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

MORE RAIN. MORE WIND. MORE COLD. MORE POLITICAL NONSENSE.



MARCH 19th 2024 THE VERNAL SPRING EQUINOX 11:06 PM
My buddy Rich Appel sent me a text at around 10:45 PM on Tuesday March 19th, 2024 to alert me to the Moon and the giant circle around it. I went out and snapped a quick cellphone pic of it. I know these circles around the moon typically mean rain is coming. But this particular circle seemed bigger than the others. My pic (below) is not as good as Rich's pic (above) . And I'm not sure what camera Rich was using, but his quality is much better than my cell phone pic.



The thing about our iPhones these days is we are all literally walking around with pretty decent cameras in our pockets. Case in point, when I used to run my two dogs in the woods I would always bring my NIKON water camera with me. You know, just in case I needed to shoot something out there. Nowadays I simply bring my phone. And the reason should be obvious. They are compact, light, and they take amazing photos. Are they as good as my REAL cameras? No. But they ain't bad.



Especially if you're just shooting the little things. Like this sky shot.
Or this pic I shot yesterday morning stepping out my front door.



My point is. I have to keep reminding myself that I always have a camera on me. It might not be the ultimate still camera or video camera (I do shoot a lot of video of my dogs in the woods), but they are pretty damn good and they are reliable.

My boys. Patch is 13 (turning 14 in a few months) and Zorro is 4.
I've shot more video and stills of these two dogs on my cellphone than all of my other dogs combined. It's pretty convenient. I shoot them and post them to my family and friends within seconds of taking them. I could never do that with my old cameras.

Look at me accepting change in my life. I'm not an old dinosaur after all.

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 24th, 2024



This is a pic of me at the Wall from March 12th, 2011. This was a cold day. And I was pretty beat from surfing earlier in the day. And the next day I would be skating with the SURFERS as we took on the Boston Bruins Alumni team. This was another fund raiser in memory of Molly Rowlee. I was in the midst of my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY campaign. For those who might not know, I Surfed every single day in Memory of this little girl Molly Rowley who passed away from cancer at the age of just 5. Ed was there for most of those days. I could always count on Ed being there documenting some of the bigger and scarier days.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS SPRING of 2024 (April/May).
My book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so.

It's looking more and more like the book will be out by the time I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate in April. BOOK and BLOG.

And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in the winter of 2024.

NEW SECRET SPOT UPDATE ON THEIR GO FUND ME PAGE FOR THEIR REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
I know it's hard to donate to so many of these GO FUND ME pages, but if you have ever eaten at SECRET SPOT especially after surfing? You know how much we need to have it back again. This is a surf owned operation. Surfers need surf food.

Every donation helps. No matter how bog or how small.

HELP HAMPTON'/S POPULAR SECRET SPOT REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024! CLICK ON THE AD ABOVE!

ATTENTION ALL NEW ENGLAND VIETNAM VETERANS
This might be something you all might be interested in. Personally, I'm not sure that celebrating the end of something that ended so badly is in order. But then again, if it's an overdue welcome home event? You might want to attend. I did attend a Honoring of Vietnam Vets back in 2018. Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots had 50 Vietnam Vets come to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. That was pretty cool. They had each of our names in lights going around the stadium. And we were all given a hat and a pin commemorating the 50th year of the end of hostilities in 1973. Plus we were all treated to a wonderful dinner and heard speakers (including Mr. Kraft). It was a nice time. This seems to just be a WELCOME HOME Event. I guess better late than never applies here.

The REAL Reason Donald Trump Turned Me Off?
Was when he said those terrible things about John McCain. As most of you already know, John McCain was a POW for over 5 years in North Vietnam. McCain was a bona fide war hero. Unlike Trump who got five draft deferments to keep from going to Vietnam. I don't really care who went to Nam and who didn't. But to mock those of us who did by calling us "Losers?" That's not OK. And by continually to mock McCain as late as last year in 2023 when he mimicked McCain being unable to lift his arm. He was badly wounded and tortured in Vietnam. And for Trump last year to mock him again? After he originally said McCain "Was not a hero. He's a hero because he got shot down. I prefer heroes who weren't shot down."
Google it. You'll see that disgusting POS say that. I loathe Donald Trump.



I have often said, that Trump has single handedly killed the party of Lincoln. I was a member of the GOP for most of my Adult life. Whenever this man came into the political arena and said the things he said about some very decent human beings? He lost me for good. And when the GOP backed him? They lost me for good. I am NO longer a member of the GOP. They are lost. The Party Of Lincoln is no longer valid. This meme above is coming true. The damage is done. And you can thank this criminal for the undoing of what was once a respectful party.

HERE'S ANOTHER REASON WHY THE GOP HAS LOST THEIR WAY.


