June 27 & 28, Relax and hanging at beach
Scott is still recovering from rotator cuff shoulder surgery in February. So, he had to torture himself with watching Kevin try to complete his jibes (turns) on the water.
Saturday - we drug Scott & Diane to yoga. Instructor, Stephanie, was awesome in trying to modify the class to minimize shoulder use poses. Scott & Di enjoyed their first time at yoga. Our month of unlimited yoga for both of us for $129 ends today. Then we went to the river to hang out at Waterfront Park. Had a great dinner at The Thai House on the heights.
Sunday - Since Scott can't ride dirt trails, we opted for the paved 4.5 mile HWY30 bike trail to Mosier. We rode all the way down into Mosier, hoping for coffee and snacks. Turns out that the coffee shop is closed and we couldn't find food/drinks. The grade back up is real nice, as it doesn't max out over 5% grade. Scott and Di drove to White Salmon to check out the house Scott lived in years ago and another one he built. Francine & Kevin went to the river for our usual spot - Francine in the shade while Kevin sailed.
Tomorrow, we pack up and head home. We had an awesome time here and will probably repeat next June.
Saturday - we drug Scott & Diane to yoga. Instructor, Stephanie, was awesome in trying to modify the class to minimize shoulder use poses. Scott & Di enjoyed their first time at yoga. Our month of unlimited yoga for both of us for $129 ends today. Then we went to the river to hang out at Waterfront Park. Had a great dinner at The Thai House on the heights.
Sunday - Since Scott can't ride dirt trails, we opted for the paved 4.5 mile HWY30 bike trail to Mosier. We rode all the way down into Mosier, hoping for coffee and snacks. Turns out that the coffee shop is closed and we couldn't find food/drinks. The grade back up is real nice, as it doesn't max out over 5% grade. Scott and Di drove to White Salmon to check out the house Scott lived in years ago and another one he built. Francine & Kevin went to the river for our usual spot - Francine in the shade while Kevin sailed.
Tomorrow, we pack up and head home. We had an awesome time here and will probably repeat next June.
June 26, Yoga in AM and Bike from Family Man
Friday - Kris' legs were tired, and she needed to rest them for her Red-Bell 100 bike ride on Saturday. So, she joined us in yoga. After yoga, Kris drove us (Kevin, Francine and Jack) up to the Family Man staging area in Post Canyon. Day was getting hot, so played around on the structures in Family Man, rode out 8Track to Trail106 and headed down Seven Streams to the house.
When we hit the house, Scott/Di and dogs had arrived. Out with Kris & boys, and in with the Sumners. We said goodbye to Kris, and after Scott/Di unloaded, we headed down to the river to cool off. Temps were to hit 102 today. Had a nice dinner at Full Sail Brewery.
When we hit the house, Scott/Di and dogs had arrived. Out with Kris & boys, and in with the Sumners. We said goodbye to Kris, and after Scott/Di unloaded, we headed down to the river to cool off. Temps were to hit 102 today. Had a nice dinner at Full Sail Brewery.
June 25, Rafting the White Salmon
Kristin signed us up with Wet Planet to raft the White Salmon. Unfortunately, before the raft trip, Kristin and Jimmy did a bike ride on the Old Hwy 30 paved trail to Mosier. About 50 feet from the end of their ride, he rode off the pavement into the soft sand and crashed. After a trip to the ER, he was diagnosed with a broken radius, near the elbow. While Kristin and Jimmy hung in the ER, we headed to Husum Falls and Wet Planet to go rafting.
Kelly had done the trip earlier in the week with his family and highly recommended Wet Planet. Due to river flows that were closer to August levels, Wet Planet was able to put in 2 miles higher than the standard commercial launch. This added a couple of nice class 4 waterfalls and a raft portage where we could cliff jump below a set of falls. Great way to spend a super hot day. Even got to run the 12 foot drop on Husum falls. Hooked up with a splinted Jim and Kris at Everybody's Brewing in White Salmon for nice dinner to finish out the day.
