Surfer Ralph: now EAST to WEST as of 6/3/09 WASHINGTON, DC TO SANTA CRUZ, CA AND BACK

HOMECOMING

2009-10-04T14:14:00.003-04:00

Lives wander to and fro,
Always in ways that makes one grow.

Following both straight and meandering paths,
Most with a purpose, some lacking perhaps.

Places, people, minds, and words,
Some so sensible, some absurd.

Lessons learned, lessons lost,
Some are fun, some will cost.

Some force sideways,
Some a straight line,
Some are his, some are mine.

Experiences stirring smoldering coals,
Attracting magnets still in our souls.

Every moment's purpose lay,
Never discount any day.

Laughter, love, and blessings flow,
All and more are at our door.

Time passes on as it always will,
Pushing us forward, wiser still.

Ralph and I are home,
Moving on, moving on.

2009

Leaving Janet Garner's Nashville,TN

2009-07-25T18:12:00.000-04:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Nashville,TN visit with Janet Garner

2009-07-24T17:40:00.001-04:00

We departed Memphis on 7/21 and headed to Nashville to visit our ex neighbor from ATL ,Janet Garner.It was hard to believe she moved 5 years ago.She has a lovely house,and welcomed us with open arms for a too short visit.Other than seeing her,the absolute highlight of our stay was a songwriters Friday evening(see preceding pictures) at THE BLUEBIRD CAFE.I noticed that Mike Reid,an All American defensive tackle from Penn State,Outland Trophy winner 1969,All-Pro with the Bengals,concert pianist,just elected member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame,was on the docket for 7/24.I have been following his career since his college days because I'm in awe of the contradiction in his range of talents.He has written 17 #1 hits.It was a once in a lifetime chance to hear him perform his own songs.We found out upon arrival that the other 3 song writers had written some 8 or 9 #1 hits.This was the cream of Nashville talent.They performed from 9:30pm to 12:30am;and then visited with the patrons for another 45 minutes.David Vincent Williams performed the last hit of the evening "Movin'On"by Rascal Flatts that he wrote and composed.A song very meaningful in my life.WHAT A WONDERFUL EVENING!!

Fantastic Evening @ Bluebird Cafe,Nashville,TN 7/24/2009

2009-07-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

Janet @ Bluebird Cafe

Nashville Bluebird Cafe

Bluebird bar

Songwriters

Mike Reid

David Vincent Williams

Mike Reid

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

HEARTCORE FAN IN THE LAND OF BLING

2009-07-23T18:56:00.002-04:00

NOTED GATES

THE SHADOW OF MY SMILE

LAND OF BLING

BLINGDOM

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

A WALL OF TRIBUTE AT GRACELAND-MEMPHIS,TN

2009-07-23T18:49:00.001-04:00

WARM BRICKS

SUN ON THE BRICKS

CORNER SHOT

ELVIS LIVES

DIAMOND MEMORIES

GRACELAND

ELVIS

EP LIVES II

BE STILL MY HEART

CLASSIC

THE CAPPER

WE MISS YOU

THANK YOU

HUMBLE LOVE

LOOK'N GOOD

HE SURE DOES

WISE MEN SAY!

ROCK HEART

FANS

LIP SERVICE

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

SUN RECORDS- BIRTHPLACE OF ROCK AND ROLL-MEMPHIS,TN.

2009-07-23T18:31:00.001-04:00

THE KING

R&R BIRTHPLACE

SUN KING

SUN RECORDS

SUN QUEEN

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

PIGEON PEOPLE

2009-07-16T21:46:00.002-04:00

PIGEON PEOPLE,{ 866-570-BIRD} On arriving in Oklahoma City,we looked for something interesting to do,and chanced upon The Pigeon Museum in a flyer.Picture here with us is Chris Curtis who gave us a fun and very interesting tour of the entire facility.Randy Goodpasture and Tammy Potter greeted us on our arrival.The Center addresses all manner of pigeon interests with a focus on breeding and racing.Go to their website www.pigeoncenter.org for a very informative insight into the fascinating world of PIGEONS.

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

SOME SCENES FROM TAOS

2009-07-15T22:51:00.000-04:00

sunset @Taos(s@T)

s@T

LIE

fake REM

Taos hotel

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

PRECISION MUFFLER,TAOS,NM OWNER:MIKE BACHTEL (505)758-9779

2009-07-15T20:49:00.002-04:00

Taos,NM road angel

Mike's wall poster

MIKE BACHTEL proved to be another one of those incredibly generous strangers you meet on the road when you need help.I needed a lift to add fluid to the car's rearend,tighten my header bolts,and generally inspect the chassis for loose "whatever".He is a one man shop,and offered me his outside lift,gave me some needed tips,interrupted his current work,and then refused any compensation.All he said was "pass it forward"! Mike,I guarantee I will do that. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

PUEBLO POW WOW OPENS GENETIC MEMORIES!

2009-07-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

While in Taos,Marie and I were lucky to be here during the annual Pow Wow of the Native American tribes of the Pueblo.It is essentially a competition of traditional dances.As one can see{from the preceding pictures}the dress of the participants is incredible.I have a theory that all human beings have in their genetic coding most things their ancestors experienced.Some people are able to access deeper into their heritage coding than others.At certain times or during certain experiences these deeply buried genetic memories surface in emotional or "deja vu" feelings.I was blesssed to witness such an event experienced by Marie.The dances that we observed moved Marie to tears.She said she felt overwhelmed by the focus of the dancers ,and felt like she could move out into the circle and dance forever with them.I attribute this to the Native American genetics in Marie's family.She felt something that I as, an almost certain,100% caucasian had no genetic experience to draw upon.To see her overwhelmed by her linked heritage was very beautiful to witness.

Native American Beauty

2009-07-13T15:30:00.000-04:00

Taos Pow Wow(TPW)

TPW

Drum Circle Chants

Gorgeous

TPW

Wonderful Warrior

Pride!

SMILE

Full view

Marie & Coleman

Spread your Wings

PROUD!

