2012-09-07 Smoke on the water.

Bob's Beach Easterly

Big Air Jim, Harold A. and Handre arrived at about 1:00 in the morning.  They got a late start because Harold asked if everyone had their passports - Handre turned red - and a quick trip to Lac La Biche was in order -- Lazelle met them half way.

I wish I could say that there was smoke on the water because we were all sailing so fast, but no - it was because of the forest fire which is burning just across the river from Hood River.  Last night we could see the flames from our Condo.  Tonight, the fire is over the ridge, so all you see is a big red glow.  Apparently it is still burning out of control - and several homes have been evacuated.  With the Easterly wind, the smoke blew down the valley and all the way to Stevenson.  For the first couple of hours of sailing, the smoke was quite thick - but it cleared off for the most part by around noon....

Having a beer after a great sail!
Clockwise from left - Handre, Kent, Harold W, Rene, Harold A, Big Air Jim, Blaine.

The call was easterly in the morning, so we had a quick coffee and breakfast - then headed out.

I needed to stop in the shop to buy a new harness line - I lost mine on the first run at Sandpoint yesterday...  (forgot to tell you that..  had to McGiver a new harness line for the day...)

I was on the water a little after 9:00am, and the others followed shortly after.  Sails ranged from 4.7 to 6.6 (guess who was on the 6.6).  Had a great sail until just after noon - when the wind started to drop - and I was very tired.

Handre had a great day and completed 9 Jibes! (Although none of us saw any of them....)  He chose a small sail and big board - perfect combination. Big Air Jim counted that Handre had actually tried over 900 jibes, so he says that by many methods of measure Handre is doing great.

Kent and Rene arrived at 1:00 and raced out to get some sailing in.  Kent says he had a great sail for about an hour, and then gusty and light for another hour.  Kent called it a good warm-up for the wind to come!!

Kent can't wait to sail.

We all went to "6th Street Bistro" for a great meal, then walked around downtown amongst all the locals who were enjoying the "First Fridays" open street festival.  Lots of music and other entertainment.

Looks like easterlies again tomorrow.

Ted