June 24, Shuttle from High Prairie to Dog River
After Jimmy's experience mountain biking yesterday, he decided he would rather hike. We talked (tricked) Kristin and Jimmy to doing a hike at a convenient bike shuttle drop-off point. They hiked out toward Lookout Mountain, where they had views of all the mountains in the area - Mt Hood, Adams, Rainier, etc.
Francine, Kevin and Jack were planning on a 19 mile downhill shuttle. From the High Prairie parking lot, we headed down the jeep road for 1.3 miles to the intersection with the Lookout Mountain Trail #450 for 3.6 miles to the 44Road. Climbed Knebal Springs trail #474 for about .75 miles to the top where we had another 2 mile fun descent. Went left on the new Knebal Springs 474 connector trail. Made our way to the Dog River Trail where for our 7 mile downhill.
Francine, Kevin and Jack were planning on a 19 mile downhill shuttle. From the High Prairie parking lot, we headed down the jeep road for 1.3 miles to the intersection with the Lookout Mountain Trail #450 for 3.6 miles to the 44Road. Climbed Knebal Springs trail #474 for about .75 miles to the top where we had another 2 mile fun descent. Went left on the new Knebal Springs 474 connector trail. Made our way to the Dog River Trail where for our 7 mile downhill.
June 23, Kris/Jack/Jim here & Bike and SUP "not" Downwinder
While Kevin had a massage in the morning, Kristin went out exploring on her roadbike. Then we had Kristin drive us (Jack, Jimmy, Francine & Kevin) up to Binn Hill Staging area for another downhill shuttle. Rode Dirt Surfer #140 for a little bit. We put Jimmy on Kelly's old mountain bike which had Disc brakes. Jimmy could not get used to how well those brakes worked. After about 4 crashes, Kevin decided that he and Jimmy would descend on the road - No more trail for Jimmy. Francine and Jack would get to descend 8Track. They did tack on The Boot Loop #150L. From here they did a couple loops in the Family Man area, and headed down the Seven Streams trail and rode to the house.
We all signed up for the afternoon 3pm SUP Downwinder with Big Winds, except Jimmy. Big Winds drove us (Fran, Kevin, Kris & Jack) 8 miles west and downriver to Viento State Park. We were to have the wind drive us upriver, the 8 miles back to Hood River at the Event Site. About 2 miles into this, we had decided that with the low/lack of wind, this adventure was about 6 miles too long. Jack gave the "bail out" sign, like you would for the The Seattle Big Wheel. Unfortunately, there are no bailout points.
Jack wasn't to happy that he wasn't going to get these 2 hours of his life back ever again. It took us over 2.5 hours to get finnished. Brutal and not fun without wind. Only sign up for a "Downwinder" when you know it will be windy.
We all signed up for the afternoon 3pm SUP Downwinder with Big Winds, except Jimmy. Big Winds drove us (Fran, Kevin, Kris & Jack) 8 miles west and downriver to Viento State Park. We were to have the wind drive us upriver, the 8 miles back to Hood River at the Event Site. About 2 miles into this, we had decided that with the low/lack of wind, this adventure was about 6 miles too long. Jack gave the "bail out" sign, like you would for the The Seattle Big Wheel. Unfortunately, there are no bailout points.
Jack wasn't to happy that he wasn't going to get these 2 hours of his life back ever again. It took us over 2.5 hours to get finnished. Brutal and not fun without wind. Only sign up for a "Downwinder" when you know it will be windy.
June 18-22, Kelly & family arrive
June 18 - Thursday - Francine had a massage in the morning and we hung around the house taking an off day. Kelly, Jen, Hillary, Hannah and friend Megan were due to arrive early afternoon. Once we got their stuff unloaded, we headed to the Waterfront Park, so Kellly and Kevin could do some windsurfing. Kevin was powered fine with this 88 liter board and 5.2 sail. Kelly was underpowered with his tiny board and 5.3 sail. After suffering a calf cramp, Kelly conceeded to the lack of wind.
June 19 - Friday - Francine, Kevin, Kelly & Jen drove up the 44Road to do the Knebal Springs Loop. Parked at the obscure and unmarked trailhead at the intersection of 44Road and FR120. Headed out Bottle Prairie Trail #455 about 3.3 miles to Knebal Springs Trail 474. Went left here and continued the fun descent for about 1.1 miles. At the intersection to the campground, we went left, staying on Knebal Springs Trail, a new climbing trail put in last summer as a connector from the campground and the 44 Road. Climbed this turny, bermy trail for about 1.2 miles to our climbing trail. Reached the top and had a fun descent back to the car. About 10 miles. Real fun ride.
