California lakes web site

[Ronnie]

While looking for lakes to visit while I'm between jobs I stumbled across this website which contains overviews of all of Califomia's major lakes. It is a little dated at some points, e.g., it didn't reflect that passing a quagga and zebra mussel inspection at Clear Lake is required or that the the water level at New Melones (CA's fourth largest lake) is so low that only the volunteer built boat ramp (dirt/mud and gravel) is usable and that a four wheel drive is highly recommended but it does give readers a good idea of what to expect at and near the lake. I hope someone here finds it useful.

Incidentally, I'm headed to New Melones for the first time ever this weekend. I need to rent a boat since I don't trust my 4x4 (2003 Chevy Avalanche) to go the distance. I'm staying at an RV resort nearby which also has tent, cabin and lodge camping, no restrictions on trailer length or pop out width and is pet friendly. This may make the lake a good place for a JB.net get together.

http://www.californiasgreatestlakes.com/melones/new_melones_lake.html

 

[1rjclark]

Hey Ronnie! It's a great lake. I've camped there at the Glory Hole camp area (not the x rated type). The water was awsome but very little shade. Please let us know of your experience when you get back. Have a great time

 

[Freezer41]

thanks for the site

 

[Ronnie]

I will post a separate review of my experience but a few things are worth mentioning now, my second and last night here.

1. A wild fire (the butte fire) that started nearby the day before we arrived is pretty much out of control at 65k acres burned and 15% contained. The town I'm in is under n advisory Evacuation and the hotel pool is closed because of falling ash. We heard about the fire yesterday but not the scope of it until this morning at breakfast. By the time we got to dinner in the next closest town (16 miles away) we were wondering if the roads back to the Rv resort would be closed.

We are back safe and sound but are ready to leave quickly if evacuation becomes mandatory in which case. We won't be able to leave on the same road we came in on. Inspite of the fire or maybe because of it we had an awesome day on the water and only saw two other boats on the lake with us, all from the same rental company that we used. I got some cool quad copter footage that I hope to edit and post soon as well.