Chapter 7
A closer look of where Floyd & I have traveled so far . . .
(This is
only a summary . . . more details will come in the following chapters)
Wednesday morning, the 4th of July, Floyd and I
made our first shakedown trip. We tried out our custom oars by rowing around
the Island that Perry’s is located and tested our depth gauge that had a
keel/offset warning alert.
Thursday morning, we made our second shakedown. Our loop that that morning began motoring north
on the Mokelumne River where we made a left turn on the Georgiana Slough.
After
about 4 hours, the Georgiana Slough merged with the Sacramento River just south
of Walnut Grove. We continued north on the Sacramento River just past Walnut
Grove and made a right turn on the Cross-Delta Channel Intake. This channel is a flood control lock/gate
system that controls the water flow down river.
With one
hand on the tiller and the other on our navigational chart, we made our way to
Snodgrass Slough and went south til we came to the North Fork Mokelumne
River. We stayed to the right and headed
south to begin the return portion of our loop.
The return
loop took less time, as at least 2 off the three boating conditions were in our
favor - that being the current and
tide. The third condition, the wind was
picking up as it normally does in the late afternoon in the Delta. This increased the size of the waves, which
by now had white caps and brought a welcomed cool spray of water over Floyd’s
bow.
By the
time we arrived back at Perry’s Boat Harbor, it was low tide and we had to
raise the keel to enter the marina. No problem
. . . as we had planned for this with our added features.
Friday, July 06, 2012, was dedicated to solving our fuel
line leak problem. Turned out that the
o-ring on the connector fitting was badly worn.
This was replaced with a new connector.
By midday, Floyd and I started out to make a ride back up the Georgiana
Slough, but our ride was called short as the current and tide was not
favorable. Chanting like old sailors . .
. “we will leave tomorrow on the out-going tide”.
However,
in our case it will be on the in-coming tide, as we will be going up river.
Saturday, July 7, 2012, we completed the remainder of the
South Fork Mokelumne River. Heading east
for about 6-7 miles by water, the South Fork Mokelumne River changed from an
easterly direction to the north. We went
past Sycamore Slough continuing north til we came to Hog Slough. At that point, we came about and started our
return trip back to Perry’s.
Sunday, July 8, 2012, was dedicated to obtaining a spare
fuel connector and to visit Marinas on the western side of the Sacramento River
to ensure that we had berthing before we started the second quadrant of our
adventure. While visiting marinas, we
met Kevin Chavier, “The go to Guy” for Vieira’s Resort Marina. This Marina is south of Isleton located on
the Sacramento River. My meeting him was
a blessing, as once Floyd and I completed the waterways east of the Sacramento
River we were in need of a new homeport to complete the northwestern quadrant
of west of the Sacramento River. Kevin
was very accommodating, he even offered Floyd & I the use of his private
dock should all the other docks became reserved by the time we arrived.
After returning
to Perry’s, I told Floyd about Kevin.
Floyd knew in her heart that Kevin was truly a nice person and was eager
to meet him.
Monday, July 9, 2012, Floyd & I set out on a new
route that would take us south on the North Mokelumne River towards the San
Joaquin River. Once we came to the San Joaquin River we headed south east until
we came to Potato Slough and then turned left and motored for several miles
til’ we came to Little Potato Slough and turned left again. . . keeping Bouldin
Island to our immediate left. We continued
past White’s Slough which as to our right.
Shortly after, while heading north on Little Potato Slough, I mistakenly
anticipated that should bear right . . .
and we found ourselves off course at Devil’s Island. This apparently was a private Island
getaway. Thank goodness for kind folks,
once I realized that I was taking us in the wrong direction we came about and
returned towards Devil’s Island. The
property/boat owners returned my hail for directions and pointed us back north
on Little Potato Slough. But the best
hoot of all was that the gentleman who pointed me to the right direction
followed me to make sure that Floyd and I made our was to Tower Park Marina
where we would then meet the South Fork of the Mokelumne River and then turn
west back to Perry’s.
Another
great day. . .
Til’ we chat again, Floyd &
Joe
The Story of Joe
& Floyd is just beginning . . .
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