10/08 - 10/10 - Lake Shasta Gathering

We'd like to welcome Bill Tower of Roseville, California, with his new 22 ft Cruiser to the Lake Shasta group. Hope you're enjoying your new boat, Bill. We'll look forward to meeting you in person in October. Do you have any questions about the get-together or your new boat that we could help you with? Welcome aboard!!! Joe and the gang.
 
Looks like the crew from the Lynn Marie isn't going to make the Lake Shasta trip this year. Judy has wanted to go back up to the lodge in Canada where I go trout fishing with a bunch of guys every spring and this year several other couples are going to make the trip. We're looking forward to the other type of boating that involves a row boat, oars. and a fly rod not to mention 70 degree days and frosty high 20 degree nights with a fire in the wood stove.

After my trip back from the Blakely Island gathering I don't feel quite so bad about this since I was lucky enough to run into Les. As we were strapping down the boat at the ramp early Friday morning he pulled up with some folks to sea trial a boat and only had a minute to say hello and again apologize for having to cancel a trip to Cannon Beach to use our guest house for an anniversary getaway for he and his wife Shelly. To many boats to get ready for the likes of us to get out on the water with. After we got the boat ready to travel we stopped off at E.Q. for some spare parts and talked with Kathy, Les's partner. She said they had been putting in 65 plus hour weeks and were still short handed. Guess it's hard to find enough good help when your located where they are and you won't just settle for a couple of warm bodies. Bottom line is they both looked over worked and could really use a chance to get away from all that running a small marine business has involved.

After leaving Coronet Bay Judy and I talked about our change of plans and felt we had made the right decission about Canada. Lake Shasta and the houseboat getaway for the crew at E.Q. has been an annual thing for those folks to leave the phones, leave the inguireies, leave the boats, and just go hide on the lake with their families and dogs and so one less C-Dory running around their vacation didn't seem like such a bad thing to us.
Maybe a different time we'll be able to make it to a gathering that involves going south

Tim and Judy
 
Tim,

Sure sorry that I missed both you and Judy, Mike and Kay this time around. Had a family problem that was high priority and messed up my schedule. Next time!!

Dusty (Les Sr.)
 
I don't know if this travel tip has been previously mentioned. I've been using the traveled portion between Eugene, OR and Klamath Falls. I like it because there is less traffic, good roads, and supposed to be shorter.

A retired friend of mine (old truck driver) suggested this route when traveling to locations north of Eugene and south of Weed CA. He tells me that truck drivers detour from I-5 at Weed and follow SR-97 thru Klamath Falls and north to Route 58 then over the hill to Eugene and North I-5 from there, or vis-a-vis. This may save some miles or at best your sanity for not having to deal with traffic through all the twist and turns on I-5 south of Eugene and the Siskiyou's. :wink:

Please keep this quiet - the least traffic, the better it is!

I finally did the actual numbers and it turns out that the route from Eugene through K-Fall's to Weed is 240 miles versus

Eugene straight through to Weed on I-5 is 236 miles.

I'll take through K-Falls for lite traffic & good roads.


Bill
 
C-Bill":o9lap200 said:
I like it because there is less traffic, good roads, and supposed to be shorter.
Interesting...I think I'll try that next time, thanks for the tip.

RE distance - looking at a map, it looks a little shorter. However, I just plugged it into my Garmin routing software, it calculated the distances as being identical - 239 miles.

Aside from missing the hills, this probably also helps avoid traffic around the southern Oregon cities on I-5. Usually, they're not a problem, but I've been slowed up a bit when going through them at commute times.
 
I've taken that route several times. It may be shorter (slightly) but I don't think it is any quicker. The speed limit on the Oregon portion of the road is 55, not that anyone goes 55. The benefit of going thru K.Falls is there is less hills to deal with. Thats a big plus when pulling a trailer.
 
I usually make that run with the trucks @ around 65 mph. My trucker co-pilot sez they usually don't bother you at that speed. Anyway, it's a nice drive with the trailer in tow. Avoid those tire treads truckers leave behind, as they can do some real serious damage.

