Delta Doo Dah Dazzles

Some wise sage once said "All good things must come to an end," and Friday was the end to ‘Fab 4’ edition of the Delta Doo Dah, a weeklong rally from San Francisco Bay to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Everyone at the final Hooplah Party, hosted by Devery Stockon’s fabulous team at Owl Harbor Marina, agreed that the event lived up to its nickname — and not just those who won Beatles-themed prizes.

After a mid-week stop at King Island Resort, the fleet dispersed for two free days. More than half the boats made their way to Potato Slough, while a good-sized group checked out Mildred Island and more headed to Walnut Grove. The latter two groups reported having great fun — and being treated to the Delta’s never-ending generosity, as evidenced by the story Eric and Brian Jones on the Glastron Spirit 28 Sizzle told of a Walnut Grove bartender giving them rides to various drinking establishments during their stay.

Those in Potato Slough tolerated the hot days by staying cool in the water, despite a prolific algae bloom. On Thursday evening, the tender to the Doo Dah’s mothership, this writer’s Wauquiez Centurion 47 Gazelle, anchored out and invited everyone to raft up their dinghies for a little sunset nosh-up/happy hour party. Mike and Lorianna Kastrop on the Catalina 30 Goose shared some song books and the good times rolled until the full moon rose over the levee and everyone headed for home.

While a few entries — namely, my husband — grumbled about wanting one more free day, no one was about to miss the killer party Owl Harbor had planned for the fleet. Dubbed a "N’Owlins" themed event, anyone who didn’t dress for mardi gras had their choice of masks and beads that were scattered around the tables. A big fat dinner of barbecued ribs and dirty rice gave everyone the energy to dance up a storm to Big Cat & the Hipnotics.

And apparently they really did dance up a storm because at Saturday morning’s complimentary pancake breakfast, thunder rolled and rain started falling, causing everyone who’d decided to stay an extra day to cheer, and those who had to head back to the Bay to second-guess their decision. In the end, the weather cleared and much of the fleet left the Delta, singing its praises and trying to bribe the Doodettes into guaranteeing them a spot in next year’s entry lottery. (Don’t worry, they weren’t successful!)

As we told the crowd on Friday night, we hope to have the dates for the fifth annual Delta Doo Dah set by the end of the year, so keep an eye on ‘Lectronic Latitude for an official announcement, and expect a full report in the September issue of Latitude 38.