posted 01-11-2011 03:08 PM ET (US)        

Where? Did Napa ever get their docks in?

posted 01-13-2011 11:19 AM ET (US)            

Looks like Napa is unlikely, AGAIN!

I've met a fellow, Thomas Thomas, who lives a stone's throw from me here in Inverness, who has a pristine 17 Outrage with a new 115 Etec.

Thomas is enthusiastic about joining us this year on the Norcal Whaler cruise.

posted 01-16-2011 11:06 AM ET (US)            

We were looking for some place that offers food for those of us staying at the Petaluma Hotel, and picnic tables for public use.

There are two choices up the Napa River, both within the navigable portion of the Napa River. (channel markers)

NAPA VALLEY MARINA: A small general store will order sandwiches if an order is called in on Friday. They sell the usual beverages and chips, etc. There are several picnic tables on an attractive deck. The guest dock is long and they will reserve us places. The adjacent boat yard is interesting, and is surprisingly massive, with 40 or so sailboats on the hard, many of which look like long term projects.

I thought this place may our best choice given the availability of food.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/ Napa%20Valley%20Marina/_MG_2432.jpg

NAPA VALLEY YACHT CLUB: A small very tidy building a mile or so further up the river with a deck facing the river and picnic tables. No food available anywhere nearby

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/Napa%20Valley%20YC/ _MG_2435.jpg

BEYOND CARQUINEZ STRAITS

GLEN COVE MARINA: Just East of the Carquinez Strait bridge. A super charming antique building overlooks the marina with a grassy lawn and white chairs but no picnic tables or food service

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/Glen%20Cove%20Marina/ _MG_2438.jpg

BENICIA MARINA OR BENICIA YACHT CLUB: both are very attractive facilities freshly painted. The Marina has decent guest docks, I saw none at the YC. Both are 3 blocks from "Historic" Benicia, meaning a string of cutesy shops and cafes. I didn't see any picnic tables at the YC or Marina.

No photos-very dense fog that day

DISTANCES

I left my Bay and Delta Chart Book on another guy's boat, but from what I remember, the places up the Napa River are about the same distance as Angel Island, and the places beyond Carquinez Strait are just a few miles more.

TIDES AND CURRENTS

The main thing we might want to to avoid for a cruise to Benicia is a big ebb at and near Carquinez Straits, which can stack up the wind waves and cause a pretty nasty, if not hazardous conditions for our little boats.

Saturday, May 21, there is a predicted 3 knot max ebb at 10 AM at Carquinez Straits.
On that day there is a -0.8 low tide in Napa at 1122.

On Sat May 14 and Sat, May 28, Tides and currents look
fine.

the facilities at Angle Island are hard to beat, but of the group wast to sample a different cruising area, I tossing out the ones above for consideration.

For destinations with no food service, those of us at the hotel could drive to a nearby safeway for lunch items or even buy box lunches from the hotel

posted 01-21-2011 02:25 AM ET (US)            

Proposal:

Overnight lodging options.
1) Snug Harbor <http://www.snugharbor.net/index.htm> on Steamboat Slough, which has "Snuggle Inns," RV sites, launch ramp and guest docks.
2) Ryde Hotel <http://www.rydehotel.com/>, with guest docks but only serving meals for Sunday Brunch.
3) Vierra's Resort <http://vieiras95641.tripod.com/index.html> with launch ramp, restaurant, bait shop and rustic cabins.
4) Rio Vista, various possibilities, public dock, launch, etc.
5) Unknown possibilities in Isleton and Walnut Grove.

It is about 30 miles around Grand Island, which includes the Sacramento River and Steamboat Slough, or if folks wanted to extend the run, we could also circle Ryer Island, incorporating Minor Slough and Cache Slough just south of the shipping channel. There are several places to stop and explore including Rio Vista, Isleton, the old (used to be) Chinese town of Walnut Grove, all of which have public docks. There is, unfortunately, no public dock in Locke, but there is a private marina I could look in to, or we could look at other transport since it is only a mile from Walnut Grove. Bikes on board?

Other sights en route include two cable ferries, several bridges, the Ryde Hotel, a funky houseboat community at the entrance to Minor Slough and The Grand Island Mansion <http://www.grandislandmansion.com/>, which also has a Sunday Brunch which includes a tour of the property).

Obviously, having proposed this, I would be willing to do further footwork to put it together, or supply more specific lodging and eating info, if there is interest.

By the way, shortly I will be changing my username to RabAye (which will also be the name of my Montauk), but it will still be me, Bob Bulwa. Regards, and looking forward to another fine Whaler day on the water.

posted 01-21-2011 01:00 PM ET (US)            

We did the Delta area you're talking about for several years.

How about something totally different this year, like Santa Cruz or Monterey? Maybe even Bodega Bay.

posted 01-26-2011 11:27 AM ET (US)            

After the mention of Tahoe I thought that if we want to go to fresh water we could go to New Melones Res. the towns of Jamestown and Sonora are close by for lodging/entertainment or adventurous types may want to rent a houseboat with a hot tub or go camping for the weekend.

posted 01-28-2011 10:10 AM ET (US)            

If we did happen to catch the weather right, some of you who have never trolled for king (Chinook) salmon would be in for a real treat, and there would be several experienced CW guides to show you the way. Our kind of ocean salmon fishing is a very simple operation which combines perfectly with a slow sightseeing cruise along the beautiful Sonoma/Marin coastline, so even those who chose not to wet a line would enjoy the trip.

posted 01-28-2011 11:18 AM ET (US)            

At the end of this somewhat long post I've tried to summarize the suggestions that have come forth so far.

Tomales Bay is about 10 miles long and less than a mile wide at most places, and points Northwest at its mouth, which is about 5 miles Southeast of the Bodega Bay entrance.

this is where I do 90 % of my boating and I think its quite senic

There is a significant bar across the Tomales Bay entrance which demands attention. Hundreds of small boats of all kinds cross this bar every year, and every 5 years or so, someone attempts the crossing on a big ebb combined with a big Northwest swell and fatalities ensue.

Once inside the bay the water is protected from any swell and at most can develop a 1-2 foot wind driven chop.

Along the West side of the bay are a great many fine sandy beaches, inviting beaching and picnicking. Most are somewhat protected from the sea breeze.

IF it remains open despite cutbacks, Tomales Bay State Park has such beaches and allows beaching. Picnic tables are available.

There is also a marina, Tomales Bay Resort, where I keep my boat, which has accommodations but no food service. there is a launch ramp with limited parking. the marina dries out at most low tides.

Close to the south end of the bay is the Inverness Yacht Club, where I am a member Here, IF there is enough water at the time for docking, there are a couple of charcoal grills which can be used by our group, restrooms, and a few picnic tables. There is no food service, and no Yachts, only sailing dinghys on trailers.

As of this moment there is only one restaurant with a dock and it has space for ONE boat (Nick's Cove=fine food $$$$$) . There is rumor it may go under.

For me the two main ingredients of a good rendezvous are getting together with other Whaler people and doing something special with the boats.

I didn't get my first Whaler till the group changed locations to Petaluma. I've really enjoyed the 70 mile cruise to and from Angel Island, but I too would like to try something different.

So far, the options for a change include:

Napa Valley Marina: not many weather issues can spoil this one (Fog! or freak high winds)- reportedly one can order sandwiches

Benicia: vulnerable only to freak high winds or Fog. No picnic tables or sandwich place so far

Monterrey: not much info so far- what would be a cruise plan here?

Bodega Bay: great opportunity to get some ocean miles with CW veterans Tony, Warren, Mat, and Little Blue. vulnerable to weather problems. lunch availability uncertain. Possible diversion into Tomales Bay .

Jim

posted 01-28-2011 12:03 PM ET (US)            

Tony, Matt and I were thinking if the seas are good we might want to take Strike 3, Cetus and MegaBite for the same cruise this year.

Just throwing out another option.....