Later in the day, Francine, Kelly, Kevin and Hillary went to the Family Man area of Post Canyon to mountain bike with Hillary. We played around on the rollers and features for a bit. Rode the Lollipop Loop which Hillary seemed to enjoy. Then ventured out 8Track for a bit, before turning around and making our way back to the car. Kelly & Jen took us all out to Thai House on the heights for a nice dinner.
June 21, Sunday - Jen shuttled Kelly, Kevin & Francine to Binn Hill Staging Hill area in Post Canyon. Rode down Dirt Surfer #140 to 8 track to Family man area. Kelly lost brake fluid, and we headed out Seven Streams Trail. Kelly only had use of his front brake for the downhill back to the house. We got back to the house five minutes after Pat and Larry arrived. Headed back down to the river so Kelly & Kevin could windsurf.
June 22, Monday - Francine headed to yoga, and Kelly &gang were packed and ready to hit the road when she got back to the house. They were going to explore the sand bar down at the Event Site on the river before the road trip back to Fall City. Pat and Larry arrived after spending one night at the Best Western. Pat was a little under the weather. They almost went home that day. We threatened Larry by saying he couldn't open Kris's father's day present until she arrived. Luckily Pat rallied and they decided to send her to her room for the day to rest. A few hours later, Kris, Jack and Jimmy arrived. Jack was ready to bike, so we took him to Post Canyon. Had a nice dinner at 3 Rivers Grill, thanks to Kristin.
June 19 - Friday - Francine, Kevin, Kelly & Jen drove up the 44Road to do the Knebal Springs Loop. Parked at the obscure and unmarked trailhead at the intersection of 44Road and FR120. Headed out Bottle Prairie Trail #455 about 3.3 miles to Knebal Springs Trail 474. Went left here and continued the fun descent for about 1.1 miles. At the intersection to the campground, we went left, staying on Knebal Springs Trail, a new climbing trail put in last summer as a connector from the campground and the 44 Road. Climbed this turny, bermy trail for about 1.2 miles to our climbing trail. Reached the top and had a fun descent back to the car. About 10 miles. Real fun ride.
Later in the day, Francine, Kelly, Kevin and Hillary went to the Family Man area of Post Canyon to mountain bike with Hillary. We played around on the rollers and features for a bit. Rode the Lollipop Loop which Hillary seemed to enjoy. Then ventured out 8Track for a bit, before turning around and making our way back to the car. Kelly & Jen took us all out to Thai House on the heights for a nice dinner.
June 21, Sunday - Jen shuttled Kelly, Kevin & Francine to Binn Hill Staging Hill area in Post Canyon. Rode down Dirt Surfer #140 to 8 track to Family man area. Kelly lost brake fluid, and we headed out Seven Streams Trail. Kelly only had use of his front brake for the downhill back to the house. We got back to the house five minutes after Pat and Larry arrived. Headed back down to the river so Kelly & Kevin could windsurf.
June 22, Monday - Francine headed to yoga, and Kelly &gang were packed and ready to hit the road when she got back to the house. They were going to explore the sand bar down at the Event Site on the river before the road trip back to Fall City. Pat and Larry arrived after spending one night at the Best Western. Pat was a little under the weather. They almost went home that day. We threatened Larry by saying he couldn't open Kris's father's day present until she arrived. Luckily Pat rallied and they decided to send her to her room for the day to rest. A few hours later, Kris, Jack and Jimmy arrived. Jack was ready to bike, so we took him to Post Canyon. Had a nice dinner at 3 Rivers Grill, thanks to Kristin.
June 12 - 17, Francine's Parents & Sally arrive
June 12, Friday - After Francine's morning massage, Francine & Kevin went down to the Waterfront Site so Kevin could windsurf again, as there was wind. Fred, Sue & Sally arrived around 1pm. We brought them down to the Waterfront Site where Kevin was windsurfing. Had to sail when the wind blows. Kevin remained on the water, while dad treated us to lunch at 3 Rivers Grill.
