Nice warm day, and blowing solid 5.6 for me. Nice few hours on the water to end the trip... (and probably the year!) No huge waves, but a few ramps, and very comfortable sailing!
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| Ted sailing at Dried Meat Lake! |
Sunday 15 September 2013
Sailing at Home - September 15, 2013
What the Heck?
Nice warm day, and blowing solid 5.6 for me. Nice few hours on the water to end the trip... (and probably the year!) No huge waves, but a few ramps, and very comfortable sailing!
Nice warm day, and blowing solid 5.6 for me. Nice few hours on the water to end the trip... (and probably the year!) No huge waves, but a few ramps, and very comfortable sailing!
Saturday 14 September 2013
Day 9, Friday September 13, 2013
Swell City Again!
Friday would be the last day of sailing for most of us. Some were planning to leave after sailing while others would sail all day, enjoy the evening, and get an early start Saturday. Mike may stick around for the promised wind on Sunday.
Temira’s forecast was for decent wind today, then light
Saturday, and building again Sunday and into the next week. This cemented our plans to leave either later
today or early tomorrow.
At Bette’s we were talking to our waitress Sheri, who has
been at Bette’s as long as any of us can remember. She started there when she was 15, in the
fall of 1987. She went to college, but
always came back to Bette’s on weekends and in the summer. When she got married and started raising a
family in Hood River, she decided to stay.
She has obviously found her niche in life. She is always cheerful, obviously enjoys her
work, and gives great service to her customers (us…).
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| Blaine and Mike with our favorite waitress Sheri! |
The wind was gusty, but with some big holes. The gusts were
solid and strong, and the swell was big.
One of the best sails of the trip…
(Sorry Eddy, Harold A, and Jim... you missed it!!!)
Handre and I packed up around 1:00. I was on the road by 2:00. I look forward to hearing about the last part
of the day, and what people did on the way home.
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| Look at the size of those swells!!! |
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| The Gang at Swell City - Lunch Time !! |
I arrived in Cranbrook by 11:00 (Alberta Time). Left early in the morning so I could get to
Rosebud Alberta in time to watch my daughter, Laura, perform in their fall
production of "Our Town". We had a great visit, and it was a nice break in the drive.
Safe home by 8:00 pm, and happy to see Louise.
Hope everyone else has a safe trip home as well. I will post stories from the others if they send them to me.
Not as much wind as other trips (or as we would have liked), but overall, another great trip!!!
Safe home by 8:00 pm, and happy to see Louise.
Hope everyone else has a safe trip home as well. I will post stories from the others if they send them to me.
Not as much wind as other trips (or as we would have liked), but overall, another great trip!!!
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| Blaine - Hangin Out |
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| Blaine Great Day! |
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| Mike - Hangin Out |
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| Handre - Full on! |
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| Brad |
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| Brad - Big Smile |
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| Gerry - Up in the Air! |
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| Gerry |
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| Brad - Hangin Out |
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| Handre - up there... |
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| Handre - more Air! |
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| LOAH - Lots of Air Handre... |
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| Handre - Jibing Machine - 15 jibes today! |
Friday 13 September 2013
Day 8, Thursday, September 12, 2013
Wind at Swell City!
It took a bit longer for Temira to post her forecast today. Big Air Jim has been worrying a lot about his mother in-law who is in Hospital and very sick. After some discussion Eddy said "Jim - lets not wait for the forecast - let's just head home". It didn't take much convincing - you could tell Jim was relieved. Eddy, Big Air Jim and Harold A, packed up and left after breakfast - but not before one last shopping frenzy..... (I hope he enjoys his new 6.6 sail and mast).
The forecast came in while we were at Breakfast - light winds in the corridor... We decided that Swell City was the call for the day!
We arrived at Swell City at around 11:00am. I was on the water just before 11:30 with my 7.0 and Nash Board. Most of the guy's went out on 5.6's or 6.6 sails. I think we all expected the winds to lighten up as the day went on, but they started getting stronger, with everyone rigging down - either going to smaller sails, or smaller boards.
