25th Anniversary of the Perfect Storm. The Election on November 8th. And Veteran's Day 11-11-16

It's hard to believe the 25th anniversary of the Halloween Storm of October 30th, 1991 has come and gone. That was a week of surf that many of us who lived and surfed through that week won't ever forget. I don't remember anything quite like it here in New England as far as BIG surf goes. I'm sure there was huge surf in the earlier hurricanes in the 1950's etc. But nothing like the "Perfect Storm."



Those of you who were around and surfing in 1991 know exactly what I'm talking about. For those of you who missed it, you can always check on my Vimeo page and watch the 12 minute clip I put together on that incredibly powerful and dangerous storm.

For those of us who surfed during that 3 day window, we now share a piece of surf lore legend and history here in Northern New England. Honestly? I'm not sure I'd want to see something like that again.



The winds howled out of the north northeast for days. The days leading up to the 30th and the days following the 30th were actually the best. The Big Day itself was just a freakish display of mother ocean having a major tantrum. It was crazy. I'm glad I documented the whole day.



And it wasn't just the surfers who remember. The idiots who drove along the ocean during high tide surely remember. As do their insurance companies who had to deal with dented doors and smashed windows on their motor vehicles. Oh yeah it was that nuts. I can't tell you how many scenes I shot of giant waves smashing into the sides of motor vehicles. Combine that with large rocks and debris and you have yourself one hell of a shit storm.



This coming Friday is Veteran's Day. This is my late good friend George Masten. The photo was taken in 1967 in Vietnam. This will be the first Veteran's Day in over 25 years that we won't be together.



George was a Marine. He fought in both Korea and in Vietnam.
This B&W photo (above) is of George in 1952 in Korea. Look how
young and handsome he was.



My favorite photo of George. How bad ass is this Marine? After 20 days in the bush. His face unshaven, that 1000 yard stare. He was a Marine's Marine.

And as some of you may know, the Marines always celebrate the Birthday of The Corps. The Marine Corps Birthdays is on November 10th. Every single living Marine celebrates the "Birthday." Other branches of the service think we are all crazy. They might be partly right.

George had the trifecta each year. You see his own birthday was on November 9th. Followed by the Marine Corps birthday on November 10th. And on Veteran's Day the 11th.

Only George would have that sequence.



George and I at the Marine Corps museum in Quantico VA. We went there on the70th anniversary of the flag raising on Iwo Jima. February 23rd, 2010. I won't forget that trip. I couldn't have seen that museum with a better marine than George. Happy Birthday George. Happy Marine Corps Birthday George, and Happy Veteran's Day George. I miss you every single day. Semper Fi brother. Semper Fidelis SSGT George Masten USMC.

Not that you need reminding, but be sure and thank the veterans in your family and community. The older vets from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. They won't be around for ever. These warriors all earned that gratitude. A simple Thank You
will make their day.

Speaking of Warriors. Here's the latest on local surfer Erica Nardone.



"2nd surgery this coming Tuesday to restore the structure of the eye (ensuring I don`t lose it) and see if there is a viable retina to attempt to repair. To quote Capt. Ralph, "Surfing heals all wounds"- but sometimes causes them (my part). So here is the thing... nose-guards are like seat-belts. They might not prevent the accident from happening, but they could help with the collateral damage. I just hadn't gotten around to it with my newer board...
Thanks to my family, friends, friends of friends, and surf community.
This place is truly amazing!" Erica

I couldn't agree more with Erica. Put the nose guards on. Put the earplugs in. These are legitimate slices of advice that can save you down the line. Your ears and eyes are worth protecting. Please take heed of these warnings.

"Surfing Heals All Wounds, Precautions Avoids All Wounds"

This is someone that I more than likely know, but just can't seem to ID that board and face. It could be a number of Goofyfoots I know. So maybe one of you knows who this person is? Regardless, it's a great shot. I'm guessing he stalled right after the photo was taken and got himself a nice little barrel. November of 2013.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

Here's some good news! Rorri has a new baby brother!



The Paugh family is growing. The latest little Zapster is Julian.
Mom is doing fine as is Big Daddy Zap. So stoked for them all.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The craziest, most absurd, lengthy political race is almost over. As this funny meme suggests below. The End is Near. My fear is not who gets elected, but rather what happens that day and days after. There are crazies on both sides, and this thing is so hot right now, that I would not be the least surprised, if another political bombshell explodes between Sunday and Tuesday. I wouldn't. Would you?



The truth is, we will all be happy when it's over. I hope and pray that no matter who wins this thing, that we will all come to our senses and try and make this new order work. Otherwise we will all be doomed.

You need to get out and vote. It's your duty. People have fought and died for this right. I don't care who you vote for. Just get out and vote.



Don't regret not being part of this in the days following the election. One of these two boneheads will be our next president. Go out and vote. Don't be a jerk. Vote.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
They were rolling out the celebrities this past week. Good lord the cream of the entertainment crop were all out spewing their love for their candidates. Look here's Beyonce and Jay-Z with the Sheik himself K-Z-SM at a recent political rally. Not sure I would want his support. But whatever.



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 used Beyonce's CD's
at Home Depot this week.



HAPPY 1st Anniversary Jack and Katie Keefe November 14th, 2016!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY George Masten November 9th, 2016!
HAPPY 241st BIRTHDAY USMC November 10th, 2016!
HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY November 11th, 2016!
RIP Evamarie Fatello Urban 1st anniversary of her passing
November 7th, 2016!



Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 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

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) Matt Colby later on that same wave. October 28th, 2016
Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kevin Grondin taking off on a dark chunk of ocean on Friday,
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
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(Above) They came marching in four or five at a time. October 28th, 2016
Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Another elder warrior from the local tribe. Lenny Nichols.
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin leaning back in the dark hallway.
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Ryan Webb carving in the wind and rain.
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V gets shot out of this high line like a slingshot.
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Blur run on the inside track of the same wave as above.
Mackey V October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin Grondin surfing to my favorite surf music. October 28th, 2016
Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Can't believe I've never shot this before on video. October 28th, 2016
Video Frame Grab by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) Yep, it's as hollow as it looks here. October 28th, 2016
Video Frame Grab by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) A bittersweet day for those of us who knew and loved her.
October 28th, 2016 Video Frame Grab by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One go left, one go right, one go over the cuckoo's nest.
October 29th, 2016 Photo by David Schultz
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Close friends gather to talk about love and politics. Nope.
October 29th, 2016 Photo by David Schultz
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery