A couple windsurfers and kitesurfers were making the most of Labor Day and got in a great session under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Windsurfing at Fort Point
September 8th, 2009Windy Friday at Crissy Field
September 6th, 2009When the sand starts blowing, it means that it is time to go sailing. Friday was a great start to the holiday weekend with tons of sailors out on the water.
Check out the gallery for lots more photos.
2009 Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race
September 3rd, 2009I missed the start of the Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race this year, but caught a few pics of the sailors as they were coming in. The race is a 3-way competition between the windsurfers, the Australian 18 skiffs, and the kitesurfers to see who can sail the downwind course from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge in the shortest time.
Here’s Steve Sylvester crossing tacks with the Adventure Cat while sailing back upwind after the race.
And here are the kitesurfers taking the fastest way back upwind – a ride in the RIB.
Windsurfing at Candlestick
September 2nd, 2009As summer comes to an end and the other spots in the Bay Area don’t provide their typical amount of wind, Candlestick can become a sailor’s best friend. The water is warm. The winds whip across the 101 freeway. And the chop stays to a very manageable level. The rocks at the launch can be a little tricky though.
Returning home
August 22nd, 2009After a week on the road, it is always nice to be back home. Today’s return was a little rougher as I saw the Golden Gate Bridge packed in fog. Gone was the hot, sunny summer weather of the past week’s trip.
Driving the Oregon Coast
August 22nd, 2009From Portland, I headed to the coast and it’s a lot farther than I expected. Once at the coast, the first part of the drive is super-touristy with lots of windsock, fudge, magnet, salt water taffy stores. After suffering through that section, the drive becomes much more scenic.
One of the coolest parts was watching the ATVs and dune buggies racing around on the giant sand dunes.
Exploring Portland
August 22nd, 2009The main focal point of the trip to Portland was food. It started with dinner at Del Inti, a Peruvian restaurant, and then the next day with donuts from Voodoo Doughnuts. Here’s a shot of the famous maple-bacon bar.
And here’s a lineup of the street food carts…
A quick stop at Multnomah Falls
August 21st, 2009From Hood River, I headed down highway 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway toward Portland. There are lots of beautiful spots to stop with one of the most popular being Multnomah Falls. While most people hike to the top of the waterfall, maybe take a few pictures, and relax for a while, I went right up and took this photo, then ate an ice cream sandwich and was back in the car.
Windsurfing at the Hatchery
August 21st, 2009After several days of no wind, everyone was excited to see whitecaps on the river and the Gorge returning to its normal state. Even though it was early in the afternoon on a Thursday, the parking lot was full and the river was busy with sailors. Here are two of the shots with many more to come once I have a chance to review them all. These are two Bay Area sailors making their home in The Gorge for the summer.
Tyson Poor
Wyatt Miller
Exploring the Columbia River Gorge
August 19th, 2009Since there was no wind and no windsurfing today, I went off to explore the other parts of the Columbia River Gorge. I checked out the Columbia River Discovery Center and then drove down the Historic Columbia River Highway between Hood River and The Dalles.
I also followed a route known as the Fruit Loop past all the orchards and farm stands in the areas. One stop yielded some delicious cherries and pears. Another stop produced some cool photos of an abandoned fruit packing plant.
Click on the photos above to see more pics in the gallery.
