January 19th, 2025 The RUN is 1 out of 1 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were chest to head high waves on 1-13-25 and
head high
on 1-19-25 and 1-20-25
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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 1300 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. |
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NEXT BLOG February 2nd, 2025.
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.
GOODBYE Cpl. PATCH USMC our beloved GSP.
California Wild Fires And More Winter Waves.
Last Thursday night 1-16-25 our beloved German Shorthair Pointer "Patch" suffered a massive stroke, and on Friday at 3:35 PM we all said our final goodbyes to "Patchy."
There's not enough space to write about Patch here, but suffice it to say, we are gutted and still in shock. He and his son Zorro were just in the woods this week doing what they loved. And yesterday we were all going through our daily routines when the stroke hit last night.
This is our fourth dog that we had to put down, and it goes without saying, that it never gets any easier. In fact, this was the roughest one yet. Patch was a wonderful house pet, and an exceptional pointing dog, where he excelled in the Grouse and Woodcock coverts in Northern New England.
In the end, he was surrounded by our family, as we poured our love over him. He was comfortable and content with each hug and set of soft soothing words. Even his son Zorro came over and gave him a kiss.
Cory, Max, Jacquie, and Noelle came over with the babies
and said goodbye. Gabby called in on Facetime to say goodbye. My buddy Rich came by too. Next to Max and I, Rich has hunted over Patch many many times over the last 15 years.
Patch laid on his couch and took it all in like a stoic champion at the end of his journey. He lived to his 15th year and that's pretty special.
I put on my hunting shirt, and placed a grouse tail and pheasant tail under Patchy's nose as the Dr gave him that final shot. The last thing he heard was my voice, the last thing he smelled was my scent and the bird scent, and the last thing he felt was my hand on his head. Caressing him and talking to him. "I got you Patchy. Go find that bird. I'm right behind you. I got you buddy. I got you" And as the vet injected the syringe full of phenobarbital into his veins, I broke down and cried, for the 100th time as Patch went to sleep forever. He was the best dog I ever owned.
They say in the bird dog world; you only get one real "Good Bird dog."
Patch was that dog for me. I'm going to miss him for the rest of my life. And I have been blessed to have him for almost 15 years. I hope he is with Comet and Daisy. And that he's got a bird pinned for me, Max, and Zorro as we come up on one of his ROCK SOLID points.
Go find that bird Patchy...I got you.
Rest In Peace
CPL. PATCH USMC aka "Patchy" 2010-2025
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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 January 19th, 2025
This is Toby Parke. Ed loved shooting Toby> especially when he was out with Mike Stanek. They would team up at these little hideaway spots sprinkled along the coast and put on a clinic. The main reason why Ed loved to shoot them is because they both complimented each other with their surfing. Both had unique styles while also shining with their own individual approach.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
By now everyone is aware of the fires in California. And as sad as I am, it pales in comparison to the people who lost everything. Homes, lives, motor vehicles, and every single memento they owned. It is in a word devastating. Our legion Post in Hampton donated many basic supplies that those people need. We even gave a monetary donation. It has been just tragic to watch the news as of late.
These before and after photos tell the tragic tale. Watching these fires for days on end has been heartbreaking. It's also been impressive to see those pilots scooping up salt water out in the ocean with those giant "scoopers" and dropping that salt water on the fires. Talk about real live heroes.
This satellite
shot of the Eaton fire is frightening. This is like watching the entire NH seacoast go up in flames. Seriously.
Because I am a surfer, I know people who live here. We've been praying for them all. I just hope they all made it out there and that their homes survived. Of all the things that I have faced in my life that would cause me to pause and take heed, combat, big surf, disease etc. Nothing scares me more than fire.
Fire takes everything. It leaves no trace of you. No footprints. Nothing. That's my biggest fear
as a husband, father, grandfather, and homeowner. This image below is a true miracle. The lone VW Bus made it through the flames.
COMING SOME TIME IN Late WINTER/SPRING OF 2025
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. 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.
The problem is I need to cut down the 1000 page Online version down to 350-450 to fit in the printed version. And to be completely honest with you, I am having a hard time deciding what stays and what goes. I have been literally spinning my wheels and it has been beyond frustrating. At times I feel like a complete failure. It has been beyond stressful. And I have jokingly said that this book will be the death of me yet.
I'm joking (sort of). All kidding aside, it has been stressful.
UPDATE: I did hire a professional editor to cut through my story and take out the fat and leave the prime beef. Having my life stories ending up on the cutting room floor has been difficult at best. So I bit the bullet and hired a team of BEST SELLER editors. I hope this will expedite the process. Fingers crossed.
This book that I have been writing will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
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THE DAY AFTER Saturday January 18th, 2025.
