The forecast was for another windy day with the dawn patrol starting at 6:00am. Our guy's, still tired from yesterday, were a little slower to get going.
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| The view from Ross's condo - Mount Adams |
Just like every other day, we met at Dog River for a conference. The early guy's get two or three coffee's, while the late guy's only get one - or take it to go. Next is Bette's for a "Healthy" breakfast. Cynthia, for example had a large plate of Pancakes, a large plate with scrambled eggs and many slices of bacon, and a fruit tray. Wow - that is a lot more food than I can eat....
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| Cynthia's Breakfast! Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon and Fruit Bow! |
We arrived at the Hatchery around 10:00. Typically, everyone was coming off the water. It had been blowing solid 4.2, but had now dropped off. Within half an hour, the river was empty.
It is funny how it works. Even though it was still blowing hard by any reasonable standard, the fact that no one could sail on their 4.2's anymore, creates a mental barrier to everyone. The river stays empty until finally someone rigs a 4.8 and get's going. Within half an hour the river is full again with people using larger sails. Then - if the wind drops again - the river empties. For about half an hour, everyone looks at the water thinking the day is done. Then someone rigs a 5.5 sail and get's going. Within a few mintues the cycle repeats and the river is full again.....
Kent rigged his 4.8 and took off planing all the way across the river. That started the frenzy, and all of us, as well as most of the others headed out.
Tim sailed first at the Hatchery, and then went to Dougs. Unfortunately it was very gusty so the sailing there didn't last long.
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| Gerry Hucks on his 5.6 |
I had my best sail of the trip on my 5.6 Hucker and small board. After a few hours, it dropped off a bit more I stayed on the 5.6 and went out on my shark.
Most of the guy's started on their 4.8m sails, and then switched to their 5.6 Huckers and slalom gear later in the day. Thee were many drag races across the river between Kent, and anyone he could sail beside. He, Gerry and Blaine chased each other for hours.
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| Blaine gave me his GPS track. He sailed more than 30 kilometers. |
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| Kent - the Jibe King |
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| Blaine - way ahead of Kent! |
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| Gerry - heading down wind! |
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| Kiting with a "FOIL" is becoming popular. Very smooth, and it takes almost no wind. |
Everyone sailed until about 6:00. Harold was the last one off the water and wins the award again for most time on the water. He is amazing!
It took a long time to de-rig as everyone sat around, had a beer (or two) and talked about the day.
There was the usual disagreement about where to go with supper. No matter what restaurant you choose, at least one person has an objection..... I guess after sailing together all day it doesn't hurt to be in smaller groups. It is also hard to walk into a restaurant with 12 people and no reservation.
Everyone must have been tired - when I stopped by the Condos at 9:00 everyone had already shut things down for the night.
Hoping for wind tomorrow, although the forecast looks a little iffy..
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| Red Sky - Sailors Delight Thanks Cynthia for this wonderful Photo. |
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