2015-09-12 - The Hatchery

2015-09-12 Old Faithful – the Hatchery

The guy’s are settling in, and things are back to normal.  Coffee at Dog River, then Breakfast at Bette’s, then checking out the Shops downtown.  The water was very calm, but the forecast was for wind in the afternoon so no one was in a rush.  The guys were drooling over some new boards at Big Winds as Eddy the salesman was pointing out all the benefits of the 2015 boards and the great “Discounted Rates” at the end of the season.

Walking the Historic Main Street!

Brad and Al comparing boards.

Eddy - giving the group his best sales pitch!

I stopped at the hobby shop to buy a replacement battery for one of my micro RC airplanes, and started talking with the owner.  He told me about the local RC field so I thought I would go out to have a look.  They guys at the field were quite friendly once they found out I was a flyer.  They have a great field which is maintained for them by the County.  If we get another calm day, I will have to check it out again.

The setup area at the RC Field

My new friend Daniel flying his ORION fully aerobatic Sailplane

The ORION

We all met at the Hatchery around noon, and sat around discussing world events, and periodically checking out the water.  Kent said – It is sailable, but if we wait half an hour it will fill in so if I wait I won’t have to  re-rig.

The View of Mount Adams from Downtown

Al

Al Jibing

Harold was first out on the water (as usual), but wasn’t running around in a panic like he was yesterday.  Everyone headed out around 1:00.  Most of the guy’s were on their 5.6 sails.  Harold was 5.3 and Kent was 4.8.  It was gusty conditions, but everyone had fun.  Poor Jim, suffering not only from strept throat, but also from mild dementia, headed out without his harness and didn’t realize it until he had swam all the way out to the wind line and waterstarted!

Kent made the right call with his 4.8

Jim had a great sail - once he put on his harness.

After a couple of hours the wind seemed to die.  Just as we were ready to pack up and go home, around 4:30 – the wind kicked in again.  It was much stronger.  If we had any smart sailors in the group, they would have re-rigged to a smaller sail, but no one thought the wind would stay up, so they just held on.  Some very exciting sailing. Kent said he was humbled – and spanked! There are lots of stories about who passed who, and who jibed around who.

Kent - Chop Hop.

Handre - having fun!

Harold sheeted in!

Eddy wins the trophy for hanging on, very over-powered and exploding at the end of each reach – should make for some good video. 

Brad - in control!

Blaine - big smile!

Gerry was having a lot of fun Jumping.  I hope I got a few on Video.  Ross spent the day Kiting.  Spending so much time down here really shows as he looked totally relaxed and in control in all wind conditions.  He is getting very good at riding the waves – slashing back and forth.

Gerry - going upstairs!

I think Kent was the last person off the water at around 6:30.  We de-rigged and had a few beer talking about the day. 

Ross suggested we head up to “Everybody’s” Brewing pub in White Salmon.  It was excellent!  Everyone was very tired so I don’t think anyone stayed up late.

Ross - looking very comfortable!

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For the first time in 14 years, Jim moved his bed into the condo.  He said it was very nice, especially when he had to get up to pee.  He may never sleep in the van again.  The end of an era.

We are looking forward to more sailing tomorrow!