On Saturday morning I took Patch's son Zorro out for a run in the woods where he and I and Patch were on this last Wednesday. The day before he had the stroke. When we got out there deep in the swamp and woods,
I found my exact tracks where Patch and I had walked. And not only did I find my footprints, but Patch's footprints next to mine! My friends I'm not gonna lie, when I saw them? I broke down and cried (again). And to be honest with you all, I've already cried a river of tears.
I stopped and took these photos. I think I'm going to frame one of them.
What a wonderful memory. My foot print, Zorro’s print, and Patch's foot prints (smaller prints) Saturday January 18th, 2025. These were made on Wednesday, the day before he had the stroke. I wanted to go back and find them before they melted or got lost in this current snowstorm. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Lasting impressions thanks to this photo. 1-18-25.
I took this selfie of Zorro and I when we came back to the JEEP. I got him in the crate when I talked to him about Patch. Just as I did, the wind blew and the nearby branches were creaking. We both looked to where the sound was coming from. Zorro is going to play a major role in my life now. The first born son of Patch is as close as I can get to having Patchy by my side.
I need him and he needs me.
Patch and his first born Zorro in 2020. I love this photo.
On Monday January 20th, 2025 I took Zorro to the Wall while I shot pics. He was great. He stayed with me the whole time. Never running off too far. It was just what I needed. What's that mantra I'm always saying?
Oh yeah, "Surfing Heals All Wounds."
Again, thank you all so much for reaching out to me and my family. It meant the world to us. Be sure to check out the two galleries I posted. Click on the thumbnails down in the photo sections.
Go find that bird Patchy...I got you.
REST IN PEACE
CPL. PATCH USMC aka "Patchy" 2010-2025
“SURFING, PATCHY, & ZORRO HEALS ALL WOUNDS.”
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REST IN PEACE DAVID LYNCH
This movie changed the way I looked at films forever. And it was the film that encouraged me to make movies. Not that I was on any level like David Lynch. He just saw things differently and when he directed a film you knew it was going to unique and beyond anything your limited imagination could conjure up.
Eraserhead did that for me. I can't tell you how many times I watched it over the years. He of course went on to make and direct some real masterpieces in his life.
ELEPHANT MAN for one was another brilliantly shot and directed film. Like Eraserhead, Elephant man was shot in Black and White.
David Lynch was only 78 years old. He died from Emphysema. I guess he smoked quite a bit. I can see that. He also made BLUE VELVET and DUNE. But I think one of his most successful movies/TV series was TWIN PEAKS.
We loved that show. And movie. I owe much of the things that I monkeyed around with in my movie making to David Lynch.
Not my surf movies, my crazy movies like: WHERE'S JOHNNY NOW? RUDY GOES TO THE FAIR. And a in-crowd favorite THE EGG. All because of this man. David Lynch.
I would say REST IN PEACE but I can't picture him resting anywhere. So Thank you David Lynch for all the wonderful cinematic gifts you gave the world.
Oh boy. I did not see this coming. Our boy Khaliddy thought he could get into Rotunda to witness the inauguration of the 47th President on Monday January 20th, 2025. He thought by dressing like the First Lady he could get inside and not be noticed. Not so fast there Sheiky. Security spotted him immediately and made him sit outside alone in the cold.
The Sheik has got to learn to blend in a little less obvious. The folks at the GITMO Gazette must really be pressuring him to nail these stories. Sorry Mohammed, no story and photos for you. The Gitmo Gazette is gonna have to run another political front page story.
Maybe do something on Mike Pence?
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 Carmen Sandiego stuffed dolls and Spy vs Spy Mad Magazines at Home Depot this week.
THIS JUST IN. Patriots Hire head Coach Mike Vrabel.
And...HOLD ON- More From THIS JUST IN Kind of news. Vrabel hires Josh McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator.
This is great news and good news. Mike Vrabel might turn things around. And the hiring of Josh McDaniels is just what Drake Maye needs. Could this be the start of something good again in Patriots nation? Who the hell knows. I do know this,
I am personally looking forward to the 2025 season.
REST IN PEACE David Lynch.
REST IN PEACE Mrs Bailey SEMPER FI.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2025!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kody Grondin January 25th, 2025!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kelly Ciarmataro January 28th, 2025!
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
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** BUY a HIGH RES Photo
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Remember
my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.
Ralph
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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THE FIRST DAY I BROUGHT PATCH HOME NOVEMBER 2010
I had just driven back from Maryland. I was wearing my long sleeve pheasant shirt. I just wore it this last Thanksgiving. This day was during my Catch a Wave for Molly campaign. I had caught my wave the morning before at the Wall. Then drove to Maryland where I stayed in a motel. The next morning at 6:00AM I met Bobby Grove of FIELDMASTERS SHORTHAIRS and by 7:00AM I had Patch and we hit the road. He never made a peep on the long drive home to Hampton.
