I got up at 5:30, cleaned up and was gone by just after 6:00am. I stopped in Tri-Cities for breakfast at McDonald's and ran into Harold who had just finished breakfast and was on his way. After I got my order, I was sitting in my van organizing some papers for the border, when Blaine and Brad showed up. Brad wanted breakfast, and Blaine had to relieve himself of some of the coffee he had already been drinking.
I caught up with Harold again at the border. I don't know if they were checking out his car, but he was parked in the inspection area as I went past. The border crossing for me was very easy. I told him that I had $1,250 US to declare (almost three times my limit), and he just told me to have a nice day and let me go!
I found out that Kent was ahead of me when I stopped at a watercraft checkpoint in Idaho and the fellow said that I was the second windsurfer he had seen today. I checked with him later in the day and he was in Invermere, heading north, and going to avoid Edmonton on his way to Wabamum.
Harold had booked a motel in Cranbrook, so I believe spent the night there - cutting the trip in almost exactly half.
I stopped in Nobleford to see my friends Kirk and Barb, where I was treated with amazing hospitality once again. I had a great nights sleep and a wonderful breakfast before I headed home Sunday. Thanks Kirk & Barb!
I got a text from Kent that he had arrived home safely after a 15.5-hour drive.
I started getting spammed with emails from Harold mid-afternoon on Sunday, so I assume he is home.
I haven't heard from Blaine, Brad, Jim, Cynthia or Cam, which likely means that they also arrive home without difficulty.
Wow! That was one of our windiest trips yet. I don't know how we are ever going to top it.
Lots of fun and great friends!
I hope Andreas and Ross enjoy their week! It looks like it was windy Saturday and Sunday, but will be less so for the next couple of days. Sorry, Andreas - you missed it!
We are looking forward to Kent & Lorna's party in July!
Great trip. No one was hurt! We didn't hurt anyone else! and We all got home!
Not only that, but we all had fun and no one broke anything!
What else can I say!
Sunday 23 June 2019
Friday 21 June 2019
2019-06-21 Everything in Disarray
I knew something was up when I went down to Dog River at 8:00am and no one was there. What??? I walked across the street, and there were Jim, Cam, Cynthia and Gerry finishing their breakfasts. I sat with them, but didn't order anything, telling the waitress that I would eat with the "second shift".
Jim wanted to try out a new foil, and Sailworks Jim Mudry was meeting them at the Event Site at 8:30.
When they left, Gerry and I walked back to Dog River and joined Brad, Blaine and Harold who were already there. We had our coffee/ (tea for me), and I worked on finishing my blog.
Around 9:30 we headed across the street to Bette's and had breakfast. Kent joined us.
Blaine and Brad went to pick up Brad's new Fanatic 82 Freewave Stubby board (Yes he finally made a decision). They then went down to the Event site, because Blaine wanted to try out his new Foil board (which has been sitting in his van all week unused).
Kent and I went to Sailworks and then down to the Event site to watch the action.
When we got there, Jim, Cam and Cynthia were taking turns on the two foil rigs that Jim Mudry had set up. Blaine rigged and went out as well. The conditions were gusty and overpowering, but they all got their turn.
As the wind continued to increase, everyone came off the water.
Jim, Cam and Cynthia left for Roosevelt where they might sail for an hour or two if it looked good, before they continue home. (Kent heard from Jim later in the day that there was no wind).
Ross left for the Airport to pick up Andreas. They kited for a few hours in gusty conditions from the White Salmon bridge. Andreas says he is very sore! He was also a little disappointed that Ross didn't help him more, since it was his first time with an inflatable kite in decades.
The rest of us met at Mosier and had a very good session in relatively steady wind (there were a few lulls). I was the first on the water and sailed more than Kent did! I was on my 4.8, Kent, Blaine and Brad on 4.2's, Harold on his 3.7, and Gerry on his 4.7. It was interesting that we all ended up down current/upwind. Likely due to the current, but we ended up out of sight of the launch. Harold said he was lost as he couldn't see the launch site he was so far upwind.
We all got home, no one was hurt, and we didn't hurt anyone else - conforming to Cam's three primary metrics.
Gerry bid us goodbye and headed home.
We quit relatively early so that we could go home and pack.