Strong & Regal

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Bloomfield,NM-Taos,NM Drive

2009-07-12T17:36:00.000-04:00

As sworn Sun Travelers,Marie and I departed at 6:00AM for Taos.Those of you who know Marie, and her hatred of any hour that ends in AM;will be proud to know that her head did not spin around and spew split pea soup.Nor did we leave at 6:66AM.She is a joy to travel with even during the hours of the beast.Believe it or not we did have to travel on US-666 to get to Bloomfield.The New Mexican welcome station said the route had been renumbered to US-491 recently due to frequent complaints from the religiously neurotic.Oh! Where was I? The drive was about 4.5 hours through the mountain elevations of NM.We drove through the heart of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation.Cool temperatures,abundant wildlife,oil and natural gas wells blending with nature.and the lovely towns of Dulce,Tierra Acarilla,Tres Piedras on into Taos.Two events spiced the drive.We crested a hill at 60mph only to see 3 fully racked male deer standing together on the edge of the pavement.Naturally,they proceeded to bound directly into our path.It was sheer luck we missed the last one.PUCKER FACTOR ZERO for both occupants of the red woodie.I've never seen a rack of antlers that large live;much less 3 sets at warp speed.Ten minutes later we passed 2 massive elk carcasses,one on each side of the road,that must have been hit the night before.They were larger than big cows.I must admit I was tempted to strap the elk on the hood of the car and drive into Taos as the Great White Hunter,BaWana.The lack of a forklift and common sense stopped that lunacy.Man,it would have made a sight!! We cruised on into Taos to celebrate"THE SUMMER OF LOVE 2009".It is the 40th anniversary of EASY RIDER which had a great deal of it filmed here.Dennis Hopper,Easy Rider's director,is a resident so the town came up with the 2009 celebration.The church bells in Taos don't ring;they BONG,if you get my drift.

Great Landon School Friend,Elliot Daum,Santa Rosa,CA (see July 4th post)

2009-07-11T11:25:00.000-04:00

Elliot Daum friend since 1964

Me & Elliot

Judge Squirrel

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

RED WOODIE TRAVEL IS CARMA TRAVEL!!!

2009-07-10T22:15:00.000-04:00

The car is the star.We meet so many people because of the appeal of what Marie and I are driving.It is truly CARMA TRAVEL!You drive the car;they will come up to talk.As simple as that!

BIG SUR TRAVEL

2009-07-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

Pebble Bch, CA

Hermit"s House Big Sur

CA Weed

Elephant Seals,San Simeon,CA

Nothing to blubber about

Dude?Where's the surf?

Shut Up and get some sleep

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

JAMES DEAN 9/30/1955 INTERSECTION CA-46 & CA-41

2009-07-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

Cool Died that day!

JD's behind

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Sun Travel? GO AT NIGHT!

2009-07-10T20:50:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine in college,Travis Atkins, told me that he had approached NASA about Sun travel.He said that all the scientists said it was "impossible" due to high temperatures.Travis recommended they travel at night.Marie and I have discovered that Sun travel is possible in the deserts of CA,AZ,& NM if we follow Travis'advice.We have taken to traveling at night to avoid the high temperatures ranging from 99 to 112 in daylight hours.We had a wonderful drive down Big Sur to Cambria.I checked the surf forecast for the Central and Southern Coasts of CA to determine if we would travel into LALA land and south.I was disappointed to see no waves projected for 7+ days.We decided to turn left at CA-46 and head inland to Bakersfield,Mojave,Barstow,Ludlow,Needles on our way to Northern Arizona.The intersection of CA-46 and CA-41 was the place where JAMES DEAN was killed in his Porsche Spyder.Other than that,Mojave was the operative word.Temperatures 100+ were killing us,the A/C in the car,and every living organism with a detectable pulse.We stopped early afternoon in Barstow;got a Route 66 fleabag motel to sleep until the witching hour of 8:00PM.Drove through the night to Kingman,AZ.In Kingman we took care of travel chores and left in the early AM for a left turn at Williams,AZ to view the southern rim of the GRAND CANYON from Tusayan to Cameron.I capitalized GRAND CANYON for effect.I've seen pictures,paintings,movies,documentaries,newsreels and none of them remotely did justice to the size and grandeur of the place.It blows you away!I can only imagine what a pioneer in a covered wagon thought when it all the sudden appeared in front of the mules.HOLY SH****T,Marvin come look at this ditch we got to git across!!!! For GAWD SAKES!!! don't let Bessie see this;or we're back to Boston.MY a** is grass!!What a wonder the GRAND CANYON is for all Americans.We head off to New Mexico tomorrow;let it be known to all City of Atlanta employees,New Mexico IS NOT,I REPEAT IS NOT a foreign country.

A WONDERFUL TIME IN SANTA ROSA

2009-07-07T00:23:00.001-04:00

Mike Chase & Me

Mike & Twyla

Marie & Chases

Me & Chases II

Marie in HER brillance

Sausalito from Sausalito

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

ANOTHER GREAT TIME HAS FLOWN BY!

2009-07-04T14:55:00.003-04:00

It is July 4th in Santa Rosa CA.Where have the days gone again?My high school classmate,Elliot Daum,and his wife,Linda left for Shelter Cove yesterday.They left us their house.Marie and I are really enjoying our stay here.We have met Elliot's and Linda's close friends,Mike & Twyla Chase,and have enjoyed their company for the past two days.Mike is a professional photographer specializing in cars and motorcycles.He ask to shoot the woodie.The results is a car that I can't believe I own;much less helped build.Gene Rutherford and Bruce Fair will be very proud of their work when they see these pictures.We also reconnected with Gary and Terry O'Connor.Our cross country companions live here,and it was great to see them again.Gary and I messed around with the electric fan trying to improve it's cooling efficiency.Only time will tell if the modifications we made resulted in lower temperatures.Santa Rosa is a very Nor-Cal town.The vineyard covered vistas,blue skies,rolling golden hills make you feel as if you are on the set of a TV sitcom.We went to Bodega Bay.The Alfred Hitchcock movie "The Birds" was filmed there.All the places in the film seem just as if the film was still being shot.That was one spooky movie,and the town at dusk still has that haunting quality about it.Mike shot some sunset/dusk shots that are really pretty.I can't say enough about what a joy it was to spend time with Elliot and Linda.Elliot and I were the new guys at Landon,our high school,so we bonded because of that common denominator.That was 1964.A real friend is always comfortable.Elliot is as comfortable as any human being could possibly be.Marie and I had never met Linda.It was like we had known her for a long time.A real fun,vivacious person.She works too hard!Shelter Cove is their get away from the hustle and stress of being a Superior Court Judge and an extremely busy divorce attorney respectively.We would have loved to accept their invitation to accompany them north to the cove,but I'm happy to know our schedule dictated they get away together without us.I promise there will be other Shelter Cove moments.As always,travel ends up to be about people and not places.We have been blessed with an over abundance of warm,caring,welcoming people on this half-finished journey.WE THANK THEM ALL FOR OPENING THEIR HEARTS TO MARIE AND I!!!

WHERE DID THE DAYS GO?

