Doin’ the Un-Doo Dah

"This summer the Delta was so hot…" "How hot was it?" "It was so hot we stayed in the Bay."

Delta Doo Dah vets Gene and Cheryl Novak planned to take their 9-year-old granddaughter Madison on Doo Dah 9 to escape the Sacramento heat. "We planned a trip up to Stockton the week of June 17-23 on our Islander 36 Fantasy, but due to high heat in the Delta, we stayed around the Bay," writes Gene. The Novaks live near Sacramento, but keep their boat in Alameda.

It was Madison’s first time at Angel Island. "She left her mark by spelling out her name on the beach while watching the sea lions watch her. We had a nice little tour of the island exhibits so Maddy could learn a little of the history of Ayala Cove before we headed over to Sam’s in Tiburon for lunch. Sitting in the warm sun out on Sam’s deck, watching the seagulls steal French fries from the patrons really amused her.

"Tuesday was a ferry trip from Alameda to San Francisco so we could play around the shops at Pier 39 and walk around Fisherman’s Wharf. Madison had a ball in the kite shop looking at the variety and sizes of kites as well as the bubble makers.

"We putzed around Alameda and Oakland the rest of the week taking advantage of the many restaurants in Alameda and Jack London Square and enjoying temperatures that were 25 to 30 degrees lower than in the Valley and Delta. We hope to make it to the Delta next year — unless the heat keeps us in the Bay again."

Air temperatures in the Delta have cooled down from June-July; this is an excellent time to make the trip. And there’s still time to sign up for the Delta Doo Dah, but only just, as registration will close at midnight on August 31.