Bill

PS - I just came thru K Falls the night before last and the bug hatch was terrible just north of town. I don't hear well, but my wife said it sounded like it was raining hard! Take some window cleaning stuff!! :wink:
 
C-Bill":32myf50f said:
Has Lake Shasta dried up yet? How's the launch ramp look.
I was wondering about this as well...looked really low when I went by last week, but I don't know what "normal" is for this time of year.

RE the 97 shortcut - I took it both ways on my Langley trip. I like it for towing, but here's a tip - don't trust your GPS, head over to Eugene on 58. My GPS told me to keep heading north, and cut over at Salem. Beautiful drive, but much farther and slower, and you gain all the hills back.

Fortunately, that was on the way up, and I hadn't picked up the boat yet. On the way back, I cut over on 58 and all was fine. However, keep an eye out for those speed zones on 58 - I missed one, and a trooper whipped around and pulled me over for going 60 in a 45. Couldn't believe it...he let this Californian go with a warning...must have been the purdy boat. :lol:
 
C-Bill Asked:


Has Lake Shasta dried up yet? How's the launch ramp look. (?)

The lake is down almost 90 feet from the full level, about 40 feet lower than this time last year. It's going down about half a foot each day, so should drop another 15 feet to 105 or so feet down by the October 8-10th gathering. This makes the treaks down to the marinas on foot a bit strenuous, but usually we just drive down to lower parking areas by the ramps and docks.

This leaves a lot of shoreline exposed, but the length of the arms of the lake and the sheer size of the place leaves much room to explore and cruise, especially now that school has started and the rush and crush of Labor Day is ending the busy season. The lower water level makes for some muddy shores here and there, but they'll scratch your boat bottom a lot less than the rocky ones more abundant at high water. We will be able to find areas of fine to course gravel to beach the boats as needed, but again, bring a section of old carpet to land your boat on if you have a "sensitive bottom". :moon

Currently the water temperature is 79-82 degrees, and the thermocline is down about 6-8 ft, so the water should be just about that warm in a month or so. By then our daytime temperatures should be down in the lower to mid 80's and the nights in the 55-60 range. Except for the "bathtub ring" of exposed shoreline, it's probably the most pleasant time of the year to camp out on the lake. Sure beats the summer's scorching days in the 100's.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and hope you can all make it as planned. We'll review the food and cruise plans in the next few weeks as the date grows nearer. Is there anyone else interested in this fall cruise? Joe.
 
A question to those who have made the hi-way 97 "route".....We pull a heavy trailer down to the bay area 1 to 3 times a year and have heard about this route, but we have never taken it. How much of 97 is 2 lanes in each direction, and how much of it is divided? We can only pull about 45mph on some of the long grades on I-5, but I have to say that after seeing the results of mutiple semi runaways in the Siskiyous, I spend some energy bitting my nails on the descents, wondering what might be coming up behind us. :shock: A less intense route would be welcome. Thanks for any infor. Robbi
 
C-Run
I've pulled a heavy trailer down to CA and back a few times. The 97 Rt. is a better way to go. Less hills, less traffic. It is two lane most of the way and 55 mph until you get to CA. As for me, 55 is about all my old truck will do pulling the boat. :cry

Sea Wolf
We would like to make the Lake Shasta gathering. I have a brother in Sacramento I hope will come up and stay for the weekend. Since four adults is a tight fit for sleeping on a 22' cruiser, we will be looking for a camp site to pitch a tent. Can you recommend a spot?
This is still contingent on getting the time off work. :sad
 
Terry- There are campgrounds all over the lake, with picnic tables and outdoor toilets, etc. There are also a few floating "SS Relief" stations placed strategically at major crossing points as well.

Because of the changing water level situation, where we will exactly camp/rendezvous may not be determinable until the lake reaches whatever water level it does by October 8th-10. However, the traffic levels at that time of year are such that finding campsites or simply making our/your own at a convenient shore are no problem.

You can still look at the types of facilities provided for guidance, however. I just tried the U. S. Forrest Service's Campground Reservation Service Provider and got a "not found" response!

You and anyone else who want information on camping can send me your address through the Private Mail service on this website, and I'll get brochures from the Visitor's Center and send it to you as well as find out what's up with their down website.

Looking forward to a great weekend in October with our C-Brat friends!!! Joe.
 
