2012-06-21 Why we like napkins.....

Good news! 


The forecast had gone from almost no wind, to very sailable..  Another Westerly at Bob's Beach - how weird... Brad and I were comparing notes - neither of us remember ever sailing a Westerly wind at Bob's Beach in Stevenson, but this year we have sailed it twice.


After the usual coffee, breakfast and shopping, we all arrived at Bob's Beach around noon.  It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny, but no wind.


We spent the time re-organizing our equipment, and sitting in the sun telling stories.


We enjoyed meeting Chris Freeman (Sales manager for Hot Sails), and Casey Rehrer, a team rider for Hot Sails.  They had been competing in Pistol River, and were touring the Gorge giving demos.  By the end of the Day, both Harold and Cynthia had Hot Sail's tee shirts!

Rene - getting some tips from Casey Rehrer

There was some wind, and it seemed to be building a bit, but the worry was whether or not it would build enough to get sailing.

Harold A, Al, and Rene - watching the water for signs of wind.

About 3:00, I took out my Stand Up Paddle board.  Lots of fun, long paddle upwind, and then a fast downwind back to the beach.  I didn't venture out too far, so stayed in more or less flat water.
When I was done - Cam decided to take it out, and paddled West to the bridge and back.   He came back thinking that Big Air Jim needs to buy a few SUP's for the lake!!!

Cam is now an addicted SUP'er

Al, Big Air, Kent and Gerry watching the water...
Gerry is checking the Hatch Cam - again!
(to see if it blowing more at the Hatchery)

About 4:30, the wind actually did come up.  A rigging frenzie commenced.  At first, it was only the little guy's (Harold), who could get going, but the wind built, and we were all able to get out - although on our big stuff.  (I was on my 6.6 Hucker and Naish Board).

Harold was first out - so he got a Hot Sails Tee Shirt
- even though he was on his Neil Pryde Sail.

Big Air Jim, didn't have his best day - but he was still happy.

Rene - Blasting across the river!

Gerry - Ready to go!

Classic Harold

Harold and Cynthia won the award for most time on the water planing!  Cynthia said she sailed for about 4 hours, (even though the wind only blew for 3 hours).


We sailed until about 7:00, then went to check out Swell City to see if it had been blowing there.  It had, but no better than at Bob's Beach.  We all ended up at Three River's Grill for supper.


The funniest story of the day was when, after eating, the waitress, who had been giving us a hard time all night, went to clear the napkins.  She YANKED Cams Napkin out of his lap, but it had hooked on his ____.  After several strokes, she flushed red, gave up, turned and as Cam squealed like a little girl, she walked straight in into a portable propane heater.  Cynthia saw it all, but it took a while for the rest of us to figure out what had happened.
Great Laugh, and good way to end the evening.


Looks like more sailing tomorrow....


Ted