Friday, October 3, 2008

FLYS,FLAGS,FUN!!! for Mr October

I go to bed every night with a buzz;regrettably it is provided by the incessant flys that lurk in the Grain Factory.These buggers are the most annoying pest to attack my ankles since the pigmy rotteweilers of Hampton,GA. I have found that if I hang pest strips from all of my exposed appendages the flys have a good time lifting me up in the middle of the night about six inches and dropping me on the linoleum.At least it keeps them busy,and away from my moisture centers.It is a long time since I've seen or lived with pest strips;it must be unique to Maine surfboard factories.When you go with all organic materials you have to deal with organic pest(such as flys).I happened to overhear a conversation between Brad and Mike of Grain,and Brad said to Mike "let's let Ralph hang around a little longer;he keeps the flys off lunch"I now know my value in the unofficial pecking order of Grainheads. Now more about American flags,I still find it refreshing and uplifting at the frequency of the displays of our nation's flag.THANKS MAINERS.A little about fun.As far as travel goes this has been an easy 11 on a scale of 10.As far as surfing goes,it has been a 1.5 0n a scale of 10.Two hurricanes,Hanna & Kyle, provided incredible potential but no real memorable waves.That is what makes surfing so special.It is a gift that can't be taken for granted.Miki Dora handled it best "When there's surf,I'm totally committed;when there's none,it doesn't exist."Yours with the Waves,Ralph

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

9/30:Still in MAINE;SHARIN THE STOKE!!

KYLE came by day before yesterday and produced something rideable for the last two days.The waves were pretty at Long Sands @ York Beach,but once again the bigger waves were teasers by closing out or not allowing you to paddle into them. I know that the board I'm riding is contributing to this also;it is too narrow in the hips and too thin.I've had good days on it when the wave provides the push and steepness to get down the face,but when the wave is slow and weak at the takeoff there is not enough tail lift or glide to overcome the lack of wave power.The guys who do well here ride long,thick and wide equipment.I am still welcome out at GRAIN SURFBOARDS so the teardrop and I are safely parked in their lot and living large.I really enjoy the crews company;and it has been great to get in the water with all of them at different times the past two days.I have yet to ride one of their boards but I plan to at the next opportunity.Since I've ordered one,I should try the product.I nice German tourist(photographer)took a lot of pictures of the woodie,and promised to forward them to me.It will be interesting to see his take on an American Icon.The car contiues to amaze me as to how it stimulates conversation.It is a tremendous icebreaker.I have stayed here longer than I ever anticipated,but it was easy to do because of the friendly local surfers,Grain crew.I anticipate that i will be here another 3 to 5 days.A new swell is predicted for Wednesday,and I have developed a significant leak around the tront passenger winshield that needs to be attended to ASAP.The car gets very wet when it rains and all the temporary tape fixes have failed.Because of the challenge that the windshield caused Bruce Fair,I think I might have some difficulty getting local expertise with a split windshield '50 Plymouth.I am doing janitorial work at Grain to repay them for their generosity.They are great group of guys and I truly enjoy their acceptance of this unknown southern boy.UPDATE:another act of kindness extended my way;Robert Cushing @ ROUTE ONE GLASS 207-363-7630 resealed the woodie windshield and refused any payment.He said that was his contribution for what I am trying to do for the troops.Incredibly generous and kind.THANK YOU ROBERT!All you York Maine folks who read this please do business with ROUTE ONE GLASS.Robert is a class act.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Photos from NUBBLE LIGHT,York Beach,ME




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Martin <mmille41@nycap.rr.com>
Date: Sun, Sep 28, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Subject: photos from nubble light
To: ralphuspg@gmail.com


this is marty miller in NY  it was great talking with yoy  hope this is what you need MARTY



--
Ralph Williams
404-374-5043
<ralphuspg@gmail.com>

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted by email from Surfer Ralph North to South (posterous)