Good morning!
This week’s report is brought to you by Classic Wings Aero Services in Hood River. At Classic Wings, you can go for a flight over the Columbia, around Mt. Hood, or anywhere your heart desires. And if your heart desires to learn how to fly, Classic Wings can help you out with that too. If you’ve never taken a scenic flight in the Gorge, you should. Darla took me up one day, and I was amazed. You can see your ski hill from above, your bike trails from above, and you can take awesome photos of the entire Gorge Gym from above. Two of you lucky dogs are going to win free flights this week!
First, I’ve been slacking on the prize drawings, so without further ado: The previous winner of the 2nd Wind hiking package didn’t claim the prize, so the rad hiking pack with all sorts of goodies goes to Heidi C. Last week’s prize, a free month at Crossfit Hood River, goes to Mark D. And finally, this past week’s prize from 2nd Wind, a Mountain Hardware Flip sleeping bag, goes to Big Jim (he’ll probably need it in Baja!)…
The wind was light on the river at 5am this morning, and it’s going to stay that way for much of the day today as high pressure bridging the Cascades keeps a significant pressure gradient from developing. At best, westerlies will pick up late today into the 10-15 range from Hood River out to Maryhill.
Coming up tomorrow, a trough of low pressure slides across the BC-Washington border. That area of low pressure combines with high pressure off the coast for a decent westerly gradient through the Gorge. Although the wind doesn’t look super strong, we should see 17-20 during the morning and 22-26 in the afternoon. But before you get on the water tomorrow, remember the White Salmon Firemen’s pancake breakfast! There’s no better way to fuel your day than with a big plate of pancakes!
If the models hold for Sunday, high pressure will fill in across the Cascades for a sunny day in the Gorge and a glassy day on the river, so break out your sunscreen and your paddleboard for a last blast of summer!
Coming up this weekend, it’s the Gorge Fly-In up at Waaam, where you can see cool planes and vintage cars. Also this weekend is a disc golf tournament at the Mt. Adams Lodge, and a whitewater rafting race on the White Salmon River on Saturday afternoon.
And speaking of whitewater, the Kayak Shed is having a swap meet on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9am. Drop off your gear today, and get there early Saturday for the best selection!
And finally, the White Salmon’s at 1 ¾ feet and the Tieton’s at 1800cfs. I think half of the Gorge paddling community is headed to the Tieton this weekend, so grab some friends and head out there!
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.