Just wondering...

[johnniethek]

Here's the deal:

I will have nearly a month off between fall and winter quarters at the college where I teach. I also have a R-21 EC, as well as a craving for some sunshine.

I'm just wondering if anybody has ever taken off from the Pac Northwest at this time of year and spent 2-3 weeks in Baja (or a similar warm-weather boating environment). If so, can you please share some info about your experience, i.e. where you went, things to see/do there, as well as things to consider in deciding whether to make such a trip.

I'm thinking something like that might be a wonderful thing to do, but towing the boat over the Siskiyous concerns me. Maybe I'm better off plowing head down into the wind-whipped San Juans instead. Not sure.

I'm just wondering...

 

[SlackwaterJack]

You don't need to go all the way to Baja... try the California Delta..head to Lake Powell.
Or, you could just launch nearby at the Tri-Cities (Kennewick/Richland/Pasco)and head East, up the Columbia/Snake river system, and come visit Lewiston (world's highest seaport). Steelhead and salmon are abundant this year. You get to lock through a couple of really big dams, weather is better than the coast. Allow 3 days from Kennewick to Lewiston and 2 days back.
By launching into the Columbia at Kennewick you miss the high wind areas. If you want a longer cruise you can launch at The Dalles, especially if the weather cooperates. Barge and cruise ship traffic is slowest this time of year, and you will have the place pretty much to yourself (other than the odd commercial crawfisher. and a few steelheaders). bring your golf clubs if you want.

Check the TugNuts Album K7MXE The "Lois H" (an R-21ec) has posted some pictures of a Columbia/Snake River cruise (the pictures of the boat outside the album were taken in Lewiston at Hell's Gate Marina).

 

[Stella Maris]

John,
While the California Delta is beautiful and Lake Powell is incredible, it is going to depend on what you want to do to determine if these location will work for you. The delta can be fog bound during the winter months and Lake Powell will see snow on and off.

There is also Lake Mead and Mohave that you can explore. Both of these lakes have plenty of water despite what you may read. This area though will be in the 40's overnight and high 60's during the day (with abundant sunshine though). So, if you are looking for warm weather, you will need to head to Mexico, Southern Texas, or Florida. If you are looking to just get away, Just head south down the 5 until you decide you want to stop. You can get to the delta in 10 to 12 hours, Lake Mead, Mohave or Powell in about 20 hours. Texas two and a half days, Florida three and a half days.

We have boated in most of these locations so if you need additional information such as where to launch, let me know.

My vote though if you are just looking to get away, see some of the most incredible scenery ever, catch some very nice stripers, Lake Powell would be my choice (that is of course if you don't mind the cold).

 

[captd]

John,
While the California Delta is beautiful and Lake Powell is incredible, it is going to depend on what you want to do to determine if these location will work for you. The delta can be fog bound during the winter months and Lake Powell will see snow on and off.

There is also Lake Mead and Mohave that you can explore. Both of these lakes have plenty of water despite what you may read. This area though will be in the 40's overnight and high 60's during the day (with abundant sunshine though). So, if you are looking for warm weather, you will need to head to Mexico, Southern Texas, or Florida. If you are looking to just get away, Just head south down the 5 until you decide you want to stop. You can get to the delta in 10 to 12 hours, Lake Mead, Mohave or Powell in about 20 hours. Texas two and a half days, Florida three and a half days.

We have boated in most of these locations so if you need additional information such as where to launch, let me know.

My vote though if you are just looking to get away, see some of the most incredible scenery ever, catch some very nice stripers, Lake Powell would be my choice (that is of course if you don't mind the cold).

David,
Three and a half days to Florida? What do you think us boaters are....truck drivers? I know.....you have Maureen to do most of the driving. No such luck for me. I drive all 3500 miles from Washington, 3000 from Montana. Takes me 6 days.
Dee wants no part of it. 🙁
I thought you told me Karma was going to be clarette red? :mrgreen:
Darrel

 

[johnniethek]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've done more research since my initial post, and Lake Powell is looking better all the time.

J

 

[Stella Maris]

Darrell,
Once made it from Sacramento to South Florida in two and half days pulling my Catalina 25. Florida to Colorado in 36 hours non stop. Vegas to Seattle in 18 hours........

Just rollin down the road!

 

[Stella Maris]

John,
Good source of information for Powell is:
Waynesword.com

Wayne is a fish and game officer on the lake. He has worked there for twenty years. You will find water level information as well as fuel costs etc. Be sure if you head downstream from Bullfrog or up stream from Wahweap that you have plenty of fuel. The nearest fuel station is 45 miles in either direction from these two marinas. That would be Dangling Rope. Also check the hours for Dangling Rope as they are on very limited winter hours.

Be sure to carry shore lines as you will need to tie off on the shore in some locations.

If the weather window is good, you could launch from Bullfrog in Central Utah. If the weather is bad, go down to Wahweap in Northern Arizona. The difference will be your drive time. You will have more snowy mountain passes to climb if you go to Bullfrog.

 

[Zuma]

We're hoping to spend the month of March in the Sea of Cortez.... anyone want to join us?

 

[Stella Maris]

Do I have to stay the whole month? Do I have to bring Karma? Can I just crew for a week or two? Inquiring minds want too know!

 

[Zuma]

No, not unless you want to, ofcourse... but make your reservations soon (we just made reservations for Jesse and Taylor for their spring break and got the last 2 seat out of Loreto, Mexico).

 

[johnniethek]

Thought I'd let everyone know that I decided not to go south over the holidays. Temps are pretty darned cold in Lake Powell at this time of the year so I may put that off until spring break. Oh, wait, we have the halfway there rendezvous over the break. Oh, well. I'll make it down there at some point.

I will be getting some warm weather over the holiday break, however. My Oregon Ducks are in the Rose Bowl, so I'll be one of the Duck Nation in Pasadena on New Year's Day rooting for them to beat Ohio State.

Go Ducks!