by kenonstott » Tue Sep 11, 2012 10:28 am
Sprinkling going to the car, off and on rain all the way to the top of Parley’s; I kept telling myself only an addict would keep going and I did. This trip had wasted gas written all over it. Surprisingly, I got there to sun and whitecaps and, although it got cloudy at times, all the rain stayed to the west, very unusual for Sulfur. And no rip and schlog, just rip or rip harder. Started on the 7.0 and smallest floater (SB S-Type) expecting the usual cloud interference and definitely wanting to get as much sailing in before the expected rain. I finally got picked up of the water a few times and rigged the 6.0 and Gorge screamer (SB Sonic). By then it was 5.0 conditions but I wasn’t about to stop. After 15 minutes of wild screaming rides it settled in for full on 6.0 conditions for the rest of the afternoon. I wish I had my GPS on as I was getting some wild speed in the flat water next to the island. With all the mud stirred up by the waves it was pretty spooky going on the lee of the island; I was sure I was about to run aground. It doesn’t help any to see the long sandbar coming out of the water west of the Fishermen’s club. What else will appear with the record low water levels? Forget using the East ramp as it doesn’t even come close to making it to the water and I don’t know that you can even get through the mud on that side. It was a spectacular afternoon of sailing and still warm enough for the short sleeve suit. I was alone; I guess the rain kept the saner group from hitting the road.
Ken Onstott
Sailing both the Gorge and Utah on my 8'2" HiTech and my 3 Starboards; Sonic 85L, S-Type 115L, and Carve 135L. Small quiver is Northwave, larger sails are Ezzy and Sailworks. Often in my white Odyssey but also in my wife's motor home.