FLOATPLANES IN TONGASS...

Big… That’s what Alaska is. It is fucking huge. It is impossible to capture in a photo. No matter how you line up your shot, it comes up short. There is just too much. The fish are big. The bears are big. The Moose are big. The water is deep, and the whole freakin state is half the size of the US. (I think) Really… I wished I ended that whole big thing,a whole lot bigger than that. Because, it is big. Today, our port of call was Ketchikan… The Salmon capital of the world. It was named by one of the early founders. You ketch ‘em, we’ll kan ‘em. Salmon, that is. According to local bus driver legend….


So… Today was pretty fun.. I was actually having my best day of the trip, till the time my dad made a comment about Bloodlines, Native Americans, and Europeons, and I got up, and walked way from dinner. I love my Mom and Dad, and I would probably be a homeless pyscho bum without them, but there is no way, no how... Oh well, whatever, never mind forget it! Anyway, before that, my Dad, Kalie, and I, took a great excursion aboard the Beaver... Floatplanes, second to only the Otter. Really, I don’t know which one we were on but, this was the small one. It is a great feeling being aboard one of these pricey yet, floaty toys. Being a water person, I don’t know why I would fly any other way. We flew an Ama (one pontoon off the water, banking, while taking off) on the take off out of this lake.. Unbeleivable!

The taxi out, and take off were smooth as butter. In what locals would call October weather. If you were a local you would know what I was talking about, if not, that means… Rainier and windier than usual. Which means… considering it rains 13 - 16 FEET a year, it wasn’t the best day for flying. Really, it wasn’t that bad compared to the year La Conchita slid as far as I am concerned. Either of those years.

Our destination is the Misty Fjords. Now if you have been paying attention, a fjord is a deep granite valley cut by glaciers and filled with water. Kind of like Yosemite, but filled with water. I don’t know what the deepest ones are, but I hear 1200 to 1500 feet deep all the time out here. The Misty’s are filled with both sea level ocean water and higher elevation lakes. This is what I mean by BIG! I was taking in up to three elevations of fresh water, waterfalls, and connecting streams, along with a big deep fjord of sea water all in one view. This all took place in the TongAss National Forest. Anyway… None of the pictures can really show what it is all about, and next time I come up here will be in the much slower, yet trusty, Westy. But have a look anyway.. Btw, click on the pictures for a full view…

I know My Mom and Dad read this from time to time so… I will take this time to publicly thank them for this trip. While we are completely different, I had a great time, I still love you, and wish you another 45 years of happy marriage. Jenny, I love you, wish you were here, or I can’t wait to get back! This is our last port of call before Vancouver and I hope to find you the appropriate gift. Shaq, Kobe, Fish, Fox… Wait that’s the book I’m reading. Ok… Charlie. I really think you really belong up here flying Beavers and Otters into the Misty Fjords of Ketchikan. When I think of Alaska, I always think of you ,and your family canoeing down the Yukon when we were kids….

CAPITAL CITY!

It was freakin hot! (Over 80) In the capital city of Alaska today.... Guess_______ I can't escape the heat! Hint... It starts with a J. Speaking of J, I would like to play a game of scrable with Jenny today, or play anything really. That's it. It is way to hot. Just like California. Except for a ton of Salomon jumping all over the freakin' place. J_____ is a small town with about a 100 jewelery shops. Reminds me of Big Bear Lake except with whales, and the float planes. Oh Okay... It's better than that. I just miss Jen... Ok. More tommorrow from aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. MATU UTU... Take me to the South Pacfic. Ok, I am whipped. But... since when was that a bad thing? Bye!

SITKA!!!

On the way to Whittier.... AK

Hey… First off, I really, really, really, miss my better half , Jenny I love you! Whaahha. It’s hard to explain what goes on in ones head when I am are here to have fun on the trip of " a life time" Yet, a huge chunk of me is missing. Oh well. I love my kids and... Today my parents were remarried by the Captain of the ship. Phillipe?? It should have been me. Haha.. Not really. Ok, Really Reckless... YES! I do! Just came back from the fanciest restaurant aboard the ship, so I might, be slurring my writing a bit here. Ahhhhhh… grgr. The wedding was pretty informal despite the informal attire, which in fact, if quite formal in my opinion. Finally got to break out the Volcom Blazer today though, because my Dad had an excellent pair of Callaway slacks that matched perfectly! Four!!! I have a Big Bertha so this fits in fine with my way of life.

