The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...

[JamesTXSD]

After a night at the Rio Vista Delta Marina, we visited with our new C-Brat friends and then 8 of us walked into town for breakfast. Rio Vista is a pleasant small town with well-kept houses along the river, leading to the downtown area. As you'd expect, it takes a while for 8 people to eat out... but the food was good and the conversation lively. We enjoyed the walk back to the boats in bright sunshine, but still cool enough to need a jacket.

There is an old pilot saying about bathrooms and runways... we took the opportunity to pump out before the group shoved off. And then it was 8 C-Dorys heading out into the Sacremento River. With tide, current and wind, we headed west into the lumpy water. The windshield wipers got a good workout, but the group speed was kept low enough to keep the ride comfortable... well, except for our friends on Discovery (who could cruise comfortably at twice what most of the rest of us were doing).

When we neared the Duck Club, Jim on Pounder suggested that the bigger boats go in first, since rafting up would be necessary. Discovery and Wild Blue went in first... the current and wind at the dock made for an interesting arrival. We tied off our boats, moved a club boat forward to make room for the others, and then radioed to bring the boats in one-by-one. We caught docklines for each boat and began stacking them in... with each boat secured, the dock-crew grew. John and Robin on Dinner Belle II joined up with us at the club, so we were now 9 boats.



The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the island (Molly got her first ride on a 4-wheeler); some fished; lots of visiting. The Duck Club is an interesting place with history that goes back to the 1920s - truly unique. Grills were rolled into place, and Jim (Pounder) set about making steaks and chicken for this hungry crew - absolutely delicious. He and Kathy gave out gifts to the participants (mugs and bandanas with the cruise info on them - nice!). And, of course, lots more conversation. It has been a real treat getting to know more C-Brats.

We are told that each day of this cruise will present a different perspective of the Delta area... and day one has been great. Most of the other participants have done this cruise before; and all have made us feel very welcome.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[C-Hawk]

Jim,
Thanks for the update. Wish we could have made time for the trip again this year. Love the Duck Club- it is truly a great place.
Ya'll have fun now, ya hear.

 

[dotnmarty]

Jim-Wonderful, just wonderful. I hope, when the movie comes out, your part is played by Albert Brooks.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Thursday, May 17th. After a great breakfast, we departed the Duck Club on Wheeler Island at 9:30. It was windy and lumpy... Wild Blue was the first one out of the chute, heading for the main channel. We took our time while the other boats came out one-by-one, and then it was on towards Benecia. In a covert operation, Islander inserted Natalie at the Benecia Harbor, but managed to keep the cookies. 8)

Things lumped up even more as we went through a narrow area before San Pablo Bay, and then eased off again. The group of 7 C-Dorys turned to the northwest towards the Petaluma River. Just under the bridge at the mouth of the river, we stopped for lunch and to wait for Pounder and Dinner Belle II (who had stayed behind to close up the Duck Club).


Wild Blue and Discovery rafted up for lunch.

When the other two boats arrived, the nine C-Dorys made their way up the river. We had a reservation for a bridge opening (need a 4 hour in advance reservation) at 3:00, and arrived there around 2:30. I gave the bridge tender a call to see if we could get through early - he said he was enroute and could get there by 2:50. Most of us dropped the anchor to wait.



When the bridge opened, the group made it into the Petaluma Turning Basin, the first time that this destination has been reached in the 5 years of this cruise. We pulled up to the docks, secured the boats, and set out to see what Petaluma had to offer the traveling boater. A group of us walked to the Visitors Center and then set out on a walking tour of the old town part of Petaluma. Along the way, we scoped out restaurants for later.



