2012-06-16 Bob's Beach

The day started like any other.  Dog River for Coffee, then breakfast at Bette's.

After breakfast, there was time for shopping.  The forecast was for some wind later in the day, although some of the forecasts showed wind at the Hatchery by noon.  

Breakfast at Bette's (for 17 people)

Somehow everyone got in a panic, and had to head over to the sailing site.  Everyone, except Big Air Jim, that is, who somehow knew the rush was premature, and chose instead to go for a hair cut.....  (we didn't know that he had enough hair to worry about - but then again, who am I to talk...)

There was no wind at the hatchery, so after filling the parking area, we sat around in our lawn chairs to discuss world politics, whether there are nine planets orbiting our sun, or only eight, how time dilates if you start to approach the speed of light, and other issues that are immediately pertinent to our trip....

Andreas and Ross went Kiting at the sand bar.

After 3 hours, (about 2:30), Mike came to the realization that we might not be in the best spot.  He headed for Bob's Beach at Stevenson, and called us to say it looked to him like it was blowing at least 5.6 at the site.  It didn't take long, before we were all on the road.

While we were all deciding where to sail, Lazelle went on a 100km bike ride from Hood River, to the Dalles and back, then back to Mosier again and back.  From an exercise point of view - she showed us all up....

Mike at Bob's Beach in Stevension

The thing about Bob's beach is that it is a wonderful little park, with a great rigging area, shade from the trees, and lots of grass, close to the water. Whether or not the wind blows, there are few nicer spots on the river to spend time ... but it was blowing!

The rigging frenzy begins...
Kent in the lead, followed by Rene...

The call was 5.6 for the little guys, up to 6.6 for the bigger guy's.  The water at Steveson is relatively flat so no big waves.  It is really more like lake sailing.  While you can get up lots of speed, it is a much more relaxing sail, than on a bigger day in other locations.  I think everyone had fun, and it was a really good initiation for those who had not sailed since last year.  We sailed until about 6:30, and then de-rigged slowly while sipping beers and treats.  It is such a nice park, that no one was in a hurry to leave.

Cynthia was handing out her home-made Brownies....
(Cam says that actually it was he who made them...I don't think so...)

Big Air Jim on the phone with Miss Canada - using up Blaine's US telephone minutes...

Gerry had a good day on his Roberts, and 6.6 Hucker

Cam - Telling us about how he cooked the brownies....
Does he look like an honest man?

Harold at China Gorge

We got back to Hood River just before nine.  One group of us went to Brian's Poor house for dinner, and the rest went to the China Gorge for Chinese food.

While not great wind, I think everyone was tired.   Pretty well everyone was in bed by 10:30.