Warren

posted 01-28-2011 07:48 PM ET (US)            

And Warren, old partner, old pal...'Cetus' was my Sport 15 center console I sold over a year ago (and which now lives in a Tomales Bay slip next to Jim's sweet Whaler). I know you wonder at my intelligence on occasion, but even I am not foolish enough to run a Sport 15 from Bodega Bay down to The City. Here's a photo YOU took of my current BW, with her oh-so-witty name emblazoned on her topsides for your delight and edification:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/elaelap/NorCalrendezvous2010.jpg

posted 01-30-2011 04:18 PM ET (US)            

I'm not sure what one would do with a boat in the south end
of Monterey Bay other than dive, fish, or whale watch (and
Jan. is whale watch season). Lots of restaurants and touristy
stuff.

There are launch ramps in Santa Cruz (Andy Gere knows a lot
about it), Moss Landing (I've used it once and it's OK),
Monterey (two, at the Harbormasters and at the Breakwater),
and a pretty bad one at Pt. Lobos (I use it regularly, but
I have to pick my days based on the tides. And it's limited
to four non-diver boats a day). The ramps in Monterey are
OK. I usually use the Breakwater ramp. The harbormaster
ramp is more sheltered, but not as nice.

Chuck

posted 01-30-2011 05:06 PM ET (US)            

On a good day would a cruise from Monterrey to Moss Landing and back be feasible? Would that course line be far enough back in the lee of Santa Cruz to offer any protection from the swell?

Its beginning to look like anything outside SF Bay increases the risk of a busted cruise due to the unpredictability of weather.

Jim

posted 01-31-2011 03:24 PM ET (US)            

The navigable portion of Tomales Bay is 10 n. m. long. the east shore is bare grassland ranches, rolling hills, Hwy 1, and a couple of tiny communities.

Miller park, about 2/3's of the way to the entrance bar has a new ramp and much parking. Nick's Cove restaurant is there with dock space for a single boat, fine food prices, and bungalows for $400/night.

The West shore is mostly all National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park. It is pretty, with 30 ft high bluff between canyons. Each canyon ends in a fine sandy beach. One of these beaches is run by the Pt Reyes national Seashore and has a toilet.

A second (Heart's Desire) is run by the Tomales Bay State Park. Until last year that is. It has Picnic tables and BBQ's and rest rooms. There is a long section of beach with signage indicating it is OK to beach boats. Last year due to budgetary cutbacks the National Seashore took over management and tried to deny beaching of boats. At the same time the actual single remaining ranger was still employed by the State Park and he thought beaching was OK.

The Inverness Yacht Club (see above) is at the Southern end of the bay. Our docks dry out at a zero low tide. depending on tide we could use these facilities for a picnic stop.

http://www.invernessyachtclub.org/aboutus.html

Tomales Bay Resort offers quite adequate lodging at prices that seem reasonable. Their marina and launch Ramp require a + 3 tide to float my boat. Food service is 5 miles away in Point Reyes Station

http://www.tomalesbayresort.com/

Lawson's landing is on the East shore at the mouth of the bay. I called them today. they have sandwiches already made up and chips and drinks. The lady did not know if their docks would be in the water in May.

http://www.lawsonslanding.com/HOME.aspx

posted 01-31-2011 03:27 PM ET (US)            

Miller park, about 2/3's of the way to the entrance bar has a new ramp and much parking. Nick's Cove restaurant is there with dock space for a single boat, fine food prices, and bungalows for $400/night.

The West shore is mostly all National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park. It is pretty, with 30 ft high bluff between canyons. Each canyon ends in a fine sandy beach. One of these beaches is run by the Pt Reyes national Seashore and has a toilet.

A second (Heart's Desire) is run by the Tomales Bay State Park. Until last year that is. It has Picnic tables and BBQ's and rest rooms. There is a long section of beach with signage indicating it is OK to beach boats. Last year due to budgetary cutbacks the National Seashore took over management and tried to deny beaching of boats. At the same time the actual single remaining ranger was still employed by the State Park and he thought beaching was OK.

The Inverness Yacht Club (see above) is at the Southern end of the bay. Our docks dry out at a zero low tide. depending on tide we could use these facilities for a picnic stop.

http://www.invernessyachtclub.org/aboutus.html

Tomales Bay Resort offers quite adequate lodging at prices that seem reasonable. Their marina and launch Ramp require a + 3 tide to float my boat. Food service is 5 miles away in Point Reyes Station

http://www.tomalesbayresort.com/

Lawson's landing is on the East shore at the mouth of the bay. I called them today. they have sandwiches already made up and chips and drinks. The lady did not know if their docks would be in the water in May.

http://www.lawsonslanding.com/HOME.aspx

posted 01-31-2011 07:39 PM ET (US)            

I like Tomales Bay as a destination, but it is shallow and very tide dependent. That said, it's a beautiful place, and well suited for Whalers.

posted 01-31-2011 07:52 PM ET (US)            

The things about Tomales Bay that are tide dependent are access to slips inside the TBResort Marina and use of their ramp, and access to the docks at the Yacht Club. Otherwise there is plenty of water in the bay.

I didn't mention it but there are usually 15 or more Montauk type Whalers in that little marina in the summer.

I'm not pushing Tomales Bay at all, just filling in information.

posted 01-31-2011 09:47 PM ET (US)            

A marina is just a little bit away from the hotel has been upgraded http://www.visitstockton.org/Things-to-Do/On-the-Water/ downtown-stockton-marina . I am told that the marina is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. I have no idea if the hotel could accommodate boat trailer parking.
The boat launch would have to be at http://www.stocktongov.com/redevelopment/MorelliParkProject.cfm . It appears to be very close to the marina.

I don’t have any direct knowledge of the facilities. However the Delta has incredible potential for a great day or two on the water. The published rate for an overnight berth is $20, but the hotel is significantly cheaper than the Sheraton at Petaluma. The combination of hotel and berth is likely to be less than the Sheraton in Petaluma.

Is anyone familiar with Stockton and these facilities? I live 2 ½ hours away and don’t get down that way very often.

posted 01-31-2011 09:59 PM ET (US)            

Here is the Delta's chamber of commerce web site: http://www.californiadelta.org/

posted 02-01-2011 10:24 AM ET (US)            

{url}http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18661.shtml[/url]

I'd enjoy exploring the Delta more in a fast boat. We kept a 5 ft draft 6 knot sailboat there for two years in the 80's. Lots of lunch/cruise destinations.

Downside is that the Norcal group before I discovered it rendezvou'ed (is that a word?) there more than once, and there's nothing there so exciting as a trip under the Golden Gate.

posted 02-02-2011 10:30 AM ET (US)            

If the weather is decent outside, I can almost guarantee we'd end up with some nice salmon to barbeque for dinner (almost guarantee, with 'almost' being the operative word, as any fisherman will attest).

Something different, and just something to think about for this year's rendezvous.

posted 02-07-2011 12:25 AM ET (US)            

I vote for Bodega Bay / Tomales Bay. Between the two bays we will have sandy beaches for shore-side picnics, oysters, open ocean, possibly salmon fishing, gorgeous scenery, and lodging. Bodega just seems more "whaler" than Stockton or say, Tahoe. It also has a built in backup plan for rough weather.

posted 02-07-2011 12:55 AM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/DSC_4838-2.jpg

posted 02-07-2011 08:56 PM ET (US)            

So:

When?
Details of where to stay, eat, and launch?

posted 02-10-2011 04:04 PM ET (US)            

There doesn't seem to be a current table station, but according to the tide tables, the ebb that starts after the 1049 high won't be massive (2.8 ft drop).

However it will be at its max about 1 PM. My notes show the high tide to be at 0958, though. did I get that wrong?

The good thing about the 14th is that Tomales Bay will be about +4 most of the late morning when we'd be using the beaches, if we go in there.

