to prepare the space for magic to touch down. When the details are handled, the mundane dealt with and all concerns are put to rest, ah- that’s when pure pleasure really kicks in!

Be it your favorite weather, style of live music, comfort-zone lodging, tantalizing cuisine, nature thrill or learning experience, putting two-and-two together in advance is the most likely way to end up with even more than the four you thought you were in for. Nothing frees the mind like a well-planned adventure! Please give CCS (Carefully Calculated Spontaneity®) a try the next time you’re coming to visit. If you’ve lived here, have family and friends here or are on your eleventh vacation in Nevada County we may have to disqualify you. You’re likely to not need CCS- you probably have it down. This doesn’t mean you aren’t welcome to keep reading- after all we have established that miracles can happen so you still might learn something.

Laying the Groundwork

If you are in charge of CCS for this adventure, a quick personal assessment profile for each traveler in your group is key. If you are coming alone, it is OK to feel a bit smug at this point. Think about each person and determine what are “deal-breakers” and “have-to-have-its” for them. And how will you be sure to meet everyone’s needs? Luckily for you this is the information age! When you need advice, not only do you have us, but there is also great information available from our various chambers of commerce, parks and tourism centers and lodging purveyors. Travel websites abound and many of them include people’s descriptions of their experiences and favorite things to do (grain of salt: one opinion does not a truth make). 

With the right place to stay (need a certain ambiance or a pool for you-know-who?) and some highlight dinner reservations, you’ve set the cornerstone for a great and memorable visit. Don’t forget to check the calendar of events - there’s bound to be something to match your group’s needs and it’s one of the best ways to meet people. And people often end up being at least as memorable as places and things. If a paid-admission event is crucial to your visit, get tickets well in advance, as many productions sell out quickly. Also be sure to think weather and seasons - is your family happier with a Cornish Christmas or a Yuba River tan? You may have to decide to have both - frequent visits are encouraged! Another point: Does anyone get cranky over a certain pet peeve? If Dad gets out-of-sorts on a busy two-lane highway, we can steer him away from Hwy. 49 up from Auburn, weekdays in the late afternoon. We don’t want anyone to feel cranky.

Plan the Unplanned 

A final area that should not be overlooked is time to explore. A good prognosticator is wise enough to know that you shouldn’t try to plan, schedule and predict everything. So plan some great big gaps in the plan. Shrug your shoulders and suggest wandering around. Pick up a walking tour map and wander off course. Straggle into a restaurant you know nothing about just because you like their sign. Listen to a musician in the park, split up and meet back here at eleven. Deep breath, big stretch, I’m pretty sure that was a hummingbird- I’m going to follow it.

Mark Winkler is a long-time friend of Nevada County Gold who keeps insisting that his byline should read, "Norm DePlume." He is a former resident of Nevada County who now lives in Mendocino County (ingrate!). For that matter he is also a former resident of Butte County, Yavapai County and Humboldt County. He says he's not dissatisfied, just curious. His business card describes him as a "Cheaplance Writer" and as a "Jack of All Ceremonies, Master of Some." Mr. Winkler claims to be interested in all clarifications and corrections, be they factual, spiritual or otherwise. And he welcomes potential writing assignments, as long as they are not too hard. You may contact him via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by postcard at: 1280 Road M, Redwood Valley, CA, 95470.