March 4th, 2012
The RUN is 53 out of 54 Weeks. Waist high or better, at least
once a week.
The Surf was Big Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. March 1-2-3 |
I don't know who came up with the saying for the month of March, but it was spot on this week that's for sure. "In Like a Lion...out like a lamb!" The latter has yet to be seen, but one thing's for sure, March came in like a roaring Lion! Damn. What the hell happened there? That was the real deal Snow Storm. I mean it has not snowed like that since Halloween. Really, how weird is this winter? Bookend snow storms -October and March. Nothing in between.
But this March Lion storm gave the mountains at least a foot of the white stuff and it gave us on the seacoast a bona fide overhead swell. An ass kicking thumping swell that had all the players and then some out at all the points, reefs, and beachbreaks. Though the latter was not quite small enough to be paddling out at the local beaches. It was too big and wild to be dodging bombs at beach breaks. That's about to change in the next couple of days.
We should see some fun waves at the beaches today and into Monday. And it's going to warm up again. Like I said, it's been a weird winter.
This last storm was not about to pass through without causing a few headaches.
And unfortunately, I had to deal with the storm's aftermath firsthand. My son Max got into a serious accident with my old Red JEEP. Max is fine Thank God. And we are all forever grateful for that. It's scary to get that phone call. I know, this is the third time it's happened to me. In fact, all three of my kids have now been involved in major car wrecks. I'm not happy about that distinction. And I'm here to say that it does not get any easier to deal with. Being a parent and dealing with real life issues like this is not easy.
And yes I know things could be worse. They can always be worse.
I'm aware of that. Still it does not lessen the immediate stress and worry when you get that call. It just adds a few more gray hairs and knocks off a few more years to my life. Though in defense of Max and his accident on Thursday it was weather related. In fact, it could of all been avoided if his school had just cancelled classes like every other school. They didn't cancel classes until after 12 noon. Don't know what they hell they were thinking, and I guess that's it in a nutshell. They were NOT thinking.
And so Max was driving to school and came upon a snowplow truck and moved over to give him more room when he hit a slick ice/snow patch. He instinctively hit the brakes and went into a skid. "Dad it was like it was happening in slow motion..." he would later say. The JEEP skidded downhill and hit a telephone pole. And the vehicle that I've had since 1997 was gone. The same vehicle that both my late parents had sat in. The same vehicle that my late father-in-law had sat in. The same vehicle that my two late dogs rode in was gone.
I can't believe I'm writing this. But the truth is, I was emotionally attached to that vehicle. It was like a part of my past was now gone. I felt the same way when we sold my late parents house. There's something about these material items that have become part of our lives. I know some of you feel that way about certain surfboards, guitars, and your vehicles. I've always been a softy when it comes to stuff like this. Those who know me best will attest to that. Mackey is the same.
I know it bothered him as much as it bothered me.
In fact he kept saying afterwards, "Id rather have taken a few stitches and bruises than lose that car dad!"
I almost gave him a bruise for just saying that. Look, I would rather lose all my material possessions than have anything happen to anyone in my family or to any of my friends. And that's the truth. I swear to God. Nothing comes close to our loved one's health and happiness. Nothing. Losing my JEEP was sad, but my son coming out of that accident without a scratch? That's what's important to us. As I'm sure it is to all of you.
Speaking of material possessions. These storms that just gave us surf...?
Are the same storms that ripped through the midwest and south the last few days killing upwards of 37 people, while destroying homes, schools, businesses and dozens of vehicles. It was heart breaking to watch on TV. Just heart breaking. Just today I saw new video footage of one of those Tornado's developing and it was one of the most frightening things I have ever seen. Like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. I mean it was wild. The whole time this woman was taping it, she recited this prayer, and waved her hand at the cloud trying to make it veer off. Just riveting images from a storm survivor.
I guess I'll never really understand what an actual Tornado is, and what it can do unless I experience it for myself.
Seeing the aftermath of devastation is almost surreal. Seeing the broken tree limbs that seem that some demented Giant hand came down and snapped trees off in some cruel painful joke. Seeing cinder blocks strewn all over one neighborhood, and splinters of homes just scattered for miles. Then there's the motor vehicles stacked like firewood. Some upside down, with others completely flattened. What can do that?
Talking with Ed today we both agreed that there seems to be a trend in these storms getting closer and closer to us. There is something to be said for our changing climate. Things are changing. We also both agreed that long after we are gone from this earth, there will be future Tornados on the seacoast. And when that happens there will undoubtedly be some surfers trying to surf in one. You know it and I know it. Some fool surfer will surf in a Twister and post that shit on YouTube as sure as the sun will shine. Twister Surfing. With over a million hits in the first hour alone.
I just pray that he or she is not related to me. Please guys, don't make me come back to haunt you all. Cause I will if I see any of my future grandchildren or great grandchildren out surfing in Tornados here in New England.
Though I'm sure by then they'll have some kind of trick
wetsuits that can protect you from being hurtled in space. Still...surfing in a Twister? Please guys.
"Surfing Heals ALL Wounds..."
Now
for some of my Weekly Global Observances:
I don't know about you guys but I am sickened over the recent killing of US Forces in Afghanistan over the alleged burning of the KORAN. The freaking Taliban were writing secret code messages in the KORAN. The Taliban should be getting the wrath of the protesters not us. You know what I think? I say let's get the hell out of there.
I mean it. Let's get the hell out of Afghanistan NOW!
We have spilled too much blood and lost too many of our men and women over there in the last 10 years. Let's face it, we will never change the way they think, or live their lives. We are never going to get them to be like us. They are living in the dark ages. The way they treat women alone is proof of that. They are barbarians who could care less about what we are trying to do for them.
I say the hell with them. Let's pull out and leave them to fight their own battles. We can leave behind SEAL teams and other Special OPS and keep those unmanned drones flying around the clock
to keep the Taliban and Al Qeada in check. But everyone else should come home. Those thankless, smelly, goat herders, who beat their women and children can have their dirt and sand. I say we bring our boys and girls home. To hell with them and their corrupt president Karzai. We're all done.
We should send them a bill on the way out.
Thankless Neanderthals.
Another school shooting. This time in Ohio. I read somewhere that this kid who committed these killings left a message on facebook. Really? And no one said anything? Are you freaking kidding me? Look, if some kid leaves a chilling message on Facebook saying he's going to kill other students, you NEED TO SPEAK UP! Ok?
Are we clear on this kids? Pay attention kids.
Ok of all the crazy stories on the news this past week this one takes the cake.
Apparently Jersey Shore Star Snooki is pregnant. Shouldn't that be against the law? I mean Good Lord. The producers on that show must either be giddier than a barrel full of monkeys or they are all pulling their hair out. I can honestly say with 100% conviction, I have never watched an episode of that show. Ever. I don't need to. The clips I have seen are more than enough for me. I know what that show is. It's a joke. I'm sure it's making money. There are plenty of shows that make money that are embarrassing. The Jerry Springer show for starters. Losers. But no doubt making millions. Snooki and company are right there. Losers. And now she's going to have a baby. The poor kid.
Speaking of Losers, I wonder if CRACKIE can get his own Reality TV show?
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
REST IN PEACE Davey Jones age 66. Member of the Monkees.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Fernando Moraes March 3rd, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jane McCarthy March 5th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Erin Mace March 6th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michelle Daniels March 7th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vanessa Kortze March 9th, 2012!
MOVIE NIGHT March 7th, 2012 at the Muisc Hall in Portsmouth *See poster in the right hand column on this page. To SUPPORT the SURFRIDER Foundation!
GET WELL Soon Steve "Surfer Crow" Watson!
CONGRATS to Steve Dillon on his recent Engagement
!
** Another LOCAL Surfer John Kiskinis is trying to get a Hood Scholarship and could use our help. Please go to this link and cast your vote for another surfer!
https://www.hood.com/promo/scholarship/default.aspx?sid=A5759A0F-1AA0-4245-9C66-7DFF32C119B4
COMING SOON This SUMMER 2012 the Return of EMPTY Clothing.
Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.
CHECK
OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics! *NEW PICS added each week!
*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING
IN ON RALPH blog Section. I will have March,and April up soon (I promise).
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic
Of The Week
every week for the last 8 years. **Think about BUYING a Photo
from any of the weeks
on RPOTW as a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite
Surfer!
Remember
my friends...Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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| (Above) The NEW Movie is coming along...we're trying to get it out as soon as possible. It's all original music (QWILL, Todo Bien and more), and local footage:Joe Carter's GITV, my own, Granite Stoke, and a few others. Plus the many stills from Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, my family, and more. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to The MOLLY Fund. |
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Yesterday- 1961 Jimi Hendrix 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell Kentucky playing his guitar in his Army uniform!
(Below) The year was 1961. And I'm sure that not many of you were aware that Jimi Hendrix was a veteran. He served in the 101st Airborne in the US ARMY. Jimi jumped out of planes! Another unknown fact about Jimi Hendrix was, his first tour with the Jimi Hendrix Experience was as an opener to the Monkees! Can you imagine all those parents taking their kids to see the Monkees and sitting through a set by Jimi Hendrix? Oh my God. Suffice it say, that did not last long. Another personal unknown fact...is my late father in law was stationed at this same base at the time this photo was taken...and last but not least? My wife was born on this base at the time Jimi was stationed there as well. Now you know the rest of the story.
Photo courtesy of the Hendrix family |
Click on the photo above to see the larger version. |
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Today- "In Like a Lion"-The March 1-2-3-2012
Swell.
