November 11th, 2007 Veterans Day

I beginning to think that, I'm one of the luckiest people on the planet. Why? Because of people like you. I'm telling you my friends, I have received so many emails, cards, phone calls, and personal greetings from so many of you, that my family and I are truly overwhelmed.

I mean it.

From my mother's passing a month ago, right up to this day, Veterans Day. I've had more people write me, and stop me at the beach, and man...I don't know what else to say, except thank you all.

I guess I'm always hoping that sometimes, when I'm spewing out all my Ralphism's every week, that some of you might actually get what I'm trying to convey. Getting all these emails and cards, and every other form of greeting from you all, has just solidified my hopes. You do get it. Or rather, most of you do. I know there's still a bunch of you who, don't exactly agree with my slant on life, but hey, that's cool too. I don't have a problem with any of it. Hell, this is what makes this country so great.

The mere fact that we can disagree is proof of that.

Still, that one common thread that we all have running through us is, the surf. And for all of us to get back to back swells (on the weekend no less), should have made you all happy.

For me and my fellow Veterans (especially those who surf) we did our gig today and then hit the surf. Life was very good today. I hope you all got out today.

November 11, 2007 Veterans Day. A day to thank a vet and catch a wave. I hope you did both.

I don't know about you guys but, I was glad that we didn't have to sit through a Patriots game today. I liked having the weekend off. I mean let's face it, we fans need the rest too. All that yelling at referees and such. It takes it's toll. Yea, I'm glad we all had the weekend off. However, I am looking forward to the next few games. Especially the JETS game. Oh baby, now that is gonna be some kind of fun to watch.

Gee do ya think Coach Belichick will run the score up?

One can only hope and pray. Think the fans will give it to Eric Mangenius? Like I said, you don't want to miss this.

A BIG THANK YOU again to all the Veterans out there. Especially all you WWII Vets and current GWOT Vets. Thank you for serving. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for making our world a safer place. Thank you for allowing us to still go surfing! A Big Birthday Shout out to all my fellow Marines too! Happy 232nd Birthday Marines!

The GARY RITCHIE Fundraiser will take place on Saturday December 1st at the American Legion Hall in Hampton. See poster below.

The Landon Miller Fund is still taking donations through ANY Citizen Bank.
Or PLEASE send your donation to:
The Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Click below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to Danny. North By Northeast

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

I

Yesterday 1969 The Year the surfing stopped (Temporarily) for me.
(Below) This is hard to think that this was me. But it was. Some say I look like my son, or vice versa. I'm
able to look at this photo now and not wince...well, maybe a little. I missed some good surf back in those days.
Photo of Ralph courtesy of USMC





Today 2007 The Veterans Day Swell 11/11/07


(Above) Taken this morning at 0800 at the main beach. Right before the start of the V-Day observances.
Me and John Carden were freaking seeing those waves. Photo by John Carden *John Carden is a Veteran


(Above) Thank you for all the cards for my Mother, and all the Veterans Day Greetings too!
Photo John Carden



(Above) You can still get a glimpse of the surf . Photo by John Carden

(Above) Mackey V paddled out a little after noon TODAY 11-11-07 and he was ALONE at this Not so Secret spot.
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD



(Above) Two empty waves because THERE WAS NO ONE OUT!
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD


(Above) TODAY 11-11-07 another EMPTY wave! What's that? It was CROWDED where you were? Oh man.
That's too bad....
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD



(Above) I took this photo these 3 friends of mine (Tom, Bill and Jerry) on Saturday Night. They all served in the
MARINE CORPS and fought on the Island of GUADALCANAL. It was the FIRST ALLIED victory following Pearl Harbor.
All three are in their 80's..
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD

Today 2007 More NOEL Swell November 4, 2007


(Above) The resident master of still photography was back in town last weekend and he drove around and found
a few nuggets to share with us all.Photo by Brian Nevins


(Above) This looks pretty good...ARE YOU SHITTING ME?
Photo by Brian Nevins

(Above) Funny thing, because I was just out there...I never saw Brian, but that's what the good photogs try and do.
Stay low and snipe away. .Photo by Brian Nevins

(Above) It does look like New Zealand...but it's New England. Home of the RED SOX and PATRIOTS.
.Photo by Brian Nevins

(Above) Need a nugget? Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) Another Roadside shooting. Photo by Brian Nevins


(Above) NOEL Photo by Brian Nevins

(Above) Casey Lockwood finds the Noel Nuggets mighty tasty. Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) Green leftovers. *Ed O'Connell is a Veteran
Photo by Ed O'Connell

(Above) Sometimes the leftovers get you!
Photo by Ed O'Connell

(Above) Keep in mind, this was Day 3 of NOEL. GREAT SHOT Ed!
Photo by Ed O'Connell

(Above) Would you call this Glassy? Photo by Ed O'Connell



(Above) Blue Green Glide Photo by Ed O'Connell


(Above) Gut check time. Photo by Ed O'Connell



(Above) Blustery peaks all day long. Photo Bob Consentino



(Above) Shadow play. Photo Bob Consentino



(Above) Steroid drop... Photo Bob Consentino



(Above) Lean into it and see where it takes you. Photo Bob Consentino

Today November 2007 The Get Gary Back On His Feet Fundraiser

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello

(Above) CLICK ON Video (photo) Frame Grab of MVF V ABOVE FOR a SHORT
WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP from today's VETERANS DAY session VIDEO clip courtesy by SFOD R. Fatello

Today Nov 2007 Some Westy Action Preview


(Above) San Diego way... with the glow of the fire...
Photo courtesy of the Internet

(Above) The contest scene in Hawaii...trying to get that shot!
Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) The Phantom scores some insane boat access surf...tune in next week for the full story.
Photo courtesy of the Phantom

Today 2007 Parting Shot... (No pun intended)



(Above) No, these Gulls were not shot this morning. These guys use blanks. The POST 35 Firing Squad saluting
the Fallen at the beach 11-11-07
Photo by John Carden

Click On Wave to Go Back to The Top.