Living On Delta Time
Anyone who has heard the song “Living On Delta Time” by Hans Theessink would know how well the laid-back attitude blends with the environment.
There are passive disagreements concerning where the Delta actually starts.
Various rivers converge in the Sacramento Valley in a web of waterways making their journey to the San Francisco Bay.
Fish and wildlife are part of the ecosystem.
The rivers and canals feed a network of farms, orchards, and vineyards. Hard working farmers and ranchers have been the guardians and stewards of this region for generations.
There is a constant struggle to preserve the water resources for local wildlife and agriculture.
The system of levees, roads, and bridges has been evolving since the 1800’s.
As a testament to old engineering, some infrastructure has lasted a hundred years.
The river is a source of recreation and some folks live on their boats.
And some boats are less permanent than others.
Rail was an important form of transport many decades ago.
Wildlife thrives is the farming community.
Canals and tributaries supplying the farms are essentially wildlife sanctuaries.
One of the more historic communities is Locke, just South of Sacramento.
It was established in 1912 and became a refuge for Chinese laborers who were suffering discrimination.
With a historical monument designation, it is forbidden to modernize the architecture.
“Al the Wops” is an interesting place for food and brews.
Due to its “isolation” from the rest of society, illicit activity flourished.
There are still people living in Locke and the preservation attitude includes “don’t throw anything away”.
A dear friend grew up in Locke in the middle of the last century. He reminisced how he would walk to this slough behind the town to fish. If he caught something, they had dinner.
The canals and tributaries meander to the Bay.
Vast marsh areas are home to many duck hunting clubs of various membership levels.
Waterfowl of many varieties.
Egrets can be found just about everywhere scouting for a meal.
Ducks and geese and dramatic sunsets are abundant.
Even Turkey Vultures at moonset has a certain elegance.
Eventually the the flow takes us past one of the largest bird sanctuaries that few people know about.
Alcatraz Island. Dozens of species compete for the limited real estate and it is a designated “no fly zone” in nesting season.
It was the “harvesting” of Egrets for feathers for women’s hats around 1900 that started the movement for the Audubon Society.
The situation can give new meaning to “prison overcrowding”.
The end of the line for our aqua journey.
Take some time to explore The Delta. Find your favorite sunset.
The sunsets many be phenomenal but a good moonrise is also nice.
With the geography and storm patterns, rainbows are especially abundant.
The wildlife awaits your visit.
…or take a loved one…
….THANKS FOR THE LOOK!
© 2020
Morris Truman Erickson