Stay off the tracks

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

Amazed to see people walking down the railroad tracks to get to the WS sandbar today.

There have been a number of deaths over the years on this section of track which is why the railroad put up a quarter mile of chain link fence.

Walking down the tracks is going to lead to no good and likely jeopardize access for all. Please don't do it!

wakeup · Since 11 Sep 2005 328 Posts always Obsessed

yeah dont be a douche and ruin it for everyone. walk under the bridge on the path that the fisherman use

moondog · Tue Aug 14, 12 7:08 am

I understand finally why people get killed by the train every year at the WS bridge. The East bound train is in coasting mode slowing down for the first crossing in Bingen. Consequently you never hear it until it is 10 seconds away. Westbound trains have the west wind affecting their sound waves. When I'm in the parking area organizing my gear I never hear either train until it would be too late. Unassuming tourist and ignorant kiters will die this year if they don't use the path adjacent to the parking area. It is up to us to educate and police this site before it is shut down. There are still many people NOT backing in when parking, I feel that is more dangerous because of all the semi trucks whizzing by at 55 mph. Since the fence is RR property I don't know if we can legally put signage up to direct parking.

wylieflyote · Tue Aug 14, 12 7:37 am

moondog · Tue Aug 14, 12 7:45 am

When all back in spots are taken, then the only option is to parallel park to the west off the pavement, which is fine. The secret to safe back in parking is to pull off the road parallel to the back in area, wait for traffic to clear in both directions and then back in. Kiting used to be my extreme sport, now parking is!

Jonpnw · Tue Aug 14, 12 8:11 am

I have a bad feeling about this one. To many stupid people out there.

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

Some small things to be aware of in regards to the specific details surrounding this possible new location.

1) The railroad officials do know the NWKite forum exists and they do read it every once in a while to keep tabs on kiting and windsurfing activities/discussions that involve any railroad crossings.
*Lyle rules may be recommended "The #1 rule of fight club is don't ever talk (post) about fightclub"

2) Parking - this is not as much of a concern with the railroad as it is with the Washington State Dept of Transportation. They are the ones that will dictate if parking becomes unsafe and if they need to then incorporate a 'no parking' area.
Good self management is good self management. If there is no parking, then you should expect that this tiny scrape of a beach is probably too full for another person to safely access.
*One important railroad parking comment - same as Lyle, the railroad does not respond well to any cars blocking railway maintenance/emergency access roadways.

3) Crossing - There are no legal crossings here, and as such, no one should ever been seen crossing a railroad track. This a criminal misdemeanor that can result in a fine over $1000 and stays on your criminal record for a good long time.

4) Do not leave anything of any value alone on the beach. It has become apparent that this location is where a lot of the fishermen hang out who are believers that scavenger/salvage rights are fairgame if you leave it in the water or on the beach.

Whatever safe and legal access you can work with at this location that does not involve parked cars too close to the highway and does not have anyone crossing any railway tracks, then things are going well.
This will be the way to work well with WSDOT, the Railroad, and the local fishermen.

The CGKA Board has had discussions about this location since last Fall, but due to the location not having enough beachfront area for actual designation as a legal launch plus the hot-topic situation of this site in regards to local fishermen, the tribes and the Railroad, it is not something that can be approached just yet.

Thank you
Your local CGKA Board of Directors

shred_da_gorge · Tue Aug 14, 12 2:41 pm

Stagecoach · Since 07 May 2009 88 Posts

I talked to the guy who walked across the tracks and he was clearly a first timer and said he didn't know where to go. Of course when I got back up to the parking area my buddy had also talked to him... right at the same time the BNSF workers did as well. And yet he still walked down the tracks to the bar. I would think some simple signage on our part would be very helpful for the non-local crowd that shows up. Especially for those with attitude.

wylieflyote · Wed Aug 15, 12 6:25 am

Directly above the very obvious trail to the beach that avoids walking the tracks is a large NO TRESPASSING sign. I ignored it and stayed off the tracks. Of course that sign will never come down, and maybe it fools some fools.

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 438 Posts Obsessed

Maybe the NO TRESPASSING Sign could be moved to the west end of the chain link fence. Again yesterday saw someone walking down the tracks, kite board in hand looking to get to the sandbar. When I told him to get off the tracks and use the trail he said "How was I to know " ... then called me douche Smile