Postponed - Cathlamet, WA

[DayBreak]

Jason, come on out to Cathlamet. Saturday afternoon would be a great time to see us after our check-in with the Marina. We are a friendly group of people and would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have about the C-Dory line of boats. Gary.

 

[Nordmann]

Thanks Gary. I look forward to seeing DayBreak and any others willing to show me the ropes. Looking forward to it!

 

[PNW_Wesley]

This event is really shaping up!

There are now 8 boats, and 1 RV, planning to attend.

The 30-amp power outlets on E dock are grouped in 4’s on poles. I will not need power, so I will moor at the north end where there is no power.

Jason – There will be a wide variety of Dory’s for you to check out. Come on down and join the fun. Maybe next time you’ll arrive in your very own Dory!

 

[hardee]

I don't usually need power, so, unless it snows, I will moor in Wesley's neighborhood.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[Tippy Canoe]

Count us in. 16 ft. Angler and truck/camper since we can't stay aboard. Will launch at Cathlamet. No power needed. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Paul and Vicky

 

[MikeR]

Cool, another 16! Just to clarify, even though I'll be on a little 16, I definitely will like to use power if possible. Have become too spoiled by the luxuries of the 22 including dry onboard heat, which tends to get used almost year round at night/early morning. Unfortunately the 16 doesn't have 12v/diesel heater and I will be staying onboard. Really looking forward to this event!

-Mike

 

[johnf]

This is going to be fun!!!! Been a while since there was a gathering at Cathlamet. Looking forward to seeing you all and meeting some new folks!!!

I’m hoping 2 friends that ride motorcycles with Don Gonser and I (Knotty C) will stop by on their motorcycles for a visit to see a cool group of people!!

Took them on their first C-Dory ride from the James Gleason boat ramp (next to Portland Airport) up the Columbia River to Beacon Rock a few weekends ago and they loved it.

Just reading all these posts is getting my boating bug all fired up!!!!

Boats and Friends.....sounds fun!!!!!

 

[Standas]

My wife and I just signed up. We will be there on Friday night with our camper and hopefully our new to us C—Dory. I’ve been tinkering around with it in the garage all winter and look forward to meeting all of you and getting the boat out on the water.

 

[DayBreak]

Two more sign-ups and hopefully a few more in the days to come! Great. For many, what a perfect opportunity to put the boat in the water preseason to address any issues that may need attention or correction (systems check and trailer included) before a longer cruise and towing of the boat this season. Better to do it with fellow C-Brats too.

Just wondering about a rinse down station at Kalama? Maybe it is freshwater in the river at this point and then no need to be concerned. Thanks.

 

[B~C]

it's fresh water...if you call it that downstream of Portland
I'm ready, I got the old tub all polished up and tied up on the river. If we get fish slime on it I may have to pull it out and wash it again.

PNW- you do realize that according to the CBrat yacht club by-laws, the cruise or gathering director is responsible for providing an adequate supply of adult beverages and pleasant weather.

 

[B~C]

this is fixin to be a full on C- brat gathering, should be fun. I hope I don't get to many expensive ideas as a result of gawking at other boats

 

[PNW_Wesley]

We have used the Kalama ramp a few times, and it is our local favorite. Zenith floats off and onto the trailer easily, wihout having to back the rig way into the water. Walking the boat to the adjacent fuel pump is a cinch. Real cleats on the deck.

I don't believe there is a washdown at the ramp.

I'm leary about leaving my truck anywhere, but I feel a little more confident with it overnight at Kalama than at some other ramps.

We plan to launch from Kalama at 10 am on April 3, planning 3 hours to go 40 miles.

A flotilla of Dory's would be fun. The more Dory's, the merrier.

I scan channel 68 while cruising.

 

[hardee]

Wesley,
Any chance you, or someone else here, knows what VHF channel would be Vessel Traffic for that area, IF there is one.

Also, will meet you on 68 and 16.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[PNW_Wesley]

Ahoy, Fellow Brats.

Karen and I drove to Cathlamet to check on some details. Here is some info you will need.

