David Kohlhase 18 years old of Rye, NH lost his life this week in a tragic accident. He was killed while sledding down a mountain with friends at night in Maine. 17 year old Max Malila is still in critical condition. The reasons why he died, is of little importance, as to how he lived. From all of those who knew David, he was quite a remarkable young man. A senior in High School, David was looking forward to getting his Captain's license. As these two photos proves, he had a passion for fishing and the sea.



For you land lubbers, that's one big Tuna! I remember when he caught this.

I also know of men who have spent their entire adult lives dreaming of hooking into a big Tuna, and never achieving that dream. The fact that an 18yr old could haul in a fish of that magnitude speaks volumes of what kind of man could accomplish such a feat.

One local surfer Kai Nichols knew David well enough to have joined him many times out at sea. Including the day he hooked into this beast of a Tuna. 565lbs of fight in that fish. Lars Hamilton another local surfer was with them. Just the three of those young men. "David was a hardworking, humble man. We are forever brothers in this life, and the next." Kai told me. Those memories they shared will last forever.

Dealing with losing a friend of your own age is difficult. Lord knows, I've lost a few being 18years old in Vietnam. It's not something you get used to. I know this is not the same, but that loss and the feeling of emptiness is.

Right now, David's friends and family need prayers and good thoughts.

And after the grieving period is over, they should do and create some positive events in his memory. The main thing is to remember. The more you speak of him and run events in his memory, the longer he stays with you. Remembering is the word to hold dear today. Remember David Kohlhase.



Remember David Kohlhase and pray for his family.

Meanwhile, we offer our condolences to his family from the Surfers of NH and beyond. And a special Get well to Max.

OK the other semi tragic news this week has to be Tom Brady and his hand.
I swear, it always seems like something pops up before a big game with this team. And unfortunately, 9 out of 10 times it's an injury. But I can think of no other injury more concerning than Brady's throwing hand. Can you?



It's interesting and amusing to hear all the theories being bandied about. "This is a ploy! He's not really hurt. Hoya will start. The sky is falling!" Look, it's not a ploy. They don't need to create phony scenarios to beat any opponent. The man is hurt. Caught his throwing hand on the buckle of one of his teammates. He cut his thumb up near the knuckle. The cut required four stitches. Four stitches in his throwing hand.



He wore gloves to his press conference. He was mum on all questions concerning his hand and throwing ability. He was also very elusive on whether or not he'd start the game. This is serious.



And nobody is more serious than this man. I have to admit I love watching his press conferences. How he is able to keep that straight face when he knowingly gives the most insulting answers to questions from the timid media. They are all terrified of him. It's amusing to me. He's not exactly Mr Nice.



OK so last week on social media I posted this old photo of me from 1974. Someone said I looked like George Harrison. So I created this photoshop, putting George and I side by side. I don't know, I guess I kind of see it. But then again, I kind don't. Flattering for sure. I mean George is a Beatle!
And I LOVED The Beatles.

"Remembering Those We Lost Heals All Wounds"

Julie Jakoboski back in 2013. That's five years ago now. She was still wearing a leash back then. Not any more. It's hard to believe this was 5 years ago. It's also hard to believe that we are coming up on 4 years of Ed's passing. Time waits for no one. 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
This morning the US Government is CLOSED. The two warring parties in our country could not see eye to eye so the DOORS CLOSED. I wish someone could explain to me how the Congress and the Senate will still Get paid in a Government Shutdown. You know, the more things change, the more they stay the same. To me, it's politics as usual.



They can't help themselves. They hate each other. It's Dammed if you do, and dammed if you don't.

Speaking of hate...this.



Every now and then a story finds it's way onto the news and Internet that just stops me cold in my steps. These two evil sons of bitches are being charged with torturing and other horrendous acts on their 13 children. You know, I was wondering whatever happened to Sonny and Cher.

I won't write their names. They are not worthy of anything but disdain and punishment. Hopefully their children will end up in a good home and environment, and undergo years of therapy, to help them deal with living with these two monster parents.

There is a hell. And sometimes it's right next door.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
The appearance of the two monster parents was another media circus. And none of us should be surprised that the most evil of all human beings still left on this planet was present and working with the defense team. How the hell KSM got this job is yet another mystery. How does KSM show up in these weekly scenes?
I guess I'm to blame here. After all, I'm Mr Photoshop.



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 "Rogaine for Women" at Home Depot this week.



CONDOLENCES to the Kohlhase family of Rye NH for the
loss of their son David.
GET WELL Max Malila in your recovery!
GET WELL JoEllen Bunton Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you!!
THE NEW GRANITE GIRLS poster!




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

Today- The WALL Surf from January 14th, 2018
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Why the Wall? Why the hell not? Sunday January 14th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) When the gull soars over the line-up, nobody cares to look up.
Sunday January 14th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This was one of those pleasant surprises I sometimes get without really knowing the results until I get back to the studio. Two barrels!
Sunday January 14th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The end of the day, and well worth the hassle.
Sunday January 14th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) David Powers always sends me the coolest empty snow wave pics from out west. January 12th, 2018 Photo by David Powers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And speaking of cool...Mindy Bocko's great capture of a Snowy Owl with an actual wave behind it. I think this might be the first one of it's kind. January 15th, 2018 Photo by Mindy Bocko
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos