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January 7th, 2018 The RUN is 10 out of 10 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.

There were head high plus waves on January 4th and 5th, 2018
Send your SURF Pics to me directly to ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 12 noon on Saturdays. 
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.
BOMB CYCLONE, Wedding Celebrations, Patriots Gossip, and a new tell all book that has the nation rocking
FIRE & FURY! Welcome 2018!!!
 



There are times when I shake my head in disbelief at what comes out of my TV. The latest was this last Snow storm. It started out as a BOMBOGENESIS and then quickly went to a BOMB CYCLONE. But honestly? Can we just call it what we've been calling these storms for decades now? It's a NOR'EASTER.

Some of you long time readers will acknowledge that I had/have a band called the Nor'easters. I chose that name because it was representational of where we live and what kind of sound we had. But I have to tell you, if I had a new band? I'd be calling it the BOMB CYCLONES! Cause that would be bad ass cool! OK OK I'll admit, the storm had some special additives to it that made it stand out from the typical Nor'easter. Like those beyond freaking cold temps.



I'm sure you can all agree with me. Especially if you live on the East coast.



Then there was the snow itself. Ugh. Look, if you have never had to shovel, snow blow, or to plow the white stuff, you have no idea what that is like. Some of you warm weather wimps couldn't handle it. You'd break. You'd collapse at the colossal effort it takes to move that white shit out of your driveway. And you'd have to have ice running through your veins when the Town Snow Plow comes by and buries you in for the second time in one day. They have a job to do, and that job does not warrant skipping your street. So you need to plan and plot when the best time is to tackle that wall of snow blocking your vehicles from getting out.



But once we did get out, there was some serious surf down the street that needed to be documented and tackled. There are many pics in the galleries that will I'm sure impress you. Although it wasn't the biggest surf we've ever had, it sure as hell was windy and cold. As in BONE CHILLING COLD!



This last week witnessed a celebration of marriage with Nick and Meghan Lastrina exchanging vows on New Year's Eve. We are all so happy for the Evans family. Meghan is a cancer survivor. Rick, Karen, Matt, and Mikey are all so blessed to have been able to celebrate this wonderful beautiful day. The lucky Bride and Groom are currently in Thailand for their honeymoon.

Last night, we celebrated the marriage of Tony and Shelly Berardini.

Father Kevin Grondin and Judge Ralph Fatello performed the wedding service. And let me just say, there was not a dry eye in the place.



Not because it was so emotional, but rather because of the absurd circus that it was. Yours truly wrote the script for most of the celebration. Including the "vows" that were exchanged between the lovely couple. And get this, neither Tony or Shelly, had seen these vows before I handed them to them to read aloud in front of the large gathering. I'm no fool. Clearly there would have been requests to change some of the wording. Ha!



Prior to the service, Tony unaware of the fate that awaits him, poses with me and Johnny Meehan.



"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Tony and Shelly Berardini!"
So happy for Nick and Meghan and Tony and Shelly! The surf community continues to flourish.

"Bomb Cyclones and Marriages Heals All Wounds"




 




Toby Parke on a sweet looking but cold left. Or, not. It is after all October. And depending on the year, some October's have been unusually warm. Like this last one. Temps in the 70's and 80's are not Fall like. I'd say that was a good argument for Global warming until December and January showed up.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.


Now for Some Local, National and International News
For those of you who know me well, will attest to my honest, and sincere statement that, if the Patriots "never win" another Super Bowl, I would be OK with that. I'm serious. Look we've won FIVE of them. There are teams that have NEVER even been to one. We've played in 8 Super Bowls! That's insane. No wonder the haters hate us. And like I've said a million times before, if we win another one? Forget the Wall on the Mexican border, we will need a wall around New England. Because the Haters will be coming for us. We would need to protect our team and our fans.

These three would be in grave danger should we win another Super Bowl. We must protect them. At all costs.



I'm sure you are all aware of the latest rumors surrounding Gillette and the
leaders of Patriots nation. Are they just rumors or is there some substance to it? Should we have traded Jimmy G? I say NO. A resounding NO! Look I love TB 12, but lets face it, the boy is 40 years old. How much longer can he last in this violent sport?


Look at Jimmy looking at Tommy. What's he thinking?

We know what he's thinking. He wants to play. I know this, you know this, EVERYONE knows this. So...he's playing. Just not for us anymore. Maybe Kraft can buy him back when Tommy is put out to pasture. Or maybe not. Maybe this is the true end of this dynasty. Like I said, I'm OK with it, if it is.



