Delta Trip Planning

[Monterey10]

I am contemplating another boat trip. It sounds interesting to get dropped off in Sacramento and cruise down stream to San Francisco. I might do it in reverse, but it seems the a boater would have an advantage going with the currents.

Has anyone done this trip and what would be the highlites from Sacramento down through the delta. I'm guessing we would have a week or two. What would be a good time frame? Certainly wouldn't want to rush it.

I'm familiar with the waters below Benicia. I'd probably visit marinas at Petaluma, Angel Island, Sausalito and South Beach. Up above is where I'll need the help.I imagine the nicest delta waters would be anchorages.

Thanks in advance. Craig and Vivian.

 

[Flutterby]

Craig, this time of year the downstream currents aren't much of a factor. However tidal influence is. So if you are going upstream try to travel on an incoming tide. You'll save fuel as well as time. Going downstream, of course, is just the opposite!

As you are approaching Sacramento, there are a few irrigation channels which are very nice. Currants move along even though they are "dead end" stream. At the upper end, there are pumps which move the water from [I don't know where] to and through the stream and finally into the Sac River. These streams may not show on a chart or map. they are about 20 ft deep and often have lots of trees and other growth along the banks. I was able anchor in the shade, a big advantage during the hot Sacramento summer! This can be a lot of fun if you are the adventurous kind. Traversing at idle speed is recommended.

 

[deltabighat]

I have made that trip many times and it is a great cruise. I have even made most of it one day which is not the best choice if you have some time to kill. Coming from the bay, once you get to Rio Vista the fun begins. Between Rio Vista and Sacramento there are numerous marinas, resturaunts and other attractins to see in addition to the beauty of it all. Some of the must "sees" in my opinion are Fosters Big Horn Bar and resturaunt in Rio Vista, a stop and stroll around old Isleton, a stop for lunch at the Ryde Hotel up a little further on the Sacramento, a tour of Walnut Grove with a huge must see being Al the Wops in Locke, just a quarter mile north of Walnut Grove on the east bank, Guistis Resturant up on the Mokelumne, and old town Sacramento which has some very nice guest docks. There are also some great bars and resturaunts in the Sacramento area with good guest docking. Have fun and let us know how it went.

DBH

 

[Flutterby]

" a stop for lunch at the Ryde Hotel up a little further on the Sacramento,"

Unfortunately, they only serve Sunday Brunch now. I believe they also do private parties such as wedding receptions, but they are not open to the public except on Sundays.

http://www.rydehotel.com/