Andy McKee at the Belly Up

I always see the acoustic guitarist whenever he visits San Diego.  The bonus for this visit was that his show at the Belly up was a seated show.  This works so well in that I have an unobstructed view at the end of the bar.

Great View from the Bar

Andy played all of his well-known songs: Drifting, Africa, and Rylynn.  The encore was Michael Hedge’s Aerial Boundaries.  This concert date was the 17 anniversary of Hedge’s death due to an auto accident.  Later, Andy said he found it hard to hold it together while playing the piece.

Santa Barbara Road Trip

Chris W. had made arrangements for the Cymer longboard luau donation board and making arrangements for an additional 5 Yater boards.  Graham, Chris, Tavo, Dan and I bought them for a deal.

So one Thursday evening after the usual surf session I volunteered to Chris that I would pick up the boards.  Chris had already traveled to Santa Barbara to get the donation board.  He was also traveling extensively for work to Veldhoven and Taiwan.

Chris notified us the boards were ready early in the week.  Jasmine was unavailable for the road trip so traveling was only me.  Renny seemed surprised that someone other than Chris would be picking up the boards.  He was adamant that board bags be used and that I arrive early in Santa Barbara to avoid traffic congestion that begins at about 10am.

My concern was not traveling to Santa Barbara but coming back.  Having 4 boards strapped to roof racks means I really cannot park and leave the car.  And leaving early means not really stopping and enjoying any sights on the way.  But this will all work out.

Initial thoughts of getting a Santa Barbara hotel did not work out.  I didn’t really know the area and most hotels were charging around $200/night.  It would have been great to find a reasonably priced place since I had Friday off and could have taken the day to travel and sightsee.

I left Casa De Randy at 5am Saturday morning.  The cruise was set to 72MPH and traffic moved well up the 5, then 405, and onto the 101.  The 101 did get some slowdown even at 8am.

I called Renny when I was about 20 minutes from his shop.  He gave great directions but I had used Google Street View to see every turn.  Technology is great.

We pulled the boards and put them on the board bags.  They are beautiful.  Only 4 were available – Chris will pick up his later.  Renny showed me some other boards and we talked about shaping.  Nice guy to talk with.

Yater Spoons.  Mine is 9'6".

A good surprise; the bagged boards fit inside the element.  That took care of the theft concern if parked.

Now you see the spoon, don't you?

I parked near the water downtown and walked around, finding State Street.  The Amtrak station is centrally located.  Someone mentioned taking Amtrak instead of driving but Amtrak does not accommodate longboards.  Note:  Hotel Indigo is next to Amtrak, and most of the town is within walking distance.

Hotel Indigo

I grabbed a coffee and walked about.  Duh, one of the surf shops has Yater boards.  I bought several Yater shirts.

Time to travel homeward.  I missed the 101 exit to the coastal road through Malibu.  Then I shifted into ‘just get home’ mode and got back to mi casa by 3PM.  Next time I’ll have fun in Santa Barbara.

Ed’s Work Visit to SoCal

In January I traveled to ASML in Eindhoven, the Netherlands for 2 work weeks.  The team got training on a new application that is going live at the end of September.  It’s a bit late in the project but the trainer, Ed van den Akker, was funded for a week of training here in San Diego.

Yes, Ed requested we make several PP stops.

I showed Ed the southern California life; beaches, pizza port, various spots for dinner.  Ed especially liked Fletchers Cove for the beach and sunsets followed by a pint.  He agrees: life is good in SoCal.

Lake Street Dive at North Park Theater

Lake Street Dive.  Yes, I know I need a better camera.

Another great show for the princely sum of about $20.  I have never seen LSD or been to the North Park Theater.  Both were great.

The theater has a sloping floor to the stage so a view is almost guaranteed.  And if you leave the music hall there is a full bar with seating behind it.  You do not have to leave the venue.  Nice.

Luau and Legends 2014

This is formally known as Luau and Longboards, with the change due to opening up the event to those knuckle-dragging short boarders.  I think.

Bob extended the yearly offer to have the Cymer surf team come to his parents’ home in La Jolla Shores Thursday evening for a surf and deck party.

Attack rabbit statue guarding the entrance

The surf was lacking in, well, surf which meant more time for onshore fun such as Frisbee and hot tubbing.

Sunset from the deck.  Damn, Life is Good.

I brought 2 Pizza Port growlers and a guest growler from Atrifex, Johnny Johur’s brewery in San Clemente.  Johnny’s dad, John, delivered the growler to Cymer.

Delivered to work!

Maddie brought Cymer surf team sweatshirts (thanks!) and Sara/Chris brought Pizza Port pizzas (more thanks!).  Missing was Matt Lake and his various musical instruments (he was in NY on vacation).

