Monday, October 27, 2008

RUGGLES,MONAHAN'S,OCEAN MIST BAR.FRIENDSHIP

Got wet today for the 1st time in awhile.More importantly, I've experienced first hand the longevity of true friendship.Travis and I had not seen each other for 36 years.but it seems like it was just yesterday that we were together.I know others experience similar moments,but when this wonderful erasing of time impacts you so personally;you treasure it! We have laughed,talked,laughed,looked at family pictures,laughed,told Citadel stories to his wife and daughter,laughed,hung out,laughed,talked,surfed,laughed some more. This is where true wealth lies;in the hearts of people. I realized another surfing goal by surfing Ruggles Ave in Newport.I did not do very well,but it was a beautiful day shared with Maryellen Atkins(Travis'daughter) and Tim,a family friend of Travis' kids. Travis manned the video camera. It was 4-6' and pretty clean.We (Travis & I) went to Monahan's dock to surf with Tim's brother,Jimmy. Small,glassy and frustrating.The waves so far don't want to cooperate,just tease.Monahan's is a legendary Rhode Island spot that I have seen pictures of and read about for years.Both in and out of the water it is a classic spot visually.Perfect rights off a rock groin/fishing dock in the waterfront area of town. Clear water and 2 or 3 different peaks all "saying" if I was 2-3 feet bigger just watch me go off. It wasn't 2-3 feet bigger unfortunately. Got wet,enjoyed Jimmy's company, and the three of us moved on to the Ocean Mist Bar to drown our teeth. The day was great,weather perfect,company terrific, and the waves uncooperative.LIFE IS GOOD! Yours with the Waves,Ralph

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Narragansett Bay Tour with Travis 10-24-2008


Travis & Mary Ellen Atkins' home Newport, RI




Atkins' home




Travis coming home




Travis after 36 years




Travis Atkins( Citadel Class of 69)




USCG security vessal




Newport RI mansion




sailboat in Naragansett Bay




Read Sign




Eisenhower era Presidential Yacht




2 Yachts 120' plus




Artsy Fartsy




Huge yachts




Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge




Naval War College,Newport RI




Carriers McCain served on one on right



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

THE MUSEUM OF YACHTING(TMOY)

The Museum of Yachting is illustrated in the prior 10 pictures.I would like to thank the "Hot Chicks" of TMOY for their friendly and informative assistance during my visit to the museum.