NEW CALENDARS ARE ALMOST GONE.


Click on the image above to see the larger version.
This calendar might become a collectors item.

Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only are there pics of mine, but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more. *Send me an email or a Private Message to reserve a copy of this 20 year Calendar.

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Me and John McCain in 2007. I worked with him on both of his campaigns. He was an honest and good man, who served his country well. He would have made a great President.



I'm not sure who to believe with this Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter story. But something smells fishy here. And we ain't talking about Sushi. Our boy KSM will once again get the exclusive interview with these two for the GITMO GAZETTE. Ole Khaliddy is fast becoming a pretty good journalist. Go Get e'm Sheiky! Get the real story.

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 fresh SUSCHI at Home Depot this week.



LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI FINALLY GOT HIS KIDNEY! And his loving donor was none other than his own wife Andrea. What an amazing Story. Both Pete and Andrea are currently recuperating at MGH.

Talk about a True Love Story. Wow.

That's truly a heart warming story. And lord knows we could all use one of those. We are all wishing you both a quick recovery.

RICK EVANS and his wife KAREN EVANS



Rick called this the "BEST DAY OF MY LIFE" They have been together for 55 years. As some of you already know, Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome.

REST IN PEACE JUDY CHEW 95.
Mother of Surfer/Artist/Musician Stan Chew. Stan took this photo the night his mom passed away. May your mother rest in everlasting peace Stan. She lived an amazing life. RIP



HEAL QUICKLY Johnny Fatello Recovering from Back Surgery.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gale Brunault March 20th, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Noelle Rizzo March 27th, 2024!
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY Gus Fatello March 27th, 2024!
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY Angelo Fatello March 27th, 2024!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGENDS Norm Murphy and John Gooch 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

JEFF "BERTS" OBST TAKING OFF ON A COLD MARCH WALL
WAVE IN 1975.
I loved the 70's up here. We had a great crew of surfers. I mean we really did. And of course this guy was one of them. Jeff Bertleman Obst. A classic surfer/skateboarder. We surfed a lot of swells together. He has since been living in California. But I know he checks the Blog from time to time. Hope all is well with you brother Jeff. 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 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- SUNDAY MARCH 10th, 2024 Video Frame Grabs by by RALPH



(Above) Thats Crowley Gentile ripping the lid off this tin can left.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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) These VFG's are all from the movie embedded in the top
of this page. Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a late drop. Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Jake Davidson. Did he make it? Watch the video.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is pretty much what it was like all day long.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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) Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The waves were fun enough for everyone.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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) You had to be quick and concise to make these.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian Avante with one eye on the duck diver and the other
on the paddler. Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Slash and burn. Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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 is Mike Stanek disconnecting.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Nice carve across the Bay. Casey or Colby? Or neither?
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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 Mikey Evans. And this is a radical carve.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's my son-in-law Pete Rizzo out the back. That's a big wave.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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) That's Pete up front and I'm not sure who the Goofyfoot is.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Pev driving south with his foot on the accelerator.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is not going to end well. Still, this is a pretty gutsy move.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mike Stanek streaking across the midsection.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I'm not sure who this is, but he gets the last wave in the video.
Sunday March 10th, 2024. 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.

Today- MORE HAWAIIAN NORTH SHORE ACTION
MARCH 17th-22nd, 2024 Photos by by Jeff Crawford



(Above) There is only ONE Pipeline. Sunday March 17th, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This place is incredible from the water and on the beach.
Pipeline, Sunday March 17th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This a legit Pipe barrel. Sunday March 17th, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Pipeline. Sunday March 17th, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

(Above) This is the ultimate Pipe drop. March, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is what they come for. The chance to pull into a wide open barrel March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*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) Whacking lips at Rocky's.
March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above)The lip smacking is rampant at Rocky Point. March, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's no place like the North Shore of Oahu, HI. March, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE NICHOLS OHANA HAWAIIAN EXPERIENCE
MARCH 10th, 2024 Photos by Lenny Nichols

(Above) Julia Nichols up on the nose and styling.
North Shore of Oahu, HI. March, 2024.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) That's a killer carve by Kainalu Nichols.
North Shore of Oahu, HI. March, 2024. Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) There goes Nohea Nichols. Always charging.
North Shore of Oahu, HI. March, 2024. Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Julia Nichols . Oahu, HI. March, 2024.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kainalu was born in Hawaii. His roots run deep here.
North Shore of Oahu, HI. March, 2024.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*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) This is the life March 2024. Photo c/o Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is what they come for. March 2024.
Photo c/o Cap'n 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 # 765 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 all week long

I'm picking Wednesday March 27th, 2024 as the best of the week!

March 24th, 2024

"Should I close my eyes?"

(ABOVE) No. Keep them open. Ain't no telling how this is gonna end up.
Photo RALPH



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