Last Update

Home Safe....

Well this is the final update of our 2015 Spring Gorge Trip.  Wow!  What a great trip.  I believe everyone is now home and safe.  Al may be the exception as he was meeting his wife and then doing some touring.

Mike is home and safe but recovering from the two broken ribs he got at Swell City when he went through is sail.  Too bad his ribs aren't as easy and quick to fix as his sail!  Sorry - no X-ray to show you.  In Alberta they apparently do not give copies of the X-ray's to patients even when they ask. (Thanks for asking Mike!).

As I mentioned in the last post that, I skipped the last day of sailing, which Kent said was excellent - possibly the best of the trip.  He says they sailed until at least 5:00.

By leaving early, I was able to get to Rosebud, Alberta in time to have lunch with my daughter Laura and then to watch her perform as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Rosebud Production of the Wizard of Oz.  Here is a link.

Laura in Rosebud

It is a wonderful production.  All of the actors do a great job.  The Wicked Witch, of course, was the best!  :<)

It is a play that kids will love.  If you have some time this summer, it is well worth the trip and bringing the kids and grand kids.  They even throw in the odd Lion King and Harry Potter reference.....

I arrived home late Saturday night, and then on Sunday had a three sport day with Louise.  First we went Boating, then road our Motorbike to town for some lunch, and then a Stand Up Paddle Board ride in the evening.

A great way to end the trip.  Not looking forward to work on Monday.

I am looking forward to our next trip this fall - but let's enjoy the summer first!

Motorcycle Selfie

 

SUP Selfie

Boating Selfie

Louise - laughing at me taking selfies...

Heading home - past the Wall

Friday, June 19m 2015 More wind at the wall.

Friday was a sad day.  Most of us were packing up to head home.  Maybe one more sailing session. The call was the Hatchery!

Do I have to say Dog River Coffee and then Bette's.   After packing up all my stuff at the Condo I headed to Sailworks to say goodbye to Dale and Jim... and to buy a tee shirt.

Kent had to drop off his old sails at Second Wind.  Yes - that does mean he has a complete new quiver of sails.  After going into the shop "Just to Look"...  he was talked into replacing everything and buying a new mast - but heck - it was a great deal - he saved almost a thousand dollars..... oh - except that is purchase was in US dollars, so maybe it wasn't quite as good a deal with the current exchange rate.

As I got close to the Hatchery, I passed Blaine and Brad going East in the opposite direction.  A phone call confirmed that between breakfast (which ended at 10:00), and the time I got to the Hatchery (11:30), the plan had changed.  Now everyone was going to the wall - they just neglected to let everyone know.....

The Wall

I turned around and headed out east.  I stopped briefly at Doug's Beach.  It looked like it was building, but no one was out on the water so I kept going.

When I got to the wall, it looked windy.  Everyone was rigging 4.8m Sails.

Harold rigging his "Super Freak" Sail

Brad - rigging his 4.8

On the way to the Wall, I had been thinking that if I just kept going, I could get to Rosebud in time to see my Daughter Laura and take in her performance of the Wicked Witch in the Rosebud production of the Wizard of Oz.  The play has been running for a few weeks, but I haven't had a chance to see it.

Here is the link to the production...  Wizard of Oz

also

Here is a link to Laura's Video Blog.  It is pretty cool.  Check it out and subscribe or comment.

Laura's V-Blog

I said goodbye to everyone at the wall.  It sounds like they had a great day.  Kent emailed me and said they sailed until 5:30 with everyone on 4.8m Sails.

I also got a note from Mike.  It turns out he likely has two broken ribs. He is waiting for the doctors report, but it looks like he made the right decision returning home early. He said that unlike the doctors in Hood River, who gave Kent a copy of his x-ray when he broke his shoulder blade a few years ago, the doctors in Alberta wouldn't give him a copy of his x-ray, so he doesn't have anything to send me for the blog!

Brad and Blaine were going to spend another night in Hood River and then head home Saturday.  Al's Wife will be arriving today and they will be staying around for a few more days.  I believe everyone else is headed home after sailing.

Great trip - can't wait until fall!

Ted

Sailing Everywhere!

June 18, 2015 - Wind and Sailing everywhere.

Dog River and Bette's - bla bla bla.......

The Forecast wasn't great, with Temira saying it would  be best at Stevenson, while the guy's in the shops said it would be better out East.  Opposite Forecasts.  We all met at the Hatchery around 11:30, but the wind didn't look very good.  There was lots of discussion about what to do....