Back at the boats, folks gathered on the dock. One group wanted Irish food for supper, another Italian. We led the group to the restaurant, called them on the way, and they had a table for 12 ready for us when we arrived. Drinks were being served when there was a commotion and an obvious problem. Our waitress dropped the drinks and ran to the next room. When another called for an ambulance, I went to the next room to see if there was anything that could be done. The woman was on the floor... I checked to see that she was conscious and breathing, and was told they thought she had an epileptic seizure. There were enough folks around who were close to her, EMTs were on the way, there was nothing more to do. I went back to the table, assuming our meal plans would be cut short... but after the EMTs arrived, the rest of the restaurant staff stepped up and took good care of our group.

The food was great, and while the mood was somewhat subdued, it was still a very nice time. The 12 of us walked back to the boat through the old town section. I may have to go back to the shop to get this sign (they were closed)...



We've all had days like that, huh? :wink: Not today, though.

We are getting spoiled by marinas, electricity, and easy access to good restaurants.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[JamesTXSD]

A short note before we head out for supper - we are in Sausalito in yet another marina. San Pablo Bay was nearly flat as we came out the Pentaluma River. The first view of the Golden Gate Bridge was rather breath-taking as we came around the point. A Coast Guard helicoptor did a close fly-by on our line of 9 C-Dorys as we motored by Angel Island... don't think we looked like terrorists and we did get a friendly wave as they passed. Took a nice long walk through Sausalito this afternoon. I'll try to get some photos posted this evening.

Best wishes,
Jim

 

[JamesTXSD]

Friday, May 18th. We had a reservation for an 8:00 bridge opening. People started shoving off at 7:50; we waited until we heard the bridge signal before we left the dock. It was a pretty morning, with the sun doing its best to burn off a light fog.





We cruised down the river and back into the San Pablo Bay... this time with the water nearly calm. As we made our way into San Francisco Bay, the water lumped up a bit; still, it was delightful cruising.

In the distance, we could see the skyline of San Francisco, rising up out of the bay. Coming around Angel Island, we got our first view of the Golden Gate Bridge.





The nine C-Dorys made their way into one of the marinas in Sausalito and tied off.



After getting registered at the marina office, we came back to our boats for an impromptu potluck lunch on the dock.



Seven of us took off on foot to see the sights in Sausalito; we walked several miles, down the main drag and along the waterfront. Sausalito is an interesting town, built up on the side of the hill. The population is relatively fixed - there is no more room to build. We stopped at the Visitors Center, window shopped, stopped for ice cream, and enjoyed the architecture.



We were not the only tourists - foreign languages were heard every few steps.

The group formulated at plan for supper at the nearby Sausalito Cruising Club. We were delighted to find reasonable prices and live music. The food was good, the band outstanding. The female lead singer gave me goose-bumps with her renditions of covers and originals. It was a truly great evening.

Oh, Dixie wanted to know why she was more affected by the three margaritas she had with supper compared to Joan. I tried to explain "building a tolerance", but by then she was singing and dancing her way back to the boat. 8)

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Saturday, May 19th. It was a lovely morning at Sausalito... a hazy sun slowly lit up the marina.





We walked to the showers - some of the nicest we've seen in a marina. Then time for some catwalking on the docks



After breakfast, there was a buzz on the docks amongst the owners while a plan for the day was formulated... some wanted to go to Angel Island, a couple of us wanted to head under the Golden Gate Bridge, tour along the San Francisco waterfront, and then on to the marina.

The view of the Golden Gate, rounding the point from Sausalito...



Discovery under the Golden Gate...



Discovery and Dora-Jean...



Under the Golden Gate...



After circling Alcatraz, we turned back towards the bridge to cruise along the city.



Discovery led the way; channel 68 was abuzz with conversation, and they missed my comment about all the sailboats and the race turning marks. Our two boats slipped in and out amongst the race participants. :shock: We caused no one any harm, but several of the racers thought we were #1... which we could see by their raised single digit. 8)

The city skyline from the water is magnificent... here's the view from just under the Bay Bridge.





