Yesterday was a beautiful day in the Columbia River gorge, just east of Portland Oregon. Took a friend out who's never sailed, but is building a 12' sailing dinghy so he was quite motivated to learn as much as possible (terminology, etc.).
It was near dead calm with beautiful sunshine (high 30s) when we launched out of Cascade Locks at about noon - but by 1pm the wind picked up to between 10-15 and was fantastic sailing.
Who says we have to put our boats away for the winter!
Had one funny thing happen.. When the wind picked up and we prepped for raising sails I leaned over the transom to lock the engine in place.. was leaning, leaning and then POW, I guess I snagged the rip cord on my inflatable vest on the transom and it self-inflated. First time that has happened (that I inflated one of these) - I've always wondered how well these would work - I was quite impressed, even though it's costing me $12 for replacement CO2, the peace of mind that it's there when needed is worth it.
Glad you got a sail in, Doug. Get ready for the cold. It's going down to 8 F, in Hermiston tonight then down as low a zero by Tuesday. We'll send it down river to you later in the week.
Sounds like fun except for blowing up your vest. Last year we launched in January and sailed everyday on the Columbia above McNarry Dam untill April when it got warm enough to go across the pass to bigger water and get away from the drunkin water skiers. The winter is mutch quiter sailing and only the fishermen and there quite too. In Richland there is free winter moorage with electricity and 50 miles of river to sail.
I figure with my bulkie warm colthing my Santa suit will look great at the Christmas lighted boat paraid next Sat evening. I used to get almost 100 days out down hill skiing so what is so cold about a boat with furnice and full enclosure.
Bubba.
I too was a down hill skier until I wrecked, dislocating my right knee, tearing three ligaments and spending three months on crutches. Now I spend my skiing money on sailing stuff.
SS
Wow, Bubba, 100 days of skiiing (I presume in one year..) You must have worked at a resort. I've been up to Meadows once this year so far (not counting last season).
Anyway, it really wasn't that cold out sailing saturday - but the temps have dropped a lot since then, and the winds have picked up. It's something like 22 degrees outside now - brrrrr.. I hate the cold.
Bubba, are you officially registered to go in the boat parade or are you just crashing it? I would consider that too, but know it's too late to register for it.
nicebite in the lungs when I flogged this morning ( my version of jogging)
Awww... but no wind today. You know it's cold when your nose hairs freeze when you inhale.
Yesterday morn it was -10F with wind chill of -30F. Coldest week of the year.
Hey, in February the ice boats are out on the lake. They love it because they can sail 30 miles to the other end.
I guess if the weather works for us we will be crashing the paraid. I got too busy last week when the meeting was.
As far as 100 days so far this year I work the first 10 days of the month most of the time and it is 2 miles to 2 different boat launches and we sailed the Salish Sea for no less than 5 days at a time and we went several times to the salt water We do a lot of sailing in the early spring on the Columbia river starting the last of January or as soon as the snow is off the boat ramps. Next year we plan to visit several inland lakes in Wa and N Idaho.
Looks like our participation in the lighted boat parade is off for this year. Winter storm warning out all over the place and calling for 4-6 inches of snow in our area.
Here it comes Portland, We're pulling the chain and sending the cold air down the river. (It was 0F here this morning).
Bubba called me this afternoon to let me know the launch ramp was too icy to launch. One of my fellow workers claims the Columbia River is frozen clear across at Wallua Gap. I don't believe it but may have to drive over there to see for my self.
SS
(It was 0F here this morning).