We finally got our last weekend and are chomping at the bit to get out on the water. We're in the Portland, OR area and with our O'Day 16 we spent the majority of our time on the Lewis River reservoirs (Merwin, Yale and Swift). But we are looking to explore some more and have a vacation week at the end of April. Given the early timing we're focusing east or south in hopes of getting a little warmer, drier weather but I'm open to suggestions. Chelan is towards the top of my curiosity list, or maybe Prineville? Not sure yet. What do you guys think? Thanks!
We finally got our last weekend and are chomping at the bit to get out on the water. We're in the Portland, OR area and with our O'Day 16 we spent the majority of our time on the Lewis River reservoirs (Merwin, Yale and Swift). But we are looking to explore some more and have a vacation week at the end of April. Given the early timing we're focusing east or south in hopes of getting a little warmer, drier weather but I'm open to suggestions. Chelan is towards the top of my curiosity list, or maybe Prineville? Not sure yet. What do you guys think? Thanks!
Lake Chelan is an interesting place to cruise, and it can be done in the spring, but with caveats. The lake can be a real wind tunnel if winds are in the forecast. Also, the PUD draws the lake down 21 feet, in winter and it doesn't usually reach full pool level until July 1. By mid spring there's going to be enough water for launching, but the lake is prettier when close to full. Also, the docks on the upper lake are more accessible. Very nice trip to go all the way to Stehekin at the head of the lake. You can tie up overe night at the docks there. Most of the time, you'll be motoring uplake, and hoping for a downlake breeze on the way back. Still, very tricky sailing, since the side canyons make for frequent quick shifts in wind angle. Preventer on the main is advised. It is possible to hit nice weather on Lake Chelan in April and May, but you need to pick your spots.
Don't discount going out on Puget Sound for a spring trip. It's often beautiful there, not really warm but still lovely cruising. Another interesting trip is going up the Snake River from the Tri Cities to Lewiston, ID. Water levels can be high, with lots of woody debris, in the spring, but it's a pretty trip. 3 or 4 large locks to transit. Good luck with your planning and early season cruising. There's also some interesting water to cruise on the Columbia River, just above Vantage, where I-90 crosses the river.
Devin:
Thanks for letting me look over your boat on Saturday. I added a couple things to my list for upgrades. You're going to love it. I looked up weather for Chelan in April. Looks like you can hope for low 60's for a high and mid 30's for a low. Vantage appears to be about 5 degrees warmer. Either way you are going to have to get that Wallace stove/heater serviced and working again. I'd move that up on your list if I were you.
Thanks for the feedback, guys! Another option that was brought up in different circle was Shasta. Any insight for this destination? I've heard good things, and it'd be about the same drive time for me as Chelan or Couer d'alene. Thanks again, folks!
C Buchs wrote:Devin:
Thanks for letting me look over your boat on Saturday. I added a couple things to my list for upgrades. You're going to love it. I looked up weather for Chelan in April. Looks like you can hope for low 60's for a high and mid 30's for a low. Vantage appears to be about 5 degrees warmer. Either way you are going to have to get that Wallace stove/heater serviced and working again. I'd move that up on your list if I were you.
Jeff
Oh no, thank you, sir! I did manage to get the wallas fired up, but it's stinky and noisy... so it's still heading for Seattle. I'm calling Scan Marine tomorrow
C Buchs wrote:Devin:
Thanks for letting me look over your boat on Saturday. I added a couple things to my list for upgrades. You're going to love it. I looked up weather for Chelan in April. Looks like you can hope for low 60's for a high and mid 30's for a low. Vantage appears to be about 5 degrees warmer. Either way you are going to have to get that Wallace stove/heater serviced and working again. I'd move that up on your list if I were you.
Jeff
Oh no, thank you, sir! I did manage to get the wallas fired up, but it's stinky and noisy... so it's still heading for Seattle. I'm calling Scan Marine tomorrow
We don't need no stinkin' stove... A good sleeping bag will do....nothing like waking up to frost on the windows. It makes that first cup of coffee even better!
C Buchs wrote:Devin:
Thanks for letting me look over your boat on Saturday. I added a couple things to my list for upgrades. You're going to love it. I looked up weather for Chelan in April. Looks like you can hope for low 60's for a high and mid 30's for a low. Vantage appears to be about 5 degrees warmer. Either way you are going to have to get that Wallace stove/heater serviced and working again. I'd move that up on your list if I were you.
Jeff
Oh no, thank you, sir! I did manage to get the wallas fired up, but it's stinky and noisy... so it's still heading for Seattle. I'm calling Scan Marine tomorrow
We don't need no stinkin' stove... A good sleeping bag will do....nothing like waking up to frost on the windows. It makes that first cup of coffee even better!
I don't think Devin's new born will feel the same way.
last weekend and are chomping at the bit to get out on the water. We're in the Portland, OR area and with our O'Day 16 we spent the majority of our time on the Lewis River reservoirs (Merwin, Yale and Swift). But we are looking to explore some more and have a vacation week at the end of April. Given the early timing we're focusing east or south in hopes of getting a little warmer, drier weather but I'm open to suggestions. Chelan is towards the top of my curiosity list, or maybe Prineville? Not sure yet. What do you guys think? Thanks! 
