Session 14 - Feb 15 - Hook

I don't technically actually remember if this surf was on Sunday or Monday. Oh well. I had Monday off work though -- that was sweet. Unfortunately it also rained, non stop, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The best little patch of unrainy weather though I was on it, and got out at the Hook at probably the best little patch of not completely stormy windblown complete and utter total slop surf. And, it was actually kind of fun. Surfed the 6'2 KG. Good to live on the beach. 

Good thing it rained though. That resevoir as you drive over HW 17 I think was about to be completely empty...good to see some water in there now. My plants got a good drink too. And I had left my vacuum cleaner outside. (there is nowhere to put it inside, joys of Studio living). I hope it dries out and works again. (although I guess it doesn't matter that much, I got it for free from a moving sale.) (But still, not good to waste a perfectly good vacuum cleaner.)

"A man must have a code." - Bunk

It poured rain all weekend -- good for the drought -- bad for my weekend. So Selin and I stayed inside and watched the entire first season of 'The Wire." Good show. Some corrupt politicians no doubt. But they got nothin' on these two fine gentlemen:

Judges Plead Guilty in Scheme to Jail Youths for Profit

Wow. Maybe that'll get worked into the script in one of the upcoming seasons we haven't watched yet. But then again, maybe the writers thought it would be too far-fetched. 

Thanks to Jason Min's gchat status message for the tip. 

Enormous, Stationary, Huge, Mounds of Blubber

And no, I don't mean www.ThisIsWhyYoureFat.com.

Although that web site is rather repulsive.

What I'm referring to is Elephant Seals. Those things are CRAZY. 

A couple weekends ago Ramin, Josh, and my madman brother decided to camp out overnight on a certain unnamed (but certainly popular) north county beach. I'm far too old and hoity-toity for such misadventures -- and my house, bed, and TV are entirely too close -- but I commend the trio for their get-up-and-go attitude and making it happen. Although next time, guys, might consider an actual tent/shelter/rainfly, of some sort...it gets pretty wet at night on the ocean, fellas. But still, good effort, I'll join in next time. (with a tent/shelter/rainfly.) 

To my credit, I did cruise up there bright and early the next morning to join in the revelery. And help consume the leftover beer. Unfortunately, I showed up but the waves didn't -- flat -- not quite the vision the intrepid campers were hoping for upon sunrise on their sandy piece of prime beachfront real estate. Better luck next time. 

Getting back on topic...The night before we'd been at another beach just a mile or two further north, hoping to find something surfable up there amidst the run of flatness we'd been having. We didn't find waves but we found Elephant Seals. Lots of Elephant Seals. And these things are unreal. Crazy things. HUGE things. I've never seen them up close on the beach before, only from afar. And from afar, you don't realize the sheer mass of these creatures, truly something else. From afar, you don't realize the absolute panic these creatures can instill, as you're frantically hustling to get out of the way of a fleeing full-grown female and her hot-in-pursuit amorous male counterpart...instilling "Tremors" flashbacks and shaking the ground as they flop-slide closer and closer...SHEER MASS. Frightening. We're talking 16,000 pounds MASS. And a surprisingly fast 16,000 pounds at that. (Bet you didn't know: While excellent swimmers, elephant seals are even more surprising on land, where they have a higher velocity than the average human when moving over sand dunes.)

So this particular vicinity is  very well known for having Elephant Seals -- thousands of them nest and breed year-round just maybe a half-mile or so out on the point, and on the more secluded beaches on the northern end. But, normally, they stay there. This marks the first time they've ever come ashore on this exact stretch of popular, heavily-trafficked State Park beach...which the rather excitable crew of Park Rangers patrolling the beach were quick to inform us.  (Actually, when the Ranger came hustling up to Selin and I when we first arrived, surfboard under my arm, I was expecting a different message altogether: Along with Elephant Seals comes Elephant Seal Predators (aka Men in Grey Suits) (Aka the Landlord) (aka Big Toothy) (aka Great White Sharks)...figured there had been a sighting. Or worse.) So as we stepped on the beach she quickly pointed out the masses of blubber dotting the landscape in front of us, and reminded us to keep our distance -- at least 25 feet -- and not to do anything to bother or excite the animals. (Apparently driving a Park Ranger truck all over the beach and around the animals doesn't count)

There were maybe 10 or so of the Seals across the beach, all just laying there on the sand. Really something else to see. Most of them just laid there, taking in the last of the evening sun, but a couple got a little rowdy, including the mating ritual we observed mentioned above. There were two brave surfers out in the water at the cove, and we briefly contemplated joining them -- but the surf (and the surroundings) didn't really warrant it. We were further comforted in our decision when after about 30 minutes, one of the bulls (male seals) decided to go in the water and check in on those two surfers...see what they were all about. Needless to say, those surfers got out of the water...FAST. Pretty funny from our beachside vantage point, but I'd imagine somewhat terrifying for those two dudes. We were laughing about it with them for a second afterwards. Locals Only!

