The California Delta is a labyrinth of waterways, islands and levees which abound with beauty and wildlife. It has a long and colorful history which began in March 1772, when Spaniards Pedro Fages and Fray Juan Crespi became the first white men to set eyes on these vast waterways to the northeast of Mt. Diablo.

The first levees were constructed in the mid 1800's and, by 1930, 55 major islands encompassing approximately 700,000 acres had been formed. Today, these fertile peat islands grow much of California's asparagus, pears, etc.

The waterways flourish with a myriad of fish and wildlife and provide a major resting area for many species of waterfowl on their annual migrations.  Fish, such as striped bass, black bass, catfish, and sturgeon are found through-out the Delta. A large sport and commercial fishery exists for the omnipresent Delta crawdad.  Migratory ducks, geese, and swans can be found during most of the year. Beavers, otters, mink and other mammals can be found here too. 

The levee banks which form the over 1000 miles of waterways found in the Delta are covered with many species of trees, grasses, and tules. The many coves, inlets, and secluded beaches which are found throughout the Delta provide boaters with a virtually unlimited number of anchorages where boaters can relax and enjoy the activities of the California Delta.

The author has combined two of his favorite pastimes- cooking and prowling or dawdling on the Delta- and has produced his first cookbook. The recipes contained herein take advantage of the abundant fish, shellfish, and vegetables which are so abundant in this rich area.  All are intended to be simple, tasty, easy to prepare, and made from ingredients normally found on a houseboat or from a nearby field. Many of these recipes were developed and tested aboard Sundowner, the author's houseboat.

This book contains many shellfish recipes, and for good reason.  One of the finest lazy-man's sports is catching crawdads and the author proudly counts himself as a highly skilled aficionado. While crawdad traps are luring the succulent crustaceans out of their hiding places, the Deltaphile can enjoy many of the other activities the Delta offers. 

Dawdling on the Delta is a highly rewarding way of living in itself. For the more athletically inclined, water skiing, air mattress racing, or drowning bait can also be challenging. If you get hungry, pull up to any bank, throw a plank over the blackberry bushes and stock up on some of the most delicious berries around. Got ice cream or an apple crisp handy?

Perhaps the most rewarding experience is that of mingling with others who enjoy this unique lifestyle.  Boats raft-up and families share food, drink, and companionship. In the Delta, all are equal. People enjoying people. People enjoying the Delta.