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February 23, 2014 The RUN is 16 out of 17 Weeks
Waist high or better, at least once a week. There was
Surf from QUINTUS and REX this week . 16th and the 19th
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From the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima to the Flag Waving
at Sochi!

I know it's hard for some of you surfers to wrap your head around this image and to be able to glean anything from it. But for me? This iconic photo changed my life for good when I first saw it. The photo was taken by Joe Rosenthal 69 years ago on this very day. It quickly became the most famous photo of WWII. I know you have all seen it.

There have been books, movies, and plays about this image.



I don't have an exact day or time when I first saw it. I just remember my reaction to it. I asked my dad about it. He told me "those are Marines on Iwo Jima". He went on to say. "Your Uncle Bruno was there." My dad had missed Iwo, but he had fought on many of the other Pacific Islands. I instantly became interested in the Marines. I do remember staring at this photo over and over again.

To me it represented all of what America was about at the time.

Embroiled in a deadly War on two fronts. Germany and Japan. Things were bleak for both of our enemies, but not bleak enough to continue fighting to the last man. It must of been such an intense time both for the men and women on the front lines, to the men and women back home. I'm sure that once this photo went public, it lifted their spirits.

It certainly did for the Marine Corps.

Because if I joined the Marines after seeing this photo years later, I'm sure there were hundreds of thousands more who joined during that time. The war ended 6 months later, so most of the new recruits ended up as occupation troops in Japan or if they hung around long enough, the Korean war was looming for the US in 1950.

Followed by the war in Vietnam, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I had the special privilege to stand next to this flag on the 65th anniversary February 23, 2010. I was visiting the Marine Corps museum in Virginia with my good friend and fellow Marine George Masten. And we just so happened to be there on the exact anniversary of the flag raising.

I was awestruck to be standing next to "THE" Flag.



And George and I, won't forget this day, for as long as we both shall live. And for George's sake, I hope that's a long time coming.

The Marines at the museum have a sense of humor and honor. As they sculpted the flag raising out of snow for this special day.



So from the flag raising, to the flag waving at the SOCHI Olympic winter games, it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement and patriotism of our US athletes competing for our country.



And like this stoked snowboarder Sage Kotsenburg who won the GOLD for the USA. It was one of those moments in sports history, that will forever be embedded in the hearts and minds of those who competed, and for those who coached, as well as their families and friends. And the millions of Americans at home who watched them.

It was a time to feel good about our lives, and our country.


"A proud swelling heart heals all wounds!"

 







OK so you can't win them all. But Bergeron playing for Canada? Oh man that was not right. And Tukka Rask playing for Finland? WTF? It was like watching something from one of those Superman comics where everyone is in Bizarre World. Am I right people? Glad the hockey is over so we can get our team back together. Damn.



And while everyone was cheering at the Olympics, a few hundred miles away there was hardly any cheering going on. In fact, there was a whole lot of screaming coupled with a lot of violence. The Ukraine was erupting in major protests. And there is still no end it sight. The Olympics was a mere distraction to what is going on in the rest of the world.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances
The other BIG news stories of the week is the political unrest in Venezuela (Yes Joe Kennedy that Venezuela). Forget the oil that is helping a few families here and there with Joe Kennedy, and his giant toothy smile.

There is UNREST there. And people are dying.

The same political parties that Kennedy is hanging out with, are causing major problems there.



I know this is political. But you and I can't turn a blind eye to this kind of unrest. Not saying we put boots on the ground, but there are things we can do to help quell this unrest.

In other news. This clown is going to jail for 60 years. I'm all for the second amendment. But this Stand Your Ground Rule is a bit fuzzy to me. This guy could have easily driven away from this scene. Loud music? Dude? Drive away. Live another day.



Now you are going away for a long time. All for what? Loud Rap music? There's a lesson here for all. Roll up your windows and look the other way.

And now for my weekly humiliation of Khalid Sheik Muhummed (KSM) the mastermind behind 9-11. This week KSM is seen with the Ole Shoe Bomber. I guess there is a new threat with Al Qeada using shoe bombs again. So here we see the two asswipes together at GITMO talking about how to put a bomb in your shoe.

So once again, let's all take a minute, and enjoy the weekly humiliation of the mastermind terrorist who killed 3,000 innocent civilians on September 11th, 2001.



* Note to self. Must pick up a case of shoe polish at Home Depot this week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lenny Nichols February 22nd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Phil Carey February 22nd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elisa Allen Beriau February 23rd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike O'Neill February 23rd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Garret Krapf February 25th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete Jacobs February 26th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kel Swell February 26th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Alex Ritchie February 27th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Justin Ambrosino February 28th, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Paul PT Sullivan March 1st, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Heidi LaShay March 1st, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Erin Keenan March 2nd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dick Messeroll March 2nd, 2014!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Joe Somogyi March 2nd, 2014!

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Cropper family as James Cropper is facing some serious health problems. Your comfort to the family is welcomed by the whole Cropper family.

And please continue to send positive thoughts and prayers to our dear friend Debra White and family.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING 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

 


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Yesterday- NH Surf Crew -February 22nd, 1987 Oahu, HI
 (Below) Because my mind is not as sharp as it used to be, I am having a hard time recognizing every face in this photo. I do see Kevin Grondin, myself, Harry Manzi, Arlene and Lenny Nichols, Stork and Bud. This was at Lenny's birthday party on Hawaii's North Shore. February 22nd, 1987. It was a good time for all. Aloha.
 Photo courtesy of Lenny Nichols



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All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.