June 13, Saturday - It was windy again, so Kevin headed to the river. Francine, Sally, Sue & Fred ventured out to do the Fruit Loop. Went to Smiley's, Packers, the Alpaca farm, Apple Valley Country Store, and Pheasant Valley Winery. Thanks for lunch Sally.
June 14, Sunday - Low wind day. The five us us drove west to Stevenson to check out the Bridge of the Gods. Checked out the old locks, no longer in use. Drove over the Bridge of the Gods and headed back to Hood River on the Washington side. Stopped in White Salmon for lunch at Everybody's Brewing. Thanks dad.
June 15, Monday - Mom, Dad & Sally packed up and were out the door by 8:30am. After morning yoga, we and did a quick ride in Post Canyon. Then, Kevin headed to the water to sail, while Francine set up her lawn chair and book in the shade on the river.
June 16, Tuesday - Francine had to drive home to do Fire Department and other bookkeeping work. Kevin stayed in Hood River. After his morning massage, he rented equipment from Big Winds and headed to The Hatchery to sail. After getting blown around on his 4.0, he retreated out of the water. Rough day.
June 17, Wednesday - Francine left Snoqualmie Pass at 6:20am, hoping to miss the 1 hour closure at Milepost 56. Score! No delays. She made it to Hood River in 3.5 hours. After getting worked on the water the previous day, Kevin was taking a rest day. So, Francine did a solo ride in Post Canyon climbing to the top of 8Track and descending Bad Motor Scooter and GP and Lower GP. Still wanting more of a workout, she went to Hot Yoga in the evening.
June 11, Dalles Watershed Circumnavigation
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| Kevin on Cooks Meadow Trail |
Drove out the 44 road to hit a nice ride we have done before. This area is in primo shape right now. The flowers are all starting to bloom. Trails are in fantastic shape - practically hard pan. We started at 4550 Feet and climbed from the car on Knebal Springs Trail 474 for 3/4 of a mile before we plateaued at a high meadow. This was followed by a bermy, fun 1 mile descent. Did a bit of route finding trying to find the correct road/left for the new Super-Connector trail. Went left on that to descend to Forest road 1720. Cruised out that to FR44 and went right for 1/4 mile and found trail #688 on the right. Rode that for 1/2 a mile on a fun descent. Climbed back up to the road, crossed FR44 and started a climb on Cooks Meadow Trail 439 at our low point of the day at about 4100 feet. This trail is a grunt up hill, but lots of work was put into it a few years ago to reroute the trail. A few years later, and all the loose corners are hard pack. Eventually we were treated to a sweet, flowy and fast descent that ended too quickly at a gravel road at 10 miles. Went left for a 2.2 mile climb on the gravel road. Luckily no cars came by to dust us. After the climb to 6000 feet, we went left on a jeep road which climbed slightly, then descended 1.35 miles to Lookout Mountain Trail #450 where we went left. Again, they have done much work on this trail, and of course, some clearcuts have grown, providing more trees and shade. Climbed a bit here and there, but basically descended to the car. 18 mile day.
Kevin drove the car back down to Hwy 35, and Francine opted to descend the Dog River Trail #675 to Hwy 35. For most of the ride, Francine wasn't sure she was on Dog River Trail, but wondered if she was on the Surveyor's Ridge trail, as after descending about a mile, she had a 1 mile climb, and was still high up on the ridge, and wasn't making any progress down to the Highway. After a few highly emotional moments, turning around and climbing back up the trail, finding cell coverage and downloading a map, she decided she was actually on the right trail and continued down toward the car. 7 miles later, not the 5 they guessed, she made it to the car. 25 mile day for Francine. The trail was actually in fabulous conditions. On some of the steeper sections, and approaches to the switchbacks, there were some braking bumps, but generally the trail was great, and worthy of sending more of the family down when they arrive.
Later that night we headed to DaKine down on the waterfront for a mountain bike movie, The Builder. Bought $15 dollars of raffle tickets, and scored. Kevin won a pair of mountain biking shorts and Francine won a bike hydration pack. We also won a kids size medium bike jersey, probably female colors. Anyone want it?
