2013 Spring Gorge Trip: Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Roosevelt State Park, WA

Wednesday started off just like all the other days, with Coffee at Dog River, and then Breakfast at Bette's.

A Dog River Morning Latte

I went to Sailworks and met Burton Grover who just won the North American "Mini" Land Sailing Title for 2013. Very cool. Here is their site.

Burton Grover's Land Sailor with a custom Sailworks Sail!!

The call was made to head East to Roosevelt State Park. For our group, it is probably the best sailing site on the river, with nice grassy rigging areas, a protected launch, and not as many people on the water - or at least much more water for the same number of people, so you don't have sailors all around you all the time that you have to watch out for....

I sailed on my 4.8 - most of the guys were on 4.2, with a few people like Harold and Ross who were on 3.7's. Andreas enjoyed his kiting, and then left mid day to fly back to Edmonton. (He has a flight to Fort McMurray booked Thursday morning).

Ross sent Karen home this morning, so he is now SOLO the rest of the week!

It was my best day of the trip. I felt balanced and under control. Got a few nice jibes and jumps.

Cam can't wait...

A rigging Frenzy at Roosevelt State Park

Big Air Jim had a good day overall, but did struggle at times. First he broke his Harness, but luckily made it back to the beach.

Big Air Jim showing off his broken harness.

Later, Big Air Jim had to do THE WALK OF SHAME!!!

Concerned friends, watching Big Air (AKA Walk of Shame) Jim
Swim in, anticipating his walk of shame.

Not wanting to admit his obvious defeat, Jim first swam towards shore, and then swam against the eddy for about half an hour, so he could finally make it back to the beach and come in on the regular beach. Concerned friends watched from the shore to make sure he was ok - making lots of noise so everyone wanted to know what was going on. People on the beach were commenting on what great friends WOS Jim must have.

WAS (Walk of Shame) JIM swimming and walking back to the beach!

Brad had such a good day he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

Mike is enjoying his new Sprinter (New to him). It is a full windsurf house on wheels, including kitchen, shower, toilet, bed, and most important - windsurf storage area. He had such a good day that he sailed until almost dark, and stayed at the Roosevelt Parking lot.

We are hoping that later in the week, Mike will host us all for dinner in his mobile palace!

Mikes new Sprinter

Mike's kitchen and bath on wheels..

Handre also sailed until almost dark. He got out of the water and was suprised that all of his friends had left. (We were hungry - sorry Handre) Only Mike was left at the site.
I think Handre gets the award for most time on the water - or at least the award for the most work. He was working hard on his Jibes and made a few more today.

Lazelle enjoyed her second kite lesson, with a "beautiful male instructor" - and is looking forward to Kiting tomorrow.

Harold had the only injury of the day, when he sliced his finger on a beer Can. What is finger was doing inside the beer can, we can only imagine - or maybe not.... He thinks he will live, and may even be able to sail again tomorrow.

Harold - Injured finger....

Kent trying out Blaine's Helmet

Rene - trying out Blaine's Helmet..

Kent and Ross had a double dip. Apparently the Wall was going off when they drove past. They stopped and sailed. Rene, who was with them and didn't sail - and had to wait until they were done before he could go for dinner - told me that it looked like the sail was no fun at all. He finally got to dinner at about 9:00. Of course Kent says we missed the best sailing in the world... ya right....