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

HOLY WEEK OF WAVES. THREE DOG TALES.
HAPPY PASSOVER & HAPPY EASTER!



THREE DAYS IN MARCH
March 24th, 26th, and 27th, 2024

OK so winter ended on March 18th, 2024. No it didn’t. Saturday March 23rd, 2024  5 days into Spring, we got hit with the biggest snow storm of the entire season. 25” of powder up north gave skiers and snowboarders something to get excited about. Epic conditions echoed across the White Mountains in NH and Maine saw equally as good in spots like Sugarloaf and beyond. Meanwhile back on the coast we got drenched. It was like the monsoons hit here on Saturday March 23rd.

This after a brief coating of the white stuff. She rained like you read about. So we all hunkered down in the bunkers and waited for it to stop. Once it did, we all came out and waited for the conditions to further clean up. While some did make an attempt to paddle out on Saturday, the rest of us waited for Sunday the 24th to start the week with a proper run.

Now, it’s no secret that I have been around the block a few times when it comes to winter conditions. I have seen it and surfed it during the biggest and nastiest of winter days. But Sunday March 24th, 2024? That shit was freaking beyond cold. Again, this is not my first rodeo. I know what to wear as far as keeping my white ass warm. I was in several layers of upper and lower winter clothing. I had my winter jacket with hood attached and my arctic muck boots and I was wearing my warm winter shooting gloves.

The wind was out of the NW and it was honking, but again, I’ve been in colder conditions. But for the life of me, I don’t know what the hell happened. But my fingers were absolutely  frozen. I mean it wasn’t that cold. It was in the low 20’s. But for us? That shit is clearly doable.  Yet I did everything possible to keep my fingers in working order, but it was not happening. I feel like a complete "woose" admitting this, but I had to leave. I literally had to leave. I was that cold.

At first I thought, OK I’m 73. And I always say: “The Older You Get The Colder You Get.” But this?

I was not able to continue shooting. So I left. Later Johnny Meehan who also goes by JIM and as I am fond of calling him JOHNNY CHISEL told several others that the surf session on march 24th, 2024 was the COLDEST session of the year. Now that needs repeating. “The surf session on Sunday March 24th, 2024 was the COLDEST of the season.” His words vindicated me and I felt 10 times better. We couldn’t figure it out. I mean the water temps were in the low 40’s but clearly we have all been in colder water. And the air temps in the low 20’s? Big deal. That’s nothing. So maybe it was the wind? Yes and no. It was stiff but we have all been in way windier conditions. I guess it was a combination of all the elements. One thing is for sure, I was not alone in the cold assessment.

So how about the surf? Eh. There were clean little zippers on Sunday and Chisel was getting his fair share. Johnny is 64. He is one of the younger in the older crew. But he’s in great shape and no body and I mean NOBODY surfs the Rocks more than JIM. Nobody. Most of my pics from these 3 days are of Chisel on his 8’ Ricky Carroll TMM (tuned mini-me). Johnny Chisel is a legend among legends up here in the Great White North. Everybody knows him, and everybody loves him.

Thank God he was out there because he was taking off on all the bombs on the 26th. The conditions for shooting were deplorable. Wrong winds, with a misty nonstop rain. But that’s New England in the Winter/Spring. Shitty weather is the norm. But we had some size. And there were plenty of workable faces to play with. And the biggest and the best plus factor of all was; the crowds were tolerable. Another confusing mystery. Minimal crowds in the Spring with a sizable swell? Yup. So the boys who were around made the best of it.

The Grondin boys. Kevin and Kody. Though Kevin was bitching that Kody took his board. Hey what are surf dads for anyway? Matt Colby was out, Kenny Linseman was doing multiple marathon sessions, Lars Hamilton, Brian Joyce, Kalani, Brian "BMO" Morse, The Kirby boys Terence and JoJo, and Tyler Moore was out on his new Mikel Evans board and having a blast. The one thing that wasn’t out, was the sun. But hey who cares? NH Surfers are gonna surf in every kind of condition that Mother Nature throws at you. After all, it could always be worse. Way worse.

There’s gonna be more surf the next few days, but the biggest most consistent hit on the 26th & the 27th. Don’t forget, just because the calendar says it’s Spring, the ocean didn’t get that memo. The coldest water is always in March. At least it was for me. But what the hell do I know? I only surfed every single freaking day twice in my life for 365 consecutive days when I turned 50, and when I turned 60. I know what cold is ya little bastards. Now get out there and catch a wave. And if your lucky, I might get a decent pic of you. Or worse, I might get a decent pic of you flailing on a nice wave and post it with a Ralph comment. Ouch.

Oh yeah baby. That’s how Homie plays.

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 31st, 2024



This is a pic of Mike Stanek on a beautiful wave from January 31st, 2013.The year before he passed away. Damn, this seems like yesterday. 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/June).
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 after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. 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.

OK. I TRIED TO STAY AWAY FROM 45 AND HIS INSANE BS THAT HE SPEWS OUT EVERY OTHER DAY. BUT THIS? HOCKING BIBLES ON EASTER? HOLY WEEK? I'M SORRY TO ALL YOU MAGANUTS WHO SUPPORT HIM. BUT THIS IS A NEW LOW, EVEN FOR HIM.
So, here's a bunch of MEMES that I gathered from Social Media. One that I did, and others that are too brilliant to pass up. I'm sorry, but if you're gonna do stupid shit like this during HOLY WEEK? I'm gonna comment and post it. You lowlife CONMAN. You should be ashamed of yourself.