We worked our boats towards Pier 40 and into our assigned slips. After tying off, it was to the office (almost a half mile away) to register... and I needed a 50-to-30 amp pigtail... for only a $250 deposit. When I got back to my slip, I found that I had the WRONG pigtail ... and got to make that long walk again. The lady at the harbor master's office said, "Yeah, that happens a lot." My response: "Perhaps you could get rid of that pigtail that doesn't fit your electrical hookups?" :crook

With the boats hooked up, we walked towards the Fishermen's Wharf. Then hopped on a cable car for a ride to Nob Hill. We toured the Grace Cathedral, then the Fairmont Hotel lobby, then on to the wharf area.











We made the walk to Ghiradelli, where a wine festival was in progress - and huge crowds. We toured around, picked up one of the four basic food groups (chocolate) and made our way back to the wharf. The crowds were huge, so after picking up some fresh sourdough bread, we decided to head back to the public transportation. The Muni took us all around town, including some parts that were not likely on the Visitor's Bureau tours. We switched cable cars a couple times, picked up the T-line, and found our way back to the marina as it was getting dark. Imagine our surprise to find three of our fellow C-Doryites getting on the T-line as we were getting off. Then it was off to a local restaurant where we saw the rest of our group. We traded stories about the day's events and had a nice supper. Then the long walk back down the docks. It's going to be an early morning, since the group has decided to head out at oh (as in "oh my God"") six thirty.

It was a quick stay in San Francisco, but a bunch of fun.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Papillon]

We worked our boats towards Pier 40 and into our assigned slips.

Did their mooring rates compare well with Sanibel, Fl.?

I am enjoying this trip almost as much as I enjoyed your Florida cruise.....

 

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Mike,
Early-riser boy here. Regarding slip rates: I expected the worst, but was pleasantly surprised. The most we paid was $1 per foot in Sausalito and here in San Francisco. Transient slips are few in the Bay area, however. I now understand why Jim (Pounder) sets a cut-off date in order to secure spaces for the boats on this cruise.

And on that note, we want to express our thanks to Jim and all the others on this cruise for making us feel like part of the group. We were the only newbies on this cruise and it didn't take long to feel like one of the regulars.

Put this down as another place that we we have to come back to for more exploring on our own.

Glad you enjoyed the updates... now that the rest of the frozen world is able to get out and about there wasn't as much "need", but we still enjoy showing and telling.

Best wishes,
Jim

 

[Pat Anderson]

You mean you can't rub it in Susan E Tom's snot encrusted face any more? :lol:

... now that the rest of the frozen world is able to get out and about there wasn't as much "need", but we still enjoy showing and telling.

Best wishes,
Jim

 

[JamesTXSD]

Well, they weren't kidding... shortly after 5:30, I could hear the signs/sounds of life. We got the cabin ready for travel, I took the electrical adaptor to the security guard ('cause the office doesn't open for another couple hours), and we fired up the Honda.



There was an orderly departure from the South Beach Marina, with the sun just beginning to rise as we came into the bay...



The C-Dorys gathered by the Bay Bridge until all 9 were ready to head out...



The cruise up the river morphed from flat to 2 foot rollers, most of the time with the wind behind us. It made for "soft landings" as we crested each wave... Molly slept through it all. Joan made coffee and breakfast while we motored; the GPS provided a back-tract to lead the way. There was pleasant chatter on the VHF. Even a bit of "dodge 'em" as we came through dozens of wind surfers and kite surfers... although it tended to be a bit unnerving as they swooshed between our boats (I just thought of all the paperwork involved if one of them didn't make it. :disgust ).

Four hours later we were back in Rio Vista. Again, there was an orderly process as 6 trucks backed into the water to retrive their boats. Steve and John had pulled off from the group earlier, we decided to spend the night in the Delta Marina and head out tomorrow. The others have miles to make and schedules to meet... we wanted to take time to get Wild Blue clean and ready for the road since we're not sure where she will get wet next. Everyone helped with the loading process and it all went smooth.

We said our good-byes and wished each other safe travels. It was another great cruise.

Two distinctly different cruises in the past three weeks... one an outdoor adventure, taking in some spectacular handiwork by Mother Nature; the other more urban, with marinas, showers, and nice restaurants. We are so fortunate to have been able to participate in both.

