The Delta is located in Northern California and is called the "Delta"
because it forms a triangle of waterways from Sacramento (North) to Stockton
(South) to Pittsburg (West). Please contact us if you have any questions
about getting to points in the Delta.
Sandy beaches are not numerous in the California Delta. Some exist only at
low tides and are covered at high tides. Some resorts have private beaches
and a few have swimming pools but most boaters swim or float on their toys
off the stern of the anchored boat — never when the engine is running.
Anchorages with sandy beaches are considered premium. Waterskiers often will
rise very early in the morning to go out and stake a sandy beach to use as
their ski-beach for the day.
The Delta is a fresh-water system primarily comprised of fertile
agricultural islands that sit below sea level, but are protected by a stout
system of levees. It is fed by five major rivers, including the Sacramento
River and the San Joaquin River. There is a remoteness to the lightly
populated inner Delta. The lifestyle here is decidedly laid back, a sort of
Huck Finn kind of existence. Boating, fishing, and camping are a way of
life.
The Lauritzens Indians lived in the historic California Delta for centuries
when the Spaniards first found it in 1772. The region was heavy from spring
rains and from their view atop Mount Diablo they thought it to be a huge
inland lake. French trappers arrived in 1832, and mountain men like Jedidiah
Smith trekked its high ground. But it was the discovery of gold on the
American River in Coloma in 1848 that hastened the reclamation and
settlement of the Delta. Starting in '49, paddlewheeler steamboats brought
Argonauts to the fledgling waterfront towns of Sacramento and Stockton, who
then went overland to the mines. The California Gold Rush was on. History
was in the making.
Some of the historic river towns are little changed from the Gold Rush era
when paddlewheel steamboats came piping their arrival with the steam-driven
calliope. Drawbridges yawn open to let boating traffic pass, you cross some
waterways on lumbering cable-drawn car ferries, the postman delivers mail by
boat.
Drawbridges. Owners of vessels over six feet in height will need to be
cognizant of the bridges along their intended cruising routes. Some open,
some don't. You need to know the clearance of each bridge (this will vary
with tide) and the hours of operation for drawbridges (this may vary with
the season). Some or all of this information may be found on the Delta maps
or charts, or in a free bridge booklet available from the U.S. Coast Guard
in Alameda. The signal for asking a drawbridge to open is one long and one
short toot of the boat horn. Most Delta drawbridges also are equipped with
marine-band VHF radios and may be contacted on channel 9.
Moon River Inn at Freeport, 8201 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, California
95832
(916) 665-6550 / Fax: (916) 665-6551
Anna Chavez, Innkeeper
Ten minutes south of Downtown in the historic town of Freeport, this casual
contemporary inn is set along the Sacramento River. Serving the leisure and
business guests who enjoy the serenity. Facilities available for small
private functions, king-sized beds, in-room Jacuzzi tubs for two, private
baths, modem access, TVs, full breakfast. A game room and Pub and Bistro
dining are part of our charming country inn. Explore the Delta while
fishing, golfing, boating or wine tasting. Room Rates: Call 7 rooms, full
breakfast
www.deltafishing.com
www.californiadelta.org
www.californiadelta.org/wineries.html