At 6:00ish, we all went to the event site. It was way too windy to foil. Dale was windsurfing with his 5.6 - blasting across the river as usual. Bruce showed up and rigged his foil with a 4.5m Flyer sail. He went out and was very powered. It was amazing to watch. After Dale saw Bruce on the water, he came in and took out his foil. It was very impressive watching the two of them. Very different than anyone else on the water.
We sat and watched for a while. Eventually, the wind started to back off a little. Jim Mudry was pushing Kent to get out, and he was eventually successful in talking Kent into it. The two of them went out at about 7:00. Nice - but the rest of us were hungry, so we left Kent and went for supper at the Ferment Brewing Company.
The food and service were excellent. We finished up at around the same time Kent was coming off the water. Andreas texted Kent telling him to join us, but we were all gone by the time Kent arrived. That's the second time we have abandoned Kent on this trip....
It was early to bed for everyone. Ross and Andreas are here for another week, but the rest of us are heading home early tomorrow.
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| Watching the Action! |
When they left, Gerry and I walked back to Dog River and joined Brad, Blaine and Harold who were already there. We had our coffee/ (tea for me), and I worked on finishing my blog.
Around 9:30 we headed across the street to Bette's and had breakfast. Kent joined us.
Blaine and Brad went to pick up Brad's new Fanatic 82 Freewave Stubby board (Yes he finally made a decision). They then went down to the Event site, because Blaine wanted to try out his new Foil board (which has been sitting in his van all week unused).
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| Blaine - finally trying out his new board! |
When we got there, Jim, Cam and Cynthia were taking turns on the two foil rigs that Jim Mudry had set up. Blaine rigged and went out as well. The conditions were gusty and overpowering, but they all got their turn.
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| Jim and Cynthia - Foiling |
Jim, Cam and Cynthia left for Roosevelt where they might sail for an hour or two if it looked good, before they continue home. (Kent heard from Jim later in the day that there was no wind).
Ross left for the Airport to pick up Andreas. They kited for a few hours in gusty conditions from the White Salmon bridge. Andreas says he is very sore! He was also a little disappointed that Ross didn't help him more, since it was his first time with an inflatable kite in decades.
The rest of us met at Mosier and had a very good session in relatively steady wind (there were a few lulls). I was the first on the water and sailed more than Kent did! I was on my 4.8, Kent, Blaine and Brad on 4.2's, Harold on his 3.7, and Gerry on his 4.7. It was interesting that we all ended up down current/upwind. Likely due to the current, but we ended up out of sight of the launch. Harold said he was lost as he couldn't see the launch site he was so far upwind.
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| Mosier Parking Lot - the Alberta Crew Gerry, Ted, Harold, Blaine |
Gerry bid us goodbye and headed home.
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| Brad's new board |
We quit relatively early so that we could go home and pack.
At 6:00ish, we all went to the event site. It was way too windy to foil. Dale was windsurfing with his 5.6 - blasting across the river as usual. Bruce showed up and rigged his foil with a 4.5m Flyer sail. He went out and was very powered. It was amazing to watch. After Dale saw Bruce on the water, he came in and took out his foil. It was very impressive watching the two of them. Very different than anyone else on the water.
We sat and watched for a while. Eventually, the wind started to back off a little. Jim Mudry was pushing Kent to get out, and he was eventually successful in talking Kent into it. The two of them went out at about 7:00. Nice - but the rest of us were hungry, so we left Kent and went for supper at the Ferment Brewing Company.
The food and service were excellent. We finished up at around the same time Kent was coming off the water. Andreas texted Kent telling him to join us, but we were all gone by the time Kent arrived. That's the second time we have abandoned Kent on this trip....
It was early to bed for everyone. Ross and Andreas are here for another week, but the rest of us are heading home early tomorrow.
2019-06-20 Ground Hog Day at Roosevelt
Just another day! Temira was calling for the same as yesterday with the best wind out east.
We all (even Ross) met at Dog River, and then migrated to Bette's for breakfast as usual.
From there, we loaded up and headed to Roosevelt. The parking lot was pretty full when we got there. I got the last spot by the garbage cans at the East blocking the service gate into the park. I ran into the maintenance guy and asked him if I was OK parked there and he said that he was the only one who uses the gate and that I should be good.