It is 10:36 PM tonight and still light, of course. I’m down her in the Library/Game Room/Internet café/Coffee machine deluxe center. Just push a button and you coffee dreams come true. For me it’s a Cappuccino and a shot of espresso… Despite cabin fever, excess food and excess drink, it has been pretty fun. Yesterday we closed in on the Hubbard Glacier. It made huge thundering sounds as it calved into itself and the see. An awesome site for sure but, many years ago it extended out another 35 miles down the fjord and stood about 2000 feet tall. Can you please go around and turn off your lights… Thanks you! That’s easy for me to say as I sit upon the grand mariner or grand opulence or… whatever this is… The ship of so much excess that they don’t even use 50% of the silverware, or dishes at your table. I guess, in a way it is self contained so maybe I could let that go…. Maybe…

The weather was freakin unbelievable today. It probably hit seventy, easy… The water is 57 degrees and tempting. Coming off my high jumping escapades I was thinking sixth floor easy.. But you can’t leave the boat without them swiping your card, sop…. Oh well. It’s beautiful… I wish I was getting married myself. Oooppppss. No, really, I do! Trees, islands, whales, salmon, puffins, and even the grandest, most regal of birds, the Bald Eagle! Really… America’s bird, just kicking it at the harbor entrance. Almost unreal looking that bird. But alas. This is the perfect day for salmon fishing and it was great… Four hours or fishing bliss with just Kalie, Mike, Captain Marcellus, and myself. ( he didn’t look like a Marcellus) Marc… took us to his killer hot spot, and we were hooking up in a matter of seconds. Both Mike and I losing fish simultaneously on cue. I lost the first Silver of the day. We only kept the Silvers, the Pinks are going back. Never saw a King all day. Everyone had a great time and we had the boat to ourselves. Cost of each of the fish we are sending home. Well at least $200 each. Yummy! Canoeing on the Mendahal glacier tomorrow. Bye… Love you Jen!!!! It’s dark.. As it gets. Blog Time 11:14



Sitka... Free Faliin'

PDX...

Hey folks.. Here I am in Portland again. Hi LaLa... It was a fairly uneventful flight from Santa Barbara. But always kinda cool to fly out SB, over Campus Point where I met by my "Sweet Sunrise", up towards Naples, El Cap, and part of the Ranch, before turning inland. Well, we only have three hours here to kill, but I plan to head up the Columbia River and do some salomon fishing with nets before I get out of here and head to Anchorage. With Kalie at the helm we made great time heading up river. She is sixteen now and quite capable of handling the big boats. Just about 20 clicks up the river and we will be at the chutes. I don't know really how far is a click? Really I don't know where the heck these chutes are. But, I remember fondly getting a keg of great beer at Deschutes Brewery.. Hi John... somewhere near Mount Bachlor many years ago on a K2 trip to the Mount Baily Cat Skiing Operation. I just flew over the area earlier and took note, as well as nearby Crater Lake which was stunningly blue today not to mention countless volcanos... No rain in Portland today.



Here's Mike and I at "the chutes" catching salomon with nets.
A great way to spend the day near Portland, Oregon.

Ok... thats that, from PDX.. Off to Anchorage and the cruise of a lifetime, without the love of my life. Whaahaa... Ok to be fair and not whiny, I do have my lovely daughters Kalie and Sara, not to mention my very handsome brother, Mike! We will be hooking up with Mom and Dad in AK shortly. So it should be nice. Especially getting out of that heat! Don't forget the new Spearhead Record is out today. I downloaded it this morning and it's great. Buy it! I heard most of the songs at the festival, so it sends me back to just a little over a week ago in Grass Valley. Hi Jen, and Julia.. Miss you... Unfortunately, due to a flaw in the family vacation plans. They weren't able to make this trip because it was planned too far in advance. Really though.. The day I met her, I felt I should advise my Mom we would need an extra berth or two... Really I was thinking about some more exotic plans in the South Pacific. Well, soon I think. Hopeless. Reckless....



She is my sweet sunrise...
When I look in her eyes..
No way No how..
I'd ever say good bye...

THE SWEET SIXTEEN TOUR...

Ok.. I have not written a thing since April??? That is ridiculous. I just don't have the words and thoughts flowing out of my brain at a constant rate these days. None of the turmoil, stress, depression, etc... that leads to great writing, or thinking. Well that's not exactly true. Oh well,whatever nevermind... Here we are in Mammoth today, July 20th, 2006. They just closed the lifts on July 4th, 16 days ago, and today is Kalie's 16th Birthday. SIXTEEN!!! No way... Sixteen!!! Man, I was already a complete nightmare screw up, for my parents by age 16.


Well anyway... 16 years ago I watched, as Theresa gave birth to Kalie Anne Jayne, pretty early in the morning I remember. After a long, long, long, labor. Kalie came out with a great big lump on the side of her head from the long journey. A bunch of blood settle in there during the hard push into this world, my first of many scares as a parent. Juandice set in and... I am sure all you parents know the feeling of... Oh my god, I have a little brand new baby here, now what. There really aren't any lessons in being a parent, but all of the sudden, you are, and eventually everything comes together quite naturally... Well obviously there is a hell of a lot more to it than that. Colds, Gymnastics, Dance, School, Open Houses, More Dance, More, School, More Colds, Joy, Sadness, Family Vacations, Birthdays, More Joy, Divorce.... Arrrrggrgg.. Probably the hardest thing for any kid, or parent for that matter to go through. But it really hard on the kids. Just ask them...

