Thursday - The Gang Arrives, and Louise flies home

The smoke is back....  Looking West from Viento!

Louise and I decided that since it was her last day, this should be a classic Gorge Day.  The forecast was for no real wind until late in the day, so we headed down to the Dog River Coffee shop.  Louise had seen photos of their fancy Latte's and wanted to try one. She was not disappointed.

Louise enjoying her Latte!

Next, we went over to Bette's for breakfast where Ross and Mike Joined us.  Sheri, who had been a waitress for at least the last 25 years, welcomed us back.  Breakfast was excellent as usual.

After breakfast, Louise and I walked around downtown checking out the art galleries and shops.  On the way home, I shouted HI to Rene, who was driving past.  He and Kent had just arrived, and Kent was getting his board fixed.

At the Condo, Brad, Harold, and Al were on the deck.  The Gang had arrived!

Louise packed up her things, and we left for the airport at about 3:00.  We stopped at Viento to look for some drift wood for her crafting, and then at Mosier for an Ice Cream, before dropping her off at the Airport at 4:30.  Hi hope she had fun, I know I sure did!

Louise looking for driftwood at Viento

I got back to the Hood River around 5:30 and drove to the Event Site.   Most of the guys were there foiling.  Apparently, Brad and Blaine had “sneaked off” without telling everyone so they could get in a little more foiling than everyone else, and were already out on the water by the time the others arrived.

I quickly rigged my 7.0 Flyer and joined them.  The wind was dropping as I went out.  I think everyone, (Blaine, Brad, Rene, Big Jim, Kent and I) all got up on the foil.  Everyone got foiling, and Kent almost never dropped off a plane.  I did a lot of pumping – that was a lot of exercise.

Gerry and Julie arrived during our session.

We sailed until almost 8:00pm.  The sun was just about to go behind the hills when I came in.  I hadn’t planed in a couple of reaches.  When I got in, I had a single weed dragging on the fin.  I am not sure if I caught it on the way in at the beach, or if it is the reason I couldn’t get going.  I almost went out again to try, but Kent was coming in and the wind had lightened up even more so I decided not to.

We took our time de-rigging and then went to Sixth Street for supper.  It was very good to have the group together.  Cam, Jim, and Eddy are en-route, and should get in later in the evening.

We are looking forward to a great week.