Photos By RALPH |
(Above) Bobby Morgan dropping in on his old homebreak. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above) Mike Stanek full rail bottom turn. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The day after his motor vehicle accident, Max Fatello letting surfing wash away the stress of the day before. March 2, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Low tide was the call for this slabby ledge. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Two guys eating shit on this dredging beast. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
(Above) Later in the day. A favorite perch of many a local photog. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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Today- The LION Swell- March 2nd, 2012 Photos By Ed O'Connell
(Above) View from across the bay. March 2nd, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Malcom Howard aka (Jake Davidson) March 2nd, 2012
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Perry Reynolds in the right spot. March 2nd, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above Ryan racing the lip. March 2nd, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above Toby Parke. The left at Muskrat ledge. March 2nd, 2012. Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
(Above Mike Stanek full beard bottom turn at Muskrat ledge. March 2nd, 2012.
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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Today- Saturday The End Of Day...March 3rd, 2012 Photos By RALPH
(Above) When the sun came out it lit up the whole coast. March 3rd, 2012
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) I called this Winter Tears. The melting icicle. March 3rd, 2012
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
Today- More of March 2nd, 2012 Photos GRANITE STOKE
(Above) My boys Ryan and Dylan were out shooting and documenting with the rest
of us. March 2nd, 2012 Photo By Granite Stoke
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
(Above) I like this wild Long shot of the surfer walking out into the unknown.
Good stuff my little grasshoppers. March 2nd, 2012 Photo By Granite Stoke
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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Today- RINCON California Winter 2012
Photos By Ben Ginsberg
(Above) This scene should never ever become mundane. Having been witness to this
both in the water and behind the lens it always blows my mind.
Winter- 2012
Photo By Ben Ginsberg
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
(Above) That's one wild spray. Rincon is great for showing off all your moves.
Brett Simpson
doing just that. Winter- 2012 Photo By Ben Ginsberg
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Yes Rincon gets hollow. Just saying... Winter- 2012
Photo By Ben Ginsberg * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) And yes...Rincon has beautiful sunsets too. Winter- 2012
Photo By Ben Ginsberg * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
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(Above) Brennan Natoli sent in these great pics from Nicaragua. Winter 2012
Photo By Brennan Natoli
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) So damn pretty...Nicaragua. Winter 2012 Photo By Brennan Natoli
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) So perfect...the inspiration behind many of Stan's amazing paintings.
Panama winter, 2012 Photo By Kristi Chew
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery. |
(Above) Local surf daddy Terence Kirby surfing one of Stan's get-a-way spots.
Panama winter, 2012 Photo By Kristi Chew
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos
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Vive Tus Sueños from wrigalu on Vimeo. A life in Bocas del Toro, Panama
My man Stan"Stan-a-ma" Chew
in his beloved Panama
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BELOW- This is the second 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS Trailer II"
This is the insane surf footage from December 2010. Oh yea, there was good surf last December, and this clip will prove that. The soundtrack was recorded in 1983 and it's the classic "LIL DRUMMER BOY" that I sang, played guitar and arranged and well, you should just sit back and watch and listen. The music will speak for itself.
Music is by RALPH
COMING SOON
This is the NEW 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS"
It's the true story of the man who surfed 365 consecutive Days in memory of a 5 year old girl (Molly Rowlee) who lost her battle to cancer in 2009.
He called it "Catch a Wave For Molly".
Music is by QWILL
COMING SOON
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Crackie helps deal with a local surf criminal who keeps dropping in
on the local surf crew. Oh boy...
crackie@adlantic.com
Crackie now has his own Facebook Page. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.
Hope you all learn something from this informative Q&A.
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The Three Stooges Official Trailer - Farrelly Brothers Movie (2012) HD
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS TO COME OUT!!!
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(Above) All
Rise: 10th
Street District Court of Surf Justice
is now in session, the
Honorable Judge
RALPH presiding. CASE 151 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Shot this last swell in NH. CLICK and SEE this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by RALPH |
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Click above graphic for The Daily BLOG I wrote from July 26-2010 to July 26-2011
Yes you can STILL DONATE to the Fundraiser.
THE "CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY" video by JOE CARTER and
GET IN THE VAN is NOW on the SURFER'S JOURNAL Website and
now
the ESPN website too! Wow!
To see it on this site go to the Molly Page.
http://www.surfersjournal.com/journal_entry/molly-motivation |
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(Above) Rachel from Maine in PR Photo by Kim Grondin ...COMING NEXT WEEK!
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(Above) Kevin from NH in PR Photo by Kim Grondin ...COMING NEXT WEEK! |
(Above) John Grady from NH in PR Photo by Kim Grondin COMING NEXT WEEK!
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(Above) Kevin "Doc" Grondin from NH in PR Photo by Kim Grondin
.COMING NEXT WEEK! |
*Click masthead above to read the original
ISM story.
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(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to
see happens when you DROP in on someone. You
become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at
the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real
image.
Photo by RALPH |
Today 2012 "Hold On Boys...we're coming in Hot!"
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(Above) OK this looks crazy to me. Aussie watermen Winter 2012
Photo courtesy of the WWW. |
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on Wave to return to top of page
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