I rigged both my 4.2 and 4.8 right away and set up my 93L Code and 115 Nash Boards. The wind was building so I thought I may as well get the rigging over with.
I went out on my 4.8 and Nash board for two reaches and then switched to the 4.2 and Code. I did about 8km on the code, but there were some lulls, so I switched to the Nash board and was good for the rest of the day. I had two sessions with a total of just over 30km. Pretty good for me.
Gerry rigged a 4.7 and held on to it all day! He said he had a great day and put on 50 miles (80km!) Wow!!
Harold sailed 3.7 all day, Brad was on his 3.8, Jim and Blaine on a 4.2 and Gerry was holding on to his 4.7 somehow.
Brad has decided on the Stubby Freewave board, but is still renting. He will check prices and then decide when and where he will buy it.
Cynthia had a great day and completed 8 Jibes!
Kent was on his 3.8 in the morning and then switched to his 4.2. He said he had a great day and commented that it was probably the best sailing we had had as a group this trip. He is forgetting about the sailing we did three days ago at Roosevelt - oh - he wasn't here because he stayed at the wall.....
Ross and Cam both had several good kiting sessions. Sorry that there are no photos of either. They launched and then headed to the other side of the river to enjoy the big swell. Ross said it was very busy over at Arlington, and thought that Rufus must not have been good so everyone moved East.
I did get some photos of Bernd, who also had a good couple of kiting sessions. Bernd had to get back to his wife Angela for their Anniversary, so he left from the sailing site to head home. He is the first, but it sounds like Jim, Cam, Cynthia and maybe Harold will be leaving tomorrow after sailing.
It is hard to believe that our trip is coming to a close.
We all went to Double Mountain Brewery for beers and supper, and then a few of us came back to Ross's Townhouse for Ice Cream and a final beer before heading for bed. It was a late night - maybe 11:00 - but probably our last chance to all be together until fall!
All my photos from the day are on my Flickr Site Here
We all (even Ross) met at Dog River, and then migrated to Bette's for breakfast as usual.
From there, we loaded up and headed to Roosevelt. The parking lot was pretty full when we got there. I got the last spot by the garbage cans at the East blocking the service gate into the park. I ran into the maintenance guy and asked him if I was OK parked there and he said that he was the only one who uses the gate and that I should be good.
I rigged both my 4.2 and 4.8 right away and set up my 93L Code and 115 Nash Boards. The wind was building so I thought I may as well get the rigging over with.
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| Ted on his 4.2. Thanks, Bernd for the photo! |
I went out on my 4.8 and Nash board for two reaches and then switched to the 4.2 and Code. I did about 8km on the code, but there were some lulls, so I switched to the Nash board and was good for the rest of the day. I had two sessions with a total of just over 30km. Pretty good for me.
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| Jumpin' Gerry! |
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| Gerry - 50 Miles |
Brad has decided on the Stubby Freewave board, but is still renting. He will check prices and then decide when and where he will buy it.
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| Brad and Blaine |
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| Cynthia - completing a jibe! |
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| Harold - ready for action! |
I did get some photos of Bernd, who also had a good couple of kiting sessions. Bernd had to get back to his wife Angela for their Anniversary, so he left from the sailing site to head home. He is the first, but it sounds like Jim, Cam, Cynthia and maybe Harold will be leaving tomorrow after sailing.
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| Bernd - getting Air! |
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| Bernd |
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| Bernd, Ted, Blaine, Harold, Jim, Cynthia, Brad |
All my photos from the day are on my Flickr Site Here
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| Ted and Bernd |
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| Brad - enjoying the Stubby |
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| Bernd sailing past the Photo Guy... |
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| Cynthia had a great day! |
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| Not sure if Brad is giving me a shaka or the finger... |
Thursday 20 June 2019
2019-06-19 More Wind at Roosevelt
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| Roosevelt Parking Lot |
Cam's Primary Metrics for the trip are!
1) I didn't get hurt!
2) I didn't hurt anyone else
3) I got home safe.
These three goals or metrics/goals are above all other criteria.
Having fun, Not breaking equipment, are all secondary.
So far this trip ("Touch Wood") we have been doing pretty well!
Today was another very windy day. The forecast was for 30-35mph (48-55kph) all day.
The actual wind was a bit higher, averaging 55 and gusting to 70kph.
