Connecting with old friends in California and
saying goodbye to another.

I had such a short window to see and do all of what we had come to do this past week. Cory and I were on the west coast to attend and officiate, the Memorial Paddle for my old and dear friend, Thom Moore. In the short period of time that we were allotted, we managed to see a handful of close friends, and shoot some decent surf, as well as go surfing (myself) at Trestles and Salt Creek.

I am sorry that I was unable to see everyone I know out west.

Hell if that were the case, it would take me a month to go through that list. But in my own defense, I had been saying for weeks now that I would be attending the paddle for Thom Moore. Go back and read the blog the last few weeks, and check my facebook page.

I was coming out. There should be no surprise to anyone about that.

I did get to see my old buddy Robin Rowell. He was in a great mood and it is always a pleasure to see him. Robin and I go way back. He is one of the handful of surfers that knew and hung out with Joe Somogyi and I. Robin was the real deal surfer for many years.

In fact, there is no one I know better than Robin who has the inside story on California surfing. Robin knows everything and anything about the surf scene in California. Not the current scene per se, but the history and origin about the pioneers who took the sport of surfing and turned it on it's ear.



Here's a photo of Robin at Salt Creek in 1974.

I posted this pic of Robin because this is the spot where we had Thom's paddle. Robin stay healthy. Be good.

We stayed with my old buddy who hails from the beaches and reefs on Massachusetts's shoreline. Phil Beauchesne and his lovely wife Marie put us up for 3 nights. We were entertained by their gregarious and energetic daughter Isabella. She was a howl. From swimming in the pool to taking Cory's cell phone and taking a dozen or more selfies of herself. We cracked up when we saw them at the airport.



I loved seeing Phil and Marie again. I can't thank them enough.

Except by coming back and staying longer the next time.
(Ha! kidding Phil...NOT). Phil is a short ride to Trestles and Salt Creek. By day two we had the place wired. Phil is a great guy, a loving husband, and a REAL good dad. I'm proud of him.



We couldn't really well be in the general vicinity of Tami and Bonnie and not make an attempt to see them. Though everyone said, and I mean everyone, that we would be stuck on the "5" for hours on end. From Robin and Phil, to Tony and Tami. They all said..."Expect three to four hours minimum." Ugh.

We almost bagged the trip due to the horrific traffic reports. But we were determined and we made it there in 1.5 hours, and even shorter driving back. They all said it was good Karma. Maybe. We left right after the paddle and gathering. We dined on sushi and other
delicious seafood treats. We both love seafood so our tummies were full when we finally hit the road. It was worth the drive (the short drive).

Tami and Cory go way back. As does Bonnie. I have known them as long as well. Tami was a DJ on WBCN and we have known each other in the music biz before Cory entered the picture. The three of them together is always a listening and visual treat. We got to meet Tony as well (Tami's boy friend). Tony was in the Navy for 8 years
and he was a photographer. He was assigned to work with Marines on many occasions. We both flew in the same types of helicopters.

We learned that Bonnie's friend (David) is in need of our thoughts
and prayers. So we added another soul to our prayer list. If you know Bonnie, please send some positive vibes her way. She could use it.

But the real reason we came out west was to attend the Surfer's Paddle for Thom Moore. I have known Thom since 1979. We were roommates on Newbury Street for a while, and Thom engineered my album and many other of my musical endeavors. And, in the time same period, I turned Thom onto surfing.



To say that Thom had caught the "surfing bug" would be another one of those MASSIVE understatements. I can't tell you how many times Thom would call me over the years to simply thank me for turning him onto to Surfing. I would chuckle over the phone or in person. He was into the lifestyle big time. He moved to the west coast and settled in around Salt Creek. He married Margie in the gazebo on the bluff overlooking Salt Creek.

Margie and Thom were married for 20 years. They were in love.



I could not stay home and let them do a paddle for Thom without me.
So we made the trip and we were both so glad that we did. Margie did an amazing job organizing the Paddle. She got the flowers, and ordered the catering, she secured the picnic area, and invited the guests. It was impressive.

My job was to officiate the paddle. So I did the deal on the beach,
as I always do. And lead the surfers out to the spot where we would conduct the usual surfer's paddle. I was to paddle out on Thom's board and carry his ashes, as well as the large Lei.



He had a nice board that was originally shaped for Billy Hamilton (Laird's dad). But it was a bit to long and narrow for the surf. Though the waves were easily head high. The problem was, there were some people wanting to make the paddle that had never surfed before.



And the shorebreak at Salt Creek was unforgiving this day.

Somehow we all managed to get out past the impact zone ( it is a miracle that some of those "kooks" and I mean that in the most endearing way) made it out. Maybe Thom was looking out for them.

The ceremony was beautiful on the beach. People spoke who knew both Thom and Phil (Phil was another tech who was on the Bruce Springsteen tour with Thom who also passed away). It was a
beautiful day. Sunny, warm, and full of love and good vibes.

Margie was happy and thankful that so many attended the service.



An added treat for me was meeting this gentleman. A Navy Vet who served in three wars@! WWII, Korea, and Vietnam

"Surfing, Family, and Friends Heals All Wounds"