Late August 2012

This is usually the beginning of the best time on the slough.  It was a quiet weekend so I just thought I would share some of the beauty that we saw.

Georgiana Slough

Well, for those of you who know our history, Kathryn was very brave to come with us to a place we love so much but have had a bit of difficulties over the years.  Georgiana Slough is one of the most beautiful places on the delta.  

The Chart here shows our usual anchorage at Fig Island (Potato Slough) where the large 4 is located.

Georgiana winds around towards Walnut Grove and Locke.

The large 2 shows the best place to stop and take a swim - which we always do!!!

Our "special" spot

In Walnut Grove 

Back at Potato Slough

Fourth of July on the Delta 

I wanted to find some photographs of “Mandeville Madness” and provide some context for the Hilton Duck Club fireworks.   While I was looking for some older photographs of July 4th I found some really old delta pictures, maybe it’s the post-graduation reflection happening, but you’re gonna get a little look back

   

Yep – when we said the boys “grew up on the delta”, we aren’t kidding.

And a look back at Gosling and Fay Wray – two great old boats

And Mandeville

Since 1958, Barron Hilton has been hosting a fireworks show off Mandeville Tip near his duck club on Venice Island.  Boats begin to arrive at least two weeks ahead of time, some anchored at three river reach and rafted together  to create a floating city.  Its been estimated over the years that between 3,000 – 5,000 boats show up to have water fights and play while they wait for the main event. A good article here on Delta boating in July.  

And then there’s the fireworks.  On our boat, we have a warm up act, that usually includes my boys in kayaks paddling back and forth to light their own fireworks.

But then we get around to the real show – and when its taking place right above the boat – it's pretty amazing even after 16 years.

This week was a bit more mellow, lots of wildlife and alot of relaxing. 

Skipper going to the levee

Box Turtle

Horned Owl

And some fireworks ;-)

May 2012

Delta Season AT LAST ! 

We packed up and were ready to spend the night on the Petaluma River (high tide was at 6pm - normally WAY to late to cross San Pablo Bay in the houseboat).  When we approached the marina, the bay looked flat so we decided to ignore the "never leave on a Friday" rule and we left.  http://suite101.com/article/traditional-nautical-superstitions-a20834

We didn't get very far before we saw a sailboat in trouble so we hailed channel 16.

Helicopter approaching

Helicopter overhead

Pretty dramatic to see the Coast Guard helicopter overhead.  It was something right out of a movie.  It helped pass the time while we went over the bay, there were some swells but we made it across.

Just past Carquinez Bridge

Benicia Marina gas dock (after closing) 

It was a cold night but quieter than usual and we were up and out before the sun came up.  It was incredibly calm and we had an uneventful trip through Honker Bay.  We realized that it was possible that we might even get to the slough before noon.  The boat ran so smoothly, everything we did to build the boat ten years ago paid off.

We arrived and had no difficulty tying up to our tree.  There were very few boats out and we saw just about every kind of wild life the slough has to offer.  We saw the herons, ducks, and coots.  We also had visits from baby otters, harbor seals, and muskrats.  But the funniest thing was this little raccoon that seemed to be very disturbed to see a boat in front of his home.

do you see him? 

he's right here! 

 The slough seemed to know it was Brian's birthday weekend.  He caught more fish than he's caught in a long time!!!

one....

two .....

and three !!!

and at the Season kickoff Potluck, Brian got to show everyone Dove!!!!!