But today we are winding down our latest family vacation. Kalie’s sweet sixteen tour. It has been great trip, with Kalie, Julia, Jenny, the love of my life, Curtis the Dog, and myself. Unfortunately, Sara didn't join us on this trip due to being the tender age of THIRTEEN!!! We are all huge Michael Franti & Spearhead fans. So we planned this little trip around the World Music Festival in Grass Valley. (yes it was hot!) But, pretty nicely laid out, with lots of grass, tall pines, and shade. Plenty of good music flowing from 6 stages, but we all came for Spearhead, who were closing on Saturday night.

More than ten years have past since I first saw Spearhead at the Mangey Moose in Jackson Hole. They were great then, and I still have the original "Home" CD from my Ride Care Package. They are even better now. On the second song Kalie looks over at me and say's this is the coolest. It was... We had great seats but, no one sat the whole time anyway. Michael Franti, and Spearhead, probably make the most thoughtful, important music, that you can dance to period, and they definitely connected with the audience on this night! If you haven't heard of them.. You are not alone... They played a bunch of new songs off the new album, "Yell Fire!" the rest seemed to be off "Everyone deserves music" The album and his DVD, "I am not alone" - A musician's search for the cost of war, in war torn Iraq. Both will be released on the 25th. Check the permanent link on my sidebar... I haven’t seen the movie yet... Unfortunately we missed the LA screening, and a solo acoustic performance on the 18th while lurking somewhere near Yosemite... BTW, Michael Franti is one of the nicest performers I have met, staying way late to sign autographs, and take pictures for his fans. Incredible show!



The rest of the trip has been great. After an extremely hot, I mean, eye ball popping heat, drive through the gold country. My beloved Westy and crew arrived safely at Rainbow Pools. One on the top ten swimming holes in California. Number one on my list. I was here once before, and completely wimped out on the large jump. This year was my redemption. Hey, it even looks big in the picture! In fact, everyone pushed thier limits at the hole, with Jenny matching me on the big jump, and the Kids hitting the big water slide drop. Ahhoowooowooo! We camped nearby at the Sweetwater Camp, and would wake every morning, and run over for some eye opening 25' plus leaps into the crystal clear water of the Tuolumne River, before heading into Yosemite.



Yosemite was awesome as always... Water is still running strong this season and all the falls were firing. I forced everyone on the hike to Vernal Falls for a serious uphill work out, up many stairs and on through the mist. Next day we headed out through Yosemite's high country, through he great domes and meadows, and up an over Tioga Pass. This is a really beautiful part of Yosemite you don't want to miss. We didn't see our bear though, until we hit the town of Mammoth Lakes... Well that's it from Mammoth Lakes where we are just, plain relaxing. Happy Birthday Kalie!!!

ONE OF THOSE DAYS!!!

My Endodontist had a big pitcure window looking out into a nice garden.. But, I saw this one for Free...

I have a toothache. Waaahaha. So far it has cost me $180.00 to find out it "might" be cracked and I might just need to pull it! Waaahahaha!! Here is what pisses me off. I finally feel I had a good dentist. Close... Just ride my bike over. Five minute walk. Nice guy. Older. Old school. Surfs. Has Surfer Mag's in the waiting room. So I get a toothache, and I call him pretty much right away!. Never lectures me, or make me feel, like I am not responsible enough to own teeth. He is great!

So I go in thinking, cool.. just another root canal. $1200 or so and the pain will be gone! NO... This tooth is special. And needs a specialist.. and a fucking special consulting fee.. So my dentist who is cool, and I still like, as of right now... Sends me to Ventura Endodontics to see D. Longweill DDS MS. MS??? Money Sucker!!! Endodontist: Dentist who just does root canals!!! boycott!!!Nevermind!

Now back in Carp... Dr Conti, my dentist, says there may be a crack and it might not be saveble anyway. ($30.00) He did a miracle job on two teeth in '04. But... this is a back molar and, too hard to root out??? "Root out" is my own root canal lingo. I'm drinking red wine but, haven't had a vicodin since 11pm last night. Yet, I am sill begining to ramble. Haven't even mentioned my daughter or ex-wife yet. It's just one of those days..

Back down to Ventura, roughly, 15 minutes South of La Conchita. Dr Longwill is explaining that it might be cracked. But, he can't tell. ($150.00) Same thing as Dr Conti, in Carp, says.($30.00) OK.. I can understand that it might be impossible to tell if it is cracked, and therefore, unfixable. I can understand that it would cost $200 too start digging in there, and actually find out if its cracked or not, before deciding whether to do the root canal.

What I CAN'T UNDERSTAND is... Why it took 180 fucking dollar$$$ to find this out. Just start digging! Now, if I want to find out if the tooth is still saveable. I still need another $200... If you are not counting, that is $380, to see if it can be saved. Otherwise... Pull it out?? Cost: Unknown

Why couldn't this "root canal specialist" just open the fucking tooth up and look at it right away for two hundred fucking dollars and tell me if if was cracked in the first place!

Instead it cost one hundred and fifty dollars to tell me.. it will cost two hundred dollars to see if we can fix it!!!

