It's hard to imagine a better place to learn to sail.  Howard Prairie Lake sits just
under 5000 ft altitude in the shadow of Mt. McLouglin.  It's not very big, but
has dependable winds for a mountain lake.  The scenery is beautiful, so
if you are becalmed, it's a great place to just hang for a while. 



There are also some nice anchorages
to spend an afternoon or weekend.  We spent at least one day every
weekend from the time we launched in mid-April until we pulled
out the first week of September.  And we spent all our weekends
aboard from late May until September.
And it's only 40 minutes from home.