Clear Lake and Spirit Open water

[scottchapman]

I just got reports from Bill S and Randy say both lakes are open and windy, respectively.

[Eric S]

It looked nice and breezy down there on the history:

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/KMCW.html

Hopfully we'll hear a good story or two!

[BSMITH]

Randy and I had a swell time at Spirit. It started out light (6.0) but picked up to where I could have sailed a 4.5 for a while. One of the best openers I can remember. You have to be a little oppressed to commit to a three hour drive not knowing if the friggin lake is open!

Brian

[cp2616]

Randy and Brian,

Good to meet you guys down here this Sunday. If you ever need a report from down here before you commit to the 3 hour drive, give me a call (712) 330-3020. I try to avoid the computer on the weekends so I didn't catch your post. Also, Thanks for checking on me during my kitemare.

Casey

[Randy]

As Brian said, there was a little foolishness with driving not knowing whether Spirit was open or not. I had asked a gas station working in Jackson about a shortcut to Spirit and ended up coming over a hill, looking down only to see a large lake completely covered with ice. I stopped at a minnow store and was promptly informed I was looking at Okiboji, not Spirit. I still had hope, "So dear minnow selling lady...please tell me Spirit is open" to which she screamed in delight "yes, would you like some minnows?". I graciously declined and met Brian at the northshore minutes later where we were continually pinching ourselves...March 23 and we're standing in strong onshore winds in t-shirts and warm..
We sailed solid 6M wind until about two, when local kiters Jesse and Casey showed up. At this point the winds built to 20-35mph. I had sold my Territou (100 liters) and was making do with the Techno 273 until I could work my Bailey 8'3". With apprehension, given the gusty winds, I pulled the little bag out and again, blessed by the day, discovered I had grabbed a board just a few liters bigger, perfect for the conditions.

Casey launched in the gusty winds and was doing well until he hit the full windline. Given the cold water, the winds at surface were probably 70% of what they were off the water. The gnarly wind destroyed Casey's kite in the air and fortunately he was not far from shore. No damage to kite or body, we gathered later to talk about it.

If you want good stoke, these guys got it. Brian and I told them about our near hypothermic experiences when we didn't cover our heads with neoprene. They say 80% of our heat is lost through the head. On Superior I'll sacrifice the helmut for the hood anyday after almost going hypothermic within a matter of two minutes.

Another local sailor came by on his way back from church...

Yes..it was a day to worship this incredible gift...it was a day of nonstop blessing...the season has officially begun.