The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning!

I’ve decided the sponsor of the week is Sign Art Signs. Dayna, the master sign maker, doesn’t know that he’s the sponsor. I just want him to be the sponsor because I believe in his talent. His work is creative, eye-catching, comes with a guarantee, and lasts nearly forever. Plus, he has a great sense of humor; just ask Dave Brown! You can take a look at some of his work here. For all your signage needs, call or email Dayna. Trust me… he’s doing a sign for me right now.

Fall was here for the last few days, but we’re about to see a return to summer for the weekend as high pressure builds over the Northwest. This isn’t really what you’re looking for if you want to go windsurfing or kiting, but it’s hard to complain about beautiful, sunny weather this time of year.

The best chance for wind will be some light easterlies at Stevenson and Rooster today, and some light westerlies near Hood River tomorrow afternoon. The easterlies are blowing about 15 at Rooster, but there’s not much gradient support for them. Or, if you’re really desperate for wind, there are southerlies in the 20 knot range at the coast this weekend, with a 4 foot swell building to 14 feet by Sunday.

If you’re a mountain biker, the trails are in perfect shape right now, with the exception of muddy Post Canyon. Give it ‘til the afternoon to dry out, and it should be perfect. Hospital Hill is the right choice this morning; it was perfect last night. If you prefer road biking, there are two fundraiser rides this weekend. On Saturday, there’s the Hood River Harvest Ride, benefiting the Hood River Valley Residents Committee. On Sunday, it’s the Echelon Gran Fondo, benefiting Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong foundation.

And if you prefer walking your dog to biking, head to Skibowl on Saturday for Dog Day at Skibowl, a fundraiser for Oregon Guide Dogs for the Blind. It’s $15 for the Skibowl benefit, and includes a ride on the chairlift for you, access to a dog-friendly beer garden and all sorts of other cool stuff.

And finally, on Saturday, it’s the annual Girl Paddle on the White Salmon (you don’t need to be an expert – you just need to be able to run the Lower), putting it at BZ to run the Middle at 11:30, and rejoining above Rattlesnake at 1:30 to run the lower.

Have a great day today!

Temira

p.s. If you find this report useful, entertaining, or just want to recognize all the hard work that goes into it, please take the time to make a donation by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page. For a suggested donation of $10, I’ll add you to the email version of this list ‘til May 2011, putting you in the running for cool prizes donated by the weekly sponsors.

Good morning!

I’ve decided the sponsor of the week is Sign Art Signs. Dayna, the master sign maker, doesn’t know that he’s the sponsor. I just want him to be the sponsor because I believe in his talent. His work is creative, eye-catching, comes with a guarantee, and lasts nearly forever. Plus, he has a great sense of humor; just ask Dave Brown! You can take a look at some of his work here. For all your signage needs, call or email Dayna. Trust me… he’s doing a sign for me right now.

It’s another quiet start on the Columbia this morning as a front works its way across the Northwest. As the frontal boundary shifts inland, we might see some light rain, but more importantly, we’ll see the west winds pick up a bit. It’s going to be gusty, but by afternoon, we should see 15-18, from Stevenson out to Lyle.

High pressure fills in on Friday for a light wind day on the river. NOAA is calling for decent westerlies, but with similar temperatures predicted for Portland and Hood River and low pressure off the coast, it’s unlikely we’ll see enough wind for kiting or windsurfing Friday.

Since there’s no wind, get out on your bike. The dirt is in perfect shape, and temperatures in the 70’s will make for perfect road biking weather too. Don’t forget that tonight is the last Post and Pint ride of the season. Meet at Dirty Fingers at 5pm for a group ride on the Mitchell Ridge loop, followed by a bbq at the shop.

Boaters, the White Salmon’s between 1 ¾ and 1.9 feet and the Klickitat’s at 775 cfs. Don’t forget that Saturday is the Girl Paddle on the White Salmon, putting on the Middle at 11:30, and putting on the Lower at 1:30. The paddle is followed by food at Solstice and a gear swap, so even if you haven’t paddled in a while, come out for this one!

Also this weekend, there are several fun events. On Saturday, it’s Dog Day at Skibowl, benefiting Oregon Guide Dogs for the Blind. $15 gets you a ride to the top on the chair along with a doggie goodie bag, music, and entrance to the doggie-friendly beer garden.

There are also two fundraising bike rides this weekend. The Hood River Harvest Ride, raising money for the Hood River Valley Residents Committee, happens Saturday, and the Echelon Gran Fondo comes to Hood River on Sunday.

Have a great day today!

Temira

p.s. If you find this report useful, entertaining, or just want to recognize all the hard work that goes into it, please take the time to make a donation by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page. For a suggested donation of $10, I’ll add you to the email version of this list ‘til May 2011, putting you in the running for cool prizes donated by the weekly sponsors.