Fri., June 5, Grants, 4.2, 85L

[kenonstott]

Wow! The Grants wind graph says it all; 34 gusting 34, 29 gusting 40, 29 gusting 38. I wanted to be in the Gorge this weekend but it came to me. I should have been on the Hi Tech and 3.7 but thanks to NOAA knocking the predictions down to 17 mph, that gear was at home. Still, I had the Sonic 85L and the 4.2 so all was not lost. And it was NOAA that got me there. As I was trying to figure out how it was supposed to blow south tomorrow, I came across a note to pilots warning that the wind would switch from north to south between 2:00 and 5:00 (that is highly unusual). When I read that and saw the radar showing the rain was gone I ripped to the lake. Still, it was north all the way to the cattle guard right before the turn into the lake, and that is where I hit the wall of south wind. I got to the lake at 4:00 just after the switch and there were whitecaps everywhere and lawnchairs flying (and surprisingly, blue sky). I sailed until 7:30; I love these long June days. Ever since the word got out that I turned 60 this winter I have become kind of a celebrity at Grants. People are bringing me drinks and food and telling how fast I am (I love that part). Unfortunately, after sailing 3 hours it that much wind I am feeling kind of old. For a day that started with Dimitri, Duane, and I trying for a dawn patrol only to have it go north on us, the day sure ended sweet. 2 Grants after work sessions; that is pretty bizarre.

[DimitriMilovich]

So, that's how it's done - you have to show up. Then leave. THEN you have to drive back. But it'll be 4.2! Wow. Glad you got it, dude.