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

HAPPY 19th ANNIVERSARY to The BLOG!
MORE RALPH'S PIC FROM WINTER 22-2023!

FROM April 15th, 2004...




...TO April 15th, 2023.

I woke up on Saturday morning and completely forgot that it was my 19th Anniversary of the Blog. April 15th, 2004 was the very first Blog. Talking with Dave Cropper recently, we both remember me doing a RALPH'S PIC OF THE WEEK on the old CINNAMON RAINBOW'S before I went out on my own. We both laughed because the early days of RPOTW was just that.

A single photograph. This was I believe in the late 90's.

I would run a single photo at the bottom of the front page of the CINNAMON RAINBOWS website. In fact, I was the one who registered their name, and I was actually the first webmaster of the site. Then Paulie came along and took over. I was still doing the one photo of the week and Paul was doing the more important stuff.

And as time went on I realized that running one pic per week was not enough.

So I talked with Dave about it and we decided that CR's would be the main banner at the top of the page. After all, there wouldn't have been a weekly Blog had I not first started with Dave on CINNAMON RAINBOWS. Even the first series of Blogs still had the one Pic of the week feature. But then I added the Yesterday pic as well. And as you can imagine things took off from there. The digital age was exploding. There were no iPhones and Blackberry's yet. Or not to the extent to which there are now. It was all so new and exciting.

In the last 19 years, we lost a lot of good friends and family.

Some of those losses I still haven't gotten over. But like everyone else who has lost a loved one, you learn to accept it, and move on. And that's what I've tried to do. Remember them, and honor them. But you still need to move on.

And that's what I've been doing since 2004. There were some local surfers and friends that we lost over the last 19 years that will never be forgotten. To name just a few: Greg Smith, Rick Savastano, Ed O'Connell, Little Molly Rowlee, John "JT" Taylor, Robin Rowell, Walter Helfer, Linda Paugh, Steve McCarthy, Gert Keefe, Frank, Ginny, Alan, and Carylynn Grondin, Mr and Mrs Ron Appel, and on my own side of the family, my father-in-law Jerry Bunton, JoEllen Bunton, my sister Evamarie, my mother Eva, and my nephew Michael Colby. And I lost some close pets. Because let's face it, pets are family too. Gunny, Scout, and Comet are missed every single day. And I personally had a few health scares in the last 19 years. And some of them have had some lingering longterm semi serious concerns. But like I've said to my immediate family and close friends, "You can't kill me." And you can't.

Of course there have been many wonderful marriages and so many wonderful births since then. My four granddaughters and my two son-in-laws. Dave Cropper's daughter Veda and so many. The Wounded Warriors Hit The Beach, The Surfing with Smiles, and all the talented photographers who have submitted pics over the years. Like Brian Nevins, Jeff Chamberlain, Martha Lardent, Jeff Crawford, Ed O'Connell, Tony Berardini, Dina Crawford, Lenny Nichols, Erica Nardone, Brayden Rudert, Stephen Avola, Mindy Bocko, Jerry Law, Brian Landergan, and there's too many more to name.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank all the sponsors who advertise on the Blog. Especially CINNAMON RAINBOWS, BACK TO HEALTH, AMERICAN FLATBREAD, and all the others. And of course, I need to thank the thousands of weekly readers around the Globe. You guys are the real reason I do this.

It's hard to believe that so many of the surfers who read this Blog every week were not even born when I started it. Or some were just toddlers. Ha ha. It just cracks me up.

Then there were the Big Stories.
The Global War On Terror was in full swing. We were in deep in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The Boston Marathon bombing is 10 years old this week. Man that went by fast. We have been through several presidents, Bush, Obama, 45, and 46. The music world has lost some giants and gained a few too. We lost world leaders and a shit ton of famous folks too. And how can we forget the last few years of Covid? We can't, because that shit is still here.
The local stories like: the Fire in August that took out CR's, The Secret Spot, and North Beach bar & Grille. And Dave Cropper's Stroke. Yikes.

So where do we (I) go from here?
That's a good question. I'm glad I asked it. My plan all along was to do this for 20 years. Next April 15th, 2004 will be my 20th year. If I make it, I'll certainly be up for some kind of celebration. I mean think about it. I have been doing this every single week for 20 years. Every week. No matter what. And look, I'm not counting my chickens before they are hatched. So lets stick with what I've done so far. 19 years. 228 months. 6,935 days. No time off. None. Don't believe me? Check the archives. They are all still there.

