Destination: Potato Slough

2015 Delta Daze Destination: Potato Slough Date: August 8th through August 15 th

Attention Delta Daze Cruisers,

It’s time to pack up the cooler, apply the sunscreen and head up river. Delta Daze is just a few weeks away!!! Neil and Carol Weinberg are the volunteer Cruise Captains for this year’s trip to Potato Slough. The best part of the trip is there are no plans! Well, we do have a few planned events, but they’re optional. So what do you do when you have no plans? You read a little, eat a little, swim a little and laugh a lot! At the end of the week, you’re relaxed and ready for the long trip home.

Following is some important information pertaining to the cruise out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away.

Location: The official anchorage for this year’s Delta Daze will be Potato Slough at Bedrooms 2. It’s close proximity to Korth’s Pirate’s Liar, The Riverboat and Willow Berm Marina means that civilization is just 1 mile away. Here you can get a hot meal, ice, beer, outboard repairs, boat parts, fuel, pump-out, potable water, showers and even a gym. It’s also a great way to have guests come to visit for a night or if you need to get ashore for an emergency.

Potato Slough feeds into the San Joaquin River at Marker 51 (Green). The water is generally good, but you do need to pay attention to your charts and look out for color variations in the water. i.e., light brown is bad, dark blue, green is good. Local knowledge says that the water is typically deeper along the rock levees. Do not assume that because you are in the middle of a slough (Potato or otherwise) that the water is navigable. We’ve had good success with the Navionics chart package that runs on an iPad or iPhone. It’s much more detailed than our Raymarine rastor charts.

The anchorage is spread over several “bedrooms” covering about ½ mile. This will allow everyone to find a comfortable place, yet still be in close proximity to the fleet. We will anchor most likely, in what they call the “Second Bedroom”. Some of you will prefer bow to the Levie, whereas others prefer stern to. There is plenty of room for either. Historically, most boats anchor on your own. Be sure to allow adequate room for swing or deploy a stern anchor.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FALSE RIVER IS NOW CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC SO DO NOT TAKE THE SHORTCUT, STAY ON THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER PAST THE ANTIOCH BRIDGE. Potato Slough Potato Slough

Miscellaneous items  The day will start with a radio net at 10am on VHF Ch 69. It’s a chance to check in to report any medical emergencies, engine problems or needed repairs, listen to the days activities and get the daily Delta weather report.

 Cruisers may have Shopping Lists for Milk Runs, ICE, Breakfast or whatever. The Weinberg’s and other Cruisers will have cars at Willow Berm Marina if anyone needs a real store.

 Things to do: Explore the slough via kayak or dinghy. Swim or float in an inflatable lounge chair. Go to shore and take a walk. Bring your boat projects along. Learn how to play guitar. Read. Go fishing.

 Remember that this is an informal cruise. Although we put together a fun agenda for activities, you can choose to involve yourself or not. Delta DAZE 

 Expect a few cocktail parties on your boat or other member’s boats. Bring some appetizers and BYOB to the boat hosting the cocktail party.  Expect to spend your day relaxing in your cockpit, reading a book, knitting, visiting other EYC yachts or doing whatever suits your fancy.

 Days typically are in the 85 to 95 degree range. Mornings are generally calm with afternoon/evening winds. This is an anchor out event. Holding ground is soft mud. Water temperatures are in the 70 to 75 degree range, cool enough to get your attention when you jump in but comfortable and refreshing once in. Bring your water toys, kayaks, pool noodles, etc., and don’t forget a handy squirt gun.

 Nights are cool and good for sleeping.

 There is a mobile pump out service (The Septic Brothers) who will come out to the anchorage and empty your holding tanks if needed. Or a short Trip to Willow Berm Marina.

 Feel free to bring your dogs…we’re going to have lots.

The Master Schedule Saturday and Sunday – Fleet arrives in Potato Slough

Saturday the 9th Arrival reception aboard The Dark Side, hosted by Neil and Carol Weinberg  To be announced  Fishing Derby Daze contest begins.

Monday the 10th Dinghy to The Light House Restaurant for lunch.

Wednesday the 12th  Afternoon BBQ and Bocci Ball Willow Berm Marina Tour and BBQ at the Sand Bar, hosted my Neil and Carol Weinberg. Lunch provided, bring your own beverage. Many land yachts will be coming to this great event!

Thursday :  Dinghy Daze: Noon time Dinghy ride to Tower Park Marina for a casual ice cream social  Fishing Contest Ends

Saturday : Departure

Food Plan your meals for breakfast and lunch, and maybe a few dinners. The rest of the meals will be appetizers. Depending on your personal onboard refrigeration, best to bring already cooked meats to prevent food spoilage. Bottom line is, keep it simple and easy on the cook! Bugs The bugs haven’t been too bad this year. At sunset you will have a hatch and there will be bugs in the air but so far, no mesquitos. Nevertheless, bring some bug spray. You may also want to buy some screen material at the hardware store. A great way to pass the time on the way up river is to cut screens to fit your hatches and portlights. Apply them with blue varnish tape and they’re easily removed when you head home.