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

March 2nd, 2025 The RUN is 6 out of 6 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist overhead waves on 2-27-25 and head high
waves on 2-28-25


THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS!

NEXT BLOG March 16th, 2025.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *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.



JOE SOMOGYI WOULD HAVE TURNED 75 YEARS OLD TODAY.
80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE IWO JIMA FLAG RAISING.

As hard as it is to believe for all of us who knew and loved him, today would have been Joe Somogyi's 75th Birthday. Born on this day March 2nd, 1950. He passed away in 1978 from exposure to Agent Orange while serving deep in the jungles and mountains of Vietnam in 1969-70. Joe was a bona fide hero. For real. He was a highly decorated Vietnam war hero.



At the time, Joe was my best friend. We did everything together.

Surfing and music. We were two Vietnam vets who loved surfing and Rock & Roll. Joe was solely responsible for me to continue playing the guitar in the early 70's and to keep surfing, when I was given an "ultimatum" by the person I was with at the time. She wanted me to quit surfing, and playing Rock and Roll, and to get a real job. It's true. Joe basically told me to tell her to "F--- off!" He told me "You have talent, keep playing that guitar, and we're going to surf forever!"

Thank God I listened to him. Though he never got to surf again.



It's hard to believe that he's been gone this long. He missed out on so much in life. There are times when I feel so guilty for having lived the life I have, while his was cut so short. I'd like to think that he and the late Moira Daly would have made a go at life. Maybe they would have married and had kids, bought a home, and lived a good life here on the Seacoast. That would have been the perfect storybook ending. But life can be a kick in the teeth. They were both taken at such a young age. Sigh.



Anyway, I wrote this song about him in the early 80's. The video is a collection of stills and old super 8mm movie clips of Joe and our old surf crew back in the early to mid 70's. There's a clip of he and Moira together at 10th Street (The Wall) in Hampton. Over 50 years ago.

CLICK ON THIS IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE



The song "A SONG FOR JOE" is performed by my band The NOR'EASTERS. Ralph Fatello guitar and vocals, Johnny Fatello guitar, Mike White Bass, and the late Lenny Dunn Drums. Recorded by John Carden at Big Cheese in Beverly, MA

We should all be thankful and grateful for what we have. Our health and happiness. Don't take anything for granted. Happy 75th Joe. We have not forgotten you, or Moira. *Additional footage from Ed O'Connell.

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 March 2nd, 2025



This is a photo of me from March of 2011 when I was surfing every day for a year in memory of Molly Rowlee. Ed was always there when I went out for my daily wave. I knew I could count on Ed most days. He was there from the beginning to the end. He was more than just a photographer. He was my friend.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING SOME TIME IN Late SPRING OF 2025




UPDATE: Fingers crossed. The book will be done by Spring.
Which means a late Spring release. April or May of 2025.

And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.


CLINT HILL PASSES AWAY AT AGE 93.


No doubt you are wondering who the hell is Clint Hill. Well, because I was around when Hill made that memorable attempt to save Jackie Kennedy on November 22nd, 1963. That was the day that Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy in Dallas Texas. This photo above was taken moments before JFK was shot and killed on Elm Street in Dallas Texas.

Three shots rang out and Secret Service Agent Clint Hill ran up to the limo and jumped up on the back of the limo to reach Jackie who was climbing on the trunk.



This scene was etched into our heads in the 60's. The footage of the actual assassination was taken by Abraham Zapruder. The short 26.6 seconds 8mm movie camera with no sound shows Kennedy being hit with the 2nd round and then he was hit with the third and fatal shot.

Clint Hill was haunted by this day. He always thought he could have done more to save Kennedy. Personally, I believe there was nothing more he could have done to save Kennedy. He was behind the Kennedy limo riding on the left running board on the follow up limo. REST IN PEACE sir. You did everything you could that day. And you did save Mrs Kennedy.

"80 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THIS FAMOUS FLAG RAISING"

And me and the late SSGT George Masten USMC standing in front of the actual flag on the 65th anniversary February 23rd, 2010. We couldn’t believe we were the only ones there that day at the Marine Corps museum at Quantico VA.

The first Flag raising on February 23rd, 1945 taken at 10:30AM.

I have an actual autographed copy of this photo that was signed by Charles W. Lindberg. It's hanging in our library next to the Rosenthal photograph. Almost all of the Iwo Jima veterans have passed away.
They would have to be in their late 90's or in their early 100's.



OVER 6,000 MARINES DIED ON IWO JIMA.

And over 26,000 were wounded in action. There were 26 Marines who were awarded the Medal Of Honor on IWO JIMA. I remember when we were in boot camp at Parris Island in the late 60's as a treat they showed us a movie at the Rifle Range.

The bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history,

The movie we saw? THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA.



SEMPER FI TO ALL THE MARINES WHO SERVED ON IWO JIMA.

As promised from the last Blog. A quick wrap up on the SNL's 50th anniversary show. I thought it was great. Yeah, Paul McCartney's vocals were strained. (He played three nights leading up to the 50th Anniversary show). But he's still Paul. The greatest singer songwriter in Rock and Roll.

Singing and playing the medley from ABBEY ROAD including the greatest last lyric ever written for a band's last recording. "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make."

It was worth every second.

“SURFING, PAUL, JOE, AND THE MARINES HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

THE TRUTH. EVERYTHING BELOW IS THE 100% TRUTH.

The president of the United States of America posted this on his Truth Social page. This is not some meme that I made up. Nor is it some meme that others on social media made up. The President himself posted this. This is the 100% truth.

