2019 Fall Gorge Trip: 2019-09-08 Windy at Roosevelt

The plan was to get up early, have a quick breakfast at McDonalds or Freshies, and then drive to Roosevelt to get there before the wind built too much, so we could all do some foiling.

Brad, Ted, Al, Blaine, Gerry, and Kent (taking the photo) at Freshies

Like most plans made by this group - the "memo" didn't make it to all parties. While most of us met in Freshies at 8:00am for a bagel breakfast sandwich, and then immediately left for Roosevelt, not all of the group were included.

Cam thought something was amiss when he arrived at Dog River as usual, and he was the only one of our group there. He and Big Air Jim grabbed a quick bite and weren't too far behind.

When we got to Roosevelt, at around 9:30, the wind was already blowing. Mike, who had camped there overnight, was just heading out on his 4.7. I wouldn't call it a rigging frenzy, but everyone slowly started to rig. No one was in a big hurry - as it was supposed to blow all day.

Al - working on his jibes!

I rigged my 4.8 and my new Stubby board. The wind was steady, and it was great - relaxed sailing. I was trying to get used to my new board, so did some big upwind and downwind reaches as well as some wave riding. I am loving it. It goes through lulls without coming off a plane, it planes up quickly and handles the high winds without railing up. Love it.

Al was on a 4.2, Gerry a 4.8, Kent on a 4.7, Blaine on 4.7, Brad on 4.8, and then 4.2. Handre started on a 4.2 and then changed to a 3.8. I am not sure about the others. We all had a great day.

Blaine

Andreas, Cam and Ross were out on their kites. It was fun to sail around and with them. Ross is still working his Jumps and trying to keep the board on his feet even though he has no straps, so is not attached to it.

Andreas - going big!

Ross - jumping strapless

Kent and I had some good races across the river. I think Kent won, but it was close!

We all came in for lunch, and then went out for a second session - and then a third. I spent some time at the point, taking photos. Andreas, who is always attracted to a camera, did his best to perform some big jumps right in front of me.

I thought I did pretty well for the day with a 30km session early and a 10km session later on, but Handre did over 80km - his longest day ever. Gerry did 60 miles (just under 100km) and Mike did 125km on the day! Wow!

Big Jim on his 5.0 - all day - Lots of fun!

I am not sure it would count as an epic day with respect to the wind, but it had to rank as one of our best days for consistent wind, warm weather, and everyone sailing together in the same place! The Fun Factor was definitely off the charts!

Brad

After sailing, we sat on the grass and enjoyed a beer and some snacks and many stories before de-rigging and heading hone.

Dinner was a bit of a mixed bag. Kent, Al, Brad, Blaine and I went to the Taqueria Mexican restaurant up the hill. Kent and I drove up, but Blaine took his E-Bike and talked Brad into taking his Mountain bike. It was quite a ride! Good for Brad!

Andreas, Ross and Karen went to Crush (and ate Mexican food), while Big Air Jim and Cam went to pFriem's.

Everyone was tired after a long day - so early to bed. Looks like some foiling tomorrow in lighter wind.

More photos are on my Flickr Site here.