2017-06-22 The End of the Wind.

Well - that is it for the wind this trip.  I am not sure I have seen a forecast down here as deficient of wind as the current one.  The next chance of any wind at all is next Monday or Tuesday.  It is too bad because the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association is holding their "Windfest" this weekend with lots of interesting events including board and foil demos as well as competitions - none of which will go off it there is no wind.  By the way, we should all join the CGWA.  They charge $25/year and the funds help fund the access improvements, as well as their lobby efforts to maintain the river access points that we have.  I joined in less than two minutes.  You can do it at on their website at http://gorgewindsurfing.org/http://gorgewindsurfing.org/

It doesn't take long for our group to disburse once the chances of wind diminish at the end of a trip.
We had a slow start to the day, not finishing breakfast (Bette's as usual), until almost 11:00.

I stopped at Sailworks to say goodbye to the guys there and ran into Phil Soltysiak, a  world class freestyle professional windsurfer and a friend of mine from back in the Nitinat days.  He was supposed to be doing a freestyle competition this morning, but it was canceled due to the lack of wind.  It was great to chat with him and catch up.  He has been getting some great results lately.  You can follow him on Facebook or his Website.

A bike ride was organized on a new trail that will eventually go all the way to Portland.  Big Air Jim rented an E-Bike and apparently had no trouble keeping up or even leading.  Kent, Brad, and Blaine lead the way as usual, with Jim, Cam, and Cynthia going along for about the first half and then turning back.  (I understand that the E-Bike battery was getting down to 50% when they turned around.

Brad at the Waterfall!

Kent, Blaine, and Brad continued on to the waterfalls before returning.  They were going to stop at Cascade Locks for ice cream, but when they pulled up outside the store, they realized that none of them had any money or even ID.  Something to note for the next ride.....

Ross and I went for an SUP paddle from the event site and around the Island and back.  I then drove Ross to Mosier, and dropped him off at Rock Creek.  The then did the SUP ride 9km back to Hood River.  With the current, he was able to do it in just over an hour.

Ross after rounding the Island

 I did some packing and poking around town, and then met Ross for a beer at the event site once he got back. It was nice sitting on the deck, but very warm.

Ross at Rock Creek - Mosier

I didn't get to say goodbye, but Jim, Cam, and Cynthia headed home midway through the afternoon. I hope they have a safe drive.  If any of you read this please text me once you get home safely.

The rest of us gathered at 1315 Condo for a beer and then headed down to 6th Street for a final dinner.  We are all planning on leaving early in the morning, except for Ross who is flying out on Saturday.

Ross and Harold enjoying the Chicken Special!

Kent with the Full Rack of Ribs!
Always a favorite after an active day...

It has been another great trip.  Not as much wind as usual, but the comradery and the fun we have together is what makes is special.  Can't wait until September.

The Last Supper
Ross, Harold, Brad, Gerry, Ted, Rene, Blaine, and Kent.