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Today- QUINTUS February 16th, 2014. Photos by RALPH



(Above) There was not the size of the last few winter storms. But QUINTUS was pretty. Sunday February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) QUINTUS the weakest. Sunday February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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(Above) Kai Nichols riding the dropping swell of QUINTUS. February 16th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

 



(Above) Taking that walk in the snow is a rite of passage. QUINTUS.
February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Carter Walsh making the best of a dropping swell and a duck diving elder. February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

 

 






(Above) Lenny drifting over the weeds and snow drifts. QUINTUS among us.
February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- QUINTUS & REX Empty Waves Feb. 14th, & 19th, 2014. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Empty QUINTUS. Sunday February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Empty QUINTUS bowl. Sunday February 16th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) The sun came out for REX and although it was small, it was glassy.
February 19th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.





(Above) The REX swell and the rising sun. February 19th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




Today- QUINTUS SEQUENCE February 16th, 2014.
 Photos by RALPH



(Above) Kai Nichols managed to get this sweet little barrel in the blustery
peaky conditions. February 16th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



Today- REX Swell and Snow Scenes February 19th, 2014.
 Photos by RALPH



(Above) I'm calling this my self portrait. Can you see me? February 19th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Virgin run right here. February 19th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
   



(Above) Are these seats taken? No...but they will be soon enough.
February 19th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.





(Above) The day was filled with visual eye candy. February 19th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) Oh yea, there was surf. But it was small. February 19th, 2014.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



 



(Above) James Morse fresh back from PR was out sharing waves with Johnny Reynolds. *Check the video clip this week for their soul session, along with
Stevie O'Hara. February 19th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) James Morse. February 19th, 2014. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.







Today- More PAX Saturday February 15, 2014.
Photos by Lenny Nichols



(Above) Who takes off deeper than Johnny Meehan? February 15-2014.
Photo by Lenny Nichols *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
   



(Above) Kai Nichols flying along the PAX swell. February 15-2014.
Photo by Lenny Nichols *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



Today- RANDOM PHANTOM PICS February 2014.
Photos by The PHANTOM



(Above) The sunsets in California are the best. February -2014.
Photo by The PHANTOM *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.






We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me. We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. Shoot and ask questions later.





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(Above) Christian Kozowyk sent this in from his surf travels. February - 2014
Photo by Christian Kozowyk
*Click on the photo above to see the whole photo gallery.



(Above) Sean Foley sent this sunrise photo in to warm us up. February -2014.
Photo by Sean Foley *Click on the photo above to see the whole photo gallery.

(Above) Before he paddled out on Friday morning Jay Hammer took this photo on
his phone and sent it to me. Hawaii Friday February 21, 2014
 Photo by Jay Hammer *Click on the photo above to see the whole photo gallery.		 boat



(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE 254 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by RALPH
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CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

Winter Storm QUINTUS came on the heels of PAX ( a more potent swell producing storm). None the less, the white snow, and the waist to chest high waves, were perfectly groomed by the offshore winds. It was "picture perfect". The only thing lacking was the bigger waves we have been experiencing with the other winter storms. There were waves up north and down south. But here in NH it was just waist to chest high.

Lucky for me I ran into Kai Nichols this morning and he can surf anything from 2' to 10' and absolutely kill it. So sending Kai out in waist to chest high was a no brainer. He slayed the mini QUINTUS swell.

Another lucky thing happened. My nephew Jesse AKA QWILL sent me an email after watching the last two clips I edited and wanted to send me a couple of instrumentals he has been working on. The result is a perfect blend of contemporary surfing by Kai coupled with the hip cool techno beats from Jesse. The clip flows with the QWILL music added.

But hey, you judge for yourself. My opinion is slightly biased. After all Jesse is my nephew, and I'm Kai's surf uncle! Check out QUINTUS from Surf Free Or Die. And look for the full feature THE COLD COAST in late March.

OK, so REX was not anything close to the previous winter storms as far as surf goes. However, REX was the prettiest damn storm we've had all winter. It was a literal Winter Wonderland out there. Just so incredibly breathtakingly beautiful. If you love the look of snow in the woods, and on the coast, then REX was an A plus storm. So damn pretty out there.

But the surf was rather small. It didn't make a difference to the three surfers I shot today. Johnny Reynolds, James Morse, and Stevie O'Hara surfed the waist to chest high waves at the Wall, and made the best of it.

The music is once again by my nephew Jesse Ciarmataro (QWILL) and it really moves the visual nicely. This clip will be part of the THE COLD COAST the latest documentary from Surf Free Or Die.

 

 





 

THE COLD COAST from SURF FREE OR DIE / Ralph's Pic Of The Week

The LATEST Release from SURF FREE OR DIE due in March 2014 is called THE COLD COAST. This trailer is a clip from the last few winter storms here in Northern New England. HERCULES and JANUS are featured the most. The sea smoke and sunrise footage is worth the viewing alone.

The surfing in this particular clip is all local New Hampshire guys. Including: Jesse Gould, Weston Rogers, Johnny Meehan, Joel Feid, Lenny & Kai Nichols, and Max Fatello.

The music in this clip is by my old friend Robin Trower .

THE COLD COAST....Coming Soon.

 










"In The Heart Of North Conway!"




"Ride All Day And Into The Night!"




"Where Snow Is Just Around The Corner!"




"Near And Neighborly!"


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COMING NEXT WEEK PHANTOM LAND LOCKED PICS 2-20-14

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COMING NEXT WEEK Phantom goes North by motor vehicle!!!

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Today February 23rd, 2014
"What you never heard of snow boarding?"



(Above) James Morse taking advantage of the elements. Photo by RALPH


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