This one is partly one of mine. I did the writing. The image was off one of his posts. He actually compared himself to Jesus. I mean in the name of God, how can any semi intelligent Christian be OK with this? He is the biggest lying conman to ever walk the face of the earth. He better hope that Jesus is not paying attention. Comparing himself to Jesus?



There's probably some truth to this Meme.



Again, kudos to this cartoonist David Whamond. Brilliant.



He should NEVER be allowed to walk into the Oval Office ever again.



The sad part? Some of those MAGNUTS who can't afford a pot to piss in will buy one of these. The other sad thing? You can get Bibles for FREE!
WAKE UP AMERICA! This man does NOT care about you, He only cares about one person. Himself. HE IS A CONMAN. Don't be fooled by him.

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.” 

THREE TRUE DOG STORIES



This week was a tough one for three dog owning families. Starting with my own family. A week ago tomorrow my 4yr old GSP (German Shorthair Pointer) Zorro was badly injured in the woods when he was either cut by barbwire, of some other sharp object. He was cut so bad that I thought he would pass away right on the spot. And I was parked 2 miles from where it happened. And I had our other dog Patch who is 13 with me.

I have not seen a wound that severe since Vietnam. But miraculously we managed to get him to the ER in Newington NH where they stitched through 4 layers of muscle, and his skin. It was very scary. And we had a few setbacks but he's doing better as of today. Zorro will be back to normal in 3 weeks.



Murphy was a good dog. Or as Malia (Pete and Noelle's daughter) would say "Good boy. Good boy."



Our son-in-law Pete and his family, lost their beloved Golden "Murphy" on March 27th. We were all so bummed after hearing this. Being dog lovers and all, it was heart breaking for Pete and his parents (Pete, Jenn, and brother Jeff). Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers on this Easter Holiday.



AND FINALLY RIP to K9 HENRY from the Seabrook PD
This is another heart breaker. Henry was the partner to Officer Tyler Houldsworth.



I'm sure this week's KSM would be no surprise to you weekly readers. I mean whenever Khaliddy heard about the Bible story? He had to get the scoop on this story. Though I heard from fellow reporters that our boy KSM was sickened by this latest scam from the Orange Devil. But the GITMO GAZETTE wanted this story and who better than The Sheik himself could bring the story to life at GITMO. Ole Khaliddy is all about getting the real story. And he will go to any length to bring it to you.

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 REAL USED BIBLES at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. 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.

HAPPY EASTER! HAPPY PASSOVER!
HEAL QUICKLY SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI And his loving donor wife Andrea. Both are recovering at MGH.
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

YOURS TRULY FROM 1970 to 2024.
I did an interview on Saturday March 23rd, 2024 in Gloucester. This photo and story ran in the Gloucester Daily Times and the Salem Evening News last week. Stupid me, I did not go out and get a copy. If anyone has an extra copy or one that you don't want please contact me via email ralph@adlantic.com. The story of me skateboarding on the flight deck of the LPH is in my book. Photo by Ethan Forman
*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 LAST MARCH SWELL 3-24-24 Photos by RALPH



(Above) That's as cold as it ever gets around here.
Sunday March 24th, 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) That's Kalani on a cold ass shit right.
Sunday March 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And this is Johnny "Chisel" Meehan AKA JIM. Jim said it was the coldest session of the year. And that is saying a lot.
Sunday March 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Chisel Chiseling along at lowtide.
Sunday March 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's the last cold day of 2024...(I think).
Sunday March 24th, 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.

Today- THE LAST MARCH SWELL 3-26-24 Photos by RALPH

(Above) Big JIM or Johnny Chisel. Taking the drop on
Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Terence Kirby on Tuesday March 26th, 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) The LONE Board. Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This? This is biggest and best wave of the entire swell.
Johnny JIM Meehan AKA Johnny Chisel. Tuesday March 26th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Terence Kirby. Tuesday March 26th, 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) Jojo and Terence Kirby. Father and son surf session.
Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Lars? Not sure. Tuesday March 26th, 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) Brian Joyce. Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Lars Hamilton. Tuesday March 26th, 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.

Today- THE LAST MARCH SWELL 3-27-24 Photos by RALPH

(Above) That's Kody Grondin gesturing on Wednesday March 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Not sure who this is. I hope it's Tyler Moore.
Wednesday March 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Chisel again. Wednesday March 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin little nip and tuck. Wednesday March 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Brian BMO Morse on a new stick.
Wednesday March 27th, 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.

(Above) JIM doing styling Jim things on this wave.
Wednesday March 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Dis here be some Lip banging by Mr Kody Grondin.
Wednesday March 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) BMO liking his new stick.
Wednesday March 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Chisel again while the guy on the inside is wondering if I got his last ride. I didn't. Wednesday March 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

Today- THE LAST PIPE SESSION for Jeff Crawford 3-27-24
Photos by Jeff Crawford

(Above) This is not what he had in mind when he paddled out.
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) PIPELINE March 27th, 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) This sure looks pretty. March 27th, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a big inside wave. Helmets make sense here.
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is perfect positioning at Pipe.
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a big set wave. March 27th, 2024.
Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Grab a rail and say a prayer (or two).
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Pipeline. You either want it or you don't.
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This? I could almost handle. It's just those big sets that get in the way. March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is the ultimate backside pig-dog stance.
March 27th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*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 me on 3-26-24. Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The Nichols Ohana and the Cropper Ohana. Oahu.
March 27th, 2024. Photo c/o Dave Cropper/ Lenny Nichols
*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 # 766 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 starting at the mid-week mark

I'm picking Thursday April 4th, 2024 as the best of the week!

March 31st, 2024

"Well that answers that question."

(ABOVE) Feel free to share with the kids and grandkids.
Photo c/o Google



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