We are currently on vacation in Lake Chelan (actually Manson, WA). One of the highlights is making “ferry runs,” chasing the passenger ferry that goes up to Stehekin each morning, returning in the afternoon. We have made three runs, and each time we have gotten enough air on one of the jumps that I have lost a nephew. Three for three, but they walked away. This morning, I took my youngest daughter, Abby. Below are the pics my wife took from the shore.
Above is the boat that we warm up on. They both leave at the same time, but they end up being about 15 minutes apart by the time they get to Manson. Below is the slower, bigger boat. Here we are getting in position.
Below is us descending from a jump. Abby’s hair doesn’t normally do that.
Below is one of the bigger jumps, where the engine revs because the impeller is thirsty. We got higher with my nephews, hence why they fell off. Landing cross-wise is a real bugger.
The water is 74 degrees, but getting soaked and then being blown dry at 50 m.p.h has a way of chilling one.
See, she really was on the back the whole time. AND she was able to stay on when he teenage cousins fell off. This may have more to do with my speed at the time, and the relative center of gravity with respect to the water, but she doesn’t seem concerned with such details.
All of this happens in a period of about 25 minutes. We walk home feeling like we just climbed a big hill, very tired thighs from absorbing the landings.
There was also a jet boat out, huge motor, very little to muffle the exhaust. He was also jumping the wake. What follows is a lame video, but the best I could do under the conditions.
Steve – these are great photos! Believe it or not I still have not been to Lake Chelan! Our family always went over to the Sun Lakes area and we stayed at Blue Lake – we were waterskiers! I really like riding the sea-doo’s but was never too keen on skiing when they were around or even pulling someone else since some riders were pretty crazy and unpredictable. Back then too Jet Ski’s we’re still the thing and they were pretty wild too. Seeing these photos make me miss home a lot! Glad you are having fun!