I feel like I just got fucked in the canal...

Ok.. Elsewhere.

My daughter still hates me, and my ex-wife still thinks I am the worst parent in the world.. Waaahahaha

PLUS JUST IN! MAMMOTH Avalanches, Volcanos, Death, oh boy!!



This is a pretty huge fracture!!!

OH WELL... NEVERMIND - Dr Longwill just called me back and said he would apply the $150 to any further work. Yeah! Forget about the boycott, they are great!!! Highly recommended. YeP!

Concert Review..
X
April 15th Canyon Club.. Sorta near the LA scene


"The most important band to emerge from the L.A. punk scene" - Every One

"I'm glad we're still alive 25 years later, because I never expected to be, to be perfectly honest."
- John Doe

"I am so glad I finally saw them after waiting 25 years, because to be perfectly honest, I thought I would be all grown up by now." - Don Jayne




This woman makes the best coffee in the world!!!

MORE ON THE 101 MESS!!!

I was heading south this morning, towards Ventura.. Everything was completely backed-up going north as usual. Poor suckers. Maybe, if they just staggered their work hours that would help. Opps, that won't work.. State Law says everyone shall live at least thirty miles from their place of employment, and such employment shall begin between 8:00am and 9:00am.. Anyway, I was flying along getting dang close to 60, top speed for this slight climb up to Rincon, in the westy. Rounding Rincon, I found these guys just stopping right in the middle of the road??? WTF people? I know this is the section of the highway, which is not a freeway, but, please folks, at least pull all the way to the side, before jumping out and throwing on your wettie.



Something wierd about La Conchita today but, I think I see a good one coming in a Indicator!

SHARK ATTACK!!!

It's really hard to come up with a better title than that...

On Thursday, March, 16th, after driving the kids to school, in Oxnard, therefore, getting a good look at the 'con in both directions. I made the call. “Mike, Rincon’s looking good, not too many people out” “Or at least pretty good.. Head high, with plus sets, and probably better than it looks.” His response.. "What about the sharks??" WhaT? "How close is that Seal Sanctuary to Rincon?" he asks. I answer in one word... "Close" I still wanted to surf with the added thrill of being really close to a Big Shark, but unfortunately… I had an emergency plumbing call, and went to Jenny's to try and fix her clogged up sink instead. Plumbing is dirty work. Not to be confused with the pleasure of fixing her fence which I rather enjoy... After two hours of dirty plumbing work, I decided, I would still, really, rather fix her fence, any day!

On March, 9th, according to Carpinteria City Officials.. Not to mention a Seal Watch Volunteer, and New Carp Local via Lake Tahoe, Vic Hypes, who both witnessed the brutal attacks, yes plural, Two Harbor Seals were killed by at least one GREAT WHITE SHARK! The volunteer I spoke to, said she had been seeing larger dolphins swimming through the line up, hmm.. well, seal sanctuary actually, at least the day, if not a couple days before. Not regular looking dolphins, she said, but darker, bigger, scarier looking dolphins, which were probably just BIG SHARKS pretending to be dolphins, knowing full well, that anyone who saw them, would never think twice about their dolphin costumes, since everyone knows.. Big sharks always stay way north of Point Conception..

It's also a bit unnerving that the attacks took place at 10:55am and 11:20am! These times fall right in the middle of the “Gentleman’s Hour” at the Indicator. A time where the dawn patrol has left for work, kids are at school, and the heavy drinkers are still asleep. A time when the seemingly unemployed, like myself, show up and check the surf almost daily. A time when you can get the occasional head high day with a half a dozen people out. I only mention the time because... Basic Shark Attack 101 states to worry about shark attacks at Dusk and Dawn.. Not right smack in the middle of the Gentleman’s Hour!!

Sidenote: The sanctuary is also home to a seldom surfed break just south of the pier smack dab in the middle of the attack zone. Check out my Archives for BIG WEDNESDAY and you can see the Buoy in Question. Even worse... The Sanctuary is just a stones throw from Jelly Bowls and Tar Pits in the State Park.. Anyway, this shark was too close for comfort. Period. I guess if I had seen this shark from the bluffs myself, my story would be even more scary and descriptive....

Here's a description of the attack by Vic, taken from the Carp's Local Paper, The Coastal View. "A bunch of birds took off out of the water, making a bunch of noise.. I turned and saw blood in the water and a shark fin." "I yelled SharK! Shark!" and most of the seals took off for the beach.. The attack took place at one of the buoys, which were put in place last year, warning to stay out of the protected sanctuary. Of course, sharks don't read, so this doesn't apply..