The next weekend, May 21 shows a large flood (5 ft rise) starting at 0930 (-0.9) until 4 PM. A current this rapid passing over the bar which shoals from 65 ft to 8 ft sounds like something to avoid.

I'm not experienced with the Tomales Bay Bar, But I'm very experienced with the effect of strong tidal currents on the shallow, narrow, passes in B.C. You'd have to see it to believe it. Tenga cuidado, amigos!

posted 02-10-2011 06:36 PM ET (US)            

It only "seems" like it's blowing 40 mph, Joe. Our usual weather patterns in the spring are fairly calm in the morning, picking up around noon, and then blowing 15-25 kts from the northwest in the afternoon. Yeah, sure, occasionally it gets really nasty, and that's what we're hoping not to happen if we rendezvous out there. On the other hand, no matter how hard it's blowing outside, we can tow our boats down to Tomales Bay (thereby not worrying about crossing that sometimes challenging bar), and launch inside TB, where it's pretty much always nice.

Poor old "Blow-dega" Bay. It gets a bum rap because, yes, it kicks up sometimes, especially in the afternoon, but it's very do-able for small Whalers at least three-quarters of the time during the spring, depending where you want to head once you leave the harbor.

posted 02-13-2011 11:16 AM ET (US)            

Here's a photo of just one of many nice beaches inside Tomales Bay, somewhere near mid or high tide.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/P4160149.jpg

I hope High Sierra is monitoring this frequency and will be able to join us this year. And I think Irishcreamer has his amazing Outrage going now.

posted 02-13-2011 11:18 AM ET (US)            

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/boatdryver/P4160149.jpg

JimL

posted 02-13-2011 03:54 PM ET (US)            

Are we about ready to arrive at consensus about location, folks? It's still pretty early in the year -- maybe we should encourage some more ideas and wait a while before deciding, eh? On the other hand, Bodega/Tomales Bays would sure be a change, and might really be fun for those who don't know those great boating locations.

posted 02-15-2011 12:15 AM ET (US)            

Sounds like 5/14/11 is the day.

posted 02-15-2011 01:42 AM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/2009%20Strike3%20launch/ DSC_0362.jpg

So even if it's really windy, we can still get our Whalers out on the water. Just not too far out.

posted 02-23-2011 07:51 PM ET (US)            

Heh, heh. I insured a sailboat I keep down in SF Bay with Rob/ratherwhalering, and within a month or two had a substantial NEGLIGENCE claim. Negligence, you say...yep, but not entirely my fault. Our sailboat partners wrapped the prop around one of the mooring lines leaving our slip, and really screwed up our saildrive unit. Rob and his carrier came through without a major hassle, and I really can't believe he didn't swiftly cancel my coverage. Highly recommended for folks who might be looking for boat coverage BTW, and I absolutely promise that Rob won't hit you guys/gals up for life insurance...plus, he'll have the sweetest, cleanest Montauk you've ever seen at the rendezvous.

posted 02-23-2011 07:58 PM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 02-23-2011 08:04 PM ET (US)            

quote:

---

Bodega Bay to Tomales Bay sounds good to me. Here's a shot from Bodega Bay looking towards Tomales Bay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/DSC_4838-2.jpg

Warren

---

Well, darn. That doesn't look like the kind of conditions that are friendly to little skiffs like Montauks. Of course, maybe it's not always like that.

posted 02-23-2011 10:40 PM ET (US)            

http://www.google.com/images?q=bodega+bay&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a& rlz=1R1GGGL_en___US367&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&sa=X& ei=gs5lTfXmM5D2tgO2iZ3hBA&ved=0CGkQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=1003

Tony, any idea as to where everyone can stay with their boats and trailers? I know we're all going to have to launch at Westside Ramp. Do you think Connie at Porto Bodega Marina can rent us some slips?

I'll make a few calls to see where everyone can stay.

Warren

posted 02-24-2011 12:22 AM ET (US)            

Warren, your Bodega Bay publicity shots gave me an idea. Let's bring a DVD of Hitchcock's "The Birds" and watch that together after our (HOPEFUL) salmon barbeque. Maybe Tippi Hedron will show up and join our group.

posted 02-24-2011 11:10 AM ET (US)            

http://www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/cruising/charts/

posted 02-24-2011 11:12 AM ET (US)            

The chart of interest is the far left on the last row

posted 02-24-2011 11:17 AM ET (US)            

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18643.shtml

posted 02-24-2011 12:09 PM ET (US)            

http://www.portobodega.com/index.html

We can leave trailers in the parking lot near "our" slip because the Westside ramp does not allow trailers there overnight.

I think everyone can find there own accommodations here:

http://www.bodegabay.com/discover/lodging.shtml#bodega_bay_lodging

I called Bodega Bay Lodge and she said no one is going to be able to accommodate 6 trucks with trailers on their properties.

Warren

posted 02-24-2011 09:41 PM ET (US)            

It looks like from the red gong at the entrance of Tomales Bay, we run straight towards the green buoy inside he bay. I'm not sure I like the 2-3 foot depth about .3 miles southeast of the green buoy.

A late afternoon uphill trip back to Bodega Bay Harbor from Tomales Bay could get interesting if the winds pick up.

All we can do is roll with the punches. But I guarantee that everyone will have a unforgettable Rendezvous.

posted 02-25-2011 01:08 AM ET (US)            

Sorry I've been away from this thread until now! How cool that Bodega Bay is shaping up as the Rendevous location! I do work at two of the local campgrounds, Doran Beach and Westside Park, both of which have plenty of boat friendly camping and both have launch facilities.

here is a bird's eye view of the area on a flat calm day:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/17bodega/Bodega1/DSCN1313.jpg

You can find links to the camping at

http://sonomacountycamping.org/

Matt's idea of parking in gravel lot near Porto Bodega is good too, as that is free. Boat launching is $6 per day at Doran and Westside, and I can arrange overnight parking if need be. We also have a "group site" at Doran that can handle many people but is "tent only". I'm sure it could work out fine if people rented houses, stayed in local lodging and wanted to park their boats in our boat ramp parking. I can personally invite a number of you to "rough it" with me in the employee campsite for free! I will sponsor a cookout which could include banjos, baked beans, corked ales, and daily harvested oysters, weather permitting.

Hey... this sounds fun! I'm in! I will try to contact the local hotels and see if we can get a "Whaler geek" rate!

I will be working in Bodega Bay this weekend.

Anyone feel free to email me ideas or requests.

Hope to see you guys/gals here:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/17bodega/Bodega1/DSCN1314.jpg

posted 02-25-2011 01:47 AM ET (US)            

It would be nice to put some faces (and boats) to the screen names. Might see my "old baby" up from Santa Barbara too!

posted 02-25-2011 10:28 AM ET (US)            

Lisa Hanks

Sea and Boating Magazines

(949) 660-6150, ext. 223

Lisa@DuncanMcIntoshCo.com

posted 02-25-2011 12:13 PM ET (US)            

Bodega bay is not my first choice of spots for someone whos boat is on the smaller side. Just something to consider

It is a very nice and popular place. YOu have to have your camp sites or rooms well in advance. Usually you cant just roll in there and get a camp site. We made that mistake once years ago! If you know the area forgive me for bringing that up.

The group camp area sounds great if that can be worked out.

posted 02-25-2011 07:48 PM ET (US)            

Also, if we are scattered about, we are going to need some
preplanning to meet up.

Think it's gonna snow tonight?

posted 02-26-2011 04:04 AM ET (US)            

I will do some digging tomorrow about the camping. I think Chuck makes a good point about having a roof over our heads. I will check everything out and see what sounds the best. The group site is $150 I think. A special use permit is about $40 for just launching and boat use... perhaps an outdoor gathering.

We need a rough head count

I'll post what info I can get tomorrow

posted 02-26-2011 10:10 AM ET (US)            

Steve, it's great to have you, with you wealth of knowledge of the area, to help out.