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| Averaging 55, Gusting to 70kph all afternoon! |
I was first on the water for a change. I had a few runs (5km) on my 4.8, and then came in and re-rigged to my 4.2 (smallest sail). I had a great session with over 25km, but it was not relaxing. I was overpowered most of the time, but I did manage to make almost all my jibes. I must be getting used to the windier conditions!
Brad said he has decided he will be getting the Stuby Freeride board. He was renting one again today, and said that it proved itself today in the difficult conditions!
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| Brad on the Stuby Freeride board. |
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| Brad |
Harold started out on his 3.7, but then changed to 3.2. Gerry was out on his Roberts Board hunting for jumps.
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| Harold - coming in after a great session! |
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| Gerry - hunting for ramps! |
Jim was out on a 3.8, and reported that it was more power than he probably needed.
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| Cam - instructing Jim on the finer points of sailing! |
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| Cynthia - short walk before heading out again! |
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| Kent |
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| Blaine - great day! |
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| Ted and Mark - not sure what I am doing with my Helmet.... |
Jim, Cam and Cynthia went to Three Rivers Grill, the rest of the gang went to the Dirty Fingers Cafe.
Everyone was in bed by the time I got back to the Condo at 9:30. Not much of a party crowd.
I think everyone is very sore - looking forward to more wind tomorrow.
More of my Photos from today are Here on my Flickr Site
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| Gerry - making spray! |
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| Kent |
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| Ted's Rigs - 4.8 and 4.2 |
Wednesday 19 June 2019
2019-06-18 Running away from the Wind....
Tuesday started out like most others here in the gorge. First, Dog River for coffee and then went across the street to Bette's for breakfast.
Temira's forecast was for Very Strong winds - almost everywhere....
Everyone was talking the Wall. The wind was from the perfect direction, and it should be rocking.
I needed a lighter day, so decided on Roosevelt. I like the rigging area, it is less intimidating, and the wind was forecast for a bit lighter. I didn't really tell anyone, except Cynthia (who asked me directly when I was at Safeway picking up lunch), because I didn't want to spoil it for Kent, Brad, Blaine, Gerry and some of the other really good sailors.
Jim, Cam, Cynthia, Ross and Bernd were heading for Rufus to do some kiting.
I got to Roosevelt at about 1:30 and got the last "prime" parking spot backing onto the grass. I started rigging my 4.7 and Nash board. Gerry, Brand and Blaine, and Harold all arrived while I was rigging.
Apparently, they had arrived at the Wall just as Kent was getting into the water on his 3.8m sail. Kent made a few reaches, and then came in and gave them the thumbs up signal. They waved at him and then all left to go to Roosevelt. Apparently, I am not the only one intimidated by the Wall in big conditions... Kent was left to sail by himself all day. He said he had a great day, with fantastic swell, but was a little miffed that they would let him go into the water when they were planning to leave, as he would have been just as happy at Roosevelt. What he didn't understand is that they hadn't made their minds up yet.... the lemmings hadn't started to move.... We are all glad he had a great day.
I went out for my best session of the trip. I used my shorty wetsuit - boy does that feel good compared to the full suit. I sailed over 30km in about an hour and a half. I was fully sheeted in almost all the time, with very few lulls. I was actually trying to maximize my speed and was hunting for ramps to jump, unlike earlier in the week when I was in survival mode doing my best to slow down and stay on the water. Maybe I still can do this sport!
Blaine, Brad, and Gerry all got out on their 4.2's. Gerry's first session wasn't great as he took out his small board and ended up body dragging in because he couldn't get going. He ended up walking back - he said it was about a mile, but he deleted his GPS Track to re-start the day. He switched boards and then had a great day, jumping all over the place.
Harold took out his 3.7 and made it work all day, although he did switch boards later in the day when the wind picked up.
Brad was trying out a third demo board. Another Stuby, but a wave style board rather than freeride. He definitely made it work! It will be really interesting now with three to choose from, which he picks.
Big Air Jim arrived with his Van along with Cynthia, and Bernd arrived with Cam. They had been at Rufus with Ross. Ross went out, but after watching some of the pro's (a young lady kiter boosting 20 foot jumps, strapless, and landing them), they decided that they too would go to Roosevelt. Ross gave them a thumbs up that the conditions were great, and they packed up and left.....nice??