We finally gave up and came off the water at 5:00pm. Mike won the prize for most time on the water. He is sailing very well this trip and really nailing his jibes! We were all spent - but Mike decided to head out again on his 4.2 to provide us with some entertainment.
I took some sailing photos - but my card reader failed, so I will have to post them once I am back.
Mike, Blaine, Brad, Rene, Kent, and I went to Pietro's Pizza for supper before heading back to the house for a vicious game of Harts!
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| Surprise, Surprise - We started the day at Bette's |
It took a bit longer for Temira to post her forecast today. Big Air Jim has been worrying a lot about his mother in-law who is in Hospital and very sick. After some discussion Eddy said "Jim - lets not wait for the forecast - let's just head home". It didn't take much convincing - you could tell Jim was relieved. Eddy, Big Air Jim and Harold A, packed up and left after breakfast - but not before one last shopping frenzy..... (I hope he enjoys his new 6.6 sail and mast).
The forecast came in while we were at Breakfast - light winds in the corridor... We decided that Swell City was the call for the day!
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| Sorry - Louise - I broke down and bought a boom and mast.... (The old mast was 15 years old... Really!) |
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| The Gang (most of us..) with Bruce, Dale and Jim at Sailworks! |
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| Blaine and Kent getting out their wallets... |
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| Jim explaining to Gerry why the 2013 sails are so much better than his 2011's |
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| Gerry thinking about it while the crew looks on... |
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| The proud owner of two new sails!! |
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| Eddy was impervious to the discussion - He wants a Kite! |
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| Dale and Blaine |
We finally gave up and came off the water at 5:00pm. Mike won the prize for most time on the water. He is sailing very well this trip and really nailing his jibes! We were all spent - but Mike decided to head out again on his 4.2 to provide us with some entertainment.
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| Relaxing after a hard day! |
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| Kent - looking very relaxed. |
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| Kent - looking re-energized - Did he drink all that beer? Good thing Rene is Driving! |
Mike, Blaine, Brad, Rene, Kent, and I went to Pietro's Pizza for supper before heading back to the house for a vicious game of Harts!
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| Brad had an Ice Cream for desert... but didn't really know how to work the machine... |
Thursday 12 September 2013
Day 7, Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wind at Bob's Beach
In Hood River the American Flags were all out on the sidewalks to commemorate the anniversary of September 11. Hard to believe it was 12 years ago. Brad and Blaine were down here when it happened, and remember the shock. Fighter jets were continually flying up and down the river - they weren't sure if they could get home...
Temira's Forecast was pretty good. Easterlies all day at Bob's Beach!
Mike and Gerry were first there and on the water by about 8:30am. The majority of us arrived closer to 9:00 as Mike and Gerry were coming off the water to rig down! Great sign!
I rigged my 5.6 and was out on my Nash Board before 9:30. I was a little under powered at first, but then the wind built. I headed upwind to the "Red Bouy", and raced back and forth with Brad, Blaine, Kent, and Harold. (Harold wasn't really racing - he was a bit under powered, so he was having fun in the waves, but not really going fast....).
Brad was on a smaller sail than I was, but he is a very efficient sailor. He kept trying to pass me, but with my bigger sail, for once I was able to fend him off. I even passed him once! :<)
We all sailed until about noon, when the wind started to lighten up. We needed a break anyway.
As Ross pointed out, once an Easterly wind starts to drop at Bob's Beach, it is very unusual for it to pick up again. With nothing better to do, however, we all sat in the shade on the grass, enjoying the view for the rest of the afternoon. There is an excellent sandwich and pita shop called The Crossing, just across the tracks, so lunch was excellent.
Al decided that he would go out on his big sail. Unfortunately, the river is deceptive here and it looks windier than it is. The current, although not strong, also takes one or two kph off the effective wind speed. He did a repeat of my experience a few years ago.... He ended up downwind on the sandbar.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
Now, pretty well at the Island, he realized that walking back was the best option. Al was happy with his "Self Rescue".
Handre, borrowed my 113 litre Nash board and put on his big sail. He was able to sail up wind and got planing a few times. He was desperate for time on the water as he had missed yesterday.
A little shorter day than we had planed - but a great sail by everyone. We all had a workout.