2009-06-28T16:19:00.005-04:00

We sit here at the Santa Cruz Ranch RV Park on 6/28,and it was one week ago that I made my last entry.Woodies on the Wharf concluded yesterday,and it was day full of fun and happiness.Terry and Gary O'Connor,Nance and Mark Hunter,Wayne and MaryJane Yada,and Marie and I had an incredible day of recognition from the Santa Cruz Woodie Club for our cross country drive.To spend a day with over 180 wooden automobiles and their enthusiastic owners exceeded any expectations we had projected.The tens of thousands of spectators that came out to enjoy our cars and ask questions and take photos was very gratifying.The last time I was in Santa Cruz(SC) was with Tommy Bolus, my traveling surf buddy from Folly Beach,SC,and we scored Steamer Lane at 6-8'for 4 days.That was in the early 90's.This trip,so far,the surf has been nonexistent.Today,sunday,we are on our own and we hung out all morning after exercising.We went into SC for a lunch and walk.When we got back to the car a local surfer,Pete Drake, was admiring it.He suggested we drive past Steamer Lane to Mitchell Cove and look up his old wood shop teacher,Mr.Mitchell;reputable the first woodie owner in SC.We did,and much to our delight we were invited in for a glass of excellent wine and home cooked bacon.He and his wife,Ruth,were delightfully creative; having both been life long Santa Cruzin's,they were able to talk story about SC' surfing history.Al had lived in their house his entire life.A house filled with memorabilia and charm.He gave me some wood working repair tips for my car.He showed me his 51 Ford woodie project,and gave me a one of a kind Mitchell Cove T-shirt.The cove was named after him by his surfing students way back in the 60's.What a cool late afternoon visit with surfing lore,and two incredibly nice people.A wonderful way to end to end our day.LIFE IS GOOD FOR MARIE AND I!

WOW & The Mitchells of Mitchell Cove fame

2009-06-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

WOW Gathering

BOY MARIE

WOW

Santa Cruz GURU

Al Mitchell & I

Al's Treehouse

Al's Treehouse III

Al's Treehouse V

Al & Ruth Mitchell

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Woodies on the Wharf,Santa Cruz,CA

2009-06-26T14:23:00.000-04:00

George Benson & I

Bamboo skate board

Gary & Jane Clark

Gary & Jane with us

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

IF TEARDROPS WERE PENNIES,WE'D ALL BE MILLIONAIRES

2009-06-21T23:22:00.002-04:00

Marie and I reluctantly pulled out of the Matzke Nut Ranch and headed for the Badlands of South Dakota.We would like to thank Stan and Dorothy Matzke for treating two nuts like us with such warmth.It was like we had been friends forever.Our drive to the Badlands had an intermediate stop in Kearney,NE.I know my great-grandfather had duty at Fort Kearney,during the 1870's; so it was nice to sense a little family presence.There was also the perfume of Nebraska wafting downwind in the air.Cow No.5 is it's given name. It strongly smells of money and the south end of a north bound bull.We decided to stay with a Patel family again.The MicroPatel was familiar and hospitable.The peanut parfait at breakfast was sensational.

Lincoln's Springfield,IL

2009-06-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

Abe Lincoln's Home,Springfield,IL

Gen.McClellan,Gen.Nuisance,Gen.Grant

Frederick Douglas

Sojourner Truth

Truth's hands

Grant

McClellan

John Wilkes Booth

Marvelous 3x2

Famous RTE 66 hotdogs

Our cars

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

ROUTE 66 to ST LOUIS

2009-06-21T17:35:00.002-04:00

Here it is, June 21, and we are five days from our arrival in Santa Cruz, and I have to catch you up with what has happened since Dwight, IL. I have an abundance of pictorial content warehoused in my IPhoto storage. It would be wonderful to share these pictures with you but the cyber nerd hidden within my laptop is still on strike. Therefore this might be more wordy than I think you would enjoy, but here goes.

We drove southwest down I55 periodically exiting to drive on the original Route 66 which is no longer identified on AAA maps. Along that route we stopped in Springfield,IL, to visit Lincoln's home just prior to his election to the Presidency. We have some wonderful pictures of a great restoration of his neighborhood. Trust me! After our visit to Springfield, we continued down I55/66 to visit the HQ of Budweiser in St. Louis. What impressed me the most is that one out of two beers sold in the USA is a Budweiser product. The tour of Budweiser was very interesting and the magnitude of the brewery equipment makes you understand why two million kegs leave every week. Once again, I have photographic evidence of said tour. Trust me!

The next day we drove across the entire state of Missouri to Kansas City. Upon our arrival we visited the only WWI museum in existence in the USA. It was very impressive and we had the benefit of having a Woodie member/spouse who hosted us at the museum. Once again we had the gracious Patel family hosting us at Microtel. Here a Patel, there a Patel, everywhere a Patel. When the music stops, check into a Micropatel.

The next day, Friday, June 12, we visited the V/Twin Harley Davidson manufacturing plant outside Kansas City. We were disappointed that the assembly line tour was shut down due to model changeover. The gift shop/museum was impressive.

We left Kansas City on I29 to Nebraska Highway 2 to Lincoln for Culver Ice Cream Cruiser Night. Marie and I at this time split from the caravan and made contact with Stan and Dorothy Matzke in Bennet, NE (population 150) about 12 miles east of downtown Lincoln. Dorothy is the sister of our good friend in Atlanta, Katharine Dahl. Stan and Dorothy are allegedly retired working fulltime as nut, pecans and walnuts, farmers on 80 beautiful acres. They are the hardest working retirees we know. We spent two restful days with them and they gave us a wonderful tour of their groves. In addition, we saw a local theatre presentation of The Producers. Woodie events centered around an unbelievable three hour tour of Bill Smith's automobile memorabilia collection. Bill is the founder of Speedway Auto Parts. You could have done brain surgery anywhere in the building housing the collection. The array of collectibles ranged from car-themed toys up to original winners of the Indianapolis 500. Ed, our tour guide, was a retired Southwest airline pilot who also raced sprint cars with most of the local and national legends represented in the museum. He was as knowledgeable as any person could have been. He added a personal touch to our visit. Thanks, ED!

Next, on to the Badlands.

Stan & Dorothy Matzke

2009-06-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

Dorothy Matzke Lincoln,NE`

Stan & Dorothy

Matzke Gardens

Matzke's Front porch

Stan & Dorothy"s Pecan/Walnut Farm

The Road Home

WE'RE NUTS ABOUT YOU!!

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

11 great Route 66 photos

2009-06-16T00:24:00.001-04:00

Phil Becker's @ Dwight IL Route 66

says it all

Local Grease Monkey

Wood is Good(WIG)

MERRY 3

Dude & Dudetta

Window Repair # 2

I can't believe she won't go out with me!

