Sac Source to Sea

Legend

Paddling
Driving

Day 21, United States ‐ Apr 3, 2021

4.6 mi

Final day! Our timing was a bit chaotic due to stronger winds coming in and a unique tide window in which to paddle out under the Golden Gate. We were greeted at Horseshoe Bay by family, friends, and supporters including Danielle Katz and John Dye of Rivers for Change. John McManus of Golden State Salmon Association and his wife Katrina treated us to red roses and homemade smoked Chinook Salmon that they had caught on the Sac. Thank you everyone who has supported us along this journey!
Day 20 ‐ Apr 2, 2021

12.5 mi

Caught the tide window and did two major crossings before making our final push across Raccoon Straits to Angel Island. Enjoyed a glorious afternoon of exploring and savoring all that this trip has meant to us.
Day 19 ‐ Apr 1, 2021

31.1 mi

Big day! Rode the tides all morning out from Suisun Marsh to Carquinez Bridge. Unfortunately our luck didn’t hold and the tides changed about 4 miles from our end goal. We fought the current for an hr, but then decided to pull up on a beach and wait it out. Enjoyed some sunshine before getting back on the water and paddling to Point Pinole. Happy birthday Ari!
Day 18 ‐ Mar 31, 2021

25.6 mi

Got on the water early and it paid off once we hit Rio Vista. The ebb tide helped us fly along the shore! We met up with Kathy and some of her friends from Delta Kayak Adventures and Kathy gave us lots of incredible route info and beta for our bay paddle. Jamie’s friend from the PCT helped us stay at an awesome duck hunting cabin on Spinner Island for the night. Enjoying the sunset over Suisun Marsh!
Day 15 ‐ Mar 29, 2021

30 mi

Took two layover days just outside of Walnut Grove at Ko-Ket Resort. Had dinner at a Delta local hot spot, Giustis, with Gil and Emily of MBK engineering. The following day we met with local legend and integral lawyer Tom Zuckerman , as well as enjoying a half day tour of District 999 with Papa Steve Heringer complete with wine tasting and wine slushies. Resupply with mama Z, and a tour of Twitchell Island with Campbell of Delta Conservancy. phew!
Day 14 ‐ Mar 28, 2021

23.3 mi

Big day! Paddled to Discovery Park at the confluence of the Sac and American River. Busy spring Saturday with lots of folks out enjoying the sunshine. Another beer resupply courtesy of Ben and Sierra Nevada. Met back up with Guillermo, Jimmy and Steve for a quick interview and shared brewski. Took a dip in the river, yay! Met with Flora of NOAA fisheries at Tower Bridge. Paddled down and were adopted by some fine folk at the Yacht Club. Big love to Shelly and Al for putting us up for the night!
Day 13 ‐ Mar 27, 2021

19.1 mi

Switched into sea kayaks in Knights Landing thanks to the generosity of Kathy at Delta Kayak Adventures! Made it to the confluence of the Feather and Sac. Enjoyed pizza and cold beer with our river angel Marisol and slept out in Kim’s backyard at Verona Village. Showers and joy.
Day 12 ‐ Mar 26, 2021

25.3 mi

Long flat water day, definitely feeling more like a canal at this point. Saw three owls and many beaver. Camping on a sweet little sand bar, falling asleep to the sounds of beaver, turkey and far off geese.
Day 11 ‐ Mar 25, 2021

21.9 mi

Resupply day! Got tacos in Colusa and then were met by Alyssa’s partner Shay and Ari’s college friend Marisol for a camp out. Shay grilled up some chicken on a small Weber and we all enjoyed a beautiful sunset, complete with peacock, turkey and beaver sounds
Day 10 ‐ Mar 24, 2021

26.4 mi

Interviewed Charlie of Rancho Llano Seco in the AM before hopping on the water and capitalizing on a string tail wind all day. Camped in a wash that offered a wind break.
Day 9 ‐ Mar 23, 2021