Half the group with to Big Air Jim's favorite restaurant, Three Rivers Grill, and the other half to 6th Street.
Kent, Rene, Al and I ended the evening with a game of Hearts. We weren't keeping score, so in the end everyone was trying for power! Lots of fun trying to stick each other with the Queen of Spades, and/or breaking an attempt at power by saving that last high heart......
In Hood River the American Flags were all out on the sidewalks to commemorate the anniversary of September 11. Hard to believe it was 12 years ago. Brad and Blaine were down here when it happened, and remember the shock. Fighter jets were continually flying up and down the river - they weren't sure if they could get home...
Temira's Forecast was pretty good. Easterlies all day at Bob's Beach!
Mike and Gerry were first there and on the water by about 8:30am. The majority of us arrived closer to 9:00 as Mike and Gerry were coming off the water to rig down! Great sign!
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| Big Air Jim |
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| Mike - First out, and most time on the water! Great Day! |
We all sailed until about noon, when the wind started to lighten up. We needed a break anyway.
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| Gerry - relaxing after a great day! |
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| Eddy had a great day as well! |
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
He walked upwind a bit, and then looking at the water, it was obvious that the wind had picked up, so he went out again. Going across it appeared he was making ground and heading back to the beach. Unfortunately this is a trick of the wind angle, and when he reached our side of the river again, he was 100m further down wind.
Now, pretty well at the Island, he realized that walking back was the best option. Al was happy with his "Self Rescue".
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| Big Air Jim worked so hard on the water, he needed a snooze in the afternoon! |
Handre, borrowed my 113 litre Nash board and put on his big sail. He was able to sail up wind and got planing a few times. He was desperate for time on the water as he had missed yesterday.
A little shorter day than we had planed - but a great sail by everyone. We all had a workout.
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| Harold A spent the afteroon repairing a ding on the tail of his Board! |
Half the group with to Big Air Jim's favorite restaurant, Three Rivers Grill, and the other half to 6th Street.
Kent, Rene, Al and I ended the evening with a game of Hearts. We weren't keeping score, so in the end everyone was trying for power! Lots of fun trying to stick each other with the Queen of Spades, and/or breaking an attempt at power by saving that last high heart......
Wednesday 11 September 2013
Day 6 - Tuesday, September 10, 2013
A "No Wind" day (this time for real!)
Yesterday, the forecast was for no wind, and we sailed most of the day. Today the wind was for decent Easterly winds in the afternoon until dusk. We arrived at Bob's beach around noon to whitecaps. Everything looked on track for a great day.
Several headed out, but the wind wasn't as strong as it looked. As the afternoon went on, the wind slowly faded instead of building.
On the good side, it was a glorious day in the high 80's, and we were sitting in a beautiful park area.
Ross and Kent showed up later in the afternoon, talking about their sailing on the Coast yesterday.
For a no wind day, we had a lot of gear all over the beach, but we probably need the practice rigging it anyway. I did make great progress on the book that I am reading.. :<)
China Gorge for supper...
Looking forward to better (some) wind tomorrow!
Ted
Yesterday, the forecast was for no wind, and we sailed most of the day. Today the wind was for decent Easterly winds in the afternoon until dusk. We arrived at Bob's beach around noon to whitecaps. Everything looked on track for a great day.
Several headed out, but the wind wasn't as strong as it looked. As the afternoon went on, the wind slowly faded instead of building.
On the good side, it was a glorious day in the high 80's, and we were sitting in a beautiful park area.
Ross and Kent showed up later in the afternoon, talking about their sailing on the Coast yesterday.
For a no wind day, we had a lot of gear all over the beach, but we probably need the practice rigging it anyway. I did make great progress on the book that I am reading.. :<)
China Gorge for supper...
Looking forward to better (some) wind tomorrow!
Ted
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| Lots of gear rigged, but not enough wind.... |
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Day 5 - Monday, September 9, 2013
Wind on a "No Wind" day!
The forecast was for little to no wind!.. Ross and Kent headed to the coast for a few days - as the forecast there was for 25-30 and four foot waves.
