This will be our first joint event with the members of the Central Valley Fiero Owners Group.

We'll meet up in Rio Vista at 12:30 PM at the fruit stand next to the bridge then head west on Highway 12 over the Rio Vista Bridge, taking the first right turn after crossing the bridge and following the signs to the Ryer Island Ferry. This free-running, diesel-powered ferry will take us over Cache Slough to Ryer Island. The ride is free.

We'll turn right after exiting the ferry and follow the winding levee road to the lower end of Ryer Island. The road then makes an easy U-turn to take us up the waters of historic Steamboat Slough, where in the 1850s paddlewheel steamboats enjoyed the slough for the shortcut it provided over the longer route on the Sacramento River.

We'll pass Snug Harbor on our right. It has a small store and snack bar, and overnight cabins called "Snuggle Inns". Continuing along the levee road, we'll come upon the J-Mack, a cable-guided ferry that will give us a free ride across Steamboat Slough. After exiting the ferry on the opposite shore, we'll turn right and proceed for a mile or so to the county-operated Hogback Park, a beautiful tree-shaded park with launching and areas ideal for picnicking. We'll pause here for photos and chat.

Next we'll backtrack, passing the ferry landing heading upstream on Steamboat. We'll pass the 58-room Grand Island Mansion, straight out of a movie about the antebellum south.

Continuing up the slough, we will meet the Sacramento River at the mouth of the slough, crossing the slough over an aged double-leaf bascule-type drawbridge, and then proceed upriver, now on the west bank. Next, we will take a right turn over the Paintersville Bridge. On the far side of the bridge, we'll turn right and meander along the river on Hwy 160, bound for the Chinese hamlet of Locke.

Another mile down the "asphalt slough" brings us to Walnut Grove. There is a collection of interesting restaurants here, and places to shop. We'll cross the green bascule bridge to the other side of the river, and take a left and head for the two-dog town of Ryde. You can't miss it. There's a big water tower by the Ryde Hotel.

Continuing downriver, at the next golden-colored bascule bridge, we'll turn left onto the bridge, and once again cross the river. Then turn right to Isleton. Isleton has an active Chinatown, with many renovated shops. The Hotel Del Rio is the favored watering hole in Isleton. Continuing down river some more, we'll see the towering Rio Vista Bridge. We will have come full circle, crossing five drawbridges and two ferries in the process.

We'll set up caravan groups during our March meeting.

Pictures from Delta Run