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Update from June 8th,2009

2009-06-13T15:15:00.002-04:00

We are having a terrific time everywhere we go.Our days are loaded with driving,tours,museums,food,more food and then when we have a free moment we eat some more food.I am having trouble transferring photos from iphoto to this blog.Do not know why;it's a computer thing.I do exactly the same thing I've done before forever,and it,the computer,tells me I cannot do it that way or any way.What really gets my craw is the "na na na na na"sound the machine makes when it will not let me have my way.So until I negotiate a reasonable settlement with my cyber nerd I will be limited to text.This update is 5 days behind because I cannot hunt and peck in my sleep.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape with Johnny Depp

2009-06-08T22:09:00.000-04:00

On Sunday,6/7/09,Maree and I left Indianapolis to "cruise" the back roads to Dwight,IL for our projected link up with the other two cars on Monday.Our intent(no pun intended)was to sleep in the teardrop for the first time along with pitching our companion tent for the "actual"first time.The weather forecast was very unfavorable so we bagged that idea.We had one unique mishap when the passenger window fell into the interior body of the door.We pulled under a drive through lane at a bank,and I spent an hour fixing said window.I think Maree was shocked that I actually knew what I was doing.The Title to this Posting resulted from a chance encounter with a farm on IL HWY 47 in the pictures in the prior posting.In the movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"the yellow farmhouse reminds me of Johnny Depp's character's home.The photographic majesty of this abandoned homestead was a delight for us.Listening to CD's,cruising along with the windows down,relishing the beauty of newly planted fields of corn,wheat,soybeans;what could be better? AMERICA,LAND OF OPPORTUNITY!

GILBERT GRAPE'S FARM

2009-06-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

Illinois Wood

Young Chic In Coop

Wisp

Barn Find

Aged Plank

Roll In The Hay

Window On The World

Steel Outhouse

Panes

Window To My World

Loft Jump

Weathered Angles

Cockadoodled Dude

Gilbert's Gravel

Last Chance

Gilbert Grapes's Barn

Leaving

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

INDIANAPOLIS 500 Tour Saturday June 6,2009

2009-06-07T22:30:00.002-04:00

TWINKLE TOES

INDY 500 STRIGHTAWAY

INDY LOVEBIRDS

GARY/TERRY O'CONNOR

230 MPH

MARK HUNTER

GARY O'CONNOR

FAST WOMAN

FASTER WOMAN

INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY

2 COOL RIDES

SCORER'S TABLE INDY 500

FINISH INDY 500

GASOLINE ALLEY INDY 500

ORIGINAL INDY 500 BRICKS

INDY 500 GOOD GUIDES

TWO & A HALF WOODIES

FOUNTAIN OF WOOD

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Columbus,OH visit with Tom Kromer,Friday Evening 6/6/09

2009-06-07T21:45:00.002-04:00

50 BUICK

50 GRILLE

50 BUICK

MARK'S 48 FORD

GERMAN LOVEBIRDS

MARK & NANCE LUVBIRDS

SCHMIDT'S COLUMBUS,OH

SWEET COUPLE @ SCHMIDT'S

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

Hershey PA to Columbus,OH June 4th

2009-06-05T20:59:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania,West Virginia,Ohio for 7.5 hours with a stop at Wright-Patterson AFB to see the Air Force Aviation Museum(AFAM).The AFAM is the most incredible collection of airplanes one could ever see.Wright Brothers to Space Shuttle,all original planes housed inside huge hangerlike buildings;hanging from the ceiling were C-133D aircraft and other huge flyers.UNBELIEVABLE!!!! ALL FREE!!!! Made you so proud to be an American.Retired military volunteers everywhere to tell you the details.Visitors in wheelchairs pointing out to their grandkids"I flew that jet" in Viet Nam.I overheard a man tell his son(my age) he flew that specific C-30 back from France at the end of WWII.Living history everywhere;the actual plane that ended WWII by dropping the bomb on Hiroshima was right in front of us.A MUST SEE FOR EVERYONE!!As for us,all the cars and occupants are operating properly.We are a lucky band of fellow travelers.A long drive day,but one of the few we have ahead of us.Viper Red,Dark cherry,and Pearlescent dark sea green are obviously compatible colors.WAGONS HO !!

Start of the Woodies West June 3rd,2009

2009-06-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

We arrived at the Iwo Jima Monument to meet our traveling companions:Gary & Terry(51 Ford Streetrod)O'Connor,Mark & Nance(48 Ford Restorod)Hunter @ 9:00am DC time.All went smoothly other than being surprised that DC rush hour peaks at 9-10 for gov't workers.I thought that they would be at work at 8:00 like the rest of the nation.AH! our tax dollars at work? We enjoyed a very beautiful ride to Gettysburg,PA Civil War battlefields.Maree and I took a side trip to Emmitsburg,MD to visit Mother Elizabeth Seton's Sisters of Charity Convent.What a lovely place for USA's 1st Catholic saint to be buried.Her basilica was magnificent.The marble and other materials were imported from Italy as well as all the artisans that painted,sculpted,carved,etc.We ended the day in Hershey,PA at the Summit Inn.Our room was in the basement of an old house that was the prototype for the Bates Motel shower scene from Psycho.Maree particularly enjoyed sleeping in terror awaiting the arrival of Anthony Perkins.She opened what she thought was our only closet to discover a darkened musty stairwell leading up into the main house.I said "what's the problem?"after she wedged a chair and large suitcase against same door.It also was the only hotel we've ever stayed in where an in room sign said "if you are going to die your hair please come to office for old towels".We figured it must be a halfway house for criminals on the lam looking to change appearances.Otherwise the savant clerk at the front desk reassured us of our safety by instructing us to "jerk" the batteries out of the smoke detectors if the continual beeping was getting on our nerves.We slept soundly in tight fetal positions eagerly awaiting the first light of dawn.

Hatcher Center,Inc Blairs,VA

2009-06-03T20:22:00.004-04:00

You don't know how selfish you are until you visit a thriving community of intellectually challenged tax paying US citizens.Maree and I were blessed (and I truly mean BLESSED) to spot a sign on US 29 advertising quilts & sock monkeys.I am a sucker for sock monkeys.They give off good vibrations and are hard to find.We pulled a U-turn and ended up spending one of the most joyous 1.5 hours of my life at the Hatcher Center for the intellectually challenged.It should be the center for the joyously gifted.I have never been around so many people so happy to see us,so happy to be working,so happy to be doing an excellent job,so happy to meet strangers,and so proud to be productive "tax-paying" citizens.What an incredible collection of human treasures!Chris Wright,executive director, and Teresa,director of the gift shop,gave us a behind the scenes tour of all the businesses that this small band of human dynamos support:computer boards,gas meter disassembly,sock monkey fabrication,quilt making,pallet assembly,dogbone candy marketing,transformer metal salvage.These folks do everything with enthusiasm!What a sight to behold.America,quit complaining and get your butts in gear.The Hatcher Center demonstrates that there is a place in America for every race,creed,gender to happily succeed with dignity and joy.I even left with a outstanding sock monkey named Hatcher.