Earlier in the week, Silva emailed saying I am invited to the Saturday night VIP party.

Bob and his sister Julie

The party is hosted at Fernando Aguerre’s home in La Jolla.  And what a home Fernando has!  I would guess there were 70+ surfboards on the walls, many signed by the likes of Kelly Slater, Lisa Anderson, Robert August, Joel Tudor, Bruce and Andy Irons (world Champions) and accompanying pics.

Lisa Andersen and Sofia Mulanovich's surfboards, with a pic of them with Fernando.

Fernando was quite successful in the surfing apparel industry then sold out to run surf championship contests and philanthropy work.

Diego Maradona & Lionel Messi's signed jerseys.  Can you tell Fernando is from Argentina? 

Several notable local artists were painting, music being played, and food was served.  The guest list contained many surfing legends and obviously some notable cancer researchers that surf.

Wingnut assisting with the auction

Sunday was the surfing event at Scripps Pier.  Poor surf conditions continued so I chose to not bring my board but would cheer on the Cymer Surf Team.  The team did well enough to move to the finals.

Graham, Michael, Maddie, Bob and Legend.

Matt Lake wasn't at the Luau, but his board was.

Tracy and Scott visit to California June 2014

Writeup by Tracy.

Monday, June 2.  Up at 3 am in Albany.  Great flights to Baltimore then to San Diego.  Last leg of trip Scott decided to faint on the plane.  Out cold in the aisle.  Always good to get the trip’s first medical emergency out of the way early.

Arrived fine though shaken.  After airport pickup by Randy, we ate lunch at Point Loma Seafood overlooking the bay.  Then we traveled through Mission Beach to stop and walk the Pacific Beach boardwalk.  Good for the twenty-something (inked and impaled) crowd.  Then on to La Jolla.  We enjoyed an iced coffee at La Jolla till a bird dumped on Randy’s shoe.  Correction: it was gum, not bird poop.  Much better.  Seals are stinky but cool looking.  So are orange fish (Garibaldi) though not stinky like seals.

Next, we continued northward and stopped at Scripps research glider port.  Saw hang glider - impressive at first then went too far south.  The glider landed far south and called a buddy at the port to come to pick him up.  Also watched other paraglider take off and land with confidence.

Finally got back to Randy's and picked up provisions for the evening.  Scott made killer Caesar salad and Randy provided Rochioli wine.  The salad was delish along with olives.  The wine was amazing and expensive.  May have to do this again.  Like tomorrow.  My new fave.  But we loved loved loved it.  Even called Leah and left a message.  She loves it too.  Rochioli Winery is located in the bay area in the Russian River valley.

We enjoyed the wine and tipped off the evening with Baileys.  So nice out on his patio with only light from Ikea candles.  No bugs except one or two.

Tuesday.  We actually were trying to make our way to Costco for provisioning but traffic was too heavy due to an I5 accident.  Welcome to Southern California traffic.  Randy had to be back at his place by a certain time for the new washer and dryer delivery.  So we stopped at Pannikin and split 2 muffins between 3 people.  Yum.

Randy dropped us off at Fletchers Cove on the way back so we could explore while he waited for delivery.  Scott and I discovered Cedros Avenue and visited Carruth winery for a tasting.  Met a fun couple.  Got sunburned - more.  Going to pay for that later.  Walked at Del Mar dog beach.  Love the vibe of the Solana Beach area.  Randy joined us after the washer and dryer delivery, and then we did the Costco provisioning run.  We stopped at Pizza Port for pints and pizza.

Wednesday.  Went for a brisk walk in AM and Scott did a run.  Figuring out the area.  Then we traveled to downtown to see the Midway, a huge carrier ship.  We walked to Seaport Village for trip trinkets to take back but all we got was a blah lunch.  We were trying to eat light because we planned a grilling tonight.  Saw a little of downtown San Diego.  Skipped Balboa Park.  Everyone was a wee bit tired.  Need java.  Stopped at Torrey pines golf course on the way home.  Enjoyed a beverage (surprisingly, not java) on the restaurant deck overlooking the golf course.  Life is good.

Grilled dinner was steaks and clams on the grill.

Scott explained the clams are done when they pop open.  The smart move was to soak clams and stir, to remove sand and silt prior to grilling.  This was a great feast, dinner conversation, and Miles Davis on the stereo.

Thursday.  Scott and I went to Disneyland and Adventure Land.  Had breakfast at Rose’s Café in San Clemente.  Diner extraordinaire!  Park was fun but got way too crowded with long lines.  Picked Randy up at Cymer and while there we talked on the phone with Bill.  Randy had ridden his bike to work in the am.  Impressive! Poor Bill was bored at home in Syracuse and regretted not joining us.  On the way back to Casa de Randy, we stopped to view the file devastation in a Rancho Santa Fe valley.