You can count me in by myself with a truck and 170 Montauk on a trailer.

I will roll in on Friday afternoon and leave Sunday morning/afternoon.

I think we're going to need to assume an itinerary. I'll make a draft:

1) Arrive in Friday and launch boat at Westside ramp. Motor Whaler to Porto Bodega into slip. Get/bring tow vehicle to Porto Bodega parking lot. Take off for late afternoon cruise and return for dinner. Unhitch and lock trailer so you can park tow vehicle at any hotel/motel or go to dinner.

2) Launch 9 am and head to Tomales Bay (south) or Fort Ross (north) or both. It's 14 miles north to the Russian River and 21 miles to Fort Ross. Then head back to Bodega Bay have lunch at the Tides and then head about 6 miles south to Tomales Bay and back to Westside ramp. Total round trip is 54 miles, so figure at 25 mph, 2.25 hours travel time.

3) Group dinner Saturday night. Campsite or restaurant.

4) Sunday morning cruise or start a long haul back home.

So we need to figure out the slip and trailer parking arrangement with Connie at Porto Bodega. We also might need someone to shuttle people between Westside ramp and Porto Bodega parking lot.

These are just suggestions, please feel free to make more suggestions. Let's just have some fun!

Warren

posted 02-26-2011 10:40 AM ET (US)            

Adm. Linda and I will roll in sometime Friday and out
sometime Sunday.

posted 02-27-2011 01:43 PM ET (US)            

The $44 special use permit would be for the entire group of Whalegeeks, so it's a one time charge for the entire weekend. I'm not certain we would even need it depending on the number of boats we end up with. IF... we have coast guard auxillary inspections (I know some locals that will likely come down for our event free of charge) and/or a "boating safety meeting" say, for an hour or so (which is a good idea anyway) we can have all entry fees waived for both days as a part of our SUP. I reccomend some sort of "safety talk" either way, due to the dangerous nature of the area. Doing vessel checks on 20 whalers can be time consuming, so consider this in your thinking.

I also think that looking into Porto Bodega is a good idea, if we want to have boat slips for the weekend. As Tony and I discussed, they may be full due to salmon season in May, but they also have a dry lot, boat ramp, nearby house rentals, and camp sites with full hookups. These guys have it all. One stop shopping for those who want roof over heads, boating facilities, and slips.

The House (sleeps 6, and maybe a few on couches because us whaler geeks are such a low key bunch... not like them fishermen types) is $485 for the entire weekend and is available for May 13 and 14! (we need to jump on this to reserve it - I'm in for a portion of this. This could be a screamin deal when split up between whalegeeks!) The other house is booked so let's move fast - it's on courtesy hold for me today.

The house ensures that even if a gale blows us off the ocean, we have a fairly cheap crash pad to hang out and do the whaler bbq/dinner event. The house is on site, meaning a 300 foot walk to the boat dock and camp sites.

Camping is $31 for non hookup, $44-47 for hookups. Boat launch is icluded! Restaurants, shops, bait, surfboard and kayak rentals - Bodega is your oyster!

Let's do this!! I will sponser Boyd's famous Margaritas from scratch and maybe we can get Chuck to mix a batch of his Sangria!

Anyone can call me on my cell to get this going.

I need 6 heads to committ to the house and call me. I think this will be a good home base of operations. Give me some feedback and let me know what you think

Steve
707-280-2128

posted 02-27-2011 02:44 PM ET (US)            

Let me know where to send my check or who to call to put my share on a credit card.

Cell phone 916-952-3333 or text message me anytime.

posted 02-27-2011 02:47 PM ET (US)            

http://www.portobodega.com/vacationrentalsSerenity.html

posted 02-27-2011 05:00 PM ET (US)            

Anyone can call or text me with questions/comments, etc. Let me be your Bodega Bay tour guide... that's what I do anyway.

posted 02-28-2011 10:27 AM ET (US)            

http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/6509.html?y=2011&m=5&d=14

posted 02-28-2011 10:55 AM ET (US)            

I wanted to mention a few other tidbits about things we could do.

1. Vessel Safety Checks
2. U.C. Davis Bodega Marine Lab (Friday from 2-4, free)
3. Possible Coast Guard talk/tour of their boats.
4. Safety talk/flare demo with coast guard/ranger

Just want to throw some ideas out there to chew on. Keep the feedback coming.

posted 02-28-2011 09:23 PM ET (US)            

Bernadette and I are up for the Bodega adventure, and if there's still room at the house we'd like to stay there. We can bring sleeping bags. Steve, let me know if there's room and where to send money.

posted 03-01-2011 12:47 AM ET (US)            

Welcome, and you're in. You and your wife can have a bedroom. We can deal with the details later. We're doing this rental thing by the seat of our pants - it's all good.

posted 03-02-2011 11:14 AM ET (US)            

I sure hope at least some of you are planning to spend a couple of hours trolling for salmon. I can help rig rods and share some hints for those who haven't fished for salmon before (though I sure hope my skunk juice doesn't rub off on y'all...we need at least one nice king to barbecue Saturday night). Also, Matt/placerville is an abalone-diving animal, and if the weather's okay we're going to cruise up past the Russian River to one of his "secret" coves and he'll dive off Strike3. Steve said he wants to come along as well.

The house looks great, and will provide a fine central location meeting place for all of us.

posted 03-02-2011 01:13 PM ET (US)            

Also I'm in contact with a very knowledgable local friend who has crossed the bar hundreds of times in all seasons in a 21 foot Grady.

He's also going to call his buddies who regularly use the Miller Park boat ramp inside Tomales Bay about the range of tides when it can and can't be used.

I'll report as soon as I have all the information.

posted 03-02-2011 01:44 PM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/DSC_4973.jpg

If the weather is good, there will be tons of sights to see by water.

I can't wait to check out Tomales Bay.

posted 03-02-2011 07:19 PM ET (US)            

I'm glad you mentioned the Tomales Bay cruise. Jim (Boatdryver) knows much more than me due to his local knowledge of the place but I've had some big fun playing inside the bay. Much of the bay is less than 15 feet deep, and the shallows are filled with eel grass and sandy bottom. In good clear weather and water conditions, it is a blast to "drift" the shallows from Tom's point (on an incoming..) down toward Hogg Island... and when this is not possible driving slowly through the shallows will produce the same result... you do have to beware of running aground... even in the whalers. During these drifts, you can see sand sharks, bat rays, and many other creatures in the clear water. I've seen pilot whales and grays in there too, Bobcats combing the shores and the Tule Elk on the hills. It's truly an amazing wilderness area. It's not always clear though, and in recent years there has been an elevated bacteria advising against body contact with water, much like the occurances in the Monterey Bay dive sites.

Timing is everything with regards to boating in this area.... the best we can do is let it go and see what mother ocean has in store for us.

A flexible plan including an "A", "B", and "C" option will ensure a good time for all!

The turnout is looking good!

posted 03-03-2011 10:08 AM ET (US)            

I plan to come in on Friday afternoon, stay through Monday & fish as much as possible. I would very much appreciate any tips on salmon trolling, bottom fishing, & crabbing. I've fished Bodega many years ago,and Tomales too...for halibut! Some of my fondest memories are of clam, oyster, and fish BBQ's after a day on the bay. Hope we can fill the larder for Sat night!

posted 03-03-2011 01:45 PM ET (US)            

I'm not going to waste band width here boring folks about my barely-adequate fishing techniques. Feel very free to call me (707-292-0778) or drop me an email (wildelaw@comcast.net) if you want to hear about my own particular way of killing salmon. Please be aware that while I've fished this location for 20+ years, and deckhanded in several recreational charter boats during that same time, I'm not one of those Coastside website salmon experts. I scratch out some decent fish on occasion -- more than enough to keep me happy -- but salmon fishing is a very personal, personality-oriented thing, and when I'm fishing alone or with a friend in my Whaler I'm pretty laid-back about results as long as I've had a nice day on the ocean.

