July
4th, 2004
Happy Birthday AMERICA! Independence Day. A day when we all come together
and stand as one. Democrats, Republicans and Independents. We are all one
today. Isn't that just great? I mean it truly is. We are a proud nation and
rightfully so. If you've ever travelled abroad you know first hand how many
other countries view America. We are truly the land of the free. But freedom
my friends, comes with a heavy price. Some Americans have paid in full for
our freedom. Some are paying as I write this. Americans have always stepped
up and went to the aid of those who are oppressed by ruthless dictators and
tyrants. Americans have always been willing to lay down their lives so that
others may live in peace. That's what makes us the people that we are today.
The proud country that we are.
So, tonight when we all celebrate our independence with friends and family,
let us all remember once again, that Freedom is not Free.
This morning (July 5th) I watched a young man paddle out in the most pathetic
conditions. My daughter Gabby and I had just finished our morning jog on the
beach. We both watched as this young would be Surfer struggled
to catch a crumbling 1' slop burger. "Do you know him?" I asked
Gabby. "No. Do you dad?" "Yes and No." I answered. "I
don't know his name, or where he lives, or anthing about him. But I do know
what he's doing. I know exactly what he's feeling." Gabby looked at me
with a perplexed look on her face. "He's a Surfer. He's surfing in those
crappy waves because he loves surfing so much he's willing to play the hand
that he's been dealt." I don't know many Surfers who came out of the
womb surfing like Kelly Slater. Most of us had to grovel in horrible conditions
before we made any kind of progress. That's what this kid was doing today.He
was surfing in terrible conditions and he looked like he was having fun to
me.
It left me with a good feeling.
Yesterday.
1972 New Hampshire Point break.
Ex
New Hampshire-ite Ron Freeman who moved to Southern Maine in the early 70's
samples
a perfectly groomed wave while others paddle in and around the line-up. Like
all surf photos,
it's truly amazing to see how the waves themselves never change. It's the
people and the
equipment that change. Another wave, another ride, another swell.
Photo Ed O'Connell
If you
got good surf pics send em off to me directly.
Ralph Pic Of The Week
The second leg of Extreme Beach Bocce Tour was played this weekend. The players
this week including myself were Jack Keefe and Max Fatello. With a rising
tide under a hot July sun we played in the Open to All Ages Divsion. The competition
was tough. The elements were difficult at best. By elements, we're talking
about the distracting tourists, the unsupervised kids and the occaisional
angry Seagull. Yours truly took two out of three.
Hope you all had a Happy and Safe Fourth!
Until next week....
Pray
for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
