Today I am learning about the acromioclavicular ligament in my right shoulder. Seems I dislocated it on my last day in Costa Rica – confirmed by x-rays. I will be checking into physical therapy. Sucks getting old.

Costa Rica Pics

Bert setup a Picasa site with some Costa Rica trip pics. Thanks Bert! http://picasaweb.google.com/pactrain I shoulda, woulda, coulda gone back for another week last Friday.

Costa Rica Sunset

My Costa Rica surf buddy Lee sent this from last month’s CR trip. It was the best sunset – 20 minutes of changing colors after the sun disappeared. Thanks, Lee.

Ollie’s Point Surfing

Ollie’s Point now has me liking the rights. This was a great surf spot, except for the six-foot crocodile that left the beach to swim by the boat. I will admit to not being the first person out of the boat to surf.

Cows?

A strange sight this morning, looking out my balcony in Tamarindo.

Funky Sunset Colors

So I finished up a surf session before sunset, where I absolutely killed on the Takayama board. The sunset had some strange colors due to the OC and LA Fires.

Then I realized this would be my last time taking off a shorty wetsuit for a while. I am off to Costa Rica Friday for two weeks and undoubtedly will be in the full wetsuit when I return. But did I tell you I absolutely killed on the Takayama board this evening?

Now, if I can just buy the WINNING lottery ticket…

Why do Ferraris come in any color but red?

Don't Need No Stinkin' Watch

I got an email from one of my Costa Rica surfing buddies. Bert was approached by his boss, asking if Bert could assist in moving/unboxing a large crate outside. As it turns out, the boxed item was a 10’2” Gerry Lopez surfboard for Bert. It was a 10-year work anniversary gift for Bert; the boss told Bert would get more use out of this rather than a wristwatch. Hey Cymer, my 10-year anniversary is coming up next year…

Surfing And Hobies At Doheny

I got a phone call from Bill Pearson Sunday morning, saying that he and the family were traveling to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point for the Hobie Cat 40th anniversary Regatta. I had no plans for the day, so I loaded up two surfboards and told Bill that I will meet him there. It was a beautiful day at the beach, and the view was accessorized with 50+ Hobies. Bill & family were there, as well as Dan Delave & Eileen, Jeff Newsome, and Steve Leo. The Hobies were waiting on the beach for wind and the waves looked tasty. Dan said he wished he brought his board, so I said, ‘I brought two!’. The water and waves were great. I came in for a break then went back out – the waves were that good. Then the noodly arm syndrome set in so I caught the last ride to shore. Dan was already onshore (he did not take a break) and was very grateful for having a chance to surf. Hobies were already on the beach but I was so tired that I decided to leave before the awards presentation. I need to surf Doheny more often if waves are always that good.

Great Big Sea @ House Of Blues Hollywood

Last evening, I traveled to the House Of Blues in Hollywood to see Great Big Sea. It was a long drive broken up by stopping in the San Clemente Ripcurl outlet and a walk around Seal Beach. The HOB had a really nice layout for concerts with an upper (reserved) deck and raised areas away from the stage, so everyone could get a stage view. GBS was great as always. In the encore, Alan Doyle said the just played song was co-written with Russell Crowe, and then Russell walked onstage to join GBS for a few songs. Everyone had their cell phone cameras clicking away.

Road Trip to NY For Great Big Sea – Sunday Pt2

Bailey assisted the dinner cleanup by pre-washing the dishes.

Road Trip to NY For Great Big Sea - Sunday

Sunday was a bit more muted. The past few days caught up to us. we traveled downtown to see The Egg, and then a museum. We had steaks for dinner (thanks for grilling, Andy) and surprised Tracy with a birthday cake.

Road Trip to NY For Great Big Sea - Saturday

Saturday, we traveled to walk/hike a local ridge. Outstanding views and trickling waterfalls. The leaves just started to turn on a few trees. Then it was on to the IrishFest 2000 (why named 2000?!?!) after lunch at Tracy’s place.

Far fewer people at this festival compared to Ottawa. Greenwich Meantime put on a good show, then Great Big Sea took the stage. We staked out about 25 feet from the stage (again, far fewer people than Ottawa). The acoustics were weak but the boys performed well. Worth the travel. Tracy and Andy left after GBS finished, so Bill & I took in a bit of Gaelic Storm. Another great discovery!