The Crossing

The Crossing restaurant in Stevenson makes the best Panini Sandwiches and Lemonade in the Gorge (possibly the world), so I decided to go to Stevenson for lunch and check out the wind.  Harold, Gerry, Al, Brad, Blaine, Kent, Rene and Handre all followed.   The wind was light when we got there, but began to build.  Kent was first out on his 6.6.  The water was flat, but the wind was very consistent.

Kent, Blaine and Rene

Handre was making most of his Jibes!

Handre - another Jibe!

Kent using a random sailor as a Jibe Mark!

Al had a great day!

Blaine was having fun too!

We had 4 hours of flying back and forth racing each other across the water on our big gear.  (I was on my 6.6 Hucker and Shark Board).  It was a great confidence builder.  Everyone had a lot of fun.  It was 6:00 when we got off the water.  As ususal we sat around for an hour or so sitting on the grass de-rigging and de-briefing.  We all agreed that we had absolutely made the right call.

Tim decided to go to Doug's Beach.  Of course none of this can be verified by any kind of photo or collaborative evidence, but Tim said he had 3 hours of remarkable sailing on his 5.4.  He said he was fully powered and should probably have been on his 4.8 for most of the day.  He claims that he absolutely made the right call - he just wishes that the rest of us were there so he didn't have to sail by himself.

Jim, Cam and Cynthia went to the new Luhr Janzen Beach west of the Event Site, and also had a very good session.  Jim says he enjoyed some screaming jibes in the flat water on the inside.  (I am not sure if this means he was going fast and completing beautiful jibes or if he was just scared and was screaming out loud as he came into his jibes before he exploded as initiated his turn?)  Jim says they make the right call and had a great day.

Cam went for a kiting lesson at 4:00.  It sounds like he may be turning to the dark side.  He is very excited about the sport is looking forward to learning on his new Directional Kiting Board.

Gerry and I went for Chinese.  As we were walking down to the restaurant,  Bart started calling to us. He was in the Pint's to go Pub with his friend Squirrel and owner Eddy.  Bart, who knows everyone in town, was calling out to everyone driving past - giving one girl a hard time for smoking ("Get rid of that stick between your fingers") and another friend a hard time for texting while driving.  He was having a lot of fun.  He seem to really enjoy life!

Pint to go Pub.
(Left to Right - Gerry, Eddy (owner), Squirrel, Bart).

 A lot of the guy's went to the Mexican Restaurant on the hill, and others went to the Three Rivers Grill.

The big news when we got back to the condo was that Tiger Woods had shot over 80 for the thrid time on the pro tour.  Brad, Blaine and others were glued to the Golf Channel.

Kent, Rene, Al, Tim and I had another game of Hearts.  Everyone is pretty well worn out.  I have had 8 days sailing this trip and it looks like we will be sailing again tomorrow!

Handre packed up and is planning on leaving at 5:00am in the morning.  Most of the rest of us may leave after sailing Friday, but a few will be sticking around for a few more days.   Al is meeting his wife and will be staying at Ross's for a few more days.

Gerry - Jibing around Kent

Blaine - Lay down!

Blaine - Lay Down 2

Blaine - Sit down!

Brad - Blasting

A Repeat at the Hatchery

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

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.

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....

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.

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.

Blaine gave me his GPS track.  He sailed more than 30 kilometers.

Kent - the Jibe King

Blaine - way ahead of Kent!

Gerry - heading down wind!

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..

Red Sky - Sailors Delight
Thanks Cynthia for this wonderful Photo.

Classic Hatchery - High Winds and Lumpy Water

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Tuesday was another classic Gorge Day.  The wind kicked in exactly as forecast.  Mike, who had spent the day before on the coast, sent us a text from Swell City at 8:00 saying he was heading out on a 3.8.    As the forecast was for wind all day, the rest of us were not quite as keen.

Cynthia took this romantic photo of her coffee - Cam in the background...

Just like Ground Hog day - Dog River Coffee, followed by breakfast at Bette's.  There was a bit more urgency than usual, and we all found ourselves at the Hatchery by around 10a.m.  It was VERY windy!

The View on the way to the River - Mount Hood.

