Central Oregon tomorrow 4/18

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Decent N. wind predicted for Cove Palisades tomorrow afternoon. A bit chilly but if the forecast holds I am going to at least go check it out and see if I can find a decent launch site and if the wind down there is flyable.

ansarha · Since 01 Jul 2006 112 Posts Redmond Oregon Stoked

wish i could go but i have to work all day today and all weekend...
have a good time let me know if you find a good launch site. Sad

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Wind ended up being WSW around 16 mph while I was at Cove Palisades.
(http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=MC2209) The first boat launch/picnic area would probably be doable with a North wind but there are no legitimate launch sites, you would have to have a boat and or attempt a water launch of some sort. The second boat launch/picnic area looked like it would work with the WSW winds and had possible but sketchy launch possibilities if assisted, which I am sure would be crowded in the warm season with swimmers/campers. Again you would probably require a boat launch.

On my way home I stopped by Haystack and it looked like perfect conditions wind wise 19-27 mph due West. (http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=MHYFO3) Wind chill of 29 didn't seem to fun though. If I had had some backup I would have put a kite up but I was a little nervous with no one around and being a bit of a noob yet.
Plenty of launch space as well. A North wind would not work at all but West or East should both work I would think due to the topography.

ansarha · Since 01 Jul 2006 112 Posts Redmond Oregon Stoked

Haystack would be a good place but you want to stay away from the NE corner of the lake due to alot of stuff in the bottom of the lake. found out the hard way with my boat

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

Haystack is a cesspool. If you go stay away from the NW corner unless you like wading in 12 inches of weedy sludge and swimming with dead creatures. The three times I've thrown up my kite at HS I got sick from the water. Nothing too serious but pretty gross. If you go keep your mouth closed and have some penacillin handy. Lot of glass, bones and fishhooks on the beach as well. I've been down there on several occasions just watching the swirly winds move across the surface of the lake. There is some definite wierdness going on there. My last attempt left me swimming in from mid lake when it just shut off.

I was looking at satallite image of the Cove at the Three Rivers Marina area N of the island. I haven't been out there for years but it looks like there is some shore launch-ability there E of the Marina with a E or W wind. I agree with your assesment of the first two landings. If one had a PWC and was comfortable with a water launch there are consistant winds mid lake near the island almost every evening in the summer.

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

I ment NE corner. Weedy, sludgey, zombie fish...Yep.....stay away from there.

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

As far as I know yes. I have not driven out there in a while but I know they still rent houseboats and other stuff over there. I'll see what i can find out & if I have time this week I'll jet out there and take some pics.[/img]

Sid · Since 31 Mar 2008 83 Posts Right behind you.

I dug around a bit and it sounds like you can get to the marina by boat no prob but to access that area by land you need permission to go through the gate. I'll look into it further. I may know somebody who knows somebody.