I thought I would record some of the variety of watercraft on the river (RiverPoint Landing Marina/Resort along the San Joaquin River in Stockton, CA). It ran the gamut from 800-foot freighters to one man jet skis. Unlike boating on a lake, I never saw anyone tossing out an anchor and just relaxing. Of course, there is quite a maze of waterways leading to the San Francisco Bay. I'm sure there were coves or the river widened where people could spend the night, but near us, people just ran up and down the river.
Sam was unimpressed as this huge freighter glided by our campground.
Wouldn't you have to feel a bit insecure on a 12-foot jet ski playing around an 800-foot freighter?
The Stockton Sailing Club was just down from our marina/campground. There were a lot of large sailboats that must head out to the bay when they have the time. I don't remember seeing any actually under sail in the river.
I was told this ship was carrying fertilizer, which was why it had an armed escort of at least three Coast Guard gunboats. Yes, that guy is manning a 50 caliber machine gun!
This guy was probably doing 60 mph but he was nowhere near the fastest boat. I could not get the camera out in time to catch one guy that was easily topping 80 mph. That boat was little more than a shell holding two people and a full-blown big block V-8. Sounded like a dragster tearing down the river.
Another colorful sunset along the river - time to head in and wind down for the evening.
Huge boats are going down that channel..with guns????
ReplyDeleteCaptain Phillips????