Dream Boat x 10

One of the joys of working adjacent to Cape May Harbor is checking out the multitude of vessels that lay at anchor a few hundred yards from my parking spot. This beauty sought shelter from the NW gale for a few days this past week. My guess is that it was easily a 100' + in length and just a great looking yacht. The masts were fully illuminated at night and made for a great view in the darkness. (here's wishing that I had a better camera, would've made for a great photo op) Beleive that it was a Bermuda flag flying from the stern. I imagine that if that was the case, the crew was most likely wishing they were much closer to home.

I found myself thinking about how many islands and secluded reef passes this hull must have seen during its lifetime. Also wondered how many surfboards and buddies one could fit onboard. :)

Managed a few days of fun surf this past week. Becoming very eager for the water temperature to warm up a bit. I'll be happy when my toes aren't numb after a mere 30 minutes in the water.... Aloha!

Penetration

Out today on my 10' 6" Penetrator. Not quite the wave conditions it was made for but fun none the less. Rainy, breezy, and cool Tuesday morning session at Poverty with just a few friends. Although the Cove looked like it may have been the better wave for the board, Poverty had a bit more size and ended up being pretty fun. Still eager to get it in some long clean lines. Maybe this weekend.....

whereintheheckisgreatfalls :)

Stacy B. with our Joe B.

808 area code on the caller ID...

I have always enjoyed seeing the 808 area code on an incoming call. Back when my Sis was on Oahu or my buddy was stationed in Maui. I always looked forward to hearing how things were in the islands. Now 808 is the relay point for a SAT phone from Afghanistan and everytime I see it I am overjoyed. Funny how a few numbers can get you so excited and so apprehensive all at the same time. Apprehensive, because the phone doesn't always work. Sometimes he can hear us but we can't hear him or vice versa. Regardless, today the call came through crystal clear and it was good to hear his voice. He's been off at other bases for several weeks where no phones are available. Emails are great but hearing his voice is a blessing... We miss him dearly and cannot wait till he and his mates are home safe and sound.

On a surf related note, there might be a little swell in the morning. ;)

Saturday on the beach...

Its been a while since we took a stroll on the beach. Spent and hour or so walking the beach from the Cove to Grant Street. I am amazed at how much sand there was on the beach. The pipe at Grant St. is now totally surrounded by dry sand at low tide. Just a few months ago we were surfing right next to it. Maybe its been the west winds blowing the sand down the beach??? Eager to see how it will effect the surf. Should find out this week as we're due for some swell starting on Tuesday. It's almost been a month since my last surf so I'm eager to get wet.

Grant Street


Finding some treasure

Sea glass

Photos by Barb :)

Rock Hill

We made a quick trip down to S. Carolina to visit our oldest for his 23rd Birthday. My first trip to Winthrop U. I should've made the time to do it sooner. Better late than never.... Great to see him and his school, nice to see our friend Stacy B and her family as well. We even got to watch those New Orleans Saints win the Super Bowl. Who Dat? ;)

Came home to tons of snow and a plowed in driveway. Way too much of the white stuff and its coming down again! Ready for SPRING!!!

Luke and Pete at Uncle Tucker's farm


Joe, Luke and friend at Hooters :)

Praying for our boy....

We got to speak with son #2 this past weekend. Short conversations interupted by the SAT-phone cutting out. (as it always seems to do) Its always nice to hear his voice but so very hard to say good-bye at the end of each call. He's off to the mountain wilds again and there are no phone-home opportunities where he's heading. He called to let us know he was doing OK and let us know that Saint Michael was watching out for him this past week. He had a close call during an attack on the base camp and sadly several men were killed. He always tells us "not to worry" about him but as I told him, that is like asking us "not to breath". Whenever I am having a rough day at work or when I am feeling run down, I think about what they're going through over there....

USAF on the front lines and beyond. We love these guys!

These kids are pretty awesome. I showed these photos to our 9 year old son. Gave him a perspective of his chores versus their's. That kid in the background is l-o-a-d-e-d. Can you imagine seeing this in the states...

Our ROMAD!

We send our deepest sympathy and our greatest respect, to the families of the men lost this past week at FOB Blessing. They will not be forgotten.

Aloha Nui Loa