Gorge 12 out of 13

[witt]

I expected to get back up there sooner, but it all worked out as the locals all said it had not been a very typical June into July. Mostly sailed 4.7 4.2 at the Hatch or Dougs. including 2 -3.5 days at Dougs where it was really good in the A.M but by the P.M. it had gone ballistic and was unsailable for most. After sailing what I could I packed up and went to Maryhill looking for less wind and had a great 4.7 afternoon with John Freed on his first day. On 1 of those nuke days a guy died at Dougs. He appearantly was looping alot and missed one and smacked his face on his gear and knocked him out. (no helmet) Very sad and my prayers go out to his friends and family. There were alot of people but you could still get away from the pack if you wanted. Lots of "Utards"came up for the "Pie and Beer " day weekend. Too many to name. I broke a boom one day at Doug's. I didn't fall on it or anything it was just old. Fotunately I was close and was able to swim in. Thanks to Rick H. for making sure there were no barges coming and saw me make it in. Rick had a bit of an adventure on his drive up but I'll let him tell about it if he's willing to fess up. I'm so glad that boom broke at Doug's because the next time I used that sail was at 3 mile and it would have been a totally different ballgame had it broken way out there. Last Sunday they said a front was moving in and was predicted to blow all the way east and then get weird for a couple of days after that so I headed east and had maybe my best day ever. From about 11A.M. to 3 P.M.it was perfect 4.7 for me with really nice rollers and then it kicked up a notch and blew perfect 4.2 for me with the nicest swell you've ever seen. I was starting to get into shape and the wind was soo steady that I was able to sail for a very long time both sessions. It was the most crowded I've ever seen 3 mile ,about 10 cars in the lot but never more than 5 guys on the water at a time. It was heaven. I was almost happy for the one day of no wind as I had been sailing alot and my arms were worn out. And it justified my hauling my motorcycle up there as I did a great long ride on the Wash. side then ended up in The Dalles where I went and saw the new Batman movie. P.S. The price of gas actually went down while I was up there. What a wonderfull trip. take care and I'll probably see you at the campout at Sulphur. Hope there is some wind for us. I may not stay Sat nite as it is the nite of my 40 year highschool reunion, but hope to see you all up there. Tom W.

[Ralph Morrison]

Good story Tom. Nothing like being in shape, and nothing like a good day at Three Mile.