But I told him that I would be taking him to places that none of his litter mates would ever see. And I did. Patch hunted at the borders of Maine and NH and saw things that most dogs would never even dream about. He got to experience the great North Woods with me and Max and my close bird hunting friends. Rich, Jon, Pete, Jeff, Dan, even Phil Manzi. He mated with Daisy and had 13 males and 12 females. And he had 7 grand pups. 5 males and females. There's a lot of Patch's bloodline in New England and in Germany.
Patch lived an exciting and adventurous life. He was loved deeply and he gave back as deep of a love as he received. I Got You Patchy. I Got You. Photo by Noelle Rizzo Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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 or two and go through this year long 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.
Click on the ad above to see a larger version
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- PATCHY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
November 2010
January 2025.
Photos by RALPH and others
(Above) Me and Patchy. He was my Soul Dog. Never had a dog like him. November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) Patch pointing a wild Grouse in Pittsburg NH.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Rich, Patch, me, and Zorro this last October in Maine.
It was 70 plus degrees up there but the dogs did fine.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Patch, Max, Zorro, and me on December 29th, 2024. Patch ended up pointing the last bird of the season on December 31st, 2024.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Max and Patch on another late season hunt. December 2029.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Rich moving in on one of Patch's solid points in Maine 2017.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Patch and I after a late afternoon bounty in Maine 2017.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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(Above) The grandkids loved Patch and he loved them.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
(Above) Even Little Malia loves being near Patch. This was this last fall.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by Cory
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Tom and Sarge. Me and Zorro. Chad and Patch. Both dogs are sons of Patch. May of 2022. Patch and Daisy had 13 males and 12 females. And they had 7 grand pups. 5 males and 2 females.
November 2010 - January 2025. Photo by Cory
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) Jon Gozzo and Kinga and me and Patch November 2016. Hard to believe both dogs are gone now.
November 2010-January 2015. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THE MLK DAY SWELL January 20th, 2025.
(ABOVE) This was the first time shooting the surf since Patch passed away.
Monday January 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) The winter scenes here in New Hampshire are truly serene.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Then a Bald Eagle flew over my head. This is at the beach.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The angle from Ed's Corner. Another memory I try to keep alive.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Baldassari
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(Above) The Wall came alive when I pulled up. All the waves looked make-able. Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This guy was surfing like Steve O'Hara but I couldn't tell from
the distance that I was standing at. If it's not Stevie that's still a great compliment to whoever it is. Monday January 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Joe Mcinnis and Nick Miller were out sharing these perfect waves.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Joe Mcinnis in a perfect trim on a perfect wave.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It was great seeing Nick Miller out there. I have not seen
Nick in years.
He seems pretty happy to be back home visiting.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Double barrels on MLK Day. I have a Dream.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Joe Mcinnis in yet another perfect MLK Day wave.
Monday January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The KIM GRONDIN SWELL. January 13th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Johnny Meehan celebrating Kim's Birthday.
HBD Kim.
January 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.
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(Above) Although she was not out surfing, this was her Birthday.
HBD Kim.
January 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above)
Happy Birthday Kim.
January 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Sarah celebrating Kim's birthday. Happy Birthday Kim.
January 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) Ken Linseman
January 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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Today- The "SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS SESSION"
with ZORRO. January 20th, 2025. Photos by RALPH
(Above) We stopped by his old home first. He shared this pen with his dad for two years. January 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This was my first time with Zorro running loose on the beach. He loved it and so did I. January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I've got so many pics of his dad doing this. ZORRO
January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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(Above) Nick Miller came in when he saw a guy with a camera and a German Shorthair. "I knew it was you. Who else could it be?"
ZORRO
January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Zorro is the first born male of Patch. He's the closest thing to Patch that I have. Surfing Heals All Wounds. January 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Just like his dad Patchy. Run Z Run! Run for Patch!
January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) If I close my eyes and use my imagination, I can visualize Patch running just like this. Zorro running in his dad's footsteps.
January 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- Sunday January 19th, 2025.
Photos by Bob Costanzo
(Above) Looked a little congested out there. Bob told me he too lost two dogs over the Christmas Holiday. So my condolences to Bob and his daughter and his neighbor. January 19th, 2025.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Looking left on January 19th, 2025.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) It's one of the BIGGEST waves down there. Ray King in a KILLER Barrel in PR. Photo by Rachel Tanner
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) My buddy Rich sent this in the other day. Beautiful shot of the clouds and moon at night.
Photo by Rich Appel
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 786 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 RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome
This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I only see waves this week
I'm picking Sunday.1-19-25 as the best of the week
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January 19th, 2025
"Patch couldn't read when he was younger. And truth be told, he never did learn how to read at the end of his life either. But I could read him. As I was always fond of saying "You gotta know how to read 'em." And I knew how to read him. And he could read me.
(ABOVE) I am going to miss this dog for the rest of my life.
PATCH 2010-2025. Photo by RALPH
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