That being said, I'm more than happy to share some hints and describe my limited techniques (for example, I almost never use bait). If you want great advice re bottom fishing in our waters, Warren/WT is your source. And I hope Andy/andygere, littleblue, FISHNFF, Fishmore, and others I'm forgetting, show up at the rendezvous...they're NorCal salmon slayers for sure.

As for Dungeness crabs, we've had an exemplary season so far, and yes, it will continue into May. Live crabs are available for reasonable costs all over the harbor, but I'm not sure if it would be practicable to drop pots and retrieve them during the rendezvous, and I don't know whether any of the potential attendees are set up to do so. I'm sure Steve/17 Bodega will have better info.

posted 03-03-2011 09:38 PM ET (US)            

http://www.coastsidefishingclub.com/grey-beard-articles

Tony eluded to this site earlier...

posted 03-04-2011 10:08 AM ET (US)            

Not to be TOO morbid, but that's the same exact location, Schoolhouse Beach, where two friends of Warren/WT drowned while crabbing around the first of this year.

Mid-May will (might!) be much nicer...

posted 03-04-2011 10:27 PM ET (US)            

Joe, as I said above, Bodega Bay gets a bad rap. I just got a call from Matt, who's gonna drive all the way down from Placerville and join me tomorrow for a cruise in my Montauk with maybe some fishing seven or eight miles out. It's March 4th, and the forecast for tomorrow is for gentle 10 mph easterly offshore breezes, with 3-5 ft swells at 14 seconds, which is just about as flat calm as it ever gets.

The problem with this location is, you can just never tell. It's super nice one day, and the next it gets nasty. Mid-May is usually a decent time of the year for this location; let's all keep our fingers and toes crossed.

posted 03-04-2011 11:45 PM ET (US)            

http://www.hogislandoysters.com/farm/picnic-u-shuck

So I'm hoping we can catch a few salmon and buy some Dungeness crab in Bodega Bay and pick up some Sweet Water oysters for a cookout.

I can't wait.

posted 03-05-2011 02:25 AM ET (US)            

Man this is going to be fun!

posted 03-05-2011 10:08 AM ET (US)            

As far as I know the only commercial operation on Tomales Bay besides Lawson's Landing that has a dock appropriate for boats like Whalers is Nick's Cove restaurant. Their dock accommodates one boat if it is not taken already. Nick's Cove became insolvent within the last few months and was sold. I don't know if it has reopened.

posted 03-06-2011 12:40 PM ET (US)            

Did you and Tony check out the route from Bodega Bay into Tomales Bay via boat? More specifically, crossing the bar?

Warren

posted 03-06-2011 12:52 PM ET (US)            

Seriously, another great day out of Bodega Bay harbor in my Montauk, with flat calm seas and some sun in the morning before the very light rain began and we headed back for the barn. Don't be put off by BB's rep, folks. The rendezvous is shaping up very nicely, and it will be very do-able, one way of the other, come mid-May. What fun, and what a different kind of get-together, especially if we end up sharing a feast harvested from the sea by participants (and then there's Warren's single-malt and my pale ale...).

posted 03-06-2011 01:47 PM ET (US)            

He also is going to try to get from his friends specifics of the tidal range at which the Miller State Park boat Ramp at Nicks Cove inside Tomales Bay is usable. Story is that the State Parks built the new ramp but could not get permit to do all the dredging they would have liked, and that there is a mud bar just a little way out from the ramp that becomes an obstacle al some tidal levels.

Warren, regarding that shallow spot on the chart just inside the Bar, I have looked for that a few times unsuccessfully with my sounder. Yacht clubs from SF Bay come across the bar in 40-50 ft keel boats drawing 6 ft or more all the time, mindful of the tide.

posted 03-07-2011 11:47 PM ET (US)            

Frequent users report that the ramp is usable at +1 ft tides or higher.

According to the tide tables for Blakes Landing nearby, the time window for May 14 for the ramp is approximately 8 AM to 3 PM.

Regarding the Tomales Bay Bar, my friend has kindly offered to go out with me in my boat before May 14 and show me the local landmarks for where the bar causes breaking waves, and his spots inside and outside the bar where it is safe to stop and observe the wave activity and to decide whether or when to go for it.

We will try to pick a time when the ebb is similar to what it will be May 14.

I'll report back when that happens, in a few weeks.

posted 03-08-2011 09:49 AM ET (US)            

It all depends on the weather, guys, and if we have bad luck and it's howling, we'll poke around the harbor, visit the sea lion rookery half a mile outside in the lee of Bodega Head, and then tow down to well-protected and very beautiful Tomales Bay for a cruise. So c'mon down, Ron!

posted 03-08-2011 10:32 AM ET (US)            

About 6 houses from me here in Inverness there is a Menemsha on a trailer.

It is not quite as nice as yours.

The owner is a very experienced guy who picks his days and crosses the Tomales Bay Bar frequently for crabbing, fishing and also some sort of independent oceanographic research.

He has a 50 hp Yamaha 4 stroke motor.

I remember handing my 12 volt battery booster over to you in the Petaluma River on the way back from the Golden Gate, year before last when your motor quit.

Did you ever figure out what went wrong with your electrical system?

posted 03-08-2011 02:36 PM ET (US)            

I have a grill, burner stove. burner and pot to steam oysters and crabs.and general stuff for such outings. Will round up a couple of crab rings and put in a fishing pole or 2. Will also bring a powerful thirst.

Ron and Vicki

posted 03-08-2011 05:12 PM ET (US)            

;-)

posted 03-10-2011 12:02 PM ET (US)            

Got a call yesterday from Lisa at Sea magazine, and she's sending me a box of May editions of the 'zine (in which our rendezvous is mentioned) to distribute to the first twenty lucky participants. Git back...!

posted 03-20-2011 11:05 PM ET (US)            

If you are coming please post here, or e-mail me:

Your name and name(s) of others coming with you.
Model, length, name, MMSI of your whaler
Continuous Wave Handle
Cell Phone number
E-mail address
Arrival time
Departure time
Where you are staying
Whether you need a slip

Fer instance:

Chuck Tribolet and Linda Reisinger
Montauk 17, Black Dog, 338000069
Chuck Tribolet
408-398-7134
triblet@garlic.cm
Fri. afternoon
Sunday
"The house"
Yes

posted 03-21-2011 10:54 AM ET (US)            

If anyone else wants a room in the house, please call or email me... and thanks Chuck too! We should probably get some kind of "house count" going.. food ideas and a "loose" agenda...weather always dictates in the end..

posted 03-22-2011 07:49 PM ET (US)            

one person-have room for one person on board
2007 200 Dauntless/175 Verado (the one with the battery switch problem last year-thanks Matt!)

let's see ...I forget the protocol....

posted 03-24-2011 11:40 AM ET (US)            

Highly dependent upon traffic, you're lookign at roughly 1.5 to 2 hours one way. Google maps says 1 hour 48 minutes and 2 hours and 30 minutes in traffic. Friday Evenings involve a nasty north bound commute due to a 5 mile stretch of 101 that narrows to 2 lanes. You take the E. Washington exit in Petaluma and head west which takes you to Bodega Bay directly.

posted 03-24-2011 04:41 PM ET (US)            

Tony

posted 03-24-2011 05:44 PM ET (US)            

I think we should probably hold onto this slip for some of the folks coming from a long way away, especially for a larger Whaler. I might also trailer my Montauk over on Sunday, especially if CW members like Lizard come up without their Whalers and need a ride in Strike3, but I'll raft with someone or just tie up on one of the end-ties if I do. BTW, for you locals, it's "Sandy Ann"'s slip, generously donated, but George won't have his boat in the slip until after our rendezvous.

posted 03-27-2011 12:02 PM ET (US)            

Please check your information.

posted 03-28-2011 03:21 PM ET (US)            

