Wednesday - Foiling at Stevenson.

Another Interesting Forecast - Storms and Lightning all afternoon!

Our day started out with most of us gathering at Dog River Coffee.  Just after 8:00 we got a call from Kent.  He looked at Temira's forecast and decided to go straight to Stevenson, skipping breakfast.

We had a quick look at the beach cam at Stevenson, and then, as the good "Lemmings" that we are, we quickly packed up, stopped at MacDonalds for breakfast and headed east.

Kent was finishing his rigging as I got there.  The wind was East and maybe a bit stronger than forecast, but when you subtract the 2kt current, it was still light.  He said he would go out and give me a thumbs up if it was OK.

Kent - the foiling Wind Dummy

Kent throwing his sandals to shore after walking over the rocks.

Kent got up right away!

He also told me the locals had said to go out and come in on the West side of the point because it is deeper and there is a projection of rocks on the upstream side.  He carried his rig down and walked out to deep water.  There was enough wind for him to waterstart!  He did a run and gave me the thumbs up as he completed a jibe by the point.

I rigged my 5.6 and went out.  It was the first time using my new SUP wing.  It is a larger front wing for the foil, which provides more lift.  It may be a little slower, but it is more stable and provides more lift.  On my first reach, I wasn't paying attention to the current and ended up downwind.  I fell when I turned and tried to water start a few times, but there wasn't enough wind.  I suddenly realized that I was quite a bit down current and moving west quickly.  I uphauled and then concentrated on going upwind.  Whether it was my new foil or just that I was really trying to go upwind, but the foil seemed to work very well.  My best foiling upwind yet.

The other guy's started to arrive.  Rene went out on his foil and 6.0 Flyer.  He said he got the board flying and had a great day! 

Rene - getting going on his foil!

Blaine passed me one time on his 6.6 Hucker and Roberts board, but he paid for it later when the wind died and he had to slog to shore and then walk back.  He still counts it as a win!

Blaine - slogging back to shore after a good session!

Rene made it work on a 6.0m and 94L board, totally powered for an hour or so.

Handre - heading out!

Brad rocked on his new foil!  He said he got some really good runs in - with the board flying and keeping it level.

Harold was on his 6.1 sail.  He said it was really good until it wasn't!  The wind started to drop after an hour or so.

Handre had a good day!

Rene - getting his foil work!

Brad had a great day on his foil!

Kent continued to make it work until about noon.

We went to The Crossing for lunch.  Their paninis and lemon aid are excellent.

After lunch, we slowly packed up, and then headed to the Hatchery to "Wait for Wind".  There was an off chance that the wind would switch west before the thunderstorms move in.  The thunderstorms did hold off, but the wind didn't switch.  We sat reading and watching the boats pulling tubers, wakeboarders, and wakesurfers in the 34c temperatures.  Al decided he would go for a swim, but didn't last long in the cold water.  At least he was able to cool off!

Rene's rig!  6M Flyer and JP board.

Handre - watching the boats and wakeboarders!

We all gathered at pFriems for supper.  The food and company were excellent.  It would be our last supper as our full group because the attrition is about to begin.  Al left after supper to pick up his wife Ingrid at the Airport.  They will be through Bend area over the next few days.  Cam and Cynthia will be leaving at 4am tomorrow, and Rene plans to leave after sailing tomorrow.

It is sad to see the trip start to come to a close.  The wind looks great for the next couple of days, so those of us who are left should get some good sailing.

Here a are a couple of photos that Blaine sent me last night from Golfing the other day.

Blaine - can he hit it between the trees?