1. There are some large fishing boats on E dock, which was reserved for us, and they may or may not be there for our weekend. Therefore, we have been moved to F dock. This dock is set up as slips, with power at each slip. The dock is at the far east side.

2. The office closes at 3 pm weekdays, and is closed on weekends for now. If you arrive while the office is closed, or need fuel while the office is closed, the camp host (Bruce) can handle check-in and fuel. His # is 360-751-4243.

3. There are showers in the building behind the office, and you will get a code for the entry door.


Of the many things to watch out for on the Columbia, the ones that worry me most are logs, from the size of your leg to entire telephone poles that have fallen from ships. Sometimes all you will see is a knob above water, and there could be 500 pounds of wood just below the surface.

Have a safe trip, and we look forward to a great event with a bunch of great people.

-- Wesley

 

[hardee]

Wesley, Thanks for the update and info. Yes, the logs are dangerous, so it pays to keep a good watch. Also, the big commercial ships bare keeping track of too. (That is why I asked about the VTS active channel.) I did just talk to a lock operator at Bonneville Dam and he gave me a phone number for Portland Coast Guard, but, apparently that number is only a day time working number. (503-240-9311) Will try it during daytime business hours and see what I can get.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[PNW_Wesley]

Harvey, I enjoy encountering ships on the river.

Sometimes the channel can be very narrow, and one must decide which side of him you will pass on.

For their size, the big ships leave relatively low wakes, at the low speed in the channel, but they still can leave behind a series of 4’ waves far from the center of travel.

The biggest wakes are from dead-heading tugs, who move a lot of water as they speed along.

 

[beermanPDX]

Wesley, Thanks for the update and info. Yes, the logs are dangerous, so it pays to keep a good watch. Also, the big commercial ships bare keeping track of too. (That is why I asked about the VTS active channel.) I did just talk to a lock operator at Bonneville Dam and he gave me a phone number for Portland Coast Guard, but, apparently that number is only a day time working number. (503-240-9311) Will try it during daytime business hours and see what I can get.

Hi Harvey,

There is no VTS down around these parts. Just monitor 13 and AIS and you'll be good. If you do want to contact the USCG, try Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, not Portland. While I'm sure Portland would be helpful, it's the MSU (Marine Safety Unit), they are not the ones you hear on the radio.

We spent a few days in Cathlamet this past summer and it was great. Fun exploring on the dink too! Enjoy the gathering!

Rob

 

[hardee]

Wesley, Thanks for the update and info. Yes, the logs are dangerous, so it pays to keep a good watch. Also, the big commercial ships bare keeping track of too. (That is why I asked about the VTS active channel.) I did just talk to a lock operator at Bonneville Dam and he gave me a phone number for Portland Coast Guard, but, apparently that number is only a day time working number. (503-240-9311) Will try it during daytime business hours and see what I can get.

Hi Harvey,

There is no VTS down around these parts. Just monitor 13 and AIS and you'll be good. If you do want to contact the USCG, try Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, not Portland. While I'm sure Portland would be helpful, it's the MSU (Marine Safety Unit), they are not the ones you hear on the radio.

We spent a few days in Cathlamet this past summer and it was great. Fun exploring on the dink too! Enjoy the gathering!

Rob

HI Rob,

Thanks for that info. Good to see you here.

I spent some time on the phone today and you confirmed what I learned. AIS is your friend there. VHF 13 is the likely contact channel (Bridge to Bridge), and VHF 14 is for contact with the Lock Control at the Dams.

Surprised to find there is not VTS on the Columbia Bar to Portland stage.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[Rickjaynie]

Jaynie and I have a chance to join this gathering due to some events cancellations. We would love to finally meet some of you. We would probably come down by water from jantzen beach marina, so a pretty good haul. Are you all still thinking these dates are holding or ??
Thanks
Rick n Jaynie
“Onward”
2008 C-Dory 22’ cruiser m
Various other lake boats over the years

 

[PNW_Wesley]

Hello Rick n Jaynie,

The event dates are holding.

Come and join us!

See my March 10, 5:48 post for pertinent updates.

-- Wesley