The trip was a study in contrasts from the foggy Bay with its urban bustle, through choppy Carquinez, and on to our State's wind capital, Rio Vista. Salt air and chop gave way to verdant, tranquil waterways after we entered Steamboat Slough where we stopped for quiet lunch accompanied only by the sounds of birds and the occasional farm vehicle. On to our State's real capital, Sacramento, where we could not have enjoyed the company of a nicer group of Nordic Tuggers!
Cal and Cathy
Dear SF Banta,
Our baby Buoy Toy was delivered on Wednesday, August 8th at 3 pm after about 4 months of labor and excruciating anticipation -- just in the nick of time for a shake down cruise with our Banta buds and pams, steves and scottys et al to Sacramento. Four months is a lot of pushing - mostly of Len and Jose at Ballena Bay Yacht Brokers to be sure she delivered on time. She measured a whopping 37 feet and weighed several tons. Proud Papa Wayne was over the moon.
Our trip got off on a high, bubbly note when Cal and Cathy challenged us to come along side G Squared in the Oakland Estuary to receive our very first bottle of champagne and a lovely "Congratulations on your baby Buoy" card. That set the theme for the week - which was how much champagne and wine could the first mate consume and still stay afloat.
While Wayne took great advantage of picking all available brains on every nuance of the 37, I used flattery to seduce Joy (Betty D) to serve as our interior designer and a fine job she did. We found everything we needed at the Westfield Mall in Sacramento within short walking distance of the dock in Old Town.
Perhaps my fondest memory was when Bud and Pam passed us in the Delta and I saw Pam's adorable sister Olive - at 80 years young - lounging on the bow of From Pier to Eternity with the wind and spray in her hair.
Thanks to all of you who shared your knowledge, friendship, laughter and this wonderful bonding experience. We look forward to many more cruises with our fellow tuggers. There's no prettier sight than a flotilla of tugs chuggin' along.
Wishing you whatever floats your boat,
Linda (and Captain Wayne)
Buoy Toy
Scotty,
Not big on words, but we enjoyed the cruise to Sacramento very much. The stops along the way were very enjoyable and it was fun to get together with the group for cocktails and meals. Destination "Old Town" had something to offer for everyone to enjoy.
As for comments, we liked the arrangement at Rio Vista, where to could all be together for cocktail hour. Maybe more of this in the future. As for food arrangements we are back to dieting. Just keep up the good work.
Fair Winds,
The Magoons
Betty D
Sunday, August 12th
Seven Nordic Tugs arrived at Delta Marina on the Sacramento River at Rio Vista. They came from home ports on the San Francisco Peninsula, the Alameda Estuary, Emeryville, Point Richmond, Napa, and Pittsburg. Everyone BBQ'd their meats and salad and desserts were Pot Luck dinner.
Monday, August 13th
The seven tugs began the day on the Sacramento River, then Steamboat Slough, and then back onto the Sacramento. All seventeen of us gathered for dinner at Rio City Cafe in Old Town Sacramento.
Tuesday, August 14th
A day to wander around Old Sacramento, share stories with each other down at the dock and then gather for dinner at Fat City Cafe.
Wednesday, August 15th
We travelled down the Sacramento River and ended the day at Pittsburg, on the New York Slough, for a Mexican Fiesta on the dock.
Thursday, August 16th
Departure day - everyone left for their homeports.
"From Pier to Eternity" with Pam and Bud Sheble and Pam's sister Olive, departed Brisbane Marina on Saturday morning and coasted up to Martinez where we docked and spent the night. This marina leaves a little to be desired but the harbormaster is friendly and bathrooms were clean, Scotty and Carol motored up from Walnut Creek and we had a fine barbeque. Sunday morning we cruised up to Pittsburg and after a time out for a friend's wedding we cast off a little after 5:00 p.m. to catch up with the "tuggers" in Rio Vista. We arrived in time for some libation, good conversation, and best of all - dessert!
The trip up the river was relaxing. Sister Olive whose addiction to the sunshine hints that in a previous life she must have been a lizard basked in the noon day sun on the bow. Since it is winter in New Zealand right now, she wanted to take advantage of the warm rays while she could. The two nights in downtown Sacramento were great fun. We walked, and shopped, and ate, and had an excellent time. By inviting folks in for drinks and hors d'oevres each night we became better aquianted wtih Bob and Joy and Sven and Oola. Wayne made excellent restaurant selections and dinner on the last night with the "Steve's" allowed us to share time with yet more new friends.
Highlights for us included a celebratory glass of champagne on Wayne and Linda's new boat and expert repair advice from Scotty on our generator problem. After waving goodbye to the rest of the group on Wednesday morning, Pam and Olive departed home via a one-way rent-a-car while Bud welcomed his pal Ron who came up for the rest of the week. Together they explored the upper reaches of the Sacramento River before sailing back on the following Sunday and Monday. Great cruise!
Pam and Bud Sheble
From Pier to Eternity
