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NEWS! The California Delta is a destination recreation area of California and has been since the 1850's. However, news media since 2005 has focused on the "water issues", not the fact there are over 130 marinas and RV parks, at least 50 public boat launches, over 300 unique restaurants to boat to, not to mention over 700 miles of rivers or "sloughs" to boat around to and enjoy the peace found only in California's Delta region. This news area of our website has been split into four sections since we have so much information to share for those who are interested in learning more about this wonderful area of California, or about our own resort property history. Please read below for Snug Harbor and Delta Recreation article links of interest, or click on your subject of interest to see whatever we've posted lately. We try to provide as many links and references as possible to outside sources for your convenience. |
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CalTrans & Ferry Updates (update 12/12/2020) |
Snug Harbor
& Delta News fun & recreation topics & leaseholder news (updated 10/10/20) |
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If planning to use one of the ferries, FIRST contact CalTrans to confirm the ferry operations: 510-622-0120 MORE INFO CalTrans updates page. However the CalTrans phone line and ferry page are not consistently updated in a timely manner so use https://dot.ca.gov in your phone and go to the "options" quickmap to click on the road closures etc. CalTrans is clearly doing everything it can to keep people out of the Delta. The notices of road work change daily, so your best bet is to go to https://dot.ca.gov and go to the "options" section and click on the options to show the road closures, notices, temporary blocked bridges, etc. We suggest you plan to come to Ryer Island via the Miner's Slough bridge or State Route 84 from Sacramento area. Caltrans has not bothered to maintain the ferrys in an adequate manner and now both are out of service. However, the J-Mac ferry on State Route 220 crossing Steamboat Slough between Grand Island and Ryer Island is expected to be repaired and running by December 7-10. Real McCoy II has been out all summer. So even if CalTrans says the ferry is running, the safe bet is to plan to get to Ryer Island by coming down Jefferson Blvd (SR 84) to Courtland Road, to Ryer Road, then cross the bridge onto Ryer Island and turn left. Snug Harbor will be 7.5 miles around the island. If you turn right, you will find us 14.5 miles around the island. In the meantime ... Call Caltrans and explain to them the importance of the Rio Vista ferry... The Rio Vista Ferry carries vehicles across Cache Slough (also called the Sacramento Ship Channel) every 20 minutes, starting on the hour, so plan your arrival at the ferry landing. However, this new ferry does have a history of randomly breaking down and most likely holds the record for the worst piece of equipment designed and purchased by CalTrans ... so you must call CalTrans at 510-622-0120 for the latest details on both the J-Mac Ferry and the Rio Vista Ferry (also called Real McCoy II Ferry) Note also that due to the design of the new ferry, large RV's mess up their bumper getting on and off, so USE THE BRIDGE ROUTE to come to Ryer Island instead. Please use our map of the Delta Delta Map because CalTrans has been posting road and bridge closures that were not closed...perhaps they have updated by now, but its been an ongoing problem in the Delta. More details of the CalTrans vs Delta saga 2011 New Real McCoy Ferry info 2007 CalTrans limits ferry access for almost 6 months.... |
Delta
History Links to places to visit, videos of the North Delta and suggested reading for history buffs |
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back to Index |
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some of the videos and articles of the past years: | ||||
More receint Snug Harbor news at Snug Harbor & Delta News |
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September & October & November 2011 |
TV Channels 3, 5 and 10 have done short focus news videos of the broken new
ferry. The problem with the news stories is that it appears the lack
of a ferry between Rio Vista and Ryer Island "only" affects 400 Ryer
Island residents. Um, the latest CalTrans traffic study
indicates the ferry and route 84 was more traveled than route 160...so its
not just the Ryer Island residents and farmers that are impacted by the
failure of the new Real McCoy Ferry II. What about the 100 or more families that might be visiting Snug Harbor on a holiday week end in summer who have to drive around to the bridge onto Ryer Island, which can take up to 35 minutes longer if you are traveling from the SF bay area. What about the over 100 families who have sailboats moored at Hidden Harbor on Ryer Island, who also need to drive around to get to their boats? What about the complete stoppage of all Hwy 12 traffic in the Delta when there is an accident that closes use of the Rio Vista bridge for hours...the only other access across the delta was via the Real McCoy Ferry and use of routes 84 and 220. |
![]() or go to the CalTrans http://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/docs/gmap-1-11-07.pdf for an example. |
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Video online 10-15-09 |
Our own video objecting to the current plan to take more water out of the
Delta, based on the current process and data available. Just not
enough FACTS are known and even more important, the Delta landowners and
citizens have been excluded from having a say in the planning process.
