You’ve been waiting for wind. It’s here. 6/7

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Good morning,

We have more marine clouds today, and they’re past Hood River, although I can see a few breaks out my window, so the strongest wind will shift east. Well, that’s the theory, anyway, but with the gradients at .15 (pdx-dalles) and .11 (dalles-pasco), it’s blowing in the mid-twenties under the clouds too. I bet Mosier is ripping right now.

From Stevenson to Hood River we’ll have low to mid twenties today, but Mosier to Arlington will build to the 30-35 range by early afternoon with higher gusts. We may see a weak front drop through and mess with wind quality/strength at some point today, so be prepared for a lull followed by a bump. FYI, Doug’s Beach will be closed this morning, possibly even all day for installation of a vault toilet (you know, like at the Hatch) so pick somewhere else to sail.

West wind continues tomorrow as high pressure off the coast combines with low pressure moving to the east for 13-16 in the western Gorge and 22-25 east of Hood River. Winds back off on Thursday as temperatures equalize across the Cascades. We’ll see westerlies in the 10-15 range, possibly even lighter.

In other news, if the wind backs off enough, tonight is the free ladies standup paddle night through Big Winds. Check their website around 4:30 to see if it’s happening (most likely not). Tomorrow night is the ladies only Post and Pinot ride brought to you by Naked Winery and Dirty Fingers. All women are welcome for this non-competitive ride meeting at Dirty Fingers Bike Repair at 5:30, followed by free and non-demeaning mechanical clinics and free, buzz-inducing wine.

In trail news, Dog River is now clear of downed trees although it’s probably too muddy to ride today. Your best bet for mountain biking is Syncline. And speaking of mountain biking, you can mark your calendar now for the Post Canyon work party on June 18th to complete the Mobius trail, which will give you cross-country riders another climbing trail option.

Finally, this evening at Waucoma Club, Rob Bart and Lorri Epstein will be discussing their experiences in Kamchtka, Russia — kayaking wild, remote rivers and studying wild salmon populations — and how lessons learned in these remote, wild rivers can be applied to restoring our own Columbia River. Slides and some video. And… check out the Columbia Center for the Arts website. They’re celebrating 5 years of existence, and all classes and events are free this month (but donations are always encouraged).

Have an awesome day today!

Temira

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