LaRue is a tiny community in Benton County. Presumably named for L. LaRue Harrison , a Union officer who lived in Northwest Arkansas and surveyed the town of Harrison. La Rue, cut off from any possible commerce by the flooding of Beaver Lake in the 60's serves only as a distant reminder to days gone past and a long distance race at the sailing club.
Friday was the perfect spring day. With temps approaching 80 degrees and a south west wind around 20 miles per hour. I was invited to crew aboard Valkyrie an O'day 32 for the "Around LaRue Race". Valkyrie is stout sailboat the seems to love the wind, certainly much more than our beloved Bella Luna who is tender and prefers days under 20 mph. Valkyrie seemed to enjoy the day.
We departed the sailing club around 11:00 am and motored to the highway 12 bridge near Rogers, Arkansas. Hoisted the sails and headed back "around LaRue and towards Beaver Dam. Then, we headed into the wind and headed for home! The entire trip took about 8 hours total on the lake. Valkyrie and her crew finished in 5 hours and 30 minutes. Posting the new time to beat for the 2009 and sailing season.
1 comment:
Hey Kiddo it sounds like spring has arrived. I am so happy you got to sail, it sounds like a wonderful adventure.
Love,
Mom
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