Steamboat Slough

 Monday I had a private tour and it turned out to be a spectacular day on the Delta! We launched just before 1:00 p.m. just north of Rio Vista and headed northeast on Steamboat Slough. This spot is at the top of my list for favorite places to paddle because of the scenery and the clarity of the water.

We launched just after low tide and headed up the slough with the incoming tide. Once we entered Steamboat slough we noticed a seal ahead of us looking for his own lunch. It was such a treat and we followed him all the way to Hogback Island where we stopped for lunch. The weather was absolutely gorgeous being in the low 80's and I needed to splash myself often to keep cool. As we passed Snug Harbor we came upon a few people cooling off themselves in some inner tubes.

After lunch we left Hogback Island and continued with the tide passed Howard Landing where the Ferry takes cars from Ryer Island to Grand Island. We paused before crossing the ferry cable and made sure the operator knew we were there with some hand signals. The cable ferries are an integral part of life on the Delta and are actually fun to ride on.

When we reached the tip of Sutter Island we still had an hour before the tide would turn so we continued on Sutter slough for another 30 minutes before turning around. We stopped at Sutter Island just to stretch our legs and then proceeded down Steamboat towards home. We stopped once more at a nice beach on Hogback Island to stretch and use the facilities before continuing. As we headed southwest the sun sank lower and the sky lit up with golden light scattered through the sky and over the water.

The water was like glass and small fish jumped around us as we paddled home. We crossed the shipping channel at a ferry angle without incident and landed safely with the moon rising behind us. After 18 miles of paddling we were treated to an amazing sunset and moonrise to end our day!

If you're interested in a private tour for yourself or your group, please contact me and I would be happy to guide you practically anywhere on the California Delta.