2003 Dauntless 160, Just a Little Fluke, 338041444
dburton
530-521-4398
dburton@dburton.net
Friday 3:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm
Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park site 50-something
I have a slip reserved at Porto Bodega Marina

posted 04-02-2011 08:54 AM ET (US)            

1. Vessel Safety Checks
2. U.C. Davis Bodega Marine Lab (Friday from 2-4, free)
3. Possible Coast Guard talk/tour of their boats.
4. Safety talk/flare demo with coast guard/ranger

but we need to pin down the details.

posted 04-02-2011 01:06 PM ET (US)            

You of all people will want to make sure to add this to your list. If the weather is decent, on Saturday Matt and I will head up north (actually almost exactly north by northwest, which is entirely fitting in ways only an Alfred Hitchcock fan can understand) about one hour and Matt will dive off Strike3 for abalone at one of our 'secret spots.' C'mon along, either in your boat or with us. It's real pretty up there north of the Russian River, and this trip will probably be combined with an easy downhill troll for salmon as well. Great sightseeing run along the coast for those not interested in diving or fishing.

posted 04-02-2011 09:37 PM ET (US)            

Depending on weather, I will join Tony and Matt on Strike 3 for the morning dive on Friday.

Ed from Pt Reyes Station. I hope you are able to attend!! What a treat to have someone with local history and knowledge. It would be cool just to sit around and hear your stories for hours - and to have the pleasure of talking to anyone involved in the shark tagging project would be a dream come true! One of our park employees found a yellow tag floating around during salmon season last year and called the 800 number on the unit as it looked very expensive and high tech... turned out it was a white shark tag and they got a $500 check just for returning it along with some of the data the receiver had on it!

Just like many areas on the West Coast, Bodega is a treasure trove of natural wonders. We have even been spotting a pair of bald eagles near Doran Beach along with a juvinille!

This promises to be an exciting year and I'm getting really pumped for the event!

Anyone can feel free to call me or email me with thoughts or suggestions.

posted 04-12-2011 12:32 PM ET (US)            

Decent start of the salmon season out here, BTW, and it would have been much, much better if the usual early Spring winds had let us get out more frequently over the past ten days. Sure hope it lays down during the rendezvous.

posted 04-15-2011 03:29 PM ET (US)            

Note that it's your responsibility to call Porto Bodega and
get a slip. Don't e-mail, they didn't respond to an e-mail.

Also, are we over committed at "the house"?

posted 04-15-2011 06:00 PM ET (US)            

a couple of weeks ago, Steve offered me his room and I accepted. He said we could figure out payment on the 13th.

posted 04-16-2011 03:24 AM ET (US)            

http://www.portobodega.com/vacationrentalsSerenity.html

posted 04-16-2011 12:52 PM ET (US)            

If not, and Steve's plans have changed back to original I could go back to Inverness which is only an hour away

posted 04-18-2011 01:45 AM ET (US)            

We'll be working on food and entertainment as the event draws near. I'll try to take a peek through the house this weekend while at work to get a better idea. Matt and Tony have already toured the place and they are pretty stoked about the setup.

Ideally we are planning to have some local seafood on tap for the Friday and Saturday dinners.

With the seafood, I'm thinking a big salad, tomato basil salad, garlic bread (maybe some local wildflower bread baked fresh in Freestone), chicken, vegetarian entree, etc...kinda like a "wing it" potluck type deal.

Maybe we could start a "grocery list" as things get closer.

posted 04-19-2011 01:53 PM ET (US)            

I'd suggest that everyone bring folding camp chairs for hanging out on the deck/patio. I'd also bring your personal eating utencils..plates,glass, forks. as there is probably only enough for 8.

posted 04-24-2011 11:05 PM ET (US)            

That restaurant has since been located to the top of the hill in Pelican Plaza, where the grocery store, surf shack, etc are located. Most businesses close down early. Deikman's Bay Store (deli, pizza, Indian Curry, etc) will be open until 10. Pelican Grocery is 10 as well but I think the deli will be closed. Boat House (fish, chips, grease, burgers, etc) will be open until about 8.

Your idea is great, and as attendees trickle in, I'm hoping there will be finger food and such sitting out... and some may elect to "grab" food out from anywhere local that is still open. For those arriving later, I would reccomend eating on the road just to be sure in case Bodega shuts down early. For those of us that work the night shift in town...we plan ahead.

give a call if you have any more questions. My main reccomendation is for everyone to do what they are comfortable with. maybe we can make a list of "early" and "late" arrivals, so we can get a better idea, as well as a cell phone contact or two to keep us up to speed on any potential problems the travellers may encounter.

posted 04-25-2011 11:21 AM ET (US)            

Where is the "house"? or address?

what is the name of the relocated restaurant?

posted 04-25-2011 06:36 PM ET (US)            

The Sandpiper (old location) was at the SE end of the Porto Bodega/Sport Fishing Center. The "house" is located behind the old Sandpiper (East toward the hill where Diekman's is located up... there are two houses, the one we have is on the right...) To be exact, the house is behind Rick Power's old bait shop that I believe is now defunct. There is a lot of construction around and a lot of gravel parking lot space that will accomodate several boats and trailers if we are clever about how we park.

Hope this helps. One other tip is if you are standing on the Sport Fishing Center dock (Bodega Party Boats) and face back the gang plank toward the East, you should be staring directly at the house.

posted 04-26-2011 02:10 AM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/ PortoBodegarentalaerial.jpg

We are staying in the rental on the eastside of this site map. Should be lots of parking.

posted 04-26-2011 02:18 AM ET (US)            

Do you think we can launch our smaller 17 foot Boston Whalers at this ramp at Porto Bodega?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/RampPortoBodega.jpg

posted 04-26-2011 02:41 AM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Misc/PortoBodegaMarina. jpg

posted 04-26-2011 11:58 AM ET (US)            

Here are the tides for Friday and Sunday at Bodega Bay Harbor Entrance.

Tides for Bodega Harbor entrance starting with May 13, 2011.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible

F 13 Low 2:27 AM 0.8 6:03 AM Set 3:16 AM 72
13 High 8:19 AM 4.1 8:14 PM Rise 4:17 PM
13 Low 2:09 PM 1.0
13 High 8:35 PM 5.8

Tides for Bodega Harbor entrance starting with May 15, 2011.
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible

Su 15 Low 4:10 AM -0.7 6:01 AM Set 4:26 AM 90
15 High 10:37 AM 4.4 8:16 PM Rise 6:44 PM
15 Low 3:51 PM 1.7
15 High 9:57 PM 6.4

posted 04-27-2011 10:13 AM ET (US)            

"The House", BTW, is marked "Vacation Rental" on the east side of Warren's map. There are two of them...the one we're using is to the south.

posted 04-27-2011 04:09 PM ET (US)            

I better wear a harness and my kill switch lanyard. :-O

Can't wait to get out on the water.

posted 04-27-2011 07:57 PM ET (US)            

Yep. Self treatment of benign positional vertigo exercises that helped a little. Taking Prednisone to perhaps try to knock out any inner ear irritation.

I still have it since March 19th. Lots of people get over it in a few weeks. Next step is physical therapy which I refused or go see an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor.

I just bought a box of Punch Robusto maduro cigars and I'll pick up a nice bottle of scotch for the rendezvous.

I'm looking forward to a great weekend.

posted 04-28-2011 02:53 PM ET (US)            

So when I get my 170 Montauk on the water I'll really feel the "shiver me timbers!". :-)

Cigars, scotch, food, camaraderie and boating should make great rendezvous. Let's just hope the weather cooperates.