June 10, Wednesday, Yoga and river day
Tom & Lori had to head home today. They cruised out of here shortly after breakfast. We are finally getting a rest on the heat. Only supposed to be 80 today. Supposed to be real windy today.
Hit the 9:15am Yoga. Came home and did a little yard work, and then headed down to the river. When we arrived, it was windy, and someone was even rigging a 3.7 sail. Kevin rigged up a 4.2 and tried to sail, but the gusts were huge followed by zero wind lulls. Kevin went out and back and called it a day after some pretty horrible conditions.
Ran some errands, checked out some windsurf shops and had an easy day.
Hit the 9:15am Yoga. Came home and did a little yard work, and then headed down to the river. When we arrived, it was windy, and someone was even rigging a 3.7 sail. Kevin rigged up a 4.2 and tried to sail, but the gusts were huge followed by zero wind lulls. Kevin went out and back and called it a day after some pretty horrible conditions.
Ran some errands, checked out some windsurf shops and had an easy day.
June 9, Moto in am, Tom & Lori bike Old Hwy 30 Trail, Windsurf in pm at Waterfront Park
Had a nice breakfast with Tom and Lori. They ventured off to ride the Old Hwy 30 trail from Hood River to Mosier. Francine & I returned to Post Canyon for a short moto ride. Zoomed up to the top of 8 Track (bike trail) via Reardon Road. Much quicker on the motorcycle. Continued on Reardon Road to Trail 140 intersection, that we biked a few days ago. Headed up the narrow and tight trail to Trail 170 to just a bit past the first road #1009 crossing. Went up that for a tiny bit, before we turned around. Climbed up Road #1009 to Riordan Hill road and the intersection of Trail 160. Went down that and back to the intersection of Trail 170 and 140. Went down on Trail 160 to the Binns Hill staging area. Here we hit some Green Circle (baby) trails for a couple short loops. After that, we headed back down Riordan Hill Road to an intersection with Trail 140. Kevin took Trail 140 out to finish his day. Francine rode out Riordan Hill road to the house. Was getting quite hot by 11:30am.
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| Lori on Old Hwy 30 Trail |
Tom & Lori were at the house after finishing their nice bike ride. Had some lunch and we all headed to the river to see if Kevin had enough wind to windsurf. Turns out the predicted wind didn't fully materialize. He did some slogging.
Tom & Lori had some friends, Jeff & Sally Fiorini, who were also in town at their Hood River house. We were all invited to a nice salmon dinner. Busy, fun filled day with nice friends.
June 8, Post Canyon with Tom, Afternoon Sail at Waterfront Park
Good friends Tom and Lori arrived last night for a few days. Francine and I took Tom to Post Canyon for some nice shady riding on a day that was to top out about 96 degrees. We rode Seven streams to 8 track to bad motor scooter then back out on seven streams, As always great ride. Headed home for lunch then down to our favorite spot on the river. River temp is about 63 degrees. Nice. Winds came up and I had some great sailing, but still suck at jibing.
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| Moving good with 5.2m sail |
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| Kevin |
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| Tom heads for the water |
June 7, Windsurf day
Francine did morning yoga and I saved myself for a day on the water. Rented bigger equipment for a less wind day, and had a great time. Sails 7.0 and 6.0, Board was Goya 108.
June 6, Rest day, Yoga then hung out at Beach.
Not much rest on this vacation. We have added yoga to the mix, and that is really working out legs. Thank goodness yoga is a little easier, here in Hood River, compared to Seattle. Kevin said he needed a day off from biking.
We went to the morning yoga class, and then headed to the river to see if the wind would pick up. Hobie was doing Kayak demo, so we hopped in a double. They had a new foot activated paddle that mimicked the way a dolphin swims with its dorsal flippers. We thought that looked better than straight paddling. Paddled upwind for a few minutes before we decided our legs were tired. Paddled a little past the swim beach, and floated downwind/upriver back to the launch point.