So my plan is one of three things come next 4-15-24.

1. KEEP GOING AS IS. EVERY SINGLE WEEK. (Highly unlikely).

2. GO MONTHLY. Like the old SURFER Magazine. (High probability).

3. QUIT. WALK AWAY. RETIRE. (Remote possibility).

You'll have to tune in next year at this time to find out which of the three above, I will be doing. Meanwhile, expect more of the same as we approach this 20th trip around the Sun. I'll see you on the beach. And please don't talk to me while I'm actually shooting/working. Wait until I bring my camera down by my side. Then say hello. I shoot a lot of video, with sound.

So please, wait until I'm done shooting before we shoot the shit.

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 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 APRIL 9th, 2023



This pic was shot on April 18th, 2008. The surfer is Christos Valhouli and he's surfing the Wall. It's funny, I just saw Christos last week at KB's bagel shop on King's Highway. I had not been there in a few months, and I always look forward to going there, because not only will I undoubtedly run into old friends, but I also get to see my old surf mural on the back wall that I painted years ago. This pic had some color issues, and Ed was on the fence about sending them to me. But I remember saying to Ed, "Send them to me anyway. Besides, the surfers won't mind. They never do. They are just stoked to see pics of themselves surfing." And it's true. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

LOCAL SEACOAST TEEN TYLER NEWCOMB AGE 13
IS HAVING A FUND RAISER TO HELP THOSE WITH PROSTHETIC LEGS .



From Erica Nardone:

"Tyler is local 8th grader in North Hampton. This started as an Extended Learning Opportunity at school. He really wanted to teach a kid with a prosthetic to skateboard. His idea has grown and now he is determined to try to raise money to help kids that need prosthetics (with an emphasis on being hands on and helping them skate etc). He is also trying to raise money to bring a speaker to school who is an amputee.

I love that this is all him. He has taken an idea and is absolutely determined to follow it through and make it happen. I thought you might appreciate what he is trying to do. I think of how both Surfing With Smiles and Wounded Warriors started with someone with an idea and the passion to make it happen.

This kid is only 13. At this point it is 100 percent him putting in the work. I'm just trying to support him!"



If Erica Nardone is supporting this kid? That's all the recommendation I need to know. If you can help out, please
click on the images above or scan this image.
Thank you. GO GOOFY FOOTS!

I sure look a lot older than I did 19 years ago.

PLEASE HELP THIS LEGEND.

Click on the image above to help out Dean Randazzo. Thank you.



DO NOT BE ALARMED. DO NOT TRY AND AJUST YOUR DEVICE.
This is a a Lenticular Cloud that I took a photo of last week in Hampton.
In fact, the entire READERS Gallery is full of pics that were shot on this same day of these rare and peculiar clouds. *If my late father were alive today, he would swear that this is not a cloud but an alien spaceship. You know that there are a bunch of people out there who believe that as well. My father was not alone in that line of thinking. Most folks believe just that.

We are indeed, NOT ALONE. What do you believe?



Here's another shot. I pulled over along the wall to shoot this with my iPhone.
Check out the READERS section for more pics of these ultra cool clouds.

RING AROUND THE NOGGIN.



I SAW THIS ON THE INTERNET THIS WEEK AND CRACKED UP.
Why? Well back in 1989 on Oahu in Hawaii, I actually came up with this exact concept. Only I called it RING HEAD. My fellow surf brothers will testify to this fact. See my hand drawn illustration below.

I did this in 1989 on Oahu's North Shore. And these guys (below) were present when I did it. Oh to go back in time again.

The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.
A documentary that has been 59 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

The BOSTON BRUINS and The BOSTON CELTICS are in the PLAY-OFFS. The "C's" played their first game against the The Atlanta Hawks and smoked them (though things got dicey in the 4th qtr). But they were not to be denied. The "B's" on the other hand went on to win an unprecedented 65 wins setting a new record in their regular season. They will face the Panthers on Monday April 17th. I'd be pretty optimistic if I were a hardcore BRUINS fan. But the Panthers beat the Bruins twice during the regular season.

But like the team and Coach Montgomery say, "This is a brand new season. We're 0-0 like everyone else. The Presidents Trophy don't mean a thing right now. That's the past. The Play-Offs are what we're focusing on. One game at a time. Regardless of how this all plays out, these are exciting times for The Boston Celtics and The Boston Bruins! GO B's! Go C's!

And speaking of Hockey...