With our loose plan, Wild Blue will again become our land camper as we head east... hope to find some fun water along the way.

Best wishes,
Jim, Joan, and Molly the cat

 

[SeaSpray]

Hi Jim,

Great pictures and overview of the trip! Hope you have a safe drive to your next destination (on some of the smooth roads in CA).

I enjoyed your company and hope to cruise with you again.

Steve

 

[ffheap]

Jim,

I loved your comment about " cleaning her up because you don't know when you will get her wet" You do more boating than most boaters in America.

Here is reality. Most of us are chomping at the bit because we still have to work. How we would like to do what you have done. One of us is waiting in Colorado to mend so he and his wife can do the thing they do well, boating on a C-Dory all over the country.

Don't get me wrong. It is your trips that keep the dream alive until the next cruise. For me, the next one, assuming nothing goes wrong, will be on the Connectuit River in a couple of weeks.

Then the boat will be an USCGAux OPFAX , day boat, fishing boat, and overnighter in Nantucket.

Keep those great stories coming. If I can figure how to post pictures, I will show you some of the beautiful cruising we do in the East with a great group of people. If I don't others will.

Fred

 

[JamesTXSD]

Thanks for the kind words, Fred. We are just having fun. Our long range plans include cruising in your home waters, so it would be great to see your perspective on that area.

The group cruising thing has been a new experience for us... Joan and I have generally followed our own path. We love to travel and see what each new place offers, and doing this via a "gathering" has allowed to see some new perspectives. In years past, we've tried traveling with others via motorcycles, motorhomes, and sailboats... rarely has it been as successful as these C-Dory gatherings.

There are SO many places we want to take this boat. We have been enjoying a quiet afternoon in the marina. Wild Blue is looking fresh again. Our dock neighbor is in a large trawler and came by to visit... he has a LOT more room, but in 14 years hasn't had the boat more than a few hundred miles from home. Wild Blue has been coast to coast to coast. Definitely the right boat for the mission.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Monday, May 21st. It was a lovely night in the marina at Rio Vista. Joan slept in, I was up early. I was surprised by the amount of traffic coming into the marina to buy fuel... until I found out the two wayward humpbacks were under the nearby bridge. It looked like a marine version of the OJ low-speed chase: at least a couple dozen boats and several helicoptors scurrying around. I walked to the nearby restaurant (The Point) where a small crowd had already gathered. I got a couple shots of the boats around the bridge... and then the batteries died. I did see the whales from a distance, but they kept going back and forth under the bridge (Hwy 12). A local woman also on the restaurant patio was explaining: "This is the wife and daughter of Humphrey. The Mom brought the kid here to show her what happens if you don't stop to ask for directions." After watching an hour of the armada of boats trying (less than successfully) to move the whales downstream, we decided it was time to move on.

We walked to the storage yard to get the truck and trailer and got Wild Blue loaded and ready to roll. The traffic on either side of the bridge was thick, with police on motorcycles chasing pedestrians off the bridge.

We didn't want a replay of the lousy roads coming over, so we took two-lane backroads and were treated to vineyards, cherry orchards, and all manner of agriculture (and smooth roads). The traffic was light, we had no schedule, and we enjoyed the pleasant drive. Eventually we made it to Fallon, NV, and pulled into an RV park. The guy who checked me in said, "Nice boat. Did you spend the night in the Wal-Mart parking lot here last night?"

"Nope, it wasn't us, but I'll bet I know who it was." The design/style of these boats really catches peoples' eyes. While getting the boat plugged in, then taking Molly for a walk, we soon had an audience of 4 local kids... and lots of questions: Do you take that boat in the ocean? (yes) What's your cat's name? (Molly) Where do you sleep? (there's a bed in the boat) No way!? (yes, way). Do you have a TV in there? (yes, see the cable?) Where do you go to the bathroom? (there's a bathroom onboard - getting kinda personal aren't you, kid? :wink: ) Does your cat like the boat? (yep, she's a boat cat), etc. etc.

