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.

2012-06-14 A rest day for Ted

It was nice to have a rest day after all the sailing the last two days!!  And it was even better complaining about all of my sore muscles to all the other guys who arrived either last night, or this morning.

Everyone is here....  Cam, Cynthia, Big Air Jim, Big Jim, Andreas, Ross, Harold A, Harold W, Rene, Mike, Blaine, Handre, Lazelle, Kent, Brad Gerry, and I.  Wow 17.

Unfortunately, there was no hope of wind today.  The first part of the day turned into a windsurf purchasing  frenzy at sailworks, and then at "The House".  Big Air Jim bought a couple of masts, Big Jim bought a new sail, Andreas upgraded a bunch of stuff, Ted traded in an older sail for a new one (super deal Louise, only $125US), and Handre bought a Board, Boom and a fin.

The three Jim's  - Big Jim drooling over his new 2012 5.6m Hucker.
Big Air Jim (only purchased two used masts), Big Jim, and Sailworks Jim

Later, Rene, Harold, Harold, Kent, and Ross went mountain biking to Knebal Springs.  No injuries - Climb, Climb, Climb, and then a way too short downhill.  Rene thought his heart was going to burst, but he had a lot of fun going downhill.

Harold W on his Mountain Bike at Knebal Springs Trail

Blaine, Brad and Mike went for a Road Bike to the Rowena Lookout.  (Sorry, no photos).

Andreas had the first injury of the trip - a metal fragment in his eye, so the spent some time in the hospital, but all is OK.

Big Air Jim washed his Van.

 We are not sure what Cam and Cynthia did...  :^).  We know that they rented a tandem bike.  Apparently they rode it up a hill.  Cynthia said "it is so easy to pedal"..  apparently Cam did all the work.....   As far as we know they are still married and talking to each other.

Handre with his new Fanatic Free Ride

Big Jim and I toured the shops downtown so Jim could buy some booties, and Handre and Lazelle first went swimming and then went shopping to buy Handre a new board as a Fathers' Day present.

Wine, a few beers, cookies and brownies on the driveway - after a hard day...

Half the group went to the Three Rivers Grill for supper, while the other half were more frugal, and went to 6th street.

The view from the top of the Trail.

Early to bed - looking forward to some sailing tomorrow and, according to the locals, a super day on Sunday!

Wow - 4.2 Day

The View of Mount Hood on the way to the Hatchery.

Wow! There were whitecaps on the water when I got up.  The forecast was to blow all day, so I took my time.  Funny that even when one takes his time, if there aren't 12 other people around, you get organized a lot quicker.  I was at the sailing site by 10:00.  Met "John" who was coming off the water, not because the wind had died, but because he had already sailed for three hours.....

I went out on my 4.8, and had a good sail, but was very over powered on the near side.  There was very large swell, and the current is quite fast, so you have to concentrate on staying down wind and even with the beach.

There was no one to take photos of me, but I looked something like this....

...and this...  or maybe this was Harold W - Same colour sail and helmet!!!

Of course, I ran into Mike at the beach - Not sure if he was happy to see me,
but he did say he appreciated the wind...

Harold  W showed up around noon!

Harold W showed up about noon.  We both went out on our 4.2's.  Large swell, and lots of wind.
We both had three sessions, the first two being great, and the last under powered.  My last sail, about 3:30 was on my 4.8 and big Naish board.  I slogged out and back, and ended up half way to Kodiak Point.  Good thing the "elevator current" close to shore brings you back, or I would have had to walk...

Harold W in the swell.

All in all, a great day.  I am very sore, all over.  Harold W went out for a Mountain Bike Ride......I think I'll have a hot shower.

Ted

Suprise at Roosevelt

After a nice evening with my Brother in Calgary, I left early so I could get through the Calgary traffic before the morning rush hour.  The drive was good, but lots of rain, and a huge thunder and lightning storm over Spokane.  Sometimes we were down to 30mph on a 60mph freeway because of all the water and low visibility.  A real test for the high speed on the wipers.  I'm sure glad they have resurfaced the road, because we would have all been hydroplaning all over the place if all the ruts were still there like a few years ago.....  It cleared up and had blue skys from Ritzville on...

I had a nice surprise as I hit the river - it was warm and windy.  I got to Roosevelt around six, just as everyone was coming off the water.  I suspect that they were all just tired, because the wind was still cranking.  I went out on my 4.8 and CODE board, and had a great sail until a barge came.  I gave the Barge lots of room and stood in the bay until it was passed.  Unfortunately, it sucked the wind away with it.  I slogged out, sailed partway back and then had to swim in for the last 200 yds.  Oh well - still a lot more sailing than I thought I was going to get today.

I am not sure if Harold W got sailing today.  I know he was on his way down, but I think he was an hour or so behind me.  I hope to catch up with him tomorrow. 

Looking forward to more of the guy's starting to arrive tomorrow.

Ted

A submission by Kent...

Total chaos has occurred as the teams jockey for position.  As far as this reporter can determine, Ted G is forecast to be in the lead with a 300km head start on Tuesday.  Jerry is coming through Edmonton Wednesday so it sounds like Blaine and Brad, unwilling to give up a potential second place, are leaving Wednesday as well which is a change of plan.  Kent and Rene are locked in for Thursday AM along with Mike S.   Harold is looking at drafting with the boys, but all bets are off as the frenzy starts.   Ross and Andreas are also in the hunt, but they are not leaving until later Thursday morning.  Look for a sudden change to the S4 on Wednesday night which would allow them to close the 3 hour gap in about 20 minutes.

Oh shit and we have not even hit the water!

Kent

Ready to go - almost.

So I am at home packing as I will be leaving directly after work tomorrow.

My daughter comes home at 8:30pm and asks "can we go for a boat ride and water ski"?

My first thought is... by the time we get the tarp off and get ready it will be after 9:00.....

Then I think...  Gee... my 22 year old daughter want to go boating with her dad.  Of course we can go!

What a great evening - glassy water and warm temperatures.  My girl slalom skiing.

Sorry I don't have a pix.....

See you in the Gorge....

The Adventure is ready to begin....

Ted - tired after a great (overpowered) session on his 5.6  at home June 6, 2012
Looking forward to the 
Spring Gorge Trip !!!

The email's have started.  Insults flying.....  Travel arrangements/alliances being organized......  Looks like lots of people this trip - should be a good one.  Here's hoping for great Wind, Weather and Fellowship!  See you in a few days.