Sidenote 2: I have heard that they killed a great white already, though I don't have confirmation of this, since I just quit getting the News Press. I also prefer to write without checking all the facts out first and make corrections later. So… this is how I heard it! But, for the record, I am definitely against killing the shark, unless it is during hand or head in mouth combat! Of course Amity, and Carpinteria City officials didn't see it this way. Signs were erected, shark fins were spray painted on billboards... Wait, we don't have any billboards.. With the upcoming Summer Tourist season coming, something had to be done to save "The World's Safest Beach"

Vic took off on his bike to City Hall and reported the attack to Sheriff Brody.. By the time Vic returned to the Bluffs... The second attack had occurred.. Retired Dept of Fish and Game Biologist, Bob Lea said "Great White" A zoologist from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History confirmed it. This was the work of a FIFTEEN FOOT GREAT WHITE! The identity was made though the bite marks on the remains of one on the headless seals that washed up on the beach.


This Is No Boating Accident!

I hate to sensationalize something as gruesome as a shark attack. But, according to a seal watch volunteer, I interviewed, this shark violently bit the heads off these Harbor Seals. Something they apparently don't do with Sea Lions??? Anyway, this shark or sharks swam by, really, really, close too home. In fact, from where I am sitting right now, in my comfy bed. This Shark was only about a mile from me. I paddle my skinny, flimsy, carbon fiber, outrigger right through there sometimes. You can see the attack location from the place, I surf more than anywhere these days, Rincon's Indicator. I can easily jog from the attack location up to the Indicator, so I estimate it to be only about two miles from Rincon. Unfortunately, I was in Mammoth during the time of the attack, so that nagging question of mine.. Just how close have I been to a Great White Shark will remain, for now, unanswered…

CHECK IT - NEW CONDO CAM

It's Bluebird For Sure...

Good morning blog world.. The weather here in Mammoth today is looking like absolutly perfect bluebird conditions.. No kidding, I don't no where the storm is but, it is not here! Got about 8" of fresh on the ground in town and more than a foot, I would guess on the Mountain.... Here's the link to the new CONDO CAM This thing is aimed right at the my condo and you can see me hitting the slopes bright and early... like before 10:00 today. HaHA. Really, it is so perfect over here, I think we are heading to June, to avoid the masses... Listening to the weather right now and they are calling for more tonight, but, it looks pretty blue out there right now!

FIX THE 101? I SAY NO WAY!!!

DISCLAIMER: I have done absolutely no research on anything written below but believe it to be accurate, and true, to the best of my knowledge. So feel free comment on my lack of fact checking, and off the cuff commentary. Thank You!

What makes them think that they can even fix the 101, anyhow? And, why do they think that Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Carpinteria, should put the money up for it? The best four or five days of my life was when the 101 was closed last year. The people who absolutely had to get to SB, took boats. (light bulbs goes off above head) Three lanes is not going to do anything... Anything at all...

Here's what three lanes is going to do for you... "Ahhhhhh 3 lines hmmm finally moving huuhh.. "why don't I just get a job back in Ventura or Oxnard and ride my bike to work" yes, hmmm, oooh, this is great were moving now... screeccchchhch!!!! ah, oh, that was close! What the hell? Oh... I forgot, we are converging back to two lanes now." Repeat several more times before getting to SB.

THAT IS THE PROBLEM VOLKS! (German for Folks, and the preferred method of slow travel worldwide) It's not how many lanes you have, It is how many convergences into less lanes you have, that kills the flow of traffic...

They have six lanes and more, down in LA and, the OC, plus a Carpool Lane.. and you know what? They are all stopped right now.. 7:00am on a Friday! Trying to converge into five lanes. They are all stopped, and in all directions. East, West, North, South, Up, Down, and Sideways.. Of course there are quite a few smart souls taking a little more time to get there but... enjoying the morning paper and a good cup of coffee on the metro rail. Smart!

LA, the OC... Down there.. really, there is no hope. Sorry, you are all going to have to start walking again soon. There is no water for boats, the metro rail really only works for some people who work and live in the right location. My only sugggestion here is that if you have to go through there, leave after midnight!

Here's a good theme for a LA based reality show. Let's take people stuck in traffic going north, and have them trade jobs with the people stuck in traffic going south.. Watch how much happier everyone gets as they spend more time at home with the wife and kids, those special pets, or just doing something they like... How will they use those two, three, extra hours a day?? And.. if you don't like the wife and kids, well... maybe you are really better off stuck in traffic, so quit complaining.




Alien Casinos as seen from the 101 below Rincon..

Back to our little stretch of heaven along the 101... The problem seems to be one-sided. Meaning... Most of the time, only one side of the highway is f#&ked up! Solution # 1... Always plan your trips to go in the opposite direction of traffic... This would be a good time to point out that between Ventura and Santa Barbara, is at least one section, where, IT IS NOT A FREEWAY!!! This means... You have people stopping to surf, check the surf, getting out car to surf. You have the residents, and visitors, of the beautiful communities of La Conchita, and Mussel Shoals, needing to make turns into their enclaves. So... Next time you are driving north into SB take note of the sign that says "END FREEWAY" and kindly slow down, hang up the phone, and watch for cross traffic and parked cars...

