View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
jimoakes
Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 172
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:58 am Post subject: Cascade Locks Marina for east winds |
|
|
Some old time windsurfers told me 10 years ago that Cascade Locks was great on easterlys. Several people used to sail east winds there and said the swells were bigger than Stevenson. So I tried it and found out they were right, great sailing. Only one problem kinda lonely, so I sailed up to Bob's.
The new swell blocking flotation at the Stevenson Boat Ramp makes for bouncy swell upwind for a long ways now. Kinda like constant barge propwash. So that launch is not going to be as popular.
So this is an invitation to sail Cascade Locks this fall.
Here's the advantages:
1- No bridge tolls if you live in Oregon, Cascade Locks Bridge is $1 now.
2- Closer to Portland and Hood River than Stevenson.
3- Good swell ( for easterly) right in front of the launch.
Hope to see you there next decent easterly. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jimoakes
Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 172
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The launch is just east of the Cascade Locks boat moorage. Easy
parking and rig next to your vehicle. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
isobars
Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
When dying E winds make return to Bob's Beach impractical, most people struggle ashore WAY downwind for the nastiest, most difficult walk of shame in the whole Gorge. The easy solution is to slog dead downwind (sitting or lying on the board make it easy) to the beach you're talking about, park your gear on the lawn, walk into the boat tour terminal, and beg or hitchhike a car ride back to Bob's. FAR quicker and WAY less effort.
But if you're tempted to launch there, be careful. Its wind is much holier than the wind further upwind, and if you can't return to the beach you end up IN the locks ... and you ain't getting out of there without a rescue boat. Its walls are vertical and slimy and its current is significant.
Mike \m/ |
|
Back to top |
|
|
andymc4610
Joined: 19 May 2000 Posts: 684
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I sailed Cascade Locks a few times in the late 80's to early 90's here is my take.
1. typically not as windy
2. east winds you want to be upwind in case of trouble or wind shut down
3. too close to the dam
4. iso is right it is flukier
5. it used to be a better launch
If you are looking for closer to pdx Rooster and Dalton are good choices, that's where i'll be sunday. And yes east winds are often a more lonely expereince lots of people only sail westerlies. sailed rooster in feb/ march by myself this year and every year same will be true oct/ nov.
See you at Rooster sunday..... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
westender
Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1288 Location: Portland / Gorge
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If it's got a little north in it you might be ok. If it's got the south thing going on, not so good. Try Dalton Point. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mik377
Joined: 05 Jun 2005 Posts: 55
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
While on the subject of the bridge the toll booth backed traffic up across the bridge and almost all the way back to Stevenson today. It may have even caused an accident. Havent seen that before and hope not to see it again. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mik377
Joined: 05 Jun 2005 Posts: 55
|
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The fire in HR may have accounted for the extra traffic flow on SR14 because I think the westbound lanes of 84 were closed for a while. So people had no choice but to detour across 2 toll bridges, nice. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jimoakes
Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 172
|
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
It's Sunday 9:00 AM. I'm leaving Hood River now and I'll sail Cascade Locks if it's filled in. 23 gusting to 27 @ Stevenson last report.
Hope to see you on the water. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
updraft
Joined: 30 Aug 2000 Posts: 71
|
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If you managed all the other hazards, the gill nets got you anyway. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
jimoakes
Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 172
|
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Nope, no nets. I had no trouble sailing up to the Stevenson Boat Ramp on a 4.7. It was fun and I'm $2 richer from saving tolls.
I looked at the locks and the danger isobars points out seems unlikely. It won't keep anyone with average Gorge skills from sailing there.
However I did see a couple of exhausted guys in wet suits with slime on them trying to climb out, but I think they were kiters. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|