Warren

posted 05-02-2011 01:24 AM ET (US)            

Matt and I did real well today (May 1), and this one fish will provide more than enough salmon, in its various manifestations (fresh-frozen fillets, smoked, canned, lox, etc) to start us off, even if the weather is nasty and we can't get out to get a Saturday salmon or two. We're pretty sure that live (until we boil 'em) Dungeness crab will be on the menu as well, and maybe even abalone if everything goes right. For me, a steak or burger sounds mighty nice as well ;-)

Counting the days.

posted 05-03-2011 02:42 AM ET (US)            

Maybe we'll get lucky and get 10 footers by 30 seconds. :-)

posted 05-04-2011 12:23 AM ET (US)            

In the unlikely event we're not able to catch anything, Tony and I have enough salmon for two dinners. I have abalone for appetizers. If you want to bring and work crab traps, great do it. There is a crab fisherman at Porto that sells crabs for around $10 if we don't get enough. Rob, bring your cooker. There is a barbeque grill at the house.

I suggest everyone pay or bring the equivalent of $15/per person per meal. $30 for the weekend. You can bring that much in goodies or we'll use the $$ to buy crabs. There is a decent market there that has prepared salads, bread, produce and killer brownies.

Jim L, or anyone coming up from Tomales, would you mind picking up oysters?

If anyone wants to bring a dish, or stop at bakery, farm stand or whatever, super.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Or we can just bring our own
lean cuisine and microwave them.

posted 05-04-2011 08:24 PM ET (US)            

Just kidding, partner. Yeah, plan on about another ten or fifteen bucks for all the other goodies. And if we're lucky, there will be more fish and fresh crab by Saturday p.m........free for the catching.

posted 05-04-2011 10:16 PM ET (US)            

I thought about flying up, renting a car, driving to Bodega and dead-heading with the generous attendees who offered me a spot on their boat. It is not very practical.

Unless a road-worthy trailer comes up in the next 7-10 days, I am going to miss this event, yet again.

posted 05-05-2011 03:01 PM ET (US)            

Liz--Dammit! How about that plane ride up and we'll give you a chance to ride in several different Whalers?

posted 05-05-2011 03:39 PM ET (US)            

I would love to get a head count for Bodega Marine Lab on Friday from 2-4. I saw a pilot whale yesterday, so we should be looking for whales both by boat or land depending on ocean conditions.

posted 05-05-2011 04:17 PM ET (US)            

I think Friday am going to make a run up to Gualala to hunt for some rock fish spots before this up coming season.

I should be back at Porto Bodega before 4 pm.

posted 05-07-2011 12:50 AM ET (US)            

There's a direct connection from LAX to our little Santa Rosa airport on Horizon/Alaska Airlines. It's reasonable if you book a couple of weeks in advance, but very pricey if you don't. Also, did you check JetBlue to SFO from its hub in Long Beach?

posted 05-08-2011 06:49 PM ET (US)            

Is there some place with internet access up there? I have to be online at 9:00am for 15 minutes or so and then should be free for most of the day.

posted 05-09-2011 10:22 AM ET (US)            

that's what I am used to doing. Slathered with garlic lemon butter, melted, and chased with a cool white wine. My personal best, set 10 years ago was over 24 on a day when some guests didn't like oysters. couldn't let them go to waste.

posted 05-09-2011 05:58 PM ET (US)            

Please check it to make sure I have your info correct.

Fishmore, Salmon Tub, and littleblue, I'm really short on info
on you guys.

posted 05-09-2011 09:20 PM ET (US)            

We still don't know our Friday evening plans, but will let you know later in the week.

posted 05-09-2011 09:27 PM ET (US)            

Translation from NOAA-speak:
"Rain" means "it goes on and on and can be miserable if you
are out in it". "Showers" means "it lasts a little bit and
is over, your foulies will be fine". "Slight chance" means
"it probably won't happen".

posted 05-10-2011 12:07 AM ET (US)            

For you folks who haven't fished ocean salmon before and want to give it a try:

--Relatively light gear. Most don't use spinning reels, though any rig which will handle 20 lb test line will be okay. I've used inexpensive six foot six inch "Ugly Sticks" with Penn Squidders and 25 lb test mono for the past twenty years, and they are the rigs many recreational charter boat skippers provide for their customers. But don't run out and but anything new if you have a decent rod and reel of similar style. Unless you hook up to the ultimate Bodega Bay salmon, you won't need much more than a relatively stiff steelhead rod and a reel that has a hundred yards of ~15-25 lb test line to boat the fish. People occasionally land these fish on fly rods, light rock fishing gear, hand lines, and whatever, so bring along what you have and we'll look it over Saturday morning. Oh yeah...you need to have a net on board your boat and you must crimp down the barbs on your hooks.

--I almost always fish "junk", which means five dollar plastic Apex lures in various colors, or "hootchies" -- plastic squid-like lures attached to six or eight inch "flashers." Others, who sometimes do much better, use anchovies and sardines rigged using various methods which any bait shop can explain (and sell you the bait and rigs).
When I'm not using a downrigger, which I almost never use when I'm fishing alone, I use a planer or a release and a 40-ounce lead ball. Again, any bait shop will have these things in stock. Don't let them sell you more than two balls if you're going that route, BTW, they're expensive and you won't need more than two. Same with releases...two at most; you probably won't need more than one. If you decide to go the planer route, get the heaviest, deepest-diving one you can and expect to pay about eight or nine bucks for it.

--Matt, Warren and I will have some extra gear and a couple of extra rods/reels available for folks who don't have any, so whatever you do, don't get into a buying frenzy about this stuff. Just bring along what you have, pick up a couple of lures or some bait along the way, and we'll help you rig up.

--Divers: If the weather is decent, we're heading up north for some abalone on Saturday, combined with a scenic cruise and some salmon fishing along the way. Make sure you have your abalone cards and tags. Which reminds me:

--MAKE SURE YOU HAVE LICENSES IF YOU WANT TO FISH OR DIVE.

It's all on line now...you can buy and immediately print out fishing licenses via your computers. Make sure this week that you're okay in that department.

Counting the daze...

posted 05-10-2011 03:16 AM ET (US)            

Tim Corfey (possibly another person).
1973 Montauk, 16'7", None, None
Fishmore
510-377-4920
tcorfey@yahoo.com
0700 Saturday
2200 Saturday ?
Just a day trip
Plan to launch at rental house per Tony's recommendation. Will pull out at end of day.

Thanks for organizing the trip and information.

posted 05-10-2011 08:59 AM ET (US)            

FRI
NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT. NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT.

SAT
SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL
5 TO 7 FT. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

That looks good for Saturday, right?
SW wind is unusual, though, right?

Tim: no e-mail from you, except for one from two years ago.
You did send it to triblet@, not tribolet@, right? There's
no O in my e-mail address. Roster updated.

posted 05-10-2011 11:43 AM ET (US)            

Safe travels to all!

posted 05-10-2011 12:02 PM ET (US)            

GREAT Saturday weather report. Just what we want to hear. May it last. And Chuck, no, SW winds are not unusual when the breezes are either very light (as forecasted for Saturday) or veering around prior to a big southerly blow. But you're correct in thinking that most of the time the wind out here blows from the northwest, usually in the 10-20 or 15-25 kt range.

posted 05-10-2011 09:43 PM ET (US)            

Santa Barbara 101 to 280 to 1 to Golden Gate Bridge to 101 to 12 more scenic but much longer time wise.

Santa Barbara 101 to 280 to 1 to Golden Gate Bridge to 1 up through Tamales Bay to Bodega significantly longer time wise but much more scenic.

posted 05-10-2011 10:10 PM ET (US)            

BTW, we also take the Hwy 154 San Marcos Pass short cut out of Santa Barbara, but of course it is a personal preference whether you want to pull your rig up that hill to save a few miles.

Plan on about 9 hours, with no traffic if you stick reasonably close to the 55 mph trailer speed limit, more or less

Have a safe trip .

posted 05-10-2011 10:18 PM ET (US)            

101N to
85N to
280N to
1N to
101N

It's a function of when you are driving. 280N will be
better than 101N and way better than 880N at rush hour.

