2019-06-17 More wind at the Hatchery

Blaine say "Hi Wynnie, I'm having fun!!!

Temira's forecast today was almost identical to yesterday.  Wind everywhere, probably best around the Hatchery.

As usual, we met at Dog River for coffee and then went across the street to Bette's.  We talked about going to Moiser to sail as it might be less intimidating for some, and we could kite and sail together as a group.  When I left Bette's, I thought that was where we were going.

I stopped at Sailworks, to have Dale Cook adjust my Flyer sails by grinding down the cambers so the mast will be easier to slide in and so that the cambers will rotate more freely.  He had a few other customers, so it took a while.  From there, I went up to Safeway to buy a salad for lunch.  I ran into Jim.  He was on the phone with Kent, who apparently was at the Hatchery wondering where everyone else was and thinking he was in the wrong place.  Jim said Brad and Blaine were at the Wall (although it turned out that they were only thinking of going there).  Anyway - the call was now the Hatchery.

The wind was as advertised, although possibly a little lighter.  Everyone went out on about the same gear as the day before, except Gerry, who took out his 4.2 and Roberts board.  I think everyone had a pretty good sail.   I started out on my small board, but after a few runs, switched to my Nash 111.  That worked a lot better at getting through any lulls, although there were times where I was fully sheeted out, just trying to control the gusts.

Both Ross and Bernd joined us briefly in front of the Hatchery, kiting up from their respective launch points.  Ross enjoys sailing by and trying to talk to us while we are sailing - and generally harassing us.  Bernd made two appearances.   First, he kited up from the Event Site, then went back to the White Salmon Bridge where he rested for a bit, and then kited back up to the Hatchery again before heading back to the Event Site/Sand Bar.  He said that the wind was dropping as he got back there and was so light and shifty that he had a hard time coming in and landing the kite.

After trying out the Stubby yesterday, Brad rented a Goya board for today.  He said it was different but still good.  I think he has a difficult decision to make - which one to buy.  I guess we will find out tomorrow when he makes his decision at Big Winds!

Brad on the Goya

Brad

Jim said he had one of the best (worst) falls he has had in a long time.  He went over the front and did some wild full-body contortion (he was looking at his feet) before crashing into the water.  Once everything stopped he checked to make sure all his body parts were still there, and then carried on - no worse for wear....

We all came off the water at about 3:00 when the wind started to lighten up.  Brad went out again to try out the Goya in difficult conditions.  Harold went out as well and ended up stuck on the far side, unable to waterstart for about 15 minutes.  Both made it home without any trouble.

Harold making it work....

Harold making it work....

Cynthia decided that she could go out again on a bigger board, so re-rigged, and headed for the water.  After waiting for a barge, however, seeing the wind drop further, and hearing lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of advice from her father, she thought better of it and came back.

Cynthia - re-rigging!

Cynthia waiting for the Barge

We sat around in the parking lot until about 6:00 and then headed back to the Condo's to clean up before heading down to 6th Street for supper.  The food and service was excellent as usual.  The owner, Chris, came out and talked to us - welcoming us back!

Kent - had another great day!

It was Cam and Cynthia's anniversary, so the two of them went to Three Rivers Grill.  Jim, thought he would go along, but Cynthia made it very clear that he should not.

After supper at 6th Street, Jim announced that he was going to go up to Three Rivers to join Cam and Cynthia, possibly for some dessert, and it took several of the guys to convince him that it was not a good idea and that they should go for ice cream instead.  Despite all best efforts, they eventually had to give up, and Jim went up to Three Rivers to join the happy couple for a scotch.  I hope he at least purchased it.  I am sure Cam and Cynthia appreciated the intent, if not his actions.

The daily grind (3.2, 3.8, 4.2 etc) is starting to wear us down.  There is a lot of Advil being consumed, and bedtimes are getting earlier......

More wind forecast for tomorrow .. and the rest of the week....