July 23-Aug7, Gorge, 3.7 to 6.5, Logosz 8'2"

[Craig Goudie]

The tribe was out in force from The Wall to the Boat Ramp, but mostly
at The Hackery. The Rock Star, Big Wave Dave, Danger D,
The Gear Queens, Layne and Cindy Peterson, Gunars, Melinda, Sharon C.,
Tom Hughes, Rick Heninger, George T., Jim (I'll leave tomorrow) Hornbeck,
and special guest appearances by Ivan, Bocce (let'm drown) Bob, and
Tom Whitkey.

It was like a Surfrat traveling circus up and down the river both on and off
the water. Even if there were no wind you couldn't go wrong with the
company. I sailed 15 of 16 days, and now need a vacation to recover from my vacation.

Some days were hot enough that we had to retreat for Margarita
refreshment at my place, sometimes it was a burger fest at Sharon's,
sometimes a Blue Light Special at the Elk Horn, or some Tiki action
at Jack's, and sometimes we were just too darned tired to party
(I know it's hard to believe).

Mostly corridor sailing in the 4.7 -5.5 range, was punctuated with excursions
to Doug's and The Wall for bigger cleaner swell and smaller sails.

Took my last rides of the trip down to Wells Island on a 4.2 where
I met the Gear Queens for some tasty black berries and a fond
farewell, before heading out to catch the big iron bird.

No tears were shed as I knew I'd be back there soon. ;*)

-Craig

[RickHeninger]

AMEN CRAIG! Although...

Small quickly evaporating tears were shed by me, but they'll be dry by the next time I get back and/or by the Sulphur Creek Campout where I am predicting based on nothing but pure optimism mixed with a little Hackery induced mania, Gorge like wind!

We had a blast this year up at the Gorge... AS ALWAYS!

PS... Mike, the boom held up fine through quite a bit of abuse. The new clips are much better...They never popped out for me... 5 good days of sailing on it...