HATCHER FRIENDS,Blairs,Va

2009-06-02T21:28:00.000-04:00

OUR NEW FRIENDS

CAR FAN IN MIDDLE

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

North Carolina Visit

2009-06-01T21:16:00.000-04:00

PEG & MARIE

LOVEBIRDS II

PISGAH COVERED BRIDGE

UNDABRIDGE

HOLEBRIDGE

WOOD & WOODIE

WUDBEAUT

NC BRIDGE TROLLS

PEG O MY HEART

43 PLYMOUTH WWII

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

BRUCE FAIR TO THE RESCUE!!

2009-05-31T22:47:00.002-04:00

We literally did not get 100 yards away from the house before our first major repair opportunity occurred.I honked the horn to say hello/goodbye to neighbors and it blew out my radio,horn,and clock.I was afraid to hit the road for California with an unknown electrical problem.Drove the 1/2 mile to my good friend/electrical savant,BRUCE FAIR.Karma travel continues to bless me for the 10th consecutive month.Bruce spent 2 hours(on a Sunday) completely rewiring the ignition system to eliminate most chances of a repeat. What a wonderfully,generous friend.Maree and I drove to Asheboro,NC to stay with her best friend from college:Peg Kilburn.Howard and Peg have been friends for 40+years.Driving was thankfully uneventful.

NAT'L WOODIE CLUB: DC TO SANTA CRUZ,CA DRIVE 2009

2009-05-30T15:16:00.002-04:00

A new,unexpected EAST to WEST adventure for 2009.Marie(my bride of 37 Years)suggested we sign up for the National Woodie Club coast to coast drive from the Iwo Jima Monument in Washington,DC(June 3rd) to Woodies on the Wharf Show in Santa Cruz,CA(June 26th).As expected,www.surferralph,com will operate just the way it did during the NORTH TO SOUTH adventure.Join us on our trip;and support our wonderfully dedicated service personnel.

END OF THE LONG WONDERFUL ROAD:August 15th to December 9th

2008-12-10T10:53:00.000-05:00

It is hard to express what the last 116 days on the highways of Canada and America have meant to me.I have been loved,befriended,refriended,Citadel storied,helped,directed,instucted,ooh'd & ah'd over,car-talked,surf-storied,housed,fed,fattened,exercised,tanned,chilled,thrilled,amazed,driven fast,driven slow,cruised,raced,out-of-touched,stayed in contact,CD'd,radio'd,duck dove,late take-off'd,wipedout,paddled,rode a few,felt stoked! The East Coast of North America(The Edge of America ala Folly Beach,SC) is a very friendly place to travel;as I'm sure the rest of the world is if given the opportunity and approached with an open mind and respectful attitude.In 116 days I did not have one bad encounter.Obviously,driving a bright red 1950 Plymouth woodie with surfboards atop,and pulling a "cute" trailer enhances your immediate acceptance.However, it is the people along the way who made this an incredibly memorable experience.The scenery was diverse and beautiful,but could not touch the diversity and beauty of all the people who reached out and touched my life in such a consistently positive fashion.I will never,ever forgot what you did and have done for me.I am refreshed,reborn and ready to move forward with the next chapter of living.My tank is full of humble gratitude.THANK YOU EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE who helped make the past 116 days such a rich,human experience.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-12-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

HO! HO! HO! Dolan crew.I hope this finds my favorite Nova Scotians fat,happy and prosperous.As I hope you all know,the "Trip of a Lifetime" ended 12/10/2008.Please read my last entry in the blog for you guys set the tone for the whole trip.What an unforgetable reception you provided upon my arrival.A stranger arrives on your doorstep(none stranger than me),and you open your arms to a colonist from the heathen state of Georgia.I could have been an inbred axe murderer looking to do a "Dahmer" on you one at a time.But!!! You took your chances.You let me sleep in your beds.You let me eat your food;drink your liquor;swill your Coke Zero,lust after your women;touch your woodies,and unbelievibly surf your secret spots.Did you go mad?As a paranoid capitalist raised on the rule "more is not enough",I realized that I had died and gone to heaven.I just never thought that you got to heaven driving a 1950 Plymouth woodie painted flaming desire red north of our border into Canada.I am so spiritually niave! I heard the Dalai Lama say just the other day that Karma is achieved through cruising a 350ZZ4 north to south off the Interstate highways.I never knew the dude was a gearhead;but hey! he's the Dalai Lama.He can drive whatever he wants.On a more serious note,my hemmroids are no longer inflamed.That in it self makes this trip miraculous.Healed by driving into Canada.No wonder you guys love your healthcare system.Is it always so efficient?Another thing that happened is I am now addicted to fish oil.I am free basing the stuff.I moved beyond injecting fairly quickly;it was hard getting those capsules through the needle and into my arm.Kevin,since you got me hooked,could you smuggle a few kilos over the border the next time you come stateside.I will meet you in the usual alley in Boston.Don't worry I got the immigration people and Boston cops paid off.Call me with instructions on how you keep fish oil lit while free basing.The only side effect,so far,is I cannot walk by a fish tank or aquarium,or the fish display at the local super market without diving in or rolling in the display.That's a small price to pay for the incredible pleasure it brings me.Kevin,I am so grateful to you! Another miracle created by my celestial journey north to Nova and south to Scotia was my new ablity to forecast beautiful surf.It is infalable.As soon as I leave a place,the waves go off.The locals worship the departure of the "Red Woodie".They gather by the hundreds and cheer and wave when I leave town.I feel so loved and blessed to know the joy I bring by departing.My life is so full of flatness and high pressure systems that my cup overflowith.I am estatically blissful to have been allowed into your little piece of Heaven.I have converted to Canadaism,and will forever wander the Earth wearing nothing but a Maple Leaf.Hope you see me soon!Yours with the Waves,Ralph

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

It's tough being a surfer @ Ponte Vedra,FL: Henry & Lauri Hammer

2008-12-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

JACKSONVILLE BEACH,FLORIDA My 1st home after college 1971-72

2008-12-08T22:03:00.002-05:00

LAST STATE ON TRIP

BROKEN FEMUR POOL BOY

FEMUR BOY'S SQUEEZE

SIMON BELCHER & KIRBY JONES

CALI

SURFED & LIVED HERE 1971-72

SKUNKED AGAIN ON WAVES

JAX BCH SKYLINE LOOKING NORTH

PIER DETAIL #1

PIER DETAIL #2

PIER DETAIL #3

PIER DETAIL # 4

INVOLUNTARY VOLUNTEER

PIER DETAIL #5

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

FOLLY BEACH:MY SURFING ROOTS FROM 1966

2008-12-05T21:28:00.005-05:00

HOOT & BECKY GIBSON

GIBSON FOLLY HOME(GFH)