This is also the truth. VP Vance actually said this. Fact Check it



This is also the truth. VP Pence actually said this. Fact Check it.



President Trump called President Zelensky a dictator and claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Really? That's not how I remember it. I know what I saw three years ago. The whole world watched in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine. Please fact check this as well. I'll wait for you.



This is from Friday February 28th, 2025. That's president Zelensky, President Trump, and Vice President Vance. By now you all know what happened on that day in the Oval office. Depending on what side of the aisle you sit on, you can form your own opinion. I know what I saw. I know what I heard. It was hands down one of the most embarrassing times in our Nation's history. I suggest you watch it for yourself.

The one thing that really bothered me was when our president mocked president Zelensky when he got out of the vehicle in front of the oval office. "I see you got dressed up" he said. As the entire world knows, Zelensky wears the same clothes to every meeting. He is a wartime president. Like Churchill did in WWII. Dressing like a wartime president.

But when Brian Glenn the reporter from REAL AMERICA'S VOICE NETWORK asked Zelensky why he didn't wear a suit when everyone else is wearing a suit. It was so incredibly humiliating and nasty.

Then I thought, why didn't that same reporter ask MUSK earlier in the week at the Cabinet meeting why he wasn't wearing a suit. There was Musk, dressed like a 16yr old Gangster Rapper.
He looked ridiculous. Because he is.

I can't remember a time, when I have been more embarrassed of our country, than I am today. I mean Biden was pretty bad. But this administration? They take the cake. Pretty sad.

*NOTE TO READER. THE KSM MEMES ARE NOT TRUE.




Somehow the Sheik had once again found himself backstage, behind enemy lines to bring you the weekly scoop. Ye Ole Muskrat recently went on Joe Rogan's Podcast to say that he is not a Nazi. And that he was not giving the Ole Sieg Heil salute. Again, I'm just going by what I saw and what I heard. This looks a little like a Nazi Salute. But you can form your own opinion. It looks to me like Sheiky thinks it's a little Third Reich looking too.

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 Swastikas tee shirts at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE PATCH 2010-2025
HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY Joe Somogyi March 2, 2025!
REST IN PEACE Andrew Raucci SEMPER FI.
REST IN PEACE CLINT HILL. 93 yrs old.
REST PEACE Gene Hackman 95 yrs old.
REST IN PEACE David Johansen.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Judith & John February 23rd, 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 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

FIFTYONE YEARS AGO.
I remember taking this photo like it was yesterday. We had both just surfed some fun waves at the Wall when I grabbed my camera and took this photo of Joe. He was so annoyed with me at the time. I can remember laughing as I took the photo. Turns out this was one of the best photos I ever took of him. Photo 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 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.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- The LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY February 28th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) That's a nice looking wave. Friday February 28th, 2025.
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.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

(Above) That's Johnny "JIM" Meehan. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the kelp and seaweed.
Friday February 28th, 2025. 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) Keep yer eyes on the road when you're driving by this.
Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Deb Green. I got a few of her waves in the video at the top of the page. Check it out. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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) Same with this kid. I got a few of his waves this day and the day before. Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's James and Tyler after their BDI display. Check the video out and watch to the end. Friday February 28th, 2025.
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) I love empty waves. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin leaning into a fun one. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This the last photo I shot this morning.
Friday February 28th, 2025. 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

Today- The DAY BEFORE February 27th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) Crowley and Mikel before crawling into their rubber suits.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is bigger than they said it was. Ian Dreher.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. 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) Backdoor attempt Ian Dreher hoping for daylight.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This seabird kept flying by me so I swung on this one.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley has an array of cutbacks to throw down.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website



The art of Donna Baldassari

(Above) Crowley Gentile in the hook of a fun looking left hander.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikel Evans dropping in on Thursday February 27th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikel Evans leaning into a smooth top turn.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. 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) The sun tried to make an appearance but was denied by the clouds. Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ian and Mikey talking shop. I love it that there's such a creative group of shapers, designers, and riders here in our community.
Thursday February 27th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- More from the LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY
February 28th, 2025. Photos by Tony Berardini

(Above) There were still waves and action to shoot when Tony showed up. Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin was still out when I left and Tony showed up. Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This might be Terence Kirby. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+

Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.

(Above) The tide was rising but there were still a few nuggets to slip into.
Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This must be Jim's last wave. Otherwise he'd be going right. Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*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.

Today- The Miscellaneous NH Gallery From The Last Five To Ten Years. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Matt Colby from 2017. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Beautiful sunset from 2017. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) Max Fatello smooth glass. The Wall 2017. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) When the clouds meet the blue sky. 2016. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Raven Lundy Matt Colby from 2016. Photo by RALPH
*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.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.

Today- The Z-Files February 24th, 26th, and 28th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) I see Patch in this angle. Zorro Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) My other sanctuary is the woods. February 24th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I love where I live. Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The HILL February 28th, 2025.
Photos by Bob Costanzo



(Above) Looks like fun to me. Friday February 28th, 2025.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Can't tell if this is a goofyfoot or a regular foot.
Friday February 28th, 2025. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*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) Where there's a will there's a way. March 1st, 2025.
Photo by Capn Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) If it's too crowded? Pull the anchor and find another secluded reef or point break. March 1st, 2025. Photo by Capn Chambo
*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 # 789 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.

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

I see waves this coming Thursday March 6th

I'm picking 3-6-25 as the best of the two weeks

March 2nd, 2025

"Hey everybody just calm down. wait, on second thought. BAIL!" salute!"

(ABOVE) I don't ever see me getting in a canoe and catching waves at Waimea Bay. Photo courtesy of Surfline



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