What is the significance of the peaceful scene by the river in contrast to the trouble that George and Lennie have left behind in Weed? Of Mice and Men

At the beginning of the novella, George and Lennie camp out on the banks of the peaceful Salinas River, where they enjoy the pristine, tranquil atmosphere. The natural environment of the riverbank is a calm, serene setting that George and Lennie enjoy after their turbulent time spent in Weed. George mentions to Lennie in the first chapter that they were chased out of Weed and forced to flee. Weed is depicted as a dangerous, stressful environment, and both characters are fortunate to narrowly escape Weed without being arrested. The peaceful scene by the river symbolically represents freedom and is a place outside of the brutal constraints of society, where George and Lennie can relax and feel comfortable.
On the riverbank, George and Lennie daydream about owning an estate where they can grow vegetables, work whenever they please, and where Lennie can take care of his rabbits. The tranquil riverbank is also a safe location, where George and Lennie do not have to worry about upset workers seeking revenge or malicious policemen trying to arrest them. George proceeds to warn Lennie that if there is any trouble during their next job, he should meet him at the riverbank. Towards the end of the novella, Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife and hides out by the riverbank. Fortunately, George has time to meet up with Lennie by the Salinas River and end Lennie's life peacefully before Curley's lynch mob can brutally murder him.