We all did the usual Coffee at Dog River, and then walked down to the Hood River Hotel for breakfast. The Hotel is more up-scale that Bette's...
Handre and Lazelle decided to drive to the coast, just to check it out. Handre said he had the best fish and chips he has ever had. (For someone who doesn't eat carbs - he sure eats a lot of carbs...)
We talked about biking and/or golfing. After breakfast, Blaine and I wandered over to the Gorge Surf Shop to talk to Bart. Bart agreed that the Coast had been the right call, but re-affirmed that you need a thick wetsuit to sail there. He then pulled up the "Hatch Cam", and pointed out the white caps. He suggested we go there and see what happens.
After a bit more talk, the we headed over. I got their first and rigged my 7.0 (my biggest sail). I headed out at around 11:00am, but it wasn't quite enough. I came back and put a big fin on my SUP, borrowed a compatible mast base from Rene, and then headed out again. It was sort of like driving a truck - but this worked. I sailed it for about an hour, as the wind began to build.
The rest of the guy's decided it looked windier at Swell City, so they headed up there. Blaine and Brad were first out of on the water - making it work on their 6.6m sails and big boards. I sailed up to Swell, and sailed with them for an hour or so. The wind continued to build, and soon I was planing and wave riding on my SUP. Not as fast as on a real windsurfer board, but very different and a lot of fun. I headed back to the Hatchery to switch boards, and then had another hour on my Nash board.
The other guy's finally admitted that the wind was going to stay and headed out. We sailed until about 5pm. Everyone was out. Eddy had a great day, as did Handre. Blaine, Brad and Gerry had fun racing each other across the river on their big gear. Blaine doing his duck jibes. Mike was fully powered on his 5.6. The guy's on the 6.6's were overpowered, but I think everyone thought the wind would die any minute so they were afraid to go in to re-rig. As it turned out, the wind wore us out - it was still blowing when we headed for supper. A VERY GOOD Day!
Most of the guy's went for Mexican - Big Air Jim, Gerry, Julie, Eddy and I went downtown to an Italian restaurant. Jim said it was one of the best meals of his life...
We got an email from Ross and Kent late in the day. They had a good time on the coast, sailing on mid sized sails.
The forecast was for little to no wind!.. Ross and Kent headed to the coast for a few days - as the forecast there was for 25-30 and four foot waves.
We all did the usual Coffee at Dog River, and then walked down to the Hood River Hotel for breakfast. The Hotel is more up-scale that Bette's...
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| Harold - happy to be on the water. |
We talked about biking and/or golfing. After breakfast, Blaine and I wandered over to the Gorge Surf Shop to talk to Bart. Bart agreed that the Coast had been the right call, but re-affirmed that you need a thick wetsuit to sail there. He then pulled up the "Hatch Cam", and pointed out the white caps. He suggested we go there and see what happens.
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| Big Air Jim - on fire... |
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| The big fin looks a little funny - but it worked... |
The other guy's finally admitted that the wind was going to stay and headed out. We sailed until about 5pm. Everyone was out. Eddy had a great day, as did Handre. Blaine, Brad and Gerry had fun racing each other across the river on their big gear. Blaine doing his duck jibes. Mike was fully powered on his 5.6. The guy's on the 6.6's were overpowered, but I think everyone thought the wind would die any minute so they were afraid to go in to re-rig. As it turned out, the wind wore us out - it was still blowing when we headed for supper. A VERY GOOD Day!
Most of the guy's went for Mexican - Big Air Jim, Gerry, Julie, Eddy and I went downtown to an Italian restaurant. Jim said it was one of the best meals of his life...
We got an email from Ross and Kent late in the day. They had a good time on the coast, sailing on mid sized sails.
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| Kent on the Coast... |
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| Blaine - chasing down Mike! |
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| Hucker - Hucker - Hucker |
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| Mike was dialed in... |
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| Mike - Jibe |
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| Brad - Cruising |
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| Rene |
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| Jibemaster Brad |
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| Al - heading out! |
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| Blaine - back to the beach! |
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| Blaine - a new kind of Duck and Dunk Jibe! |
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| Gerry had some great jumps! |
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| Mike - totally relaxed! |
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