Why am I even reporting on this you might ask?? I am sick of these FIX 101 Stickers!!! Even though I barely work, at all, consider myself to be semi-retired, I travel this 101 from Oxnard to SB pretty much daily. My kids live in the "NARD", and my girlfriend, Jenny, lives on the Westside. You really didn't think I was going to make it through a whole blog without mentioning Jenny... Come on.. I know when all peak traffic periods are, and I really do my best, to avoid them. If I do get caught in one of these traffic jams.. I slow down and check out just how cool it is to live in beautiful Santa Barbara. I check out the birds and trees and rocks and things. Na NaNaNaNA NA... I think about how lucky I was to find such a perfect girlfriend, like Jenny.. What makes her so perfect??? I could tell you, but then I would have to shoot you!



Photograghed going 60 on the 101 in Carpinteria, I love this Highway!
Leave the 101 alone...


Anyway... Fixing the 101 is a complete waste of time and resources.. An unecessary destruction of one of the most beautiful sections of highways in California. Ripping out trees, please... I noticed them coming right up to the back of some peoples houses just north of Carp. WTF?

As far as I can tell we are fixing it for the citizens of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, etc.. I honestly don't believe three lanes is going to fix anything, and is more likely to cause more stoppages until they can get it to be three lanes all the way with no convergences.

Here are some of my Ideas...

Stop work on the 101, and quit tearing up peoples houses and trees.. Thank You.

There are a lot of jobs, probably more, in "Ventura County" Get one there, and spend more free time at home, in the water, or with the kids...

I noticed that there is a train track that runs all along the 101 from Camarillo to Goleta. I notice it 'cuz.. It is is plain sight, and I can hear it every night. (I don't even need a light bulb going off in my head for this) WTF People? Why doesn't a metro system already exist?? Downtown SB is an easy walk from the train station, so that would work for an awful lot of people.. The more adventurous could bring bikes or take a taxi the rest of the way to work. We don't need everyone off the Highway, just some..

OK... Sunday summer afternoon traffic. I have no idea what to do about that but, you are going to need a whole lot more than three lanes.

Personally I would take the Ferry.. Get out on the ocean early, check the surf, and wind conditions... You may just decide, that the day would be far more productive spent in the water with friends. Now... a car ferry, that would be fun! I would think far cheaper than the third lane plan.. I am sure they sell used ferries somewhere in Seattle... I just went to fix101.org and I couldn't find any numbers as to how much? (Charlie says somewhere around $500 Million Dollars!!!) Not to mention, how long this is all going to take but... I am sure we will be "COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL" before they begin their We need to add a forth lane NOW! Campaign begins...



Now.. this is stuck!!!

SLOW-MOTION...

Being in love doesn't seem to do anything for my writing skills?? This is an ominously blank page! I really can't think of a single thing to say. Even there... I was just about to have something, and it was swept away by thoughts of my beautiful Jenny... Wait, should I say, "My", of course, I am not holding back... completly reckless.. Hopeless really.. I was really into this blogging thing too. Useless information use to just flow from my head without thinking.. I turned off the autoplay of the rainmaker podcast, but, if you would like some music, scroll down to "silly love songs" and hit play! After a silly love song from me, there's some great music from Michael Franti and Spearhead, Ben Harper, and, Part One from Jack Johnson Live from the Dodge Theater in Phoenix, AZ... Nevermind I turned autoplay back on.. Too quiet. Here's one for Jenny, followed by Ben Harper, Steal My Kisses, and G-Love.. Don't steal music, it's only 99 cents at iTunes or make a donation to Kokua or Kaili Falk... Oh.. It's ok to steal my song. Hahahe...

Well the surf has still been great. Nothing like Big Wednesday, or some of the other days.. But, lots, and lots, of good days. It's always head-high or better it seems. The water along with the air temperature has gotten cold.. But, the surf keeps coming in.. There hasn't been much rain, so the water has been fairly clean too. Although I think, like Buzzy was saying yesterday, only half jokingly, most of us have built immunities to all the crap that comes down the creeks and rivers, and we are all probably developing webbed hands and scales. That would be great, but I am really hoping to breath underwater soon!

I have had pretty much, all the "best waves of my life" this winter.. And a few occasions where, slow-motion, was in full effect. It's a longstanding fact that time slows down in the tube.. As it turns out, I have not had that many great tube rides, because the slow-motion effect has not really turned on with the intensity of my one ride at El Capitan. This particular best wave ever occured the day after Big Wednesday, Pretty Big Thursday. Pretty Big Thursday, was still pretty big... too big at Rincon, and most spots south of La Conchita. At least for me, and most mortals. But just right, everywhere from Carpinteria, on up to my favorite spot in the whole wide world, El Capitan. There is something really good about that place.. Except for the crowd.. Ugg.. El Cap is Gnarly. It breaks fast and close to the rocks. Which aren't really rocks, they are huge boulders. But, they are rounded off into perfectly shaped large boulders... When it is big enough, the boulders are not really a factor. On the smaller days though.. they are right there, you couldn't straighten out if you wanted to.

Maybe, it is the fact that I use to camp here when I was a kid, way before I knew anything about surfing, and pretty much nothing about the beach at all. We would always camp at El Capitan Ranch, which back then, was just dirt camping. None of the deluxe tents and cabins that are offered today. But it was great... there was a big pond for fishing, camp stores, jiffy pop, smores, we even spent an Easter there looking for eggs and baskets. Camping and going to Mammoth are pretty much my fondest memories growing up. The beach is a ways from El Capitan Ranch, so bike are a must! On one noteworthy year I had my sidehack:

side·car

1. A one-wheeled car for a single passenger, attached to the side of a motorcycle.
2. A cocktail combining brandy, an orange-flavored liqueur, and lemon juice.

I wasn't aware of the drink, but that could slow things down a bit too.. Anyway... The sidecar in question was a BMX (Bicycle Moto-Cross) sidehack designed and built by my friend, Tony Torelli. My parents and his still hang out all the time but, I haven't seen Tony since a wedding many years ago. Ok.. I think I have found my rhythm of rambling thoughts now... The bicycle and motocross version of the sidecar is called a sidehack.. Instead of a nice comfy seat and windshield in an enclosed cocoon.. You have basically, a open platform, and handles which allow you to shift your weight around to avoid flipping the dam thing over!

The person in charge of shifting the weight around to avoid flipping the dam thing over, is called the "monkey". The sidehack is a great source for slow-motion wipeouts and accidents. So, even if you have never had the slow-motion tube riding effect you can really get the same effect, perhaps without the pleasure element, unless pain and pleasure work as one for you , with a good high speed, over the handlebars, wipeout.

Car accidents, though not recommended, offer another option for the slowing down of time.. If you prefer cars, the safer bet is an accidental slide on a safe piece of icy road, with no oncoming traffic. I had a good one of these coming out of Mammoth when I was about 18. One car coming in the opposite direction right at me, began to fishtail towards me and my little Subaru, "el tiberon". Knowing better... I panicked and hit the brakes.. and started my own inspired slide into oncoming traffic. Things were moving slow. Really slow... Swish, swash, swhoosh, I don't know... what sound do cars make when fishtailing back and forth across the road, heading right towards each other on ice? Actually, I think it seemed to be deathly quiet. Silence, I think is one of the common components to the Slow-Motion phenomena. Well, we finally met and he swooshed, and I swished at the right time and missed each other by inches, probably feet, but while waves, and fish grow bigger over time... Danger and near death experiences get more perilous, I guess. We were so happy to miss each other, we careened into snow banks on or own side of the roads. Having my trust 4WD Suby I backed right out, and headed on home. Since then, I am the most cautious driver in the snow and ice ever, so don't get behind me... I did incur one more 360 degree slide coming down from the main lodge on a day with out much snow on the road. Just enough for a clean, perfect, 360 slide, around a shady corner of the road. That one pretty felt good.

Ok... So the sidehack... My monkey was, Kenny Mueller. He was pretty good but there is no avoiding a wipeout on these things, go around a corner just a little too fast, the sidehack wheel starts lifting, and poof, you are floating, dreamily, through the air.. Hitting the ground always ends the slow-motion effect, but not until you have come to a complete stop. I think that our minds slow these incidents down so we can relive them time, and time again! It's great!

So back to El Cap, My wave... Like I said it was crowded, as always. It barely ever breaks. So if it's on, I suspect that there are a lot of people who have had their best waves at El Cap and, just don't want to miss it. I am sitting just inside the first pack of surfers at Picnic tables. Catching a few good ones now and again. Just patiently waiting for people to fall, or get the waves that swing wide. All of the sudden the wind drops off a little, and the conditions improve to really, really good, within minutes. Right away, a few guys are getting some sick barrels off picnic tables and flying past me presumably getting shacked again at the second barrel section before speeding into the third and final barrel to the inside...

Anyway here comes my wave. It's one of the swinging wide sets that miss the picnic table section completly, and sets up just before the second barrel. It's coming right at me and there is no one in position but me, and everyone salivating to the inside of me. El Cap breaks steep and fast, but I pulled right into this one, it's overhead, and ahead of me is the second barrel section.. Well the wave actually jacks up bigger and begins to throw out, clic- clak... clik- clak, I am just standing there. There really is no place to go at El Cap. If you straighten out, you are practically right into the rocks.. and getting pounded between the rocks and the rest of the set, which regardless of size, breaks hard! So, I just stay put, hardly even tuck, and it just throws out right over me.. I could see people paddling up the face ahead of me, my brother, I could see everything so clearly... clic- clak... clik- clak.. and I'm out, now flying at full speed into the inside section, there was no barrel there, but just full El Cap speed, a few hoots, and the best ride of my life over in about 20 secs..

Disclaimer: This is a report of the actual event. The size is approximate but not exaggerated. I hope in thirty years it will jump up to a size comparable with Chuck Barfoot's "best wave ever" session there with Tom Sims in the 70's. God it was huge. I can't even imagine how big the rest of the coast was that day! Chuck's story is great and I would love to retell it, but, it involves a series of sound effects, and hand jesters, that I can't convey over the blog. There was a rumor of some super eight film footage from that day, but it never turned up, so much like everybodys best wave, it is pretty much tucked away in the slow motion memory bank of our minds, to be relived time, and time again.. I included a few pic's from a much smaller day back a couple of weeks ago...

