Good morning!
This week’s sponsor is the Gorge Challenge on 10/2 – THE ULTIMATE TEST OF ATHLETICISM – brought to you by Crossfit Hood River and 2nd Wind, and taking place today at the Hood River Waterfront. There are two events. One for humans, and one for superheros. Required activities may include: carrying heavy/awkward implements such as empty kegs, flipping/running through tires, pushing weighted sleds, climbing over walls, digging/filling holes, and/or carrying another person. The great part about this event is that it’s “choose your own adventure” (remember those books?), meaning you’ll have a list of activities to choose from (you’ll see it Friday night), and you can pick which to complete based on what you think will earn you the most points. And if you just want to watch, I’m betting Jeri could use a few volunteers to help out today!
There’s a lot going on this weekend. Down at the Hood River Waterfront this morning, it’s the Gorge Challenge race, where competitors do all sorts of strongman tasks. If you want to watch, come check out the wall climb at the Marina, or head to the Sandbar or Event Site to see the other events. Based in town, but taking place at Oak Ridge, it’s the Dirty Fingers customer appreciation party, with free shuttle service, food and drinks.
Since you use the trails and beaches around here, you have a chance to give back today. There’s a beach cleanup at Doug’s from 9am to noon, and there’s a CGORA work party on the 191L trail. Meet at the Kingsley staging area at 9am for that work party. It should be over by noon.
Also this weekend, rafting is 50% off at Wet Planet if you’re friends on Facebook. That means you’re going on a half-day trip for practically nothing plus a tip for your guide (don’t forget the tip – that’s how the guides make money). Give them a call at 877-390-9445 to book.
If you’d like to get on the water today, you’ll have a chance. The early gradient was westerly at .06 from Portland to The Dalles. Cloud cover this morning will keep the wind light early, but by noon or so, we should see 22-25 from Stevenson down to Hood River, filling in at Doug’s a little later.
A frontal system approaches tomorrow, bringing more west wind. Models suggest we’ll see 24-28 tomorrow from Hood River to Mosier in the morning, getting gusty later, and shifting out to Arlington and maybe Maryhill in the afternoon.
Very strong, summer-like high pressure builds off the coast on Monday giving us west winds in the mid to upper twenties.
If you’re headed out for hiking or biking at higher elevations this weekend, be prepared for a couple of adverse conditions. First, today is opening day of rifle hunting season, so wear orange and leave your pup at home. Second, the snow level is dropping to 5500 feet on Sunday, so it will be cold, wet and snowy on some of the trails!
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.
