The Arrival

The tone of the trip was set, when at 7:00am Thursday, Baine called Kent to ask where he was.  Blaine was nearly at Fernie, and was counting on rubbing in the fact that he was way ahead - and would be on the water before anyone else.....

To his surprise - Kent, Big Jim, and Rene, were in Kennewick - and would be on the water within a couple of hours.  At that time, I was driving through Sandpoint.  Sorry Blaine - not this year!!

Kent, Rene and Big Jim were on the water by 10:30 at Roosevelt.  Kent on his 4.8 and Big Jim and Rene on their 5.6es.

Rene on his 5.6!

I arrived just after lunch.  The wind had dropped a bit, so I went out on my new 7.0 Retro.  After and hour or so, I came in to rig down.  Kent, Big Jim and Rene were out again!

Brad - showing off Blaine's new Rack!

Brad, Blaine, and Alan arrived about 4:30 - Just as the wind died.

Big Jim and Rene were lucky - they had come to shore to rest when it happened.  The river went to glass within a minute or two - and even started blowing straight off shore.  Lots of sailors and kiters were stuck on the water - drifting to the far shore.  Fortunately there was someone with a boat.  He started rescuing people - but it would take hours.

Wow - and all Blaine's fault!!

Kent had a great day on his 4.8

Blaine and Brad - Killed the wind.

Fortunately as we headed back West, the wind picked up.  Those of us who weren't too tired went to Rowena.  It was very windy.  Most were on 4.2.  Blaine and Brad were able to get their sail!

Kent picked up his friend John, who will be with us until Monday and brought him to Rowena.  John is from Texas.  He has done lots of sailing around the world, but not much high wind sailing.  His small sail is a 6.3.  An introduction to Gorge sailing in 4.2 conditions (Kent told him to use his 4.7) was exciting - to say the least.  John was the first of us this trip to get Flushed......

They boys didn't get home til late...

Great first day.