This is the same day Michelle Housego lost her life surfing poles at Campus Point.. I didn't know her, but, people who did, have written some very beautiful things about her, so check it out, and perhaps make a donation to her daughter.. I don't know.. This is not a blog for bad news, but she seemed like a really good person whose memory will continue to touch people forever.. So that's not bad at all!!!

Memories of Michelle

Expensive Camping...

SILLY LOVE SONGS...

You think the world would have had enough of silly love songs... I look around me, and I see it isn't so - Paul McCartney

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - The Dalai Lama

This seems like really good advice.. So keeping with the Dalai Lama's sage advice, I have used this reckless abandon approach, and accidently fallen completely in love with this absolutly perfect woman. Who's going to argue with Paul McCartney?? So, Jenny, who btw, is quite reckless in the kitchen, this Reckless Love Song is for you.. Now, I am not going to sit here and say my singing or playing is all that great but, I loved writing this song, and it feels really good to sing... and that's what counts! Who really knows what I'm thinking, but there only so many words that rhyme with life.

However... Love Kamakaze and Keepin' it Natural by Michael Franti are really great songs.. So stay tuned..

Regular bloggers... I will try to get back to my usual rambling blogging as soon as possible.

LOVE KAMIKAZE...

Michael Franti... The lost sex singles album..

JUST TAKE A MOMENT...

I just happened to visit La Conchita today checking on a rental for a friend.. I realized that it is the one year anniversary of the Slide.. I was surfing Rincon a few days after the slide, and it had just really begun to clear up down here. There was a beautiful rainbow that came out and just came straight down in the middle of La Conchita. It was pretty magnificent... and some sort sign from above.. a good sign!

I hope everyone takes that the right way,

don


Music By Ben Harper... In the Lords arms

You could steal the download at my podcast station.. Buy it at iTunes, or make a Donation to La Conchita.. Or just do what feels right to you..

iTunes

La Conchita

SUBJECT: SURF FORECAST(Tue) NW BARING DOWN ON COAST...

It is big again today and, it's suppose to even bigger tomorrow. It's still not as big as Big Wednesday, but then tomorrow will be Wednesday again, so who knows?? Here are some pics of Pitas Point in Ventura County. That is Chris Malloy in the photo getting set to paddle out. Of course, as usual the pictures don't do it justice as far as the size or power.. Plus, Chris is a world famous pro surfer who surfs waves way, way, bigger than this anyway...

However... it was refreshing to see him just get completely worked over, paddling out there.. The difference is when he gets worked, he comes up, and paddles even harder, kind of like the energizer bunny, he just keeps going, and going, and going, until he's outside. When I get worked, I think, fuck, do I really even want to get out there? I then drift swiftly with the current south until maybe there is a lull in the action, and I make it. That is exactly what happened to the guy paddling out right before Chris. Jumped off the rocks, made a good solid effort, to get out, and quickly disappeared with the current, out of sight to the south.

Well, Chris seemed to make it out pretty easily, and did not get swept quickly to the south but, he was paddling his ass off!!! Paddling your ass off sounds like a great idea, and is often the only option available but, the problem with paddling your ass off is... You run out of breath. Now, I quit smoking, One year, three months, three days, 20 hours, 27 minutes and 48 seconds. I have avoided smoking 15175 cigarettes, and have saved $3,756.18, have no idea where the money is, and still run out of breath...

Some of you may know exactly what I mean but, if you don't, picture this.. Imagine someone is chasing you... Now run as fast as you possibly can, keep running, now swallow some salt water, ok, keep running, faster.. are you out of breath yet?? good, keep running... OK, here's the wave.. now try to push yourself, and that piece of high price flotation equipment, underneath a fifteen foot tall wall of churning, spinning, explosive, frothing, water and foam...

Did you make it? Of course not. You were blown completely off your board, thus losing your only connection with, which way is up, relaxx.. Wait a bit, and it will release you as you crawl through air, foam, and water, to the surface. Did your leash break? No.. Too bad, otherwise you could have proudly swam in towards the rocks and get the hell out of there. It didn't break so.. quick get on your board and... START PADDLING YOUR ASS OFF!!!



So, there were only two guys out at Pitas when I was there. Not counting the two guys who were swept quickly to the south, out of site. Lot's of cool looking surfer dudes were checking it out, and then sheepishly driving away. Pussies!! It is too bad I did not have my board in the van, or I would have paddled out there for sure.

Instead, I ended up at Miramar Beach today, a place known for it's small longboardingish style waves. It was freaking pretty big there! Sorry Mike... I called my brother and told him it looked just.. OK. So he shined it. But as soon as I got out there, I was catching the best waves I've had since, hmmm, last week. It doesn't break with the power of Pitas, but it did have plenty of good sized, overhead sets rolling through, a friendly crowd, and the by far the best waves I have ever surfed there...