Random Morning Thoughts
I’ve probably said this before, but I want to spend just a moment this morning on Facebook. Social media takes a beating for contributing to loneliness and depression in many lives. And many people take a black-and-white view of social media, calling it all bad. But I can tell you that many of my favorite people, old friends who fell by the wayside for one reason or another, are back in my life because of Facebook.
I’ve found and reconnected on a deep level with many people I thought were lost to the swirling mass of millions. Perhaps it’s my fault for letting them go at some point, but I never stopped thinking of them. And I’m so thankful to Facebook for reconnecting me with so many dear friends. So, go ahead and bash social media for creating the illusion of connectedness, because that reputation is well-deserved, but remember that Facebook can just as easily create and rekindle warm, deep, lasting, supportive friendships. @matt @liela @heather @philip @joseph @somanyothers
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Tomorrow’s forecast status (Thanks, Dale!):
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| Your favorite beach | Dawn Patrol |
9am- 11:30a |
11:30a- 3pm |
3pm- dusk |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rooster’s Rocks | cloudy morning |
at our | local | no-clothes beach |
|
| Steven’s Locks | 0-10 | 10-15 | 15-18 | 20-24 | |
| Hatchery (minus a few for Hood River) | 18-22 | 24-28 | 28-32 | 25-29 | |
| Doug’s, etc. | 16-19 | 20-24 | 28-32+ | 28-32+ | |
| Rufus, etc. | light | 15-18 | 23-26 | 28-32 | |
| Roosevelt, etc. | light | 10-13 | 15-18 | 18-22 | |
Gorge Wind
There was a mighty big gradient at 6am: .15 from Portland to The Dalles, but that gradient was accompanied by some disturbing high clouds from a passing weather system. Don’t get your panties in a bundle from this disturbance – it’s going to be okay. Take a deep breath, drink another cup of coffee, and wait for the atmospheric instability to settle down. Then we will have wind. Or get on the water early for low twenties.
As this mid-level messiness moves through mid-morning, we’ll see the wind jump to gusty 28-32 from the Hatchery to Mosier, with Rowena, Lyle, Doug’s, Rufus, etc. picking up shortly after. 30-35 is not out of the question at the Rowena and Rufus stretches of river today.
If that sounds good, tomorrow may sound better, as a deeper marine push, more stable atmosphere, stronger high pressure off the coast, and just all-around perfect setup combine for a 24-28 start and 28-32+ (that + is very likely) for much of the day. The exact location of this blasting wind depends on the marine cloud intrusion. If the clouds stay west of Hood River, the wind will blow Hatch–>Arlington. If the clouds push further, we’ll see Mosier–>Arlington. So, get your wind jollies on in the western Gorge all day, and head east after noon for round II.
Friday sees the perfect setup break down a bit, for 21-24 to start, rising to gusty 25-29 in the afternoon, probably strongest near Hood River and Lyle/Rowena.
As usual, the long range models aren’t being consistent. As of this morning, they showed a solidly windy day on Saturday and a windy afternoon on Sunday. But don’t take that as gospel. Besides, you’re coming down anyway, right? It’s 4th of July weekend, and where would you rather be? And speaking of holidays, happy Canada Day, one day late!
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Gorge Weather
High clouds are blocking the view of our blue sky this morning as a weak weather system moves through, bring both high clouds and a few convective clouds. And it’s hot and muggy out there for so early – 70 degrees at 6am and 54% humidity. After this weather system moves through (bringing no rain or rainbows), we’ll see a sunny day, with temps near 80 and strong west wind.
Tomorrow starts off with a deeper marine push, cooler temps, and some low clouds in the western Gorge along with very strong west wind that will continue all day. Temps will be in the mid 50’s early and mid 70’s in the afternoon. Friday may bring a few high clouds along with temps in the mid 50’s early and upper 70’s in the afternoon and moderate west wind.
Road and Mountain Biking
I don’t know what to say here today. I could say that mountain biking is super fun, no matter what is going on with the dirt. And I could say that I feel so blessed to have so many awesome trails within such a short distance of my house. And I could ask if anyone has ridden Gunsight or Boulder Lakes? And I can tell you that road biking is going to be mighty windy today!
The Clymb: free membership. Cheap gear.
Temira approves. Click to join.
River Levels
According to John L., the White Salmon is at 2.75′. According to River Drifters, who reached out to me, the White Salmon is at 2.8′. I guess I could call River Drifters instead of Wet Planet… or I could just complain about forgetting to call River Drifters, since I never actually call Wet Planet. Anyway, anticipated start time for running Husum Falls is within two weeks. The Klickitat is at 1230cfs. The John Day dam is putting out 232-281kcfs and The Dalles dam is reading 270kcfs. Columbia river temp is 64 degrees at The Dalles Dam.
Events – email me if I’ve missed any outdoor-related events
It’s Wednesday night, and that means you have many fun things to choose from. If you have kids, take them and their bikes to Family Man in Post Canyon at 5:30 for Families at Family Man. If you are female, head to Dirty Fingers at 5:30 for the women’s Post n’ Pinot mountain bike ride, with prizes and wine. There’s sailboat racing at the Hood River Marina, a running workout with the Hood River Running Club at 6:15 at the HRVHS track, and ping pong at the Hood River Armory at 6:30.
Coming up tomorrow night, there’s the “Go America, F#*K Cancer” fundraiser at Dirty Fingers, raising money for the Gorge’s raddest Charity, Kiteboarding For Cancer. Beer sales will go to KB4C, in memory of Owen Stolte and Dr. Kathi Runde-Jarrell. So, wear your best Freedom Wear, and show up to drink beer in support of a great cause. And remember, KB4C is 7/11-7/13. You can volunteer, participate, or make cookies for the participants.
Have an awesome day today!
Temira