Speaking of 97, there's a neat little vista point not too far north of Weed - snapped up the following photo there on my way back.

aaa.sized.jpg
 
Bill...

Very nice picture. Sorry to hear about your GPS. I thought those things never missed :shock: ! I'll stick with my trusty old map.

A tip: I like running with the truckers at night. I linger back far enough so as not to be a part of that Trooper stuff. The old diesel really pulls that C-Dory nice in the cool night air. Traffic is usually light except for the truck traffic. Also, that solunar table works for more than fish. It is also a good indicator as to when the deer will be active. Naturally, it isn't absolute, but test it with cattle. If its good fishing, its also time for all cattle to be up feeding and not laying around.

Thanks Sea Wolf.

See ya at Shasta!

Bill
 
Steve- Start by reading the first six pages of this thread where we've already done the preliminary discussion and planning. I'll be summarizing the plans so far and asking if there are any additions or changes necessary to the events scheduled so far. I just got done writing a 1 1/2 hour response to a question about mooring and need a little break, but should be able to do that today. Be sure click on and sign up on the list at the top of the home page! Welcome Aboard!!! Joe.
 
Lake Shasta Gathering-Summary and Checklist

As promised, I'm going to summarize what we've planned for the Lake Shasta get-together so as to have everybody check out the details and be sure the plan is agreeable and workable. While I have read over all the posts above and my PM (Private Messages), some details may be missing or in need of correction. Let me know and I will correct what follows so that it can be used as a guide for all.

First of all, the lake is currently 96 feet down, but very usable.
The big inconvenience is walking from the full lake level parking lots down to the marina, although you can park on the island that has emerged in the middle of the Bridge Bay Resort area and eliminate most of the climbing. There's still a lot of water left in the lake, with the main body still very big, wide, and the arms still 20 miles long. The water temperature is currently 72 degrees, suitably warm for swimming. To view the lake's current condition, see my album at the left for pictures.

Secondly, as Pat Anderson has said above a few pages back in regard to these gathering formats, it is best to leave them somewhat informal and allow for a lot of individual choices. With that in mind, we can review our plans.

The basic dates are for Friday-Sunday, Oct 8-10. The E.Q. Gang, Less, Shelly, Kathy and Bill are renting a Stargazer houseboat from Jones Valley Resort for the week of Oct. 3-10, and will be in attendance over the weekend. Bill and Dana with Da Nag in tow will Friday night or Saturday morning from Sequim. I'll be around during the week, and will be looking for a good beach site for a BBQ dinner for Saturday night, among other things.

Other attendees will include: Imacunada, C-Bill, Nancy H, and seabran. I will assume we'll see most of you Friday night or Saturday morning.

Friday night we'll have dinner at 7 pm at the Bridge Bay Resort Restaurant, The Whale's Tale, for those who are interested. Please let me know if you'll be eating with us so that I can make the appropriate reservations. Dinners run about $12-$20. So far we have-

Sea Wolf- Joe and Cathy
C-Bill- Bill Ferking
Bill and Dana, tentative (no problem if unable to make it Friday night!)

Marina slips may be rented for $20 a night and include covered slips, bathrooms, showers, and limited shore power (bring a long extension cord), etc. The resort has a store, gas dock, snack bar, the restaurant, a motel, swimming pool, and boat and houseboat rentals. The slip fee includes boat launching and trailer parking, which is otherwise $10/day. I have the following slip reservations:

C-Bill Friday and Saturday

Nancy H Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Campground reservations can be made at 1-887-444-6777 or

www.shastalakecamping.com

However, please be aware that shore camping doesn't require a permit, and most of the facilities are fairly empty at this time of year and available on a first come basis. . It's also a long way up to the campgrounds and "facilities". Some of the campgrounds are already closed for the year.

Here's what I would consider a better idea for camping:

I'd bring my boat, camp on shore, and bring any of the following I thought were necessary in addition to those facilities on my boat---a portable table, BBQ, tent, chairs, etc. Shore camping is free and no camping permit is required. Bring an old piece of carpet to cushion your hull against the course sand. You may also want to bring some long lines and even a stake or two and hammer to secure the boat, although unless a storm blows in, the wind at night is usually very light. I plan on either going back to the marina during the week or sleeping at anchor during the night, another option.