9/2011 update: even more water has been diverted from the Sacramento
River while the planning process continues. Do not be fooled by the
"environment" talk...its all about the state's liquid gold...who ever owns
the water owns the money owns the politicians, etc. Click to watch video... (Lots of the video was done at Snug Harbor since we paid for the video) youtube.com/watch?v=hLmpVV3bq9M |
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Examiner |
Examiner writer talks about his favorite beaches to boat to in the Delta.
He mentions a favorite private park and beach...Snug Harbor!
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May 2009 | ||
FINALLY!!! Last week we finally received our permit for the wheel chair access ramp for the new office & store building. The construction work on the ramp started 2-28-09 and we hope to have it completed by the end of April 2009. We are TENTATIVELY scheduling an open house for Snug Harbor leaseholders and neighbors for a week end in May. | 5/1/09 | |||
CAL-AVRC |
The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (renamed CAL-AVRC)
selected a photo of waterfront RV sites at Snug Harbor as their 2009 cover
photo! We submitted several photos and were excited to find out we
made the cover! Our leaseholders will recognize the regulars in the
photo, enjoying a summer flotilla chat off RV sites 20 and 21.
http://www.rvandcampoutwest.com/default.asp?file=Portal_Consumer_Directory&state=CA
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Bay Area News Group | Article about the Delta with a focus on the two ferries to Ryer Island. Nice little sidebar on Snug Harbor and the community of Ryer Island | 7/30/09 | ||
CalTrans & misc commercial newspapers |
UPdate: Ferry due back in service by February 22, 2009 accourding to
CalTrans!
The Ryer Island ferry is undergoing a major upgrade...two engines, new paint job, reinforced hull, etc. CalTrans sent out notices the ferry will be taken down for a month starting January 12, 2009 in the afternoon. After the Ryer Island Ferry is back up and running, they plan to take down the J-Mac for reconstruction and repairs. Then once both are back up, there are CalTrans plans to do some major repairs to a portion of Hwy. 84 on Ryer Island north of the ferry landing, south of the Miner's Slough bridge, west side of the island. It should not affect traffic to/from Snug Harbor....Caltrans Updates http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/1638661.html |
2-21-09 Real McCoy scheduled to go back in operation 2-22-09 by late afternoon! | ||
TV Radio Internet Newspapers |
The Delta has been primary news fodder for the last few
years as the various government agencies determine the best way to take
more water out of the Delta without killing more fish or ruining more
delta farmland. At least that is what the documents say is the
goal, in a nutshell. Summary: The Peripheral Canal Plan that was
voted down by the people of California many years ago has resurfaced
with a new name: "Dual Conveyance Plan". It is unclear how all of
this will affect Delta boating, fishing and recreation but its time
topay attention! Below are just a few links to interesting
documents. http://deltavision.ca.gov/BlueRibbonTaskForce/April2008/Handouts/Item_5d.pdf http://www.socalwater.org/download/012508_QrtlyMtg_Minutes.pdf http://baydeltaoffice.water.ca.gov/ndelta/summaryreport/index.cfm |
2007 and 2008 | ||
August 2008 |
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August 2008 | ||
Contra Costa Times |
Great articles about the delta and one about staying at
Snug Harbor's resort: http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_9663012?source=email
http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_9663000?source=email |
June 22, 2008 | ||
Sacramento Bee |
The Sacramento Bee had a nice article about the J-Mac Ferry
and bird watching in this area. Nice photos too! http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/954832.html |
May 21, 2008 | ||
The Oregonian |
Photographer/writer for the Oregonian stays at Snug Harbor
to use as base station for an article on the California Delta's salmon
and how it affects Oregon http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/12084999086460.xml&coll=7 |
April 2008 | ||
Sunset Magazine |
This article is about wine tasting in Clarksburg near Snug
Harbor, in case we have some visitors who want to sample the delta
wines... http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/article/0,20633,1181934,00.html
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April 2008 | ||
Movie | A movie crew use the resort grounds for the set of an independent movie called "Has Been". They reconfigured an area by our point to look like an old Boy Scout camp in Wyoming, so they say. It is a comedy that should come out this year. Movie information online Ask at the office if you want to borrow our DVD of the movie! | April 2008 | ||
Snug Harbor's own newsletter |
Semi-annual newsletter updating interested folks on what is