Oh boy has this book caused some friction. Holy mackerel. Look, as someone who is slightly crazy, I have never been one to question anyone's sanity. I know that some of the world's greatest leaders have been slightly left of normal. Take your pick. Lincoln, Churchill, Patton, Kennedy, Bush, and the list goes on. So Trump being a little out of whack is not a concern for me. He is however a complete embarrassment with his TWEETS. The man is just impossible to stop himself from tweeting the most ridiculous things. I mean, it's never ending. STOP TWEETING DONNIE!

I know, he will continue and we will all shake our heads in disbelief. And there's nothing anyone can do to stop him.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
There was cold weather up and own the east coast last week. And believe it or not, there was freezing temps at GITMO. Think I'm crazy? Check it out! Here's our boy freezing his terrorist ass off in GITMO this last week. Poor Khaliddy, he looks very uncomfortable in this pic. Hang in there KSM. Bundle up.



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 stocking hats at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
CONGRATS to Meghan and Nick Lastrina!
CONGRATS to Tony and Shelly Berardini!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2018
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jerry Bunton January 9th, 2018


THE NEW GRANITE GIRLS poster!



Sending positive thoughts and prayers to Jo Ellen Bunton in Idaho. GET BETTER and GET STRONGER with each day JE! You look great and it sounds like you have not missed a beat when it comes to preparing a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! Oh I can just smell the turkey from here. Our love and respect to you.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week
every
week for the last 13 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. Surf For Fun.


Ralph


   
I kept a daily BLOG when I surfed everyday during my
CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below)
Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011.
A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days.
Yesterday- Jeff "BERTS" Obst at the hill. 1975.
(Below) Check the beaver tail wetsuit and the NO leash! Yup. That's what we wore back in the day. And we never had leashes. So, yeah, we got cold, and we did our share of swimming. And yes, our boards got dinged up pretty badly hitting those rocks. But we were having fun. I miss those days, and I miss the surfers who are no longer living here, and especially those who are no longer living period. Jeff is not one of the latter. He's still with us, though I'm not sure if he's still surfing. I know that the guy who snapped this pic is still surfing. Surfing Heals all Wounds. Photo by Charlie Daley


*Click on the photo above to see a larger version



To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad itself. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly by clicking here. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor

We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.


All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.  
Today- The BOMB CYCLONE SWELL Day One.
January 4th, 2018
Photos by RALPH
 


(Above) That's a Full WOLF Moon. It came the night before the storm.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) There wasn't anything worth riding that first day.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is not what it seems. A well groomed face is not what this is.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 

 





(Above) Poor visibility combined with a ferocious wind was not conducive to a fun surf session. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above)
That's Mackey's vehicle. He pulled up next to me to check the action.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Again, don't be fooled by these images. It was unruly at best.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







   




(Above) Though if you were young enough and bold enough, I suppose it was worth the gamble. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Trust me. It was dark and scary out there. There were NO takers.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 4th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




Today- The BOMB CYCLONE SWELL Day Two.
January 5th, 2018
Photos by RALPH




(Above) Day two was a whole different animal. Though she was still windy,
the waves were much better suited for the northern riders.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) There were lined up waves at every corner. And yet, just a handful
of takers. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) It was hard driving by these without drifting off the road.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







   


(Above) The ones who did venture out were rewarded with a historical surf session. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) Matt Colby out in the wind and the cold had no problem dealing with these drastic elements. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Colby managed to find protection from the wind by ducking in these barrels. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The flags on the beach were taking a beating. Come June 14th this one will be ready for retirement. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery








   




(Above)
Trust me it's bigger than it looks. And a hell of a lot colder.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above)
The leader of the FROZEN CHOSEN club. Mr Brian Nevins.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above)
Although the sun never popped out while I was there, I did manage to get some color. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above)
That guy is cold. And those waves were relentless.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) This wave and this picture pretty much sums up the day for me.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





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(Above) The best photo I shot all day. Matt Colby slotted in a wave in front of his home. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


   
   


(Above) Check that board out tomb stoning in the white water.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is why there's a parking ban in the winter. Those guys are not gonna stop of your vehicle is parked where it's not supposed to be
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) When the wall freezes, you know it's cold. Trust me on this.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) Pev pumping for some most needed speed.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



 




(Above) This guy had a nice long sequence. Not sure who this is though.
BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery










(Above) One of my GRANITE GIRLS Julie Jakoboski grabbing a rail and charging. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) The swell never lasted more than the end of the day. The wind was too strong. BOMB CYCLONE Swell January 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- The RE-ENACTMENT of Tony & Shelly's Wedding.
January 6th, 2018
Photos by MAX and RALPH