LOCAL HOCKEY/SURF STAR KODY GRONDIN MARRIES LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND LILLI LAPIERRE IN A COVERT BEACH WEDDING ON APRIL 13th, 2023!



Kody and Lilli pictured here with "Best Man Finn" at the Rocks last week. We wish them the very best!



Gramps and Granddaughter Number Four. Taking those first steps are so important. I did this with all three of my kids, and I have done it with with her three older cousins. And now I'm doing it with her. It's the little things in life that truly matter.



This is a rare and exclusive photo of Speaker of The House Kevin McCarthy playing WHACK A MOLE with 45 and KSM. Once Khaliddy caught wind of the game he opted out. He thought the game was silly and degrading. Though 45 who is a glutton for punishment (how else do you account for his never ending stream of constant bullshit and lies) was all in. A few whacks to the Orange Headed Menace's noggin set the tone for the rest of the game. In the end, McCarthy let 45 win. Turns out he couldn't bear the thought of 45 crying and complaining about losing again.



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 rubber Mallets at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY David Robinson April 2nd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Don Rose April 2nd, 2023!
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY Malia Rizzo April 8th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike Keefe April 9th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Duffy McCarthy April 9th, 2023!
GET WELL SOON Tracey Drane wife of Dustin Devlin.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Heal quickly Gary Ritchie who's going through PT for a messed up shoulder.
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
Please Keep local surfer Bill M. in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com



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. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

AFTER SURFING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE IN 1975.
That's Dick Lovell on the left and the man himself, Mr Jerry Law on the right. Ron Freeman took this classic pic of two of Southern Maine's Surf Icons. Jerry Law is a lot like me. He has documented so many of the special moments in our surf culture in Northern New England. I love getting his hand written letters every now and then. And I always know he's going to include a old fashioned print. None of this digital crap with Jerry. He is totally old school. And I love it. Thank you Jerry for the kind words and the nice cards. And Thank You brother for sending me these classic old photos. You're the best! Photo by Ron Freeman

*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- THE LEFTOVER PICS FROM THE ESM RPOTW WINTER GALLERY April 16th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is Kody Grondin from March 1st, 2023.
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) This is a wild scene from December 23rd, 2022.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Christmas Eve Morning. December 24th, 2022.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

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

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) This is Kyle Linseman from February 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Lars Hamilton from February 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.

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

(Above) This is Matt Colby on February 24th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kevin "DOC" Grondin from January 7th 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This Mackey V from January 17th, 2023. 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) This Richie from Summer Sessions from January 17th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kyle and Alexa from January 26th, 2023.
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) This is Brian BMO Morse from January 26th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Max Fatello from January 26th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Carter Walsh on March 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) This is Jack Madden on March 15th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE LEFTOVER EMPTY WAVE PICS FROM THE ESM RPOTW WINTER GALLERY April 16th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is a perfect set. March 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is another kind of perfect set. December 23rd, 2022
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The COLDEST DAY Ever. Minus 8 degrees with a minus 20 below wind chill factor. February 4th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) The COLDEST DAY Ever. Mini frozen tubes. Minus 8 degrees with a minus 20 below wind chill factor. February 4th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is one of those crystal lip tubes. February 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is just a beautiful classic barrel. February 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The end of the day. February 8th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) These are the kinds of waves I would draw as a kid.
January 7th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is a perfect two way peak. January 17th, 2023.
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.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) This is a blustery perfect peak. January 26th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Love the afternoon sun. The end of the day. March 15th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Last train leaving the station. March 15th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE APRIL 12th, 2023 SWELL Photos by RALPH

(Above) Michael (Mikey) Lynch was out surfing with his Mom.
April 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A very Spring looking scene. April 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael (Mikey) Lynch on a nicely tapered right.
April 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Noreen Lynch sharing fun little zippers with just her son.
April 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael and Noreen Lynch sharing life.
April 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*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 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.

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

(Above) Dan Lahey's version of the LENTICULAR Cloud. April 12th, 2023.
Photo Dan Lahey
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And here's Dan Riley's version of the LENTICULAR Cloud.
April 12th, 2023. Photo Dan Riley
*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 # 720 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 Warren Bolster
*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 a NOPE!

I picked Tuesday as the best of the week 4-18-23 ugh...

APRIL 16th, 2023

"OH SNAP. THIS AIN'T GONNA BE GOOD. THIS GONNA BE BAD. LIKE REAL BAD. GOOD THING I DON'T OWN THIS SKI. "

(ABOVE) Another crazy pic from the Internet. Photo by Uncle Google



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