15.3 mi

Had the amazing opportunity to camp at Rancho Llano Seco. This historic ranch has been passed down for five generations and feels as though you’re stepping back in time. Hundreds of year old oaks, wetlands, and open range coexist alongside both organic and conventional farming practices. We got a tour of the hog operation and enjoyed ranch made sausage later in the evening grilled over an open fire. Sierra Nevada hooked it up with a beer sponsorship, so we had a grand time swapping stories.
Day 8 ‐ Mar 22, 2021

17.6 mi

Made it to the infamous Scottys Landing and met with a local gentleman who shared some of the history of the area and his love of the Sutter Buttes. Got to stay at GRUB CSA, an amazing local farm where we were treated like family and got a complete farm tour, including eating asparagus straight from the field and treated to strawberries with cream for dessert. YUM!
Day 7 ‐ Mar 21, 2021

27.9 mi

Beautiful clear morning after an evening of rain. Stopped in Red Bluff to chat a bit more with Robert Dunn. Passed by the Red Bluff Diversion Dam with the fish screws in place. Made miles easily and saw more fish jumping, perhaps due to the recent release of hatchery fish heading downstream in the now turbid waters after the recent rain. Camping on an island, dried morels in our Mac n cheese. So fancy!
Day 6, United States ‐ Mar 20, 2021

26.6 mi

Amazing day! Met with Matty of Matty’s Guide Service and Robert Dunn. They took us to Battle Creek confluence and share their immense local knowledge of how the fishery has changed over the years. Steelhead numbers are dire, yet they maintain hope and that fueled our own hope for a better future. We were hosted in Red Bluff by local teacher Nancy, and enjoyed a night out as “celebs” at E’s locker.
Day 5 ‐ Mar 19, 2021

20.2 mi

Soggy day on the water made brighter by local tour guides, the Prokops! We continued counting bridges (up to 26), and had a lovely day enjoying the flow
Redding, United States ‐ Mar 18, 2021

19.6 mi

Big day, no nap! 20+ miles of flat water, 3 dams and 3 portages. We were met at the Sundial Bridge by Aris mom with a bouquet of roses, and them treated to dinner and a nights stay at the Sheraton courtesy of the Redding Mayor, District 1 Supervisor, and Sheraton GM
Day 3 Sac S2S ‐ Mar 17, 2021

19.9 mi

Started off with frosty tents and boats, but soon were paddling with gorgeous sunshine! Cool sculpture art on a bridge, first dose of paddle magic courtesy of Jamie’s friend Slip n Slide (aka Zach). Coined the term “through paddlers”. Got goofy at camp under a crescent moon, brushing up on our astronomy. Solid day!
Day 2 Sac S2S ‐ Mar 16, 2021

15 mi

Day 2! We started out in the winter vortex that was mount Shasta with about 8” of fresh snow. Due to conditions and still low water levels in Box Canyon, we decided to start at Sims flat with the intention of coming back to complete the Box Canyon Dam to Sims section after we finish the rest of the trip. Now we’re chillin at the northern end of Shasta Lake getting ready for a big flat water day tomorrow!
Sims Flat Campground ‐ Mar 15, 2021
Day 1 Sac Source to Sea ‐ Mar 14, 2021

12.5 mi

Day 1! We snow mobiled up to Cliff Lake in the Klamath mountains where we transitioned to skis and then followed the South Fork of the Sac down to the delta at Lake Siskiyou. We then paddles through sleet and high winds across the lake to Box Canyon Dam where we were met by a wonderful group of supporters who lifted our soggy spirits with hot cocoa, love, and lots of stoke!
Start, United States ‐ Mar 14, 2021

19.8 mi

We snowmobiled up to Cliff Lake and then skied from there down to Lake Siskiyou, where we hopped in our packrafts and paddled across to Box Canyon Dam. There we were met by a local group of supporters who treated us to hot cocoa, pie, and stoke! Great first day of S2S!