May 2012 – Looped In

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.