Road Trip to NY For Great Big Sea - Thursday/Friday

I flew Wednesday evening, arriving in Syracuse to work for Thursday. I like being a virtual person for work. Friday, Bill and I drove to Tracy’s place in Albany. We learned to verify Google maps! I previously used Yahoo maps to get to Tracy’s place but Google had us in the next town. Tracy, Andy, and Bailey greeted us. Preparations were underway for a wine tasting party with about 10+ guests. Tracy managed to get the first wine spill when checking the bottom of an already opened bottle. Kerri was the recipient of the spilled wine, but the blouse was saved with a quick wash. Good conversation, wine, cheese, and laughs.

Patty Griffin At The Belly Up

Patty Griffin played at the Belly Up this evening. Sold out, but I got a strategic spot at the bar. Patty came on stage earlier than expected; usually, artists make the crowd wait way too long. Thanks, Patty. A great performance. I expected to hear more of her more popular songs but the Ray Charles song Lonesome Me was worth the price of admission. Obviously, Patty had run out of songs by the second encore so she came out for a solo piece. Great tune but did not get the name.

Visiting Leah

I traveled to visit Leah in Oakland this past weekend. As usual, Leah never fails to challenge me, question me, and tire me out. I got to meet Finley, her new Westie. The 3 of us visited some of Leah’s friends Saturday morning. Patrick and Susanne had a larger dog, Roxy, and a cement pond in the backyard. Finley and Roxy played, with Finley having to work really hard to jump over the 3+-inch grass. The dogs stopped for a drink in the pond, and Finley misjudging and ending up with a swim instead! Everyone laughed except Finley. Then it was time to shop and prep for the evening parties. Groceries, then to a specialty cheese shop. Lots of samples. Party #1 began at 4pm for family and close friends. Leah’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Tang, always make me feel welcome. I remembered a few of the guests from the 2000 millennium party. Great spring rolls. Yum. Part #2 began at 8pm with Finley going home with Mr. & Mrs. Tang. The little tike was worn out – guess that happens when your legs are 4 inches long. Great conversation and stories throughout the evening. First question: how do you know Leah? (Trick answer haha). Philippe and Hanna remembered me from an earlier Leah visit. Philippe has been up Half Dome 15-20 times with an ascent of 4 hours, on pace with a jog. We won’t ever hike together. I felt so bad when at the end of the evening Philippe gave me a hug goodnight and I said ‘good evening, Miguel’. I had just said good evening to Miguel 5 minutes ago! Ever wish you could reverse time? I also had a great conversation with Pat. The conversation covered several topics: Vancouver, dreams (the sleeping kind), travel, and growth. Pat is working on a book destined to be a best seller. I cannot divulge the topics, but as Pat was describing it I was remembering my past relationships. Everyone will relate to it. Pat will be on Oprah. Sunday was a walk to the farmers market, with a breakfast crepe. Yum. We then looked at a highly priced home in a desirable neighborhood called RockRidge. Back to Leah’s for a late lunch and then off to the airport.

BoDeans Concert

I just got back from a BoDeans concert. These guys have been together for 25 years – this was the fourth time I have seen them. Still great. I forget how good their Love&Hope&Sea&Dreams CD is. And their Outside Looking In CD. I got a cell call from Leah while waiting for the concert to begin. How fitting – I took Leah to a BoDeans concert in 1998(?) at the Coachouse (SJC). I am flying to Oakland this weekend for a Leah party. Always a good time. Some ass was calling for Freebird. That was funny for the first 500 times I heard it. Not so funny anymore.

New Ride - Part 2

Feeling a need to treat me and not liking my current new surfboard, last Saturday I drove to Redondo beach and picked up a Donald Takayama In The Pink 9’6” yellow beauty. The surf shop, Just Longboards, also had used 9’4” for $425 less but again, I felt a need to treat myself. The long drive was worth it, in that I got to see my old Orange County haunts: Redondo Beach, Belmont Shore, Seal Beach, and Huntington Beach. Worth Every Penny! I have had Big Yellow several times in small (up to waist) waves. We haven’t agreed on some takeoffs but the turning in coming around. AND I got a few cross-steps last evening!

Just had an earthquake here...

Everything looks fine.

Yosemite Trip

The past 4 days were spent at Yosemite. This trip was different: a July date means hotter days, more crowds, and less water.

Midnight (full moon) Half-Dome hike was scheduled for Friday evening. We left about 20 minutes late, and the pace was hurry up and wait. Having 21 people meant the rabbits had time to cool down while waiting for the tortoises. Once we reached the stairs (1 hour prior to the cables), well, no one was waiting on anyone. The majority made it to the top for the sunrise. There were more people at the top of Half-Dome than either of my two prior trips.

The reserved curry village tent filled for two of the three nights. Great people. I had a confrontation with a momma bear and her cub at 3:30am Friday morning. Then the park rangers showed up – with a shotgun!