going on at the resort and around the delta region Printed on
legal size paper: Images2008/nl-2008-1.pdf |
March 2008 | ||
River News Herald |
Article about movie "Has Been" filmed at Snug Harbor resort
grounds, using part of our junk pile to portray an old Boy Scout camp in
Montana. PDF of article Movie information online |
March 19, 2008 | ||
Did you know Olympic Athletes train in the Delta? Several stayed at Snug Harbor in December while training at TigerBar Sports nearby. Brad Walker is currently #1 for the US team and seems to be well on his way to an Olympic 2008 medal. We're getting a big screen TV for the new office so we can all cheer him on! | December 2007 | |||
Prosper Magazine Sacramento |
Prosper Magazine December 2007 article
about the J-Mac and its now famous driver also had a quote from Vicki,
resort manager. |
12/2007 | ||
Northern California Camping |
Snug Harbor Resort was listed as "Best for Fishing" and "Best for Waterskiing" in the just-published book Northern California Camping by Tom Stienstra! Copy at the office for viewing. |
Fall 2007 | ||
Sacramento Bee | Front page article about the Real McCoy Ferry, due to be replaced in the next few years, with a bigger, longer version of the same. | 9/16/07 | ||
all | Most media sources in the US covered the whales visiting the Delta. The mom and baby whale hung around for about 3 weeks, swimming between the Rio Vista Bridge and Sacramento, often causing long delays at the Rio Vista Ferry ramp. There were hundreds of media types on Ryer Island daily for a while there! The whales were dubbed "Delta and Dawn" | Spring 2007 | ||
Outdoor Life Network | RVToday TV Show hosted by Stew Olson focuses on travel in the Delta and features staying at Snug Harbor, using the ferrys to Ryer Island, and dinning suggestions for the Historic Delta Region | Sept. 3, 2006. For schedule: | ||
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Article about recent changes in progress with DFG. Summary comments by Mr. Stienstra on other fishing or camping subjects includes a statement to the effect that Delta area parks "like Snug Harbor" should be listed as a "Top 10" in the US. Thanks for the compliment Mr. Stienstra!
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July 2, 2006
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Allentown; Good Day Sacramento on UPN31 |
Mark S. Allen comes for a surprise visit
to Snug Harbor on a Monday morning, using the J-Mac ferry to get here.
He seems to think we're a town...but we were happy to have him visit and
hope he comes back to see what the RV lifestyle and Snug Harbor are
really about.
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June 5, 2006 |
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Good Day Sacramento on UPN31 (CBS) |
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May 16, 2006 | ||
RV Today TV |
![]() Stew Olsen from RV Today of the Outdoor Network TV visited Snug Harbor and the California Delta region the end of April 2006. *Show expected to air in June 2006 |
April 2006* | ||
SacBee | Go to article | January 10, 2006 | ||
SacBee | http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/weather/story/14026156p-14858432c.html | |||
KVIE, PBS Channel 6 out of Sacramento |
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Rerun of show July 2005! Feb, April and June 2002 and Oct. 27 &29, 2001 *"How to Fish" segment filmed at Snug Harbor featuring show Host and Snug Harbor patrons continues to rerun due to popular demand |
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Sunset Magazine |
Great articles about riding the ferries of the West. "Shortest Ride"
is the Real McCoy, also called the Rio Vista Ferry. Snug Harbor
referenced http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/article/0,20633,1078479,00.html |
August 2005 | ||
TV/News | Fox News piece on Water Safety, filmed along Snug Harbor, with Vicki Vann, manager included! | July 4, 2005 | ||
Online RV Park Review website | Snug Harbor got a nice review and a "thumbs up" from an anonymous visitor. Go to http://rvparkreviews.com/California.html and Snug Harbor is listed under the "Rio Vista" park reviews | March 2005 | ||
Book | "California Campgrounds" was republished by Tom Stieinstra and gives a great review of Snug Harbor! | 2004 | ||
Book | "Delta Delectables and Delights" has been published by Vicki Vann, manager of Snug Harbor. Recipe book features creative cooking methods of fish commonly caught in the California Delta region. Book signed by author available at the Snug Harbor store, and other delta locations, and online. Contact vicki@snugharbor.net for more info. | July, 2004 | ||
SF Chronicle | "King of Swings" is a great article about the bridges of the delta. Really fun to read and gives the history of the place from a bridge view | July 4, 2004 | ||
SF Chronicle, SacBee, Valley Times, etc |
June 2004:
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June, 2004 | ||
