July 4th - no where else I'd rather be than here!

Another Hot Hot Fourth - spent mostly in the water

Chatting up the neighbors,

kept us all busy most of the weekend

meeting new friends

Rafting up

The LAF at work

planning a rescue

All part of the regular Fourth of July activities at the slough!!!

A Very Beautiful Weekend

Erik and Maya joined us for a three day weekend at the Delta.  There was so much to show, and Erik started almost immediately.

A beautiful Sunset but there was still work to be done, setting up the tent on the roof

Ready to go first thing in the morning.  We untied from Fig Island, and after a brief stop at Korths, we were off to Georgiana

And a quick dip in the kayak at our favorite lunchtime spot

And on the way home again - back to Potato Slough

The long trip back - after a two year break

So Excited to get back to Potato Slough, I couldn't sleep.  We were at the dock a bit late but quickly got going out of Port Sonoma.  San Pablo Bay was deceptively calm for a few markers - then we surfed little white caps all across until we saw the C&H factory.

After that it was time for my nap and Brian took care of the rest of the driving.  This is one of many dozen photos of all the ships as we made our way to the delta.

And the usual, lazy seal 

We made great time and were all tied up in time to meet the beautiful wild life of the slough.

Herons, turtles, beavers, coots were all there to enjoy the weekend and we watched a wonderful swimming lesson that a mother duck was giving her babies.

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 ;-)