Anyways, this has been a long story, but you should get it by now -- Elephant Seals are big, weird, blubbery, amazing creatures. And it never ceases to amaze me this place I live, such experiences, such marvels can present themselves at every bend, every moment. Just take it all in and enjoy it: the ocean is a fascinating place. 

A few more photos to finish things off. I think I'll go surfing this afternoon. (Somewhere without Elephant Seals.)

Wow

And I thought Pleasure Point was crowded.

Happy Valentines Day Valentine

Who doesn't love a good Valentine LOLcat? Happy Valentines Day!

Session 12 & 13 - Feb 8 - SC Beachy, Hook

Got back from NYC late on Saturday night and needed to get myself to the beach, ASAP!!! I missed it. NYC was fun, but, exhausting. City livin'.

Joel and Ramin were posted up on the LazyTown couch and floor when I got home, good to have some surf company for the next day. We woke up kind of late and took our time, surf wasn't looking anything all that amazingly exciting but it was definitely surfable...no kook cord contest going on out at 1st peak, so we rode bikes up the road a bit and paddled out...joined only a few other guys, enough waves for all. Joel and Ramin (Joel especially) was throwing himself into all sorts of waves, way too deep, actually pulled out a couple but took his share of beatings at the same time. I surfed a bit more conservatively but still got some good waves, surf was kind of choppy and windy but some definite pulse in the water to keep it interesting. Good to be back home, thats for sure.

Came back home and watched some NBA hoops in the afternoon, and later paddled out again for #2 at the Hook this time. Not a whole lot of note to write about, surf wasn't that great on a really low tide, but whatever it was worth it. We had fun. Been surfing the 6'2 KG a lot lately, I think it does actually help me out a bit to stick with a single board for a while at least and try to figure it out...maybe need to rethink that 13 (or is it 14? 15?) board quiver thing. (maybe not)

#23: Do Not Want

Nothing like a good wipeout photo collection.

And nothing like a good copy-and-paste photo feature set to appease those "dude where's the Horace updates man, duuuuuuuuuude" masses. (OK, 2 people)

snowball

Thanks to Brian Bravo's GChat status message for this fine little piece of Obamania photoshop work.

It is freezing cold (but clear and sunny!) in NYC. 

Session 11 - Feb 1 - SC Beachy South

Surf small this weekend headed south in search of more open pastures, good decision seek and ye shall find. Real fun session out there, Josh, Taylor, Ramin stylin on the longboard, I surfed the 7'6 Kingfish, plenty of waves to be had for all. And this weather, just amazing, love it. So got in a great pre-super bowl session, home by 3:30 for kickoff and some Mom's secret recipe chips and bean dip (we added probably a few too many jalepenos though, that stuff was on fire). Pretty good Super Bowl too to boot -- well at least the 4th quarter. 

I tried to be cool and surf leashless for a while, after maybe 20 minutes or so and some successful kook-cord-less rides took off on a closeout left, tried to grab the rail but it slipped away from me...cool-guy priveleges revoked, was fun while it lasted. Oh yeah, no crowds out there either, or I wouldn't be attempting such stunts. Gotta love Super Bowl Sunday! 

I go to NYC for work tomorrow...honestly? I wish I could just stay in sunny California and surf all day. Bah humbug.

Session 10 - Jan 28 - OB

Working in the SF office Wednesday so, went up there extra early, met Taylor and Ryan and our very own professional surf photographer AKA bum knee Ramin. Unfortunately Ramin brought his new camera but he didn't bring any waves so, not a whole lot to speak about. 

In the unlikely event Ramin got any photos of me where I don't look like a complete and total surf noob I'll post them here. Don't hold your breath!

And while it's great having Ramin the professional surf photographer posted up on the beach with a big lens tripod and all, it's much better having him in the water so, glad that the ol' knee is feeling better old man.