2/9 17m The River

[andrewcarey44]

Didn't have much to do today except kite. Arrived at the river around 1:30 to a light breeze. Headed on down to Chicken Creek but there was even less wind. Considered joining the ice fishing crew but as I was donning my mullet wig and camo gear, Big Wave Dave and his wife rolled in with the big white sprinter van. We headed back to the river and enjoyed the sunshine and still air. We met some new kiters, Ladd and Lana. They should be joining the windriders here shortly. Around 2:30 the wind picked up (sort of) from the Southwest. Pumped the old 17m and went to work. Got a solid 45 minutes of riding in close by the parking lot and surrounding hill. ~6" of new snow from last night. That combined with tonight's storm should make great conditions for the next few days. Ended up hiking back when the wind died. Overall a great way to spend a Saturday and tons better than sitting on a 5-gallon bucket ice fishing

[bigwavedave]

I'm pretty sure Andy got the best rides of the day. That wind was really south-west and far too light. Had I been up for a bunch of snow hiking I'd have joined him at the foothills. Nice snow though and at least the base was packed. Ladd and Lana were really progressing out there - anyone who sees them make sure and give them pointers. I know if it weren't for locals giving me pointers I'd have never been able to pick up all the sponsorships and endorsements I now get due to my overwhelming kiting skills (in other words I'm still waiting for more pointers people!).