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tours (all food and gear included) range from $289 pp and up. During the April-October season, the air may be warm, but the water won't be, so dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snack, camera and extra socks. Reservations recommended. Contact Crystal Seas Kayaking, Inc, at 877-SEAS-877 or 360- 378-7899 or check out their website at www.crystalseas.com. ,J' IN Inde>l Town Wall on the west edge of the Cascade Mountains offers some ofthe most challenging climbing around, demanding technical savvy and mental alertness to tackle its sweeping granite faces. During peak season, inquisitive rafters and kayakers cheer from below as they paddle the rushing north fork ofthe Skykomish River. Climbs range from easy 5.7s to classic 5.13s. (First-timers should beware, however, since these ratings may be low.) The Lower Wall has both free and aid routes (Godzilla is a must-do at 5.9+), while the Upper Wall offers opportunities for big wall training. There is a short lO-minute hike in to the base of the Lower Wall (crossing live railroad tracks) though the 45-minute tramp to the Upper Wall is a bit more stout. Be prepared for diverse temperatures and changes in climatic conditions. In the event of rain, climbers may want to continue east on Highway 2 towards Leavenworth for drier routes. Stock up on provisions in the tiny town of Index (population 140), and there is currently free camping along the Skykomish. Be sure to carry out all your tras h. Travel north on 1-5, then east on Highway 2 to Index town. Contact the Index Chamber of Commerce at 360-793-2488 or www.stanford.edu/-clint/index/ all over the world. The mighty l,200-mile-long Columbia River, argued to be the single most significant environmental force in the Pacific Northwest, has carved an 80-mile-long, 4,000- foot-deep spectacular river canyon through the Cascade Mountains. Windsurfers can launch from either the Washington or Oregon side but MUST be prepared for a wide range of conditions. Variable weather patterns erupt when the cooler marine weather of the Cascades meets the drier conditions of the inland basin. River currents range from two to six knots and Gorge winds range from eight to 45 knots. The wind generate everything from delicate chops to huge swells. Services and accommodations can be found in Hood River, the town at the narrowest point of the gorge. Check out the website http://windsurf.gorge.net/cgwa/ for information on the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association. HANG-GLIDE AT TEKOF MOUNTAIN, SPO NE What better way to be swept off your feet than by soaring aloft in a hang-glider? With 27 years of experience and over 1,300 hours of airtime, Dale Sanderson of WINDSURF THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, Known for its high winds, the Columbia River Gorge attracts thrill-seekers from Inland Airsports is an expert in the field. In a sport that crosses generations and demands only quick reflexes, an adherence to safety standards, and the ability to dream, fliers can bask in the breeze and control their own speed and altitude. No previous experience is necessary for the $80, hour-long scenic tandem flights 800 feet above 4,ooo-foot Tekoe Mountain. Three-hour single lessons on the gently sloping, 12o-foot training hill cost $70, with all equipment provided (glider, harness, parachute and helmet). If your interest is more serious, consider a package in one of the four stages (Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced). Five-lesson packages are available for Beginners at $360, and include three days of groundschool, flying, and all equipment necessary. Additionallessons run for $50. Be sure to wear good running shoes, long pants (no shorts!) and dress in layers as the temperature drops anywhere from 4.8-8 degrees F per thousand feet of elevation gained. For further information contact Dale Sanderson at Inland Airsports, 509-535-8119. Also check out the US Hang Gliding Association, Inc. website at www.ushga.org. 75