Gorge 6/13-6/20 3.7 -4.2

[rob smith]

Had a great stay in HR. They have had a late spring as well. It picked up last Sunday and blew until we left yesterday. Hatchery for a few days, East Rowena x 2 and Rufus. We have not gone this early in the season, and luckily, the wind came in nicely (see Vimeo video from "big Monday" at the Hatch). It took a few days to settle in the small gear and have a sense of economy of movement and finesse. The first day, I would break up the sessions into about 45 min outings, and by the end of the trip, we could sail for hours on end. A hint for some old neoprene if it has become less elastic and only if its the smooth rubberized surface. Put a little Armor All on it and it really softens it up. That was the hint from Promotion. I rarely use my dry suit, but it had become stiff and I felt like a storm trooper. So the "Armor All" trick made it more elastic. The current was really strong at Rufus and almost made you seasick if you were looking at the shore for orientation. But nice smooth swell. I have not seen the water as high as it is. All of the little bushes at Rufus are under water. We also got to bike some nice loops and downhills on 44 just off 35 called Surveyors Ridge for a good off the water break. The Gorge is back in full season with a full complement of its activities.
Rob Smith