I do agree that the lake has gone through some changes. I am so sorry you had so many problems over the weekend. I can't believe that Spanish Flats would allow that. I've stayed there a few times over the past few years, and have always been told to shut down any noise by 10. Security has alway been constantly coming by to make sure we are abiding by the rules. I can't believe the problems you had. I have always thought that Spanish Flats was one of the premier resorts. I alway knew Putah Creek was a bit dumpy, but Spanish Flats was really nice. Now I'm starting to come to the realazation that Steele Park, and Rancho Montecello are the premier resorts. I have some friends that have places over at Montecello, and even though we are not to happy w/ how strict their securtiy is, we understand that after 10, everyone need to keep it quiet for the sake of others that are up there. I've even been thinking of getting a place over there just b/c I know my 3 and 1 y/o would be safe there.
I know thae lake has changed since we were kids. My dad used to play in a band that played at the little bar at that Spanish Flats strip mall, and we used to have so much fun there as kids. Now though, you are right, there are a lot of hard core partiers and dopers up there. I'm not against someone sparking up a joint to have a good time. I don't do it, but I don't care if someone else does. To each his own. But now I've seen some hard core pot heads and partiers up there ruining it for everyone. We go up there to relax and have a good time, just as I'm sure they do. It's the extreme few that ruin it for everyone. I do think there needs to be some change up there, and I think it's the resorts responsibility to police their property. I have a feeling things have gotten so bad b/c the resorts are assuming that they are going to lose everything, so why sink any more money into a place that they are not going to get the profit off of.
As far as the bridge goes, I do have to say it's my favorite spot on the lake. I love going over there, tying up w/ folks, and meeting new people. There have been so many problems there though. Last year over Labor Day, we were anchored somewhat close to shore and some black guys were throwing rock at us. Now I know they were probably pissed at the HUGE confederate flag my buddie had flying from his boat, but that still isn't any reason to try and destroy someone elses property. They are there just to cause trouble. It's what those thugs do. That, I guess, is how they have a good time. If you are on the water there, it is pretty much a bunch of good folks trying to have a great time, but on shore is a different story. It seems those folks are just there to cause trouble. It seems like they have some huge fight every holiday weekend. I really feel that some of the partiers on shore are just there to cause trouble. But, there are those types everywhere, so I guess it's expected. My dad's neighbor is in the Napa Co Sheriff, and he said they will either close down the parking lot at the end of the bridge, or set up their comand post there. I am all for that. If it helps keep it safer there, they need to do it. SOmething needs to be done to protect the good folks on shore that are there like us to have a good time. I've had friends drive up there and walk down to the shore there to meet us, and now I'm pretty leary about doing that b/c of all the problems.
Ok, so I've kind of gone on a rant. I do agree that there needs to be same changes there, but the g'ovt doesn't need to come in and change the entire place. I believe the resorts can handle themselves and make appropriate changes. They don't want to lose the family vacationers they get. That's their bread and butter. If it becomes unsafe for familys to go up there, they might as well shut down. My fear is that if the BOR get's their way, life at Berryessa as we know it will no longer exist. I am for removing some of the dumpier trailers, and cleaning up the resorts, but I want to see more campsites for overnight campers, I'd like to see more docks for boaters, and I don't want them to hault any boats from getting on the water. Ok, I don't know if this makes sense, so I'm going to end it. Thank you for letting me vent, and I'll keep writing my 1 e mail a day, and making calls to congress men to push our issue...
BRA