We went to the morning yoga class, and then headed to the river to see if the wind would pick up. Hobie was doing Kayak demo, so we hopped in a double. They had a new foot activated paddle that mimicked the way a dolphin swims with its dorsal flippers. We thought that looked better than straight paddling. Paddled upwind for a few minutes before we decided our legs were tired. Paddled a little past the swim beach, and floated downwind/upriver back to the launch point.
June 5, Post Canyon - Shuttle Kingsley Reservoir back to the house.
Hooked up with Kent, who owns the house we are renting until June 29th, for a Post Canyon ride. Wanting to see more of the upper trail system, we suggested shuttling up to Kingsley Reservoir. After climbing a heinous boulderfield on quad trail 197, we reached Dirt Surfer Trail (Trail 170) and began the long descent. Hooked into Trail 140 and rode down all the way into the heart of Post Canyon . First couple miles of Dirt Surfer was pretty steep and a little chewed up, but the rest of the trail was in great shape. Descended briefly on Trail 116-Spaghetti Factory to climb on Charley's Trail #120L with a finish on Kleeway Trail to Seven Streams #101. 12 miles, mainly downhill. 14.25 total with ride back to the house.
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| Kent cruising on Trail 140 |
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| Francine |
June 4th, Day 2 Windsurfing, Day 9 of Vacation
Well I still suck, but am slowly improving. The wind was up and down which made for some challenging non-planing times. Still dialing in equipment. Finally getting the harness lines dialed in better. Started out pretty good, but when I rigged a bigger sail the wind totally died down. Francine did not seem to understand how everyone else looked fine while I sucked. Luckily after driving home for lunch and coffee, I gave it one more try while Francine headed off to Dude Yoga. The wind picked up and I had a couple high speed reaches, fully powered up on my 5.2 sail with an 88 liter RRD 55 board. Met up with Francine after her yoga class, hit the Thursday Farmers Market at the Middle School for some veges, and had dinner at Lake Taco.
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| Need more wind. Luckily I got a little more in the afternoon. |
June 3, Hospital Hill
Always one of our favorite rides, Hospital Hill. So named because the trail used to start from the White Salmon Hospital parking lot and climb up to the top of the ridge above the hospital. This ride is primarily on private property so, in deference to the owners wishes, maps are hard to find. We still have a handwritten map from the nineties. We tried parking this time at the new White Salmon Bike skills park behind the White Salmon ballfields, We found it easiest to start by going down the road to the gun club road then looking for a steep trail. There is an area with keep out signs to navigate. Trail was in great condition, thanks to recent showeres. Francine was excited to do the Millenium trail on the way up. She thought that it had to be wider than the last time! Nope - trail was extremely narrow, often with steep exposure below. Francine opted to walk many sections due to the exposure. Crazy trail, and if on your game, totally rideable. Possibly one or two switchbacks that could be impossible. When we neared the top of the ridge, we enjoyed the smooth trail without exposure and pedaled east towards Syncline trail system. We just did an out and back to slightly beyond the the bench viewpoint. The ride down has changed slightly with logging on one of the main routes. Looks like quite a bit of trailwork has been done to one of the alternative descents, Triple Bypass Trail to Evergreen Hwy Trail. Tight still. I think I enjoyed the climb more. The views were exceptional. 15 miles.
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| Francine decides to walk a little on the narrow!! Millenium Trail |
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| Millenium trail |
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| Selfie |
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| Kevin in his kermit the frog outfit |
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| Francine on trail across the ridge top to Syncline from hospital Hill |
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| Descent, tight |
June 2, Post Canyon
Headed up Post Canyon. Ran into the new climbing trail, Mobius, and headed up. Up a long ways. Heckuva climb, would not want to do on a sunny day. We got to the top of Mobius and it started to rain. Hustled over to the Family Man area via Spaghetti Factory, then dropped back down, and took the new Kleeway trail. Quick ride. We ended up good and dirty. Good stuff. 7 miles.
June 1, Moto Pinemont Road
Trailered the dirt bikes up highway 35 to the Pinemont Rd. This area has some designated motorcycle singletrack #310. Unfortunately trail was fairly hammered and pretty narrow. Francine did a good job riding, but it took a lot of effort. Not sure I would mountain bike here. Kitchen Sink is what they call it for mountain biking.
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