Ottawa Bluesfest

Bill, Cathy, and I arrived in Ottawa on Friday for the BluesFest. The Marriott was in a great location, walking distance to the venue and downtown. Tasty Lunch was at D'arcy McGee's, and then we walked about downtown, Parliament, and the Rideau Canal.

We met up with Vance and 7 others from Massena at the Heart and Crown. Great place! Bill and I left early to see the last half of Shelby Lynne’s show. We made a quick dash to what we thought would be the Great Big Sea stage that currently had Theory Of A Deadman playing. I am not normally into metal rock but TOAD put on a great show. Really funny moment when a fan jumped on stage and began playing air guitar until roadies dragged him offstage.

Stupid me, GBS was to play on a different stage. Estimates were that 30,000 people were there to see GBS, and every one of them managed to push past me or spill beer on me. We pulled back from the stage to get breathing room and watched the show on the big screen. The show was great but we underestimated the crowd size by a factor of 10.

Everyone met up at the Marriott lounge afterward. In hopes of seeing GBS (staying at the hotel), two girls had hula-hoops and were hooping whenever a tour bus drove up. A pizza delivery truck pulled up and one of the girls jumped on the elevator with him. All efforts were to no avail as the band did not show up.

Saturday was another beautiful day in the Canadian capital. What an absolutely stunning city.

Long Island Visit

I visited Conkling’s on July 9. Karen and the kids picked me up at Massapequa Park station since John couldn’t get away from the office. The afternoon was spent catching up with the kids. Bass (Mackenzie), cello (Christina), and clarinet (Matthew) were pulled out. Courtney did not have a flute yet, so she played the piano. We went to the Fire Island lighthouse. Courtney decided to stay back so Karen and she turned back. Great view from the top. Evening plans were to go to the Symphony Pops concert. Met John at home, talked for a while then loaded up a picnic. Found out the concert was postponed when we arrived. Why couldn’t this have been put on their website?!?! So John suggested an Applebee’s dinner.

Letchworth State Park

Bill, Chris, and I traveled to Letchworth State Park Sunday. It would be great to see during the fall (colors) or spring (water runoff). We had a drink at the Glen Iris Inn then traveled to Canandaigua for dinner and ice cream.

Mike & Jen Stark were stateside so we met in Seal Beach for dinner. They live in Shanghai, China, and are in the USA for a mixture of work/play. Dinner was great (thanks again, Mike!) and the conversation was even better. Topics: reminiscing about the France 1998 barge trip (best vacation ever!), stock investing, emerging China, surfing vs. sailing, and good times in Syracuse.

I got an invite to Shanghai! Score! Road trip, I mean boat trip? And we agreed we need to get together more often when on the same continent.

New Ride!

Picked up my new surfboard this evening. 9’6” long, 23” wide, with lots’ of nose rocker. I am stylin’

US Open @ Torrey Pines

I scored two US Open tickets from work, so Corrie and I joined the 42,498 others at Torrey Pines on Thursday. We searched for the best available bleacher seating and settled on the fairway/green 17th hole. Great place to see the approach shot and putting. With practice, the bleacher crowd got into a rhythm of standing to watch the approach shots and sitting for the putting.

I estimate that 15 to 20,000 people were following the Tiger, Phil, and Scott Adams trio. As the Big 3 were playing thru the course, we could see the masses moving hole to hole. We waited 3+ hours for the Big 3 at 17. What a zoo. Pity for the trio following the Big 3; because everyone was leaving while they continued to play.

After the Big 3 finished 17, Corrie and I walked the course and saw the other golfers. Actually saw a 3-put – Hey, I can do that!

Corrie won a golf bag with the longest driver (340 yards!) at a driving range simulation game.

A friend suggested I start a blog if for no reason other than to have an online diary. Thanks, Karen, wish I took your advice years ago. Here I am at Witches Rock in November 2007.

Bill Holden Rememberance Party @ Doheny Beach

Corrie called, saying Bill Holden will not be finishing my board I asked for. Bill passed away on February 2, 2008. M-A-N-Y of Bill’s surfing friends met at Doheny for a celebration of Bill. Lots of boards.

Yes, that's a pegged geiger counter!  Only to be surfed at San Onofre.

Steve recalled an incident with Bill. They were walking a beach when a stranger asked Bill about his Holden t-shirt. Where did he get it, and can he get one? Bill explained that he was the Holden of Holden surfboard, and the shirts aren’t sold in stores. So Bill ripped his shirt off and gave it to the guy! After everyone finished laughing at that story, Steve asked the crowd, was there a person in the crowd that did not know Bill? A man stepped forward and said Yes. So Steve ripped off his shirt and gave it to the man.

RIP Bill.