GFH # 2

9TH STREET WALK OVER

WEST ASHLEY AVE, FOLLY

McKevlin's Surf Shop Crew est 1965

Tim McKevlin(L) & Crew

FOLLY BEACH PIER

Rode 1st CHS wave here 10/66

Northside of Folly Pier

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

ANOTHER CITADEL FRIEND & SPOUSE COMES TO MY AID(ROD & BJ ENGARD'S HOME ON MYRTLE ISLAND,SC)

2008-12-05T18:12:00.002-05:00

SCREEN DOOR VIEW (back)

BACK PORCH

BACK CRAB DOCK

DOCK WALKWAY

DOCK RAILING

HEAVEN'S GATE

MAY RIVER SIDE OF HOUSE

FRONT FLOWERS

BACK LEMONS

BACK PORCH

SIDE 3 CAR GARAGE

BEAUTIFUL WALKWAY

WOODIE LIVIN' LARGE

GARAGE

GUESTHOUSE ON PROPERTY

FRONT DRIVE LEAVING

FRONT DRIVE ARRIVING

GARAGE DOOR DETAILS

MORE FLOWERS

FRONT ENTRANCE

FRONT KITCHEN ENTRANCE

Posted via email from Surfer Ralph North to South

hi, here are the pics of your car in york i promised(These pictures were taken by a German student touring the USA)

2008-12-03T14:55:00.002-05:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <DSchetelic@aol.com>
Date: Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: hi, here are the pics of your care in york i promised
To: ralphuspg@gmail.com

hey ralph, looks like my email account had some problems with sending files, hope you get the email this time.

enjoy the pictures

greetings from germany

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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

Giving Thanks

2008-11-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE FOLLOWED,SUPPORTED ,CALLED,EMAILED,HOUSED,FED,SURFED WITH,LOVED,AND JUST BEEN SO DAMN SUPPORTIVE I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH YOU HAVE MEANT TO ME ON THIS www.surferralph.com ADVENTURE.I AM SO BLESSED,THANK YOU!!! Happy Thanksgiving,2008 to you and all your loved ones.Once more;Yours with the Waves,Ralph

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

DO I GIVE A HOOT

2008-11-22T18:13:00.003-05:00

Arrived in Charleston(CHS) late on the 20th.This place is as deep as my roots get in my life.I arrived in CHS August 1966 to attend The Citadel,the Military College of South Carolina.I met my wife,Maree Bilton,here.This is where my surfing roots are the deepest;my love affair with Folly Beach started during my Knob(freshman) year at The Citadel.We were called Knobs due to the buzz-cut haircut we were required to sport the entire year.We stood out like sore thunbs because all our contemporaries were joining the maximum folical follage dictated by the hippie era.Surfers,in particular,were required to be the harriest of the harriest;or at the least the most tanned and bleached.Being a skinned,hairless surfer was not cool from 66 to 70.The waves at Folly were pretty darn good during my college years.Anything would be pretty darn good compared to the rediculous rhythm of a Citadel cadets day to day life.I am staying with Hoot and Becky Gibson on Folly.Hoot and I are C Company classmates.I've known Becky since '68.I have also caught up with Foster and Lilla Folsom of Nova Scotia adventures earlier in this trip.They are doing well.Foster helped me reset the timing on the woodie;multi-talented man.Had a drink with Tommie and RB Bolus at Toco Boy on the beach.Tommie and I go back to 1968.We have taken numerous memorable surf trips together over the past 30 years;alone and with a cast of various characters. He is a great friend,and a fun travel partner.We always have a "big-ass" time! I could ramble on about Folly and surf adventures;but I won't bore you anymore.Folly is flat-the curse continues.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

LEAVING OBX(OCRACOKE ISLAND)FOR CEDAR ISLAND ,NC

2008-11-19T14:09:00.004-05:00

I am aboard the Pamlico.A sturdy ferry that is part of the NC Ferry system. I left the Vaughns at 7:00AM to make the 10:30AM ferry from Ocracoke to Cedar Island,NC. I forgot my backpack,and had to add 45 minutes to my trip to retrieve same.I missed the 9:00AM Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry by 2 or 3 minutes which caused me to miss the 10:30AM Ocracoke to Cedar Island ferry.That explains why I am typing this on the 2:00PM ferry.The ride is 2.25 hours.My travel day would appear to have been shot.Since I do not have to be anywhere at any time,my ferry miss allowed me the joy of running into John Goodman again on Ocracoke.We had had an enjoyable conversation on my earlier visit a week ago.We picked up where our earlier car conversation left off,and I mentioned I needed my timing advance reduced from 10 degrees to 4 degrees.In my travels from Rhode Island to Hatteras,I had been unable to find someone with a timing light. John said Jimmy Jackson,the local car guru/collector could help me out.We drove to Jimmy's garage,and he dropped what he was doing;ran home for his timing light,and fixed me right up.INCREDIBLE!! I caught the 2:00PM ferry,and the drive off of Cedar Island was incredibly beautiful.The sun setting in the west cast a glow over the various marsh bridges I crossed.The oil slick glass of the eddies and creeks reflected the rays of the sun in a spectrum of hues.The crisp air made everything seem clearer. All this was mixed with the remnants of a Carolina blue sky complimented by pink and light golden wisps of scattered clouds. You could not script a more perfect mix of God's work.It continued for miles.I have witnessed some profound moments of Nature between here and Nova Scotia-KARMA TRAVEL!! Yours with an expectation of Waves,Ralph

I THINK MY SURFBOARDS HAVE BECOME A PROP

2008-11-18T15:05:00.002-05:00

My postings are getting farther apart.It is because I have been in a heavenly routine here on The Outer Banks(OBX)of NC.Staying with Jim(Biggy)and April Vaughn is like going to a Ralph Williams support home.They are such good friends and so positive about my presence that I am considering staying here until I am Medicare eligible(age 65). They have "said" stay as long as you want;so that means some time between now and my demise. I think Medicare eligible has a nice ring to it.The Wave Curse has continued.A guy in front of K-Mart yelled at me, while I was in the car, that I was a "poser";that is surf speak for a guy who drives up and down the highway with surfboards on his car but never takes them off the car to go surfing.Based on that definition,I would indeed qualify as a "poser". The boards have certainly been on the car for no apparent reason.I knew that the East Coast has a reputation for no waves;but this has gotten to the point of rediculous.My 61st birthday was NOV. 14TH;so be sure to jam THE SHEPHERD CENTER FOUNDATION computer with donations in memory of such an unlikely event.Click on buttons to the right.I remember when our generation was told to trust no one over 30. Well I am over 30, and you can trust me that this is a good cause.My birthday was spent in a sea of laughter awash with nectar of the grape.Stories of our misspent college youth and surf travel tales sounded like ranting lies of lunatic,indulgent,lubricated and deranged inmates incarcerated in a home for the socially inept.Some of my stories of this trip were met with incredulous stares.The stories are not lies;the rest of the prior two sentence are true. I have found out during my travels that my friends'children and wives were a little skeptical of the tales of mutual dastardly deeds until I arrive on the scene confirming(almost) word for word the tale(s) in question. I don't know if this helps their marriages or not? It for sure sheds a different light on their future together. Only surfers know the feeling;to steal a bumper sticker phrase! More later.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

