Re: [Paddlewise] trip report

  We had about 25 fools out there, but winds probably about 40-45 mph, and
nobody stayed very long on the tower.

BRC

From: "Gerald Foodman" <gfoodma_at_earthlink.net>

On a November trip to Portland about 10 years ago I drove out to the same 
spot in a storm with wife and daughter.  Winds were reported above 60.  From 
the tower we could not see anything because the wind driven spray and sand 
made it impossible to look.  We were the only fools on the tower or in the 
parking lot.

On Nov 24, 2009, at 7:45 PM, Bradford R. Crain wrote:

>     Two of us drove to the south jetty of the Columbia River in Oregon.
> We did not bring kayaks. Our attire was standard cross-country skiing 
> garb.
> (There had been a Pacific storm the night before, with high winds and
> drenching rain. The power went out just after 3 am.) We climbed the
> observation tower that overlooks the south jetty. The view was stunning.
> Winds of 40+ knots buffeted us. The tower, which is constructed of
> heavy timbers, was swaying back and forth. The scene was nuclear.
> Large breakers could be seen everywhere, and extended virtually to
> the horizon. Water was exploding over the jetty in majestic plumes.
> There were no surfers to be seen. It was difficult to see salt water,
> as 99.99% of the water's surface was breakers and sea foam. I had never
> seen anything as wild and dynamic as we did this weekend. After some
> time spent on the platform, we were driven off back to the parking
> lot by a rain squall. It was very comforting to be able to retreat
> into the car. On the way back to town we noticed many downed trees
> and much standing water. We saw no kayakers or surfers anywhere.
> Just as well, since they would have needed rescue in short order.
> I think my next trip will be across the living room to the TV remote
> control and a few football games. I've had enough excitement for now.
>
> BRC
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