That Crazy Delta Loop

I read an article in the Bee one Sunday in October by Rick Kushman about the relaxation that comes over you during a drive through the Delta Loop – an area off westward Hwy 12, several miles from Hwy 99 as it passes through Lodi.

My daughter, Vanessa, was visiting and it was pouring rain. We weren’t up for the mall, so we took the drive down 99, in search of relaxation. It wasn’t the smartest thing to do, joining other crazies on the freeway during a rainstorm, but we were rewarded with a dry spell while we were actually exploring the Loop and a sort of magical, cleansed quality.

The San Joaquin River is amazing through this area; wide and rambling at many points then more narrow and humble at others. Kushman wrote about the places to eat, but we didn’t visit any of those. Instead, we crawled along at 15 and 20 mph, searching for buried treasure in the marinas along the way. We found it.

KORTH'S MARINA

This has to be the funkiest stretch of houseboats and battered old yachts on the West Coast; but they all added flavor to the stew of wonders and possibilities. It’s in me to yearn for oddities and that’s how I felt about the Loop. I spied the crumbling houseboats and wooden trawlers with tarps and buckets, obviously in the midst of repair and thought, “How cool!” What I didn’t see was a fisherman with a line in the river off the back of his boat, much to my surprise.

The area made me think of the Mississippi River – or my perception of it – with its lazy days and ways; Mark Twain revisited.

We did find several RV resorts and since I live in an RV, I was enthralled by those possibilities as well. How would I commute to Sacramento? I had to give up the dream – for now.

I became enthralled with a mountain that rose from the fog encrusted landscape across the river from us. I don’t know what mountain it was, but we nicknamed it “Mystery Mountain.” Or I should say, I named it thus, and my daughter grinned at me and went along.

It’s true, what Kushman said, that a “quirky relaxation” overcomes you. I really didn’t want to leave, but Vanessa had a plane to catch, so we headed home. I plan to go back soon, by myself, and walk along the marinas searching for the perfect old houseboat to settle into.

A woman can dream, can’t she?

60 Years Later at Sequoia

My folks just celebrated their 60th anniversary and threw themselves a party! After researching the Sacramento area for just the right place, they settled on Sequoia, a restored Victorian house in Placerville, converted into a restaurant. But it’s so much more than a restaurant! (photo at left by Elite Designs)

It’s a favorite for weddings, with an elegant menu and a plethora of nooks and crannies that can serve as bride’s rooms or gathering spots for old friends.

Here’s a photo of the room my parents booked. Included was a hallway area where the appetizers and desserts were laid out in splendor. They were also given one of those nooks – a tiny room with couches and chairs for sitting and chatting. It was a truly lovely setting.

They were treated very well by Tawnia, the catering manager and ended up really happy with the party. A good time was had by all.

I recommend checking out the website – if nothing else for the ghost stories. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot an unearthly presence (darn it), but our waitress had a story or two to tell.

http://www.sequoiaplacerville.com/