Sunday forecast is now out:

PZZ540-110400-
POINT ARENA TO POINT REYES TO 10 NM-
220 PM PDT TUE MAY 10 2011

FRI
NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT.
NW SWELL 5 TO 7 FT.

SAT
SW WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT.
NW SWELL 4 TO 6 FT. CHANCE OF SHOWERS.

SUN
S WINDS 10 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS.
W SWELL 4 TO 6 FT. CHANCE OF SHOWER

posted 05-11-2011 09:16 PM ET (US)            

does anyone know if the house has a charcoal bbq? I don't have one that is portable

50 oysters will fill a 21 inch round weber twice.

I have lots of charcoal, shucking knives, and a couple of leather welder's gloves.

a wood surface at table height is great for the shucking

posted 05-11-2011 11:19 PM ET (US)            

Mark, Your wife's salad would be great. And anyone else who wants to bring or make a dish.

posted 05-12-2011 01:25 AM ET (US)            

Fluke:
ATT phone service is fine in BB proper. You won't have much service from Petaluma until your arrival to BB though. Up and down the coast North and South of Bodega is intermittent at best with any carrier.

Current weather synopsis for North Coast is getting interesting:

THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE SOUTHERN WATERS TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY. A DRY COLD FRONT WILL APPROACH FROM THE NORTH WITH INCREASING NW WINDS ACROSS ALL THE WATERS BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY. BY SATURDAY WINDS WILL TURN SOUTHERLY AHEAD OF AN INCOMING TROUGH THAT WILL SPREAD SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE WATERS SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY.

The showers are increasing in their likelihood...but swell seems to be forecast lower for Saturday... Most of us know that "anything goes" for Bodega so we'll see as the weekend draws closer.

I was going to do some food prep on Thursday night including a red potato dish...but feel free to bring them... and the salad sounds great! Good call on increasing the oysters. I have lots of food prep items I can bring... I live close so anyone should speak up. I have a blender I will bring too with lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

anyone feel free to call with any last minute thoughts.

posted 05-12-2011 01:33 AM ET (US)            

My MRI of my brain came back negative. No brain damage but I still hve my vertigo. Don't laugh if you see me wearing a crash helmet over the weekend. :-)

I go in tomorrow for an ear exam for the ringing in my ears. I'm a basket case. My doctor prescribed boating, drinking, smoking and eating in massive quanities.

Looking forward to the rendezvous.

posted 05-12-2011 10:03 AM ET (US)            

Gave it a try yesterday in 'Amulet' in lumpy, whitecapped conditions. One 20" shaker during maybe three hours of "fun", and then I headed back to the barn, shivering. Looks much better for Saturday...so far. Let's see what happens.

See y'all tomorrow.

posted 05-12-2011 10:30 AM ET (US)            

The boat's all preped except for some repair around the bow
eye today.

See you all there.

posted 05-12-2011 01:42 PM ET (US)            

Man with all the great eats and drinks, I won't be leaving the house!

posted 05-12-2011 03:09 PM ET (US)            

Plus I'll bring a box of Punch robustos for everyone to try.

Matt, thanks for the offer to "wheelchair" me around in Strike3 but I HAVE to get my 170 Montauk out on the water.

Looks like the water conditions won't allow me to run up to Gualala tomorrow so I'll probably roll in with my rig around 2-3 pm.

posted 05-12-2011 08:13 PM ET (US)            

No precip in the Saturday daytime forecast, but it may
rain on the BBQ.

Coastal and Marine forecast:
POINT ARENA TO POINT REYES TO 10 NM-
146 PM PDT THU MAY 12 2011

SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT

FRI
NW WINDS 10 TO 20 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT.
NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT AT 10 SECONDS.

FRI NIGHT
NW WINDS 15 TO 20 KT...DECREASING TO 5 TO 15 KT
AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. NW SWELL 6 TO 8 FT AT
11 SECONDS. PATCHY FOG.

SAT
W WINDS 10 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS.
NW SWELL 5 TO 7 FT. PATCHY FOG.

SAT NIGHT
SE WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. NW
SWELL 4 TO 6 FT. SHOWERS AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

SUN
W WINDS 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 1 TO 3 FT. NW SWELL
4 TO 6 FT. SHOWERS LIKELY AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

Bodega Bay surface forecast:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56. West northwest wind
between 7 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. West
northwest wind between 11 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as
23 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55. West northwest
wind around 8 mph.

Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of
the storms could produce small hail. Low around 45. South
southwest wind between 6 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation
is 80%.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of
the storms could produce small hail. Mostly cloudy, with a
high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

posted 05-12-2011 11:24 PM ET (US)            

A round of drinks for all my friends (Mickey Rourke in BarFly).

posted 05-13-2011 09:27 AM ET (US)            

Correct?

If so I don't want to get the oysters today if they won't be cooked till 24+ hours later.

If I bring them today we can cook them for Friday eve appetizers

I can drive back to T. Bay Saturday afternoon, but they often sell out on Saturday

somebody please make the call before I leave about 11 AM

Jim

posted 05-13-2011 11:25 AM ET (US)            

I vote for oysters tonight, because tomorrow looks like evening rain for the BBQ. I'll bring some other flavorings for the oysters. Call me if there's anything else I can bring to help.

posted 05-15-2011 03:26 PM ET (US)            

The house and the meals were great as Chuck mentioned. Lots of good food, cheer and friends. All told a fantastic weekend.

Warren will post some photos in the next couple of days. Thanks to Matt, Dessa, Jim and Warren with the oysters, Chuck and Linda with the sangria and baked goods and so many more who stepped up to help out. Everybody got in on the act, Linda pounding abalone, Jim and Dessa popping oysters on the grill..etc, etc. Bill and Bernadette busted out with some fantastic smoked lake trout fillets... off the dial!

It was truly a group effort with a constant flow of fantastic food coming out of the woodwork. Awesome!

posted 05-15-2011 08:15 PM ET (US)            

I have to leave right now for my father-in-laws birthday party.

Here are some pictures and I will post captions later.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ 2011%20Rendezvous%20Continuous%20Wave/?albumview=slideshow

posted 05-15-2011 08:37 PM ET (US)            

News coming out of a man overboard out of Bodega in a Montauk. Must be a tough old salt if all he wanted was to get back on his boat. Was this someone from our crew?

posted 05-15-2011 10:14 PM ET (US)            

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ 2011%20Rendezvous%20Continuous%20Wave/DSC_4725-1.jpg

posted 05-16-2011 10:01 AM ET (US)            

Would have been nice to have calmer weather but I was happy that everyone was able to get their boat salty and experience Bodega.

posted 05-16-2011 12:39 PM ET (US)            

Thanks to all for a fine rendezvous. Sorry about the weather, which today's local rag reported smashed the record for low temperatures, rain and hail for a mid-May weekend. Oh well...

posted 05-16-2011 01:24 PM ET (US)            

Tim, thanks for the pictures of me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/ 2011%20Rendezvous%20Continuous%20Wave/MegaBiteBodegaBay2011.jpg

[url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/2011%20Rendezvous%20Continuous%20Wave/MegaBiterunningBodegaBay2011.jpg[/irl]

Yep Liz, you missed out. I'm already looking forward to next year's Rendezvous.

posted 05-16-2011 01:58 PM ET (US)            

If anyone wants a ton on the pictures I took, email me you address and I'll send them to you on a DVD. Most are duplicate unedited shots becuase I sometimes shoot in bursts of 3 or more.

posted 05-17-2011 11:46 AM ET (US)            

Carl and I are looking forward to next year.

Warm Good wishes to each of you.

posted 05-17-2011 03:35 PM ET (US)            

Great times

posted 05-18-2011 01:36 PM ET (US)            

http://www.portobodega.com/vacationrentals.html

Warren

posted 05-18-2011 04:51 PM ET (US)            

Somebody stayed in the small house, but I don't know the
details.

They are building a couple of more houses.