Valley Times (Contra Costa area) | The Valley Times created a totally awesome pull-out section covering the whole delta region from Antioch to Stockton up to Sacramento. Snug Harbor was featured with a photo of Snuggle Inns and nice little write-up. The two ferrys to Ryer Island were also suggested as a fun day trim for Bay Area locals. Take a look at our copy in the office! | August 3, 2003 | ||
River News Herald | The River News Herald, a small local paper, did a front page article about Tim Allen visiting the delta and Snug Harbor. | July15, 2003 | ||
Nice Guy |
Tim Allen, his friend Bret Gregory and their friends joined us for a peaceful delta summer week end. Mr. Allen was very gracious about all the requests for signatures and photos from staff and campers. One camper was very creative, getting Mr. Allen to sign his RV with a permanent marker! The group visited many places in the delta, joined in the Poker Run out of Tower Park, had Sunday Brunch at the Ryde Hotel... peace, beauty and fun. Isn't that what the delta's all about? Pictured are Snug Harbor staff with Mr. Allen and Mr. Gregory |
July 11-13, 2003 | ||
LA Times | "No one's singing the blues in this laid-back delta" by Beverly Beyette, Times Staff Writer | Sunday, June 29, 2003 | ||
Modesto Bee | Another article by Janet Fullwood, shorter version of the SacBee article | June 2003 | ||
Sacramento Bee | Articles by Janet Fullwood about things to do and places to stay in the Delta...Snug Harbor included! | June 8, 2003 | ||
Sunset Magazine | Great little article about driving around the historic region of the delta | March 2003 | ||
San Francisco Chronicle | Article by Tom Steinstra in his outdoors section about the 10 best Northern California parks. Snug Harbor is the "best run private park by far" and features waterfront RV sites and cabins with docks | April 2003 | ||
Waterski Magazine | "West Coast's Epic Waterski"...article about boarding and waterski on the delta | January 2003 | ||
San Francisco Chronicle | Article by Tom Stienstra, his "Outdoors" section about the Delta in general, and the joys of houseboating. In "places to stay" section of article, Snug Harbor gets a direct web site link and newspaper coverage!! | *Oct.24, 2002* | ||
California Tour & Travel Magazine | Cover feature article and photos on the delta, covering the Historic Region of the Delta, Bethel Island, and the "Scenic Loop" group. Awesome paintings by Delta Artist Mary Stanley showcased! |
Summer 2002 Issue![]() |
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Sacramento Bee Newspaper | Front Page article & follow-up article about Antique Airstream convention and open house held at Snug Harbor in April. Really fun photos of these reconditioned beauties! Antique cars, especially classic T-Birds on show Saturday afternoon | April 22-24, 2002 | ||
Sunset Magazine | Just a few pages about visiting the towns in the historic region of the delta...Walnut Grove, Rio Vista, Ryde, Locke and Isleton...all close to Snug Harbor! | Feb 2002 issue | ||
KVIE, PBS Channel 6 out of Sacramento |
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Feb, April and June 2002 and Oct. 27 &29, 2001 *"How to Fish" segment filmed at Snug Harbor featuring show Host and Snug Harbor patrons continues to rerun due to popular demand |
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PassageMaker Magazine | Great 20-page feature article about the Historic Region of the Delta, including a large aerial Snug Harbor photo, and information about Rio Vista, Isleton, Ryde, Walnut Grove and Locke (no link available) Copy of article in Snug Harbor office, or buy the magazine at the office! | Nov/Dec 2001 issue | ||
San Francisco Chronicle |
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*Oct. 4, 2001* | ||
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/10/04/SP72126.DTL | ||||
San Jose Mercury | Article about the Delta, including photo of Snug Harbor as a great place to stay | June 24, 2001 | ||
Sorry, no free links available, as the SJ Mercury and CCTimes charges for viewing archived articles | ||||
http://www.sacbee.com/ourtown/discover/saccounty2001/p39.htm | ||||
Contra Costa Times | Same article about the Delta, including Snug Harbor info and photo | June 24, 2001 | ||
River News Herald | Article about Snug Harbor's award for "2001 Best Small Park" as awarded by the Calif. Travel Park Assoc. (no link available) | May, 2001 | ||
Bay Area Backroads | TV show about the Delta, including Snug Harbor and places to eat, things to do in the Delta | First shown Nov 18, 2000, many reruns since then! June 2002 | ||
RV Journal Article on the Delta | Article about the Historic Region of the Delta and use of RVs in the Delta | June, 2000 | ||
Sac Bee | Two-part feature series about the California Delta and houseboating, including Snug Harbor photos, places to go and things to see and eat in the area | Travel Section Feature | ||
http://www.sacbee.com/travel/shorttrips/delta1.html | June 11, 2000 | |||
http://www.sacbee.com/travel/shorttrips/delta2.html | June 18, 2000 | |||
Yachtsman Magazine article "Snug on Steamboat Slough" by Hal Schell | Winter, 1999 | |||