14 Photos of OBX MARTHON Festivities 11/09/2008

2008-11-11T16:34:00.003-05:00

THE FOLKS AT THE MARATHON WERE VERY GENEROUS TO ALLOW ME TO SET UP OUTSIDE THE EXPO ARENA ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY,AND AT THE RESULTS AREA NEAR THE FINISH LINE.THE MONEY RAISED WILL GO A LONG WAY TO HELPING AN INJURED SERVICE PERSON AT THE SHEPHERD CENTER.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE:SHEPHERD CENTER FOUNDATION

THE SHEPHERD CENTER,ATLANTA,GEORGIA CATASTROPHIC CARE HOSPITAL

WWW.SHEPHERD.ORG/CHARTER

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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

swell

2008-11-07T14:17:00.001-05:00

Jimmy,keep in touch.I appreciate the time we had in the water.Thanks for this sequence.Ralph

On Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 9:39 AM, james underwood <jundertow@yahoo.com> wrote:

Scored some great rides in Little Compton yesterday...hope you're getting some of the same down South. Was great to meet you and something tells me we might surf together again someday (this time with more consistent waves). This was Monahans earlier that same day we were out.

http://www.surfingpictureseast.com/Monahans%20V1%2010_27_08/index.htm

image 1401, 1686

Safe travels!

Jimmy

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

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

BIGGIE(Citadel Class of 1970) FAMOUS OBX SURFER

2008-11-06T16:34:00.001-05:00

PICT0002.JPG

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

Outer Banks of NC: BIGGIE FRIENDS

2008-11-06T15:50:00.002-05:00

@ Avalon Pier

OBX erosion and waves @ McCall Street

Fran @ Lance @ McCall Street

A little SURF SUGAR!!

Fran & Lance paddling out

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

The preceeding 14 pictures were caused by 55MPH winds

2008-11-06T14:58:00.002-05:00

I decided to leave Rehoboth Bch. and Tom and Nancy's warm welcome because the weather was lousy and the wave forecast for Cape Hatteras was promising.I figured driving in bad weather was better than sitting in bad conditions.My back, also, had tightened up,and I knew Jim Vaughn in Nags Head(my next stop)had a reliable chiropractor.I got to the tip of the Delmarva peninsula at the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel at 2:30 PM(11/05/2008) only to be told that the winds were 39-45 MPH and trailers were prohibited from traveling on the structure.Somewhere between 2:30PM and 7:00AM the next morning the winds peaked at 55MPH plus.This gave me the opportunity to visit the EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ably run by Dorie the head Ranger.The preceeding pictures to this entry are from that interesting national treasure.If the wind had not been gale force and the rain horizontal,it would have been exciting to exit the Refuge's building and see the sights.All the pictures were taken in the exhibit hall.Spent night in teardrop and arrived in Hatteras at 9:30am.Promise of surf once again exaggerated.Hope to have a favorable wave report when weather settles down in OBX (bumper sticker for Outer Banks).Yours with the lack of Waves,Ralph

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge & 55MPH winds @ Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

2008-11-06T14:46:00.003-05:00

2 Fellow travelers

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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

Tom Wayson & Nancy Wolfe, Rehoboth Beach ,Delaware

2008-11-05T20:13:00.006-05:00

Tom Wayson & Nancy Wolfe

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

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA

2008-11-05T10:39:00.001-05:00

I do not agree with his economic or foreign policy positions;but this is a GREAT DAY in AMERICA'S HISTORY!!!!

CAPE MAY FERRY to REHOBOTH BEACH,DE

2008-11-05T10:29:00.003-05:00

Cape May ferry

ferry building

fellow surfers

ferry meal

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

KARMA TRAVEL ROLLS ON WITH A BIG SMILE

2008-11-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

I have gone a week with no posts.The reason for it is I am having such a great time.The days have flown by with not a hint of delay.It is like time travel;only it is Karma Travel!An excellent example of time travel is the 36 years that separated Travis and I seeing each other.There was no separation in terms of friendship.We picked up as if we saw each other on a daily basis the past 36 years.What a truly wonderful feeling to experience.I cannot believe I was in Newport,RI for 10 days.It was a blink of an eye.I spent last night with Tim & Sandi Cannon.Tim is a surfing buddy I met in PR a number of years ago through Mike Shand.Tim is a true Big Wave Rider!I saw him at 20-35 foot Tres Palmas,PR during March's super swell.He rode some awsome waves with confidence and style;no wimpy tow-in stuff.He also took a huge one on the head,and had to come in 6 miles down the coast.Guts and style are a rare combination.I appreciate their hospitality.I am writing this on the Cape May ,NJ ferry on my way to Rhobeth Beach,Delaware to visit more PR friends,Tom & Nancy.I ran into a family of surfers on the ferry who are headed for Cape Hatteras,NC.The story is that the surf is "Victory @ Sea" 15-20' conditions with a forecast for the winds to go off-shore in the next 2 days.I just might have to power from Delaware to NC tomorrow to finally get some waves (or get a butt kicking).As I have said earlier in this trip,I have now been wet 7 times in 80 days.Five of the seven days were unnecessary, not complaining, only OCD'n!We are arriving in Delaware,more later.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

REMEMBER THE STRENGTH OF THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN OUR ABILITY TO SURVIVE OUR ELECTED PRESIDENTS!!!!

2008-11-04T15:02:00.003-05:00

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

RUGGLES,MONAHAN'S,OCEAN MIST BAR.FRIENDSHIP

2008-10-27T23:50:00.003-04:00

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

Narragansett Bay Tour with Travis 10-24-2008

2008-10-26T12:21:00.002-04:00

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)

2008-10-26T10:56:00.002-04:00

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.