Ross had a great day, but felt a little abandoned.....
Everyone got out. Cam went out for a short turn and then came back to get a smaller kite. He and Bernd had a great session, and I actually got a few photos, although Cam must be camera shy, because as soon as he got on the water he went as far away from me as possible. "Camera Shy Cam" - doesn't sound possible....
Jim and Cynthia also had a great sail. I think everyone appreciated the more moderate conditions.
Cynthia kept thanking me for suggesting Roosevelt.
Cynthia won the rigging award, starting out on the 3.7 and then, as the wind built she changed to a 3.4 and then a 3.0 and then a smaller board. It's a good thing she has lots of help to de-rig!! Not that she doesn't do her share - and Father's day was yesterday, so Cam understands that the focus is now on her for the rest of the year!
We de-rigged at about 5:00 but sat around chatting until about 7:00, so we didn't get back to Hood River until around 8:30.
We got to the Mexican Taqueria Restaurant just before they closed. The service and food was excellent as usual!
Cynthia phoned Kent to make sure he and Ross were alive (none of the rest of us were worried...). He was with Ross at Ferment's Brewing Company for supper.
Kent and Ross came back to the Townhouse around 10 with some ice cream and fruit! They shared some with Bernd, and I, so I guess they weren't that miffed...
Great day!
There are more photos from the day on my Flickr Site Here
Temira's forecast was for Very Strong winds - almost everywhere....
Everyone was talking the Wall. The wind was from the perfect direction, and it should be rocking.
I needed a lighter day, so decided on Roosevelt. I like the rigging area, it is less intimidating, and the wind was forecast for a bit lighter. I didn't really tell anyone, except Cynthia (who asked me directly when I was at Safeway picking up lunch), because I didn't want to spoil it for Kent, Brad, Blaine, Gerry and some of the other really good sailors.
Jim, Cam, Cynthia, Ross and Bernd were heading for Rufus to do some kiting.
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| Bernd, Cam and Ross - Big wind at Rufus! |
Apparently, they had arrived at the Wall just as Kent was getting into the water on his 3.8m sail. Kent made a few reaches, and then came in and gave them the thumbs up signal. They waved at him and then all left to go to Roosevelt. Apparently, I am not the only one intimidated by the Wall in big conditions... Kent was left to sail by himself all day. He said he had a great day, with fantastic swell, but was a little miffed that they would let him go into the water when they were planning to leave, as he would have been just as happy at Roosevelt. What he didn't understand is that they hadn't made their minds up yet.... the lemmings hadn't started to move.... We are all glad he had a great day.
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| Blaine |
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| Ted's GPS track |
Blaine, Brad, and Gerry all got out on their 4.2's. Gerry's first session wasn't great as he took out his small board and ended up body dragging in because he couldn't get going. He ended up walking back - he said it was about a mile, but he deleted his GPS Track to re-start the day. He switched boards and then had a great day, jumping all over the place.
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| Gerry - Going big! |
Brad was trying out a third demo board. Another Stuby, but a wave style board rather than freeride. He definitely made it work! It will be really interesting now with three to choose from, which he picks.
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| Brad on his Stuby Demo |
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| Brad |
Ross had a great day, but felt a little abandoned.....
Everyone got out. Cam went out for a short turn and then came back to get a smaller kite. He and Bernd had a great session, and I actually got a few photos, although Cam must be camera shy, because as soon as he got on the water he went as far away from me as possible. "Camera Shy Cam" - doesn't sound possible....
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| Bernd - getting air! |
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| Bernd |
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| Cam - getting away from the Camera as quickly as possible! |
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| Cam - switching kites |
Cynthia kept thanking me for suggesting Roosevelt.
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| Big Air Jim |
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| Cynthia said she made a lot of jibes! |
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| Smarter than any of the rest of us - Cynthia had a shower to clean and warm up! |
Cynthia phoned Kent to make sure he and Ross were alive (none of the rest of us were worried...). He was with Ross at Ferment's Brewing Company for supper.
Kent and Ross came back to the Townhouse around 10 with some ice cream and fruit! They shared some with Bernd, and I, so I guess they weren't that miffed...
Great day!
There are more photos from the day on my Flickr Site Here
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| Cam - after a great day! |
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| Harold had a great day on his 3.7 |
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| Big Air Jim |
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