Small boards and Small Rigs were the call.  I went out on my 4.2m and Kode (The smallest I had with me) and was very over powered, but in control.  I even managed most of my Jibes.  Most of the guy's were on 3.8's or less.  Cam spent the day on a 3.4.  Jim had to make a special trip to the shop to get a second mast so that he could rig a 3.0 for Cynthia.

Thanks Cynthia for a rare photo of Me!

The wind stayed backed off a bit, but stayed relatively steady (at least for the Gorge) until mid afternoon.

Gerry - going up!

Kent said he was enjoying the "Lumpy Water".  The swells seemed much larger and smoother than usual.

Kent had fun racing people across the water.  Of course you always go faster when someone you know is just behind you.  He and I had one screaming reach to the far side.  Scary - but fun!  Blaine, Brad and even Handre also provided him with racing partners.

Kent, Handre and Harold

Cam had a good day!

I took some time to take some photos and videos.  I have two great videos of extremely long wave rides by Kent....

Ross went kiting, so was in a different sailing area, but he stopped by around 3:00 to say goodbye. He was heading to the Airport for a flight home - but will be back in about a week.

Ross - saying goodbye

While I managed the day with one sail and one board; Big Air Jim - trying to keep himself, Cam and Cynthia properly rigged - spent most of the day rigging.  By the end of the day he had a 4.6, 4.2, 4.0, 3.7, 3.4, and a 3.0.  They also had four boards.  Sometimes you are better off just holding on, because by the time you re-rig, the wind has changed again.....

Tim Antoniuk joined us at around noon.  He is a very good sailor from Edmonton, but has not been sailing a lot over the last ten or so years....  Too busy raising his three boys.  On his first session he threw a loop right by the beach - and almost made it all the way around....

Tim Antoniuk - Joined us around noon!

Tim - upside down!

De-rigging took a long time (and a fair amount of beer).  Stories were told - getting better, and better.

Handre

Bart dropped by to chat!

Gerry having fun!

Jim - very tired from a full day of rigging and de-rigging!

Harold was out the whole day - most time on the water....

Mike showed up later in the day with a story of putting either his head or his elbow (he can't remember which) through his sail in the morning.  Dale at Sailworks came to the rescue and repaired the sail while he waited - so he will be ready for action again tomorrow.

The whole gang went to 6th Street for Supper and then gathered at the Condo for a final de-brief.  It was a late evening - just after 10:00pm when we headed to bed.

Looking forward to more wind tomorrow.

Cynthia - resting after a session on her 3.0

Proud father - Jim and Cynthia!

Stand Up Paddling - Beach Day

June 15,2015 - Stand Up Paddling

Our second non-wind day, but the forecast is for strong winds through to the end of the week!  You can see the wind chart that the wind started to pick up late in the day.  We are all looking forward to getting out sailing again.

Looks like great 

At Bette's, Blaine was inducted into the revered 40-20 club, joining the ranks of other great sailors like Harold, Big Air Jim, Al, and Brad.  He now takes on the additional responsibility of mentoring the younger, less experienced sailors in the group.

Blaine - proudly showing off his 40-20 shirt!

After Breakfast Jim and Handre headed off for their annual "Tennis Grudge Match".  There are varying stories about what happened, but Jim came back with his head down and in a grumpy mood, so I think we can read between the lines.  Perhaps youth and fitness were factors against age, wisdom and technique.

Blaine, Brad, Gerry, Ted, Cam and Cynthia went for an Stand Up Paddle Board ride.  We started at the event site, headed across the river to the White Salmon bridge, up the White Salmon river, and then back and around Well's Island.  Blaine says his GPS clocked us at 7.5km, but when I graphed our sail, it looks more like 10km to me......

SUP Track

Ted rented an SUP

Blaine in the middle of the Columbia!

Gerry - leading the pack!

Cam, Cynthia and Gerry on the White Salmon.

Ted and Cynthia

Blaine and Brad - two of our 40-20 group!

Ross and Al took the boards out after we were back (one of the boards belongs to Ross), and also had a great ride.

Al headed to Portland to visit family for a day, while most of the rest just sat on the Event Site beach and enjoyed the scenery.

Not to be accused of being lazy, Kent and Handre went for another mountain bike ride to Post Canyon. This is a great ride, and very close, so it doesn't take long to get there which is very nice.

Handre and Kent - at Post Canyon.
 (Kent has apparently learned how to take selfies)

Supper at 6th Street, then back to the house.  René, Kent and I had an "aggressive" game of Hearts.

Early to bed - looking forward to sailing tomorrow!