Every year, I’m saying the same thing right about now: “Where did the time go?” Hours seem like minutes, months seem like weeks and years seem like months.
In the winter, the Sacramento River and Delta region becomes a place where the locals enjoy the serene beauty without having to compete with the tourists. Photo by Jah Mackey
By Jah Mackey
Published: December, 2010
In the winter, the river turns a different shade of busy, akin to the turning of the fall colors. Locals come out of their summertime slumbers to meet with their neighbors and share stories of the summer that has just passed while enjoying the winter calm. Gifts are exchanged and everyone is enjoying the serenity of small town life.
While San Francisco Bay is a hotbed of holiday activity, life around the river is quiet. There is plenty of holiday cheer, yes, but mostly there are quiet retreats for visitors wanting to experience a different kind of holiday—rooms and berths are available, there is less traffic and better fishing, while colder temperatures keep sun-seekers at bay.
Delta Weather and Seasons of Choice Fall
Fall is the favorite time of year for those who really know the Delta. The weather is very nice, the water is warm, fishing is great and the sunsets are awesome! Also, there is usually not much wind. This is the time when the RV travelers most like to visit the parks during the week, while the kids have gone back to school and families have retreated.
The trees begin to drop leaves in late October, and by the end of November, most trees are completely bare. The grasses go dormant and are a brownish green by December. Weather is quite pleasant, with warm days in the upper 70s and low 80s. Nights are cooler but not so much that you need a heater on.
Fall is also the best time to do animal watching. The early riser can see river otters, beavers, muskrats and raccoons. All sorts of waterfowl are around. For the angler, salmon, black bass and stripers are all running.
Winter
Winter is colder. Temperatures vary between the low 50s to high 60s during the day, and 30s to 40s at night. Fog in the Delta is common and can be very thick, so driving slowly along slick levee roads is important.
Winter is more common for fishing families. Salmon, sturgeon and stripers are the targets of the anglers. The RV parks look less inviting these months, as the grass is dormant and the trees have no leaves. Except for the ducks and other migrating birds, waterfowl are less common, and the other local animals tend to hibernate or stay close to their dens for the winter.
Tent camping is discouraged this time of year because of the low temperatures, and grassy tent sites can get muddy. RV groups still like to visit and enjoy the waterfront sites with docks, followed by campfires in the evening.
If you enjoy boating in the winter, there are parties, parades and quiet spots to enjoy. Many retreats, events and activities are a short ride away. The following is a list of some activities you may find entertaining this holiday season.
Sacramento
• California International Marathon (Folsom to the State Capitol) on
December 5.
• Sacramento Kings on December 11 and 19 at Arco Arena.
• The Nutcracker by the Sacramento Ballet on December 10.
Pittsburg/Antioch
• Tree lighting December 4 at 5:30 p.m. Old Town Plaza.
• Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade and pictures with Santa
December 4 4-6 p.m.
• Pittsburg Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade December 11 6 p.m.
Stockton/Lodi
• George Lopez at the Bob Hope Theater December 11 8 p.m.
• Downtown Lodi Business Partnership presents the Parade.
of Lights December 2 6:15 p.m.
• The Judds “The Last Encore Tour 2010” December 12 7:30 p.m.
If you are ready to slow your life down just a bit, the Delta is a great place to a take a break. In addition to the above events, the galleries, wineries and restaurants are open for business, although they may have seasonally adjusted hours so plan accordingly. Whether you choose to meander along the river or venture into one of the adjacent river towns, winter in the Delta offers some great family fun and opportunities for unique memories.