You never know, in 20 or 30 years, one of these kids could be the newest C-Dory owner, asking questions here.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[starcrafttom]

frozen snot nose?

Well hell if you come up this way bring good weather. its been raining for two day now. Its great reading your post while I slave away at my desck staring at rain clouds all day. I have boated the delta a bit before moving north and always loved the striper fishing there. I never got the chance to make the cruise all the way to the bay, but sure wanted too. I have made the run from sac to the rio vista bridge and north from sac up stream over 20 miles. to get above that you have to have a jet boat. lots of shallows and snags to dodge.

Jim when are you headed north??

 

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Tom,

I think the "frozen snot encrusted face" comment came from the thread a while back about remembering the cold (and not wanting to relive all that goes with it). We've been traveling in some gorgeous weather, but it looks like a couple cold days coming up for us... tonight we are planning to be in eastern Nevada and it's supposed to get into the mid-30s! :disgust We're going to need a plug-in and the electric space heater for sure.

Our loosely followed plan has us routed like a cross-country trucker: from San Francisco, east to Iowa to see family, west to the Black Hills to take care of some business, south to Phoenix to see the kid, north to Utah to get our Brent and Dixie fix, then really north to the PNW. According to my precise calculations that should put us there in mid-July (for the Bellingham gathering) while burning around a gazillion gallons of diesel in the process. :crook (I may have to have a little discussion with the dispatcher in this operation.) Along the way, I plan to find some water occasionally.

We did make it through Placerville on the way yesterday. I told people there that "Tom says 'hi' "... they said to tell you, "Hi back at ya." It was a beautiful uphill drive; we got crappy fuel mileage, but the roads were smooth. I'll try to make up for it today by driving 55 across Nevada... won't be much traffic on "the lonliest highway in the country".

On a side note, Joan finally got to go to a Trader Joe's yesterday. She found several varieties of wine to try (alas, Two-Buck Chuck is now Three-Buck Chuck), and I picked up a package of chocolate coated chocolate chip cookies. Just in the nick of time, since my stash of Natalie's cookies from the Delta cruise was depleated.

Best wishes,
Jim

 

[Hunkydory]

Jim

I got to agree with Dave [OLDGROWTH] and by the number of viewer hits a lot of others, your stories backed up with the wonderful photos are our favorite on the site.

Heard about the whales in the Sacramento River on the news and the first thing I thought of was if you two had seen them and if it would be mentioned here.

Also have traveled that lonesome road in Nevada many times. 1st time when I was 12 years old and on a hunting trip. One of my favorite small towns is Austin, Nevada and worked out of Ely for awhile with a drive every day to and from Eureka and the surrounding area doing oil exploration.

Thanks for sharing your travels, they are often the best entertainment of the day.

Jay

 

[Pat Anderson]

Yes, just to fan the flames on the "snot encrusted lip" thingee, the exchange went something like this:

Tom:
I dont know James, I am not sure I have forgiven you for all the " look at us with the dolphins, is it still snowing at your house? " post all winter. That kind of thing takes a while to get over, by the way hows the shower in your boat????

Jim:
Please accept my humble apologies if my "hey look at me in the warm sunshine with dolphins swimming to and fro, oh look at all the girls in their bikinis, and doesn't this sand feel soft and warm between my toes" posts this winter were in any way offensive. What I really meant to say was, "Oh, I really miss freezing my ass off in the frozen northland and isn't it great when your fingertips are numb and you have snot frozen on your lip?" Is that better?

One of the more classic exchanges here ever!

Hi Tom,

I think the "frozen snot encrusted face" comment came from the thread a while back
Jim

 

[starcrafttom]

you forgot the snappy come back of " so you know about steelhead fishing?

Jim all this after I walked on almost frozen water for you, well reall cold water on a shallow sand bar maybe more fitting :roll: