The TEMPORARY Home of Cinnamon Rainbows is at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

November 10th, 2024 The RUN is 50 out of 50 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were Waist high to shoulder high waves on 10-31-24
And waist high on 11-2-24

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!

NEXT BLOG November 24th, 2024.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.



THE ELECTION. 43 MONKEYS ESCAPE FROM FACILITY.
THE RETURN OF THE CARS (Sort Of).
THE 249th MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY 11-10-24.
VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11th, 2024.

Not many people saw this coming. I know I didn't. But the people have spoken. Or rather, more than half of them have. And as shocking as it appears to be for team Blue, it's a done deal. Donald J. Trump will be the 47th president of these United States. I'm still trying to process it all. How could so many people be wrong about this? How could so many other people not see or hear what so many others have heard and seen? And as much as I hope and pray that we are on the road to unifying, I do not see that in our future. Not even close.

My own personal take on this election is the fact that Joe Biden was the ultimate reason why Harris lost. He never should have thrown his hat into the ring and be so determined to run for office. How could they not get to him and insist that he step away from the podium? How could they allow him to stumble and bumble his way through the early stages of this most important election? What were they all thinking? Turns out they were not.

By the time the light dawned on their Marbleheads, it was too late.

Harris only had three months to get her shit together. And it was not enough time to stop the RED tide that was coming. The other main losing factor was, she did not try and distance herself from Biden's policies. And when she was asked On The VIEW what she would do differently than Uncle Joe? She froze and then said "I can't think of anything I would do differently." WHAT? Are you kidding me? Kamala? In the name of God Kamala, you would do everything differently. EVERYTHING! Ugh.



In the end, she lost on all fronts. Trump got more electoral votes and he actually won the General election. The RED Wave took the Senate and possibly the House. That ominous RED WAVE swallowed up any possible hope for Team Blue. It was over from the beginning. Watching the results filling in that night it was pretty obvious. With each passing minute as each state went Red, the hopes of someone new and young leading this country into a fresh new future was circling the drain. Actually, it looked more like a flushing toilet. And unlike DJT, I can admit that I was wrong. Dead wrong. I just hope for those who voted for him, that he can follow through on some of his campaign promises. Lord knows he didn't back in 2016.

And as far as the Democrats? You have some serious work ahead of you.

One more thing, I don't believe you will see the likes of what happened on January 6th, 2021 when Trump sent that angry mob to attack the Capitol coming from the Dems. I believe that there will be a peaceful transfer of power. There will not be any riots or violence coming from the Dems. They will at least adhere to the rules of law. Because you all know, that had Trump lost again, they would have been on the war path. And all bets would have been off the table.

I made a single post on Facebook the next morning. It read:

"CHARACTER STILL MATTERS. DON'T YOU EVER FORGET THAT."




Happy 249th MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY! November 10th, 1775 at a small barroom in Philadelphia, the United States Marine Corps was born. TUN TAVERN. Every year Marines all over this Globe celebrate the Birthday. And make no mistake about it, that's exactly what we call it. The BIRTHDAY. We are the only branch of the armed forces who celebrates our Birthday. Most of the other branches rarely celebrate their birthdays. In fact, most of them don't even know when their branch of service birthday is. We Marines had it drilled into our heads in Boot Camp. And I don't know of a single Marine who does not know when the Birthday is.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a close and dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER November 10th, 2024



This is Ed O'Connell in Vietnam in 1968. Ed was a combat medic in Nam. He saved a lot of young Grunts from dying over there. In my eyes, Ed was a hero. He flew in those HUEY's and went directly into "Hot LZ's" with the sole purpose of getting those grunts out of there. His chopper was shot down on one mission and the pilot and co-pilot were killed and Ed got hurt pretty badly. He lost all of his teeth, but he survived.

In the end, Ed saved more lives than he lost. There are men in their 70's today who owe their lives to Ed. It's days like this, that make me really miss him. We used to talk about Vietnam a lot. I miss you Ed. I hope you are at peace brother.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING NEXT MONTH DECEMBER 2024



It's basically my memoir. The last 73 plus years of my life all condensed into two formats. The shorter printed version and the longer Online version. I apologize for this taking so damn long, but I've had so many crazy stories in my life that I needed to include them all. Though the shorter printed version will only have the best of the best.



CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION.

The book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. The book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG. And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends. It should be out by December of 2024. I am really trying to get it out by Christmas. But if I don't? January will have to suffice.

ROCKING OUT AT MARSTON



Gus Carlson invited me to play with 9yr olds Auggie and Eddie during the annual Marston School Veterans Day assembly. Gus does a great job with the kids, and these kids could really play. photo by Paul Caron

JUST WHAT WE NEEDED



Greg Hawkes was the keyboardist for the Super Group THE CARS from 1978 to 1988. He's also played with some of the biggest names in the music business. Last night at THE CUT in Gloucester Greg Hawkes and the band EDDIE JAPAN rocked out some of the biggest hits of the band THE CARS along with some rarely heard gems. And to top off the night, they were joined by the original drummer for the CARS David Robinson. David is also the man who came up with the name THE CARS and he designed the logo and all of the the album covers.



And for those of you who remember a little about my musical background, David also produced all three of my bands, The VINNY BAND, SEMPER FI, and THE NOR'EASTERS. He's a true multi media artist. And last night a sellout crowd at the CUT got to listen and watch two of the surviving members of the CARS rock out with the band Eddie Japan. The other living member being Elliott Easton. Now, I'm typically not into tribute bands per'se but these guys were really good. None of them look like the CARS, but damn didn't they sound like them.

I mean, with the two CARS icons Ric OCasek and Ben Orr having passed away, there was no way they were going to sound or look like the CARS, but the band was super tight, and they obviously did their homework. The two guitar players had Elliott's guitar lines and riffs down to a science. I was impressed. And the two singers were able to pull off most of the songs. The only difference is one of the singers was a woman. I liked her voice and thought she was fine. But the male singer sounded like Ric Ocasek enough to get me to sing along. And sing I did.

But the true highlight was watching David and Greg playing CARS songs again. Playing MOVING IN STEREO and ALL MIXED UP. Hearing these two iconic CARS songs again being played by two members of the CARS?
Well, you can go home again. Me, Cory, Anne Marie, Deborah, Kris Orr, and Barbie are HUGE CARS fans. David's girlfriend Nancy Winslow was there with their local contingent of friends and fans were all digging the music and the overall vibe.

After the stressful election results earlier in the week? This is JUST WHAT WE NEEDED. I like the Night Life Baby. LET'S GO!
 
“SURFING, THE MARINES, VETERANS DAY, and THE CARS HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

I have to say, when I heard about the 43 monkeys escaping down in South Carolina? I thought, how perfect is this? Talk about good promo for my book. Man I was cracking up as this story unfolded. And not for nothing but those people have their hands full. Trying to round up 43 monkeys? Good luck with that.




I'm sure some of you might have guessed that I might be using Ole Khaliddy when you first heard about the escaped monkeys. Well, you guessed right. Apparently some of those damn monkeys made it down south to GITMO. Here's a photo of the Sheik with some of the escaped primates. Looks like they don't trust each other. Hey can you blame them? Oh hell no.

And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of CURIOUS GEORGE Books at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY 249th BIRTHDAY 11-10-24 USMC!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY 11-11-24!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tim Bailey 11-13-24!
PATRIOTS are 3-5. They BEAT the BEARS today!
REST IN PEACE Mrs Rosa.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO ALL THE VETS. PAST AND PRESENT.
I was always so happy the way this photoshopped image turned out. That's my dad in GUAM on the left during WWII in 1944. And that's a photo of me in VIETNAM on the right in 1970. Thank the Veterans in your life on Monday November 11th, 2024.Photoshop by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- HURRICANE KIRK VIDEO FRAME GRABS
October 8th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The first clip I shot that morning. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) One of these days I'm gonna shoot this from the channel. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile in a clean tube. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) Crowley jamming a nice carving cutback.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Look at that wave. Are you kidding me?
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.

(Above) Oh man. Look at this wave. It looks perfect. But it's not.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The boys talking shop around the water cooler.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) CUTBACK CITY. Take one. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Thats JoJo Kirby. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin slipping into something a little more hollower.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) BMO driving Cali style. Hoodie with no boots or gloves.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The buck stops here. Perry Reynolds.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) Crowley dropping into a beauty. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I have to admit, when Crowley is out I'm hanging around.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

The art of Donna Baldassari

(Above) Backdoor man. Kody Grondin pedal to the metal.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Weston and BMO. Two great surfers and good human beings.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

(Above) Crowley Gentile chasing down a dream.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers heading into what should have been the best barrel shot clip of the year. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ray King has a keen nose for the tube. As is evident here. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) James Morse pulling into a perfect barrel.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) James Morse punching off the bottom.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Some lucky Goofy Foot pulling into a perfect barrel.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile rocketing off the lip.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) My graphic that I use in all of my films.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCES.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) Veterans Day Observance on the beach.
Monday November 11th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) The firing squad fires off a vollet to salute the fallen.
Veterans Day Observance on the beach. *Note the ejecting shell casings.
Monday November 11th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) CDR Berk Bennett saluting on our Veterans Day Observance
at the AMERICAN LEGION Post 35 in Hampton, NH.
Monday November 11th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- YESTERDAY CENTRAL CAL IMAGES.
Photos by Cap'n Chambo

(Above) Yesterday. We were all young once.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

The ONLY East Coast Mag for East Coast Surfers.

(Above) Yesterday. This looks pretty damn radical to me.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yesterday. Leaning into a clean carve.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yesterday. Clean and green. Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Yesterday. I bet this pic is bringing back some memories.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yesterday. Matt George and John Parmenter.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yesterday. Matt George was a great tuberider.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM. 
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) The woman who loves to shoot the sunrises here in Hampton. Karen Hoddeson Hager. November , 2024. Photo by KHH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Sunrise in Hampton. Karen Hoddeson Hager. November , 2024. Photo by KHH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 781 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see waves mid week

I'm picking Friday November 15th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

November 10th, 2024

Ya gotta know how to read 'em.

(ABOVE) When all your options are depleted, it's time to step off.
Photo by RALPH



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