2018 Fall Gorge Trip: A week early - The Trip Begins with a skunk!

Louise retired from her job at the school at the end of the school year ... & her final day was July 3. But as she has always had six weeks off in the summer, it was not feeling much different.

As of August 24, she would have been back at work if she hadn’t retired. So, to celebrate, we are heading to the gorge a week early. She hopes to be biking or windsurfing next Tuesday - which is the first official day of school!

We are meeting Ross, Karen, Andreas and Sue, who are also heading down early.

We left Thursday morning and got as far as Keho Lake by Nobleford. My friend Kirk was promising wind at Keho and wanted to see my windsurf foil. Well – I guess I started off the trip by getting skunked – almost.

When Louise and I arrived at Keho, the lake was absolutely flat – waterski weather. We carried on to Kirk and Barb's house where they welcomed us like long lost friends (I guess in a way we were – as we don’t get to see them often and it has probably been 15 years or more since Louise has seen them.).

Kirk was still confident that it would blow. We sat and chatted for a while, and then, sure enough, the wind switched directions and started picking up. We then got a call from Arnie and Chicky who were on their way to Keho and wanted to report that it was already blowing in Barrons – a few miles north of Keho.

We all arrived at Kite Beach at about the same time The wind was off-shore, so we drove around to the other side of the lake and launched from a field near the boat launch by the campground and golf course. The wind was definitely up, and straight on shore.

Ted - Ready to go!

Arnie, Rod and Kirk all rigged 9.5m kites and headed out. I rigged my 5.6 and big board, but as soon as I got in the water, the wind started to drop. I walked out to where I might be able to make it out of the bay, but by the time I got out, there wasn’t enough wind to waterstart. I waited for a bit for the wind to come up, but it didn’t, so I walked back to shore. Rigging practice, and at least I got wet!

Arnie

We had a very nice evening together in Kirk’s motorhome. Barb and Chicky had brought supper, and Louise and I had brought some oil, vinegar, and bread for an appetizer. I wish I was able to get down to Keho more often. They are all such great people! They made Louise and I feel like we were a real part of their family!

Barb insisted on making breakfast for us the next morning. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast along with their companionship. Before we left, Barb tried out Louise’s E-Bike. I think that may have cost Kirk some serious coin!

We had a long, but uneventful drive. For excitement, we went through four Water Inspection stations and I almost ran us out of gas as we approached Ritzville. Louise was ready to tell me this was her last road trip with me, but we made it with a gallon or two to spare (according to the manual). All is well.

I had a tense moment as we got to the border. My old Seatrend Formula board, which I have been using as a Foil board must have been taking on some water. I hadn't noticed, but with the board on the roof, whenever we parked, there would be a drip out of the front of the board and white streaks down the windscreen. (I guess my repair wasn't as good as I had thought). While I was answering the border guard's questions, a second guard started looking at the drip coming out of my board and the white stain on the window. I have no idea what he was thinking, but I was wondering how I would explain it. Anyway, before he could say anything, the other guard waved me through, and we were away. In total it was about a 45 minute wait at the border because of all the vehicles in front of us.

We got to Ross's condo just after 8pm, just a minute or two ahead of Ross, who had picked up Andreas and Sue at the Airport. Apparently, Karen decided not to join us, as she had forgotten to take her passport with her to Calgary where she has been doing some work.

After getting settled, we headed down to Double Mountain Pizza for Pizza, Salad and Beer. Great evening, and great to be back in the Gorge.