(Above) We were all so thankful, that Tony and Shelly decided at the last minute to hold the service indoors. It was minus 4 degrees outside. It was the right call. January 6th, 2018 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) They read their own special vows to each other. There were so many tears that even I wept. January 6th, 2018 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







New England's Most Accessible Resort




Ski All Day And into The Night









(Above) They kissed and embraced and the crowd applauded with earnest January 6th, 2018 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





North Conway's Family Mountain




Southern New Hampshire's Favorite Mountain


Today- The Last Walk in the Woods December 1 5th, 2017 Photos by RALPH



(Above) Patch wishing there were more days to run in the
north woods. December 15th, 2017 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Many coyote tracks on the frozen pond. Not good.
December 15th, 2017
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Goodbye 2017 we will be back in October. December 15th, 2017
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery










Great New Marine Forecast




 


(Above) This is me on January 5th, 2018 out taking photos of the BOMB Cyclone. Thanks Erica! I love this. Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) New photographer/surfer from the Netherlands sent in a cool batch of pics from the BOMB CYCLONE. Colby slotted again. January 5th, 2018
Photo by Maartje Bertens
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




 

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

BOMB CYCLONE 1-5-18 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

They called it a BOMB CYCLONE. It looked like a big ole nasty Nor'easter to me and my friends. But who am I to question the weathermen? I thought the name was cool, so I went with it. It was a significant storm. Lots of snow and ice. And a whole lot of wind. As in blustery in your face kind of wind. Any way, here it is, the BOMB Cyclone swell. Hope you like it.

Team Chili's 2017 And1 Mixtape Tour from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

Here is the 2017 Team Chili's And1 Mixtape in all of its glory filmed mostly by Ralph and edited by Max. 25mins of consistent blue collar on rail surfing and horseplay. Watch in it 1080p so your eyes don't bleed.



CHRISTMAS DAY 12-25-17 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas! We had a white Christmas on December 25th, 2017 and a really fun swell. There was a handful of local NH surfers who scored on this most blessed day. And if they were going to surf, I was going to shoot. Not gonna lie folks, it was as cold as it gets around here. Not complaining...wait yes I am. It was cold! Any way the surfers in this web edit are Lars Hamilton, Matt Colby, Becca Speak, and Harrison Speak.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!




When The Sea Breathes 12-28-17 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

My first ever footage with my new SONY 4K camcorder. The Sea-smoke we get every winter was the perfect setting for my first time out. Bundle up, it's pretty cold watching this clip. Hope you like it.



The Little Drummer Boy by Ralph G. Fatello from Memory Lane Movies on Vimeo.

34 years ago tonight, I met Cory Bunton at a show I was playing at. The club was called "SPIT" in Boston. The First Annual WBCN Christmas party on December 23rd, 1983. It was a pivotal point in my life and musical career. Although, the new VINNY LP was recorded in 1983 and released in 1984, my writing and music, was transitioning into something completely different than VINNY. My Vietnam experience was bubbling to the surface, and basically I had this epiphany of what I should be writing and singing about. Love and war was my new direction. Cory went to this show, because of rumors of me playing "The Little Drummer Boy" dressed in my combat fatigues. She was curious to say the least. However, that was just a rumor. I dressed nicely for the show.

But this version of this famous Christmas song? I played all about my experience in Vietnam with the 9th Marines. The Vietnam footage is actual footage of my unit in Vietnam. I played it in a Hendrix style. And I improvised by adding new words and chords at the end. I met Cory after my show and I asked her for her phone number. Before we parted that night, I kissed her.

I lost and found her number in late January of 1984. We were meant for each other. On December 23rd, 1986 I asked her to marry me at 33,000 feet, while flying over our nation's capital. We were married the next year on October 10th, 1987. But this day, the 23rd of December would remain a special day in our lives. And this song would become "our song".

Big thanks to Beth Harrington, Barry Marshall, and Scott Mclean (who introduced us). I love you baby Merry Christmas! And to all my friends and family Happy Holidays! And have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















(Above)
ALL RISE: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session.

The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE #453
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.




Looks like it's another end of the week swell.



Although there's big surf on Saturday...it's really Sunday that has the better surf. But that's next week.
 
This is what happens when you get caught dropping in on someone.
You end up here.
 
 

January 7th, 2018
"I did this wicked air and I think Ralph got a pic of me!???"




(Above) I did get a pic of you. January 5th, 2018.
photo by RALPH


 




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