We headed to Pizza Port for a pint.  Being that Thursday was Cymer Surf Team night, everyone that Randy knew stopped in Pizza Port.  We were tired and hungry and pissy so we left and had sushi next door.  The waitress was California ditsy but sweet.  Randy was hoping for the Brazilian waitress.  Note to Self:  avoid dining out if the place is trying to close up for the evening; when we got up to leave all chairs except ours had been turned up onto the table.  Felt like we were being rushed out.  Came home and crashed immediately.

Friday.  All went to Del Mar Beach for a brisk walk.  After a delish breakfast of course.  Randy made the usual concoction of eggs and stuff and Tracy did smoothies.  Yum.  So at the beach Scott went for a run, Randy sauntered and Tracy walked.  Happiness and harmony.  Back to Casa de Randy to cleanup then travel to Temecula for wine hunting.  First stop at Bailys winery.  Not much fluff but a classy place.  $12 for six tastings.  Scott & Randy loved Malbec.  Scott stuck up a conversation with cute Canadian chick.  She was loud and seemed a little wild.  She was there with her dad and his girlfriend.  Wild Loud Canadian gave us some pointers on where to go next and coupons.  Next, we hit Wilson Creek winery.

Recommended.

Amazing place!! Had a fantastic picnic lunch prepared by Scott and Randy.  Bread, cheese (of course), leftover steak, Caprese, and olives.  Randy and Scott went inside to get us each a glass of wine.  All mighty tasty.  They also offered a white Cabernet Sauvignon.  After sampling, Tracy bought a bottle.  We were all feeling tipsy by now so decided to hit only one more winery.  Randy (driver) had switched to water.  We ended up at Thornton winery.  Was so-so but not worth a return visit.  Didn't care for wines or atmosphere or shop.  All ok but not as impressive as the other two.

Stopped at Temecula Costco on our way home and grabbed dinner stuff.  Had crab legs, bread and cheese, and sliced tomatoes.  Yum.  Dessert was pineapple cooked on the grill with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  Randy's idea.  He's so smart.  Takes after his baby sister.  Topped off the evening with port wine (purchased during Tracy’s last visit) and tunes by Miles Davis.  Life is good.

Decided to start a tradition.  Buy a bottle of port for the next visit.  Drinking Faulkner port tonight from Tracy's last visit two years ago.  Traditions are a good thing.

Saturday.  Torrey Pines state park then Runners World then Market 99 for spring rolls and boba tea.

Scott & Tracy looking south to La Jolla with Flat Rock in middle.

Great day so far!!!!  Really enjoyed Market 99.  We were only non-Asian folks there.  Lots of dead cooked ducks hanging around.  Watched the eatery crush raw sugar came for sugar water.  Very interesting and feels organic.  

We had tickets for Third Eye Blind at the San Diego Fair, walking distance from Casa de Randy.  The concert was to start at 7:30 so we got there in time to see a few sights and enjoy some artery-clogging fried stuff.  After walking through the cattle and sheep barn, BBQ seemed appropriate for dinner.  Scott and Tracy got pulled pork and Randy got polish sausage, which can only be classified as ‘food-like’.  Not to be confused with real food.  Scott was overtaken with a need for sweets afterward and found a warm brownie covered in ice cream concoction.  With three spoons.

Third Eye Blind

Our TEB tickets were for down front.  The stage was high and the standing area was sloped down to stage – an excellent setup for viewing.  Third Eye Blind was fantastic.

Sunday.  Last day in SD.  We are so happy we came out to visit.  Randy is a great host and of course SD is an amazing place.  Yes, I want to live here.  We took it easy Sunday and enjoyed the area.  Randy went surfing at Del Mar Beach.  Scott went for a long run and I walked 3 miles to the area where Randy was surfing.  Very cool.  Scott & I walked back and visited Dog Park along the way.  Later we drove to Swamis Meditation Gardens.  Got an iced coffee at a quaint little coffee shop.  So much fun to just walk around and take it all in.  Beautiful peaceful spot.  Decided while driving back to Casa de Randy that we were thirsty – Look – there’s Pizza Port!

Final evening hanging out at Pizza Port.

We sat outside overlooking Pacific Coast Highway 101.  Had so much fun we just ate there.  So much for grilling out but no one wanted to leave pizza port and no one felt like cooking.  The pizza hit the spot.  

Home for a nightcap then begrudgingly to bed.  All packed and ready for 4:45 am departure to the airport.  Back to sucky reality.  But for those days in SD life was good.  