YOU WILL NEED A CAMPFIRE PERMIT wherever you build one. I'll get one for Saturday night that will cover the BBQ. If you'll be camping out on your own, pick one up at the Visitor's Center or the Forrest Service Office off Wonderland Blvd. on the East side of !-5 about 3 miles south of the Bridge Bay turnoff. The locations are on the frontage road to the east and south side of the Wonderland Blvd Exit. The ranger Station address is 14225 Holiday (frontage) Rd., and the Visitor's Center is across the street facing the freeway. Hours for both are 8 am to 4:30 pm. The cost is free.

Saturday morning and early afternoon are open to cruising and for touring the lake.

Shasta Lake Caverns, about two miles up the McCloud Arm of the lake, offers tours of the majestic limestone caverns. They have a dock on the east side of the lake under the "Grey Rocks", where you can tie up your boat and go on the tour. A bus takes you about 500 hundred feet in elevation up the mountain where you enter the caverns with your tour guide. They feature water made formations of stalactites and stalagmites and underground streams magnificent as the famous Carlsbad Caverns. They are lighted, and walking shoes (not sandals) are recommended. It's a constant 72 degrees inside the caverns year-round, so a light jacket or long pants may be advisable. The tour takes about 2 hours. I feel this would be a fun experience together with our C-Dory friends. Tours start at 10am, and 12pm. The cost is $18 for adults and $9 for children under 12. Bring your camera! Check it out at

www.lakeshastacaverns.com

Saturday afternoon about 2 o'clock and later we'll get together for a social followed by a BBQ at about 5 pm. We'll announce just where this will be Friday night, as the changing lake level will not allow us to pick out the best beach location until the week of the gathering.

Bring your own drinks, snacks, and chairs to the afternoon affair. We'll start the BBQ about 4:30 or so and try to have dinner between 5-6 with the idea that we will dry to finish up most activities by about 7:30 or so in order that those who have to travel back to the marina can do so before dark, as the lake lacks lighted landmarks at night and can be difficult to find your way about. The moon is new on the 14th, so won't be much help, either.

For the BBQ, I'll bring a 30 x 50 inch stainless grill and 40 lbs of charcoal, which will serve as a basis for a campfire afterward. We'll add some driftwood for light, flames, and sparking embers.

Bring your own meat to BBQ, and a dish to share, potluck style. If you'll PM me a line, I'll add your name to the following so that we can balance the menu out reasonably:

Drinks----- BYOB and soft drinks

Snacks---- Bring something for yourselves and to share.

Meat C-Bill is bringing fresh yellowtail and tuna to share.Sea
Wolf will bring steaks for all.

Salad---- Volunteer: _________________________


Vegetable--- Volunteer: _________________________


Dessert--- Volunteer: C-Bill will bring a couple of dozen cookies




Sunday morning we will let informal structure rule, with an 11 o'clock check out time from the marina and considering that some folks have to leave fairly for the trip home.


PM me or respond here and I'll make corrections and add names in to keep this plan up to date and accurate. Thanks, Joe.
 
TOPKICK will bring dessert, TOPKICK and Bill Tower are the same boat., we will arrive Friday afternoon.
Looking forward to our first outing with the C-Brats.

Bill & Elfie
TOPKICK
 
Sea Wolf":gig3zzxw said:
Bill and Dana with Da Nag in tow will arrive Tuesday or Wednesday from Sequim.
Plans have changed a bit for us...we'll be staying up in WA for most of the week after Sequim. We're still semi-seriously looking at property up there, and also want to spend a couple days in Victoria.

We'll probably be at Shasta early Saturday morning, but we might make it by Friday night - depends on when we leave WA, and how much driving Dana G will let me get away with. I'm one of those "drive for hours" kinda guys - she likes to keep the trip legs shorter.

Joe - don't toss our names in for the Friday night reservation, but if we make it in time, we'll crash the party if there's room. Do you have a cell number you can PM me with? If not, I'll call the restaraunt if it looks like we might be able to make it, and see if there's additional room.

You can sign us up for a dessert for Saturday night.

Thanks!
 
Back
Top