Emmylou Harris at Wiltern

Emmylou started her Wrecking Ball tour in Hollywood at the Wiltern.  I jumped online as tickets became available and got a balcony off-center seat.  Well, I guess that’s the best I could do.

Travelling through LA traffic is never good during the workweek.  At least on weekends, you have the option to see other sights on the way to break up the almost 3 hour one-way drive.  But I got on Western Avenue and jumped into the $20 parking lot next to the Wiltern.

While in line to enter, a person said there is available on-street parking off of Western.  $20 learning lesson.  But I was in a hurry since the ticket said 7pm show and I arrived at 6:50.  Silly me.  Doors open at 7pm and an unannounced opening act begin at 8pm.  I should know better.

But this gave me time to wander about the Wiltern.  It’s a restored art deco theater.  Beautiful, located at the corner of Wilshire and Western.  Get it?

I walked into the pit in front of the stage while wandering around and talked with a person from the entrance line.  She said that getting into the pit was an additional charge which came with another wristband.  But that no one was checking and that I should stay in the pit until I wanted to go to my seat.

I never found my seat.

Daniel Lanois came out as the opening act, starting with a slide guitar.  He is an incredible guitarist, as well as being the Wrecking Ball producer.  And after a 40 minute set and short break, Emmylou took the stage.

Yes, I was that close.

I cannot put into words what a great performance this was.  Emmylou’s voice and between songs banter were incredible, but the guitar work by Lanois really complimented Emmylou.

Daniel Lanois on guitar.

I took pics of the Wiltern after the concert to let traffic clear out of the parking structure.  The loonnngggg drive home took over 2 hours.

Close to where my seat was.  Obviously the pit was a better experience.

Amsterdam Work Trip

I took a 2-week work trip to Holland, staying in Eindhoven and making a day trip to Amsterdam.

Stunning Amsterdam

All west to east redeye flights are brutal, more so when spanning 9 time zones.  Departing San Diego at 10am on Saturday, January 18, and arriving at 11am Sunday in Amsterdam, we drove 1.5 hours south to Eindhoven and checked in the Pullman Hotel.  Traveling on the company dime affords a nice hotel.
Since this was a work trip, it involved obviously a work schedule but also dinner with traveling work people with a theme of too much food and alcohol.

The workshops

Gina Wong, an ASML employee assigned to the project, played up the hostess role by bringing in pastries, arranging dinners, introductions, etc.  I think I gained 5 pounds on this trip.

Very Tasty, and Too Much

A common theme in Holland is that everyone bicycles even in winter.  Sidewalks have a separate path for bikes, indicated by a different texture, no curbs, and sometimes recessed height, to distinguish from the walking part.  There are more people biking than walking and sometimes driving in cars.  The bikes were unlike what is seen in the USA: upright, sturdy, heavy, and baskets either on handlebars or over the back wheel.  Totally functional.  I did not see any multi-gear setups probably due to Holland’s flat nature.  Only 2 people were on USA style bikes and wearing helmets.

Bicycles were everywhere

Saint Catharine’s church was a block from the Pullman.  A graveyard of 750 was discovered during a rebuild.  Some of the skeletons were left and displayed, viewable from glass covers in the church steps.

From Graveyard, in Church Steps

On Saturday, everyone took off in a different direction except me.  I was hampered by a pulled back muscle so I opted to walk the city in the daytime.  Highly walkable and bikeable.  We had tickets for the local soccer team’s (PSV) game that evening.  The 35,000 seat stadium was a 10-15 minute walk.  Notable was that an extremely large woman hip-checked me into the seats in front of us.  Hooligan.

Sunday, Gina joined and took us for a day trip to Amsterdam.  The first stop was the newly rebuilt Rijks Museum.  Impressive.  Van Gogh’s self-portrait was awesome but I was smitten by In the Month of July by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriel.

In the Month of July

Next, we walked to Amsterdam’s town center and were amazed by the bikes, architecture, and canals.  Alberto, Dave, and I took a canal boat tour – probably better if we were not so tired.  Then we did the obligatory walk thru the red-light district (for us, we only covered one street).  Dinner was at Bazar, an Indian restaurant.  Mike was stunned by how much the waitress, Valentina, looked like his high-school girlfriend.

We traveled and stayed at Amsterdam airport due to a morning flight.  The hotel, CitizenM, was funky with the toilet and shower in separate enclosing tubes in the middle of your hotel room.

Funky CitizenM room, with shower cylinder shown.

I got bumped up the Business Economy, meaning more legroom.  Nice.  We flew direct into LAX, rented a car, and drove to San Diego rather than wait 6 hours for a connecting flight.