Cool Place to visit (TMOY)

2008-10-24T19:25:00.011-04:00

Cool Place to visit (TMOY)

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

Naragansett Bay @ Newport RI @TMOY

2008-10-24T19:25:00.009-04:00

Naragansett Bay @ Newport RI @TMOY

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

TMOY #1

2008-10-24T19:25:00.007-04:00

TMOY #1

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

TMOY #2

2008-10-24T19:25:00.005-04:00

TMOY #2

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

TMOY #3

2008-10-24T19:25:00.003-04:00

TMOY #3

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

TMOY #4

2008-10-24T19:25:00.001-04:00

TMOY #4

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

TMOY #5

2008-10-24T19:24:00.005-04:00

TMOY #5

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

TMOY #6

2008-10-24T19:24:00.003-04:00

TMOY #6

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

TMOY #7

2008-10-24T19:24:00.001-04:00

TMOY #7

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

TMOY #8

2008-10-24T19:22:00.000-04:00

TMOY #8

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

TMOY #9

2008-10-24T19:21:00.003-04:00

TMOY #9

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

TMOY #10

2008-10-24T19:18:00.003-04:00

TMOY #10

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

TMOY HOT CHICKS :Lucy & Cristina

2008-10-24T18:50:00.002-04:00

TMOY HOT CHICKS

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

Sister '50

2008-10-24T18:41:00.001-04:00

Sister '50

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

Sister '50 Wells Bch.ME

2008-10-24T13:41:00.001-04:00

Sister '50 Wells Bch.ME

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

Ogunquit sunset

2008-10-24T13:32:00.001-04:00

Ogunquit sunset

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

Ogunquit Rivermouth

2008-10-24T13:28:00.001-04:00

Ogunquit Rivermouth

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

I CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!!!

2008-10-24T10:16:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had a wonderfully sad experience.I was lost and parked in front of a 7-11 in a poorer section of downtown Providence,RI.The teardrop trailer has a poster on it explaining that I'm raising money for injured soldiers.A street person named John came up to the car and insisted that I take $3.00.I said I could not accept cash;he said,with tears in his eyes,that the money was to help me with gas.He said he was veteran and wanted to do what he could to help!I took his money with a large dose of humility.THANK YOU,JOHN!!! Please honor the Johns in the world and send a contribution to The Shepherd Center.Yours with the Waves,Ralph

Newport Rhode Island

2008-10-23T09:13:00.002-04:00

The curse continues;flat,no waves.I am going to take advantage of the clear,cold(34 degrees)day to site see Newport and it's grand houses.Pictures will follow.I will meet Howard Goldsmith at 3:30pm to catch up. I last saw him and his son in Costa Rica in the early 90's.Howard was just elected into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.He was the 1st manufacturer of boards in New England in the early 60's.He went on to make his fortune in the fiberglass portolet business(as his slogan said;he was #1 in the#2 business) and interiors of upper-end yachts.I actually saw one of his original "Goldie" surfboards at the Grain factory in York,ME.After Howard,I am having dinner with Mary Ellen Atkins(Travis' wife) at 6:00pm.Travis is a Citadel classmate and surfing buddy.He is returning from a consulting trip to Florida late tonight.I hope to spend some time with him Friday.The trip continues to be incredibly fun! ALL WHO HAVE SAID THEY WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE Shepherd Center ;PLEASE CLICK ON THE DONATE BUTTON TO THE RIGHT AND HELP A BRAVE Brain Injured OR Paralyzed WARRIOR.They deserve our support;and you deserve to feel good! I recognize economic times are tough.Just think how tough it is for the families of these incredible women and men who fight for freedom and become lifetime injured.PLEASE OPEN YOUR HEARTS,THANK YOU!Yours with the Waves,Ralph

EXITING MAINE

2008-10-20T13:16:00.004-04:00

I never thought that I would be in ME on October 20;but I emphasized that this was Karma travel and the karma in York Beach,Wells Beach and Ogunquit was so powerful that departure was not high on my to do list.I have not missed any surf on the East Coast by remaining in Maine.Everywhere has been flat or getting one day swells.I plan on heading to Rhode Island to see Travis Atkins,NJ to see Tim Cannon and Rehobeth Beach,DE to see some folks(Tom & Nancy) I know from PR.I'm in Ocean City,MD after Rehobeth for high school memories reasons. Then I will head directly to Cape Hatteras,NC to spend several weeks with Jim and April Vaughn,owners of WHALEBONE SURF SHOPS(circa 1975). Jim is a Citadel Classmate and a very special friend.He married way above himself when April agreed to be his bride.I have been on the road 66 days and been wet 7 times.I have not caught one memorable wave.What a special passion surfing is in my life.It is elusive;but so satisfying when available.I have been blessed with serendipity all my life;and surfing has been the common thread since 1964. The incredible trip continues.Let us heal one brave warrior at The Shepherd Center;PLEASE CONTRIBUTE!! Yours with the Waves! Ralph

Hangin Ten on the West Coast

2008-10-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Nick.Jeffers@gimail.af.mil <Nick.Jeffers@gimail.af.mil>
Date: Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 1:21 AM
Subject: Hangin Ten on the West Coast
To: ralphuspg@gmail.com
Cc: ralph@surferralph.com

Ralph, just a short note to say hi, good luck, and good vibes on your karma surf trip. My dad
clipped out the AJC article and sent to me in Florida (I am currently stationed at Hurburt Field--
in between Pensacola and Ft Walton Beach). I meant to write you prior to your departure but it
slipped my mind. I was reminded yesterday when I caught my first wave, ever. Rented an 8-footer and
headed out in 3-4 foot surf off of Mission Beach (just north of Point Loma). Awesome experience--
plenty of wipeouts and spills but I caught a couple rides and had enough fun to head out again
today.
All the surfing jogged my memory so I just wanted to let you know I thought of your trip and just
checked your blog of your journey. It sounds like a fun-filled and enlightening journey, and all
the while you're raising some cash for a good cause. I'm sure your kickass woodie is starting
plenty of conversations. You've got some great pics of your transporation and some great action
shots as well.
I'm out here for another 3 weeks for a freefall (HALO) school run by the Navy for SEALs and EOD
guys and am having a blast. San Diego is a great city and I can't complain that the AF is paying me
to learn to skydive.
Hope this email finds you carrying-on and catching great rides as you roll down the right coast
(I'll catch a couple for you out here on the left coast). Please pass a 'hello' to Marie and Ross.
Take it easy,
Nick

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

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

Back to Nova Scotia over Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving

2008-10-15T14:38:00.005-04:00

The prior 9 pictures are from a return trip to Nova Scotia that was prompted by the Hyway Mkt in Hunt's Point being reduced by 50% since I left 9/16.Unfortunately the Mkt has all sorts of potential enviromental issues:buried gas tanks,mechanics bay drip well,no septic system,questionable water,etc.When I first saw the property,the world class view of Hunt's Bay(just 2 kilometers down the road from Foster's and Lilla's house)made me think it had incredible potential for a summer home;however it proved to be Fool's Gold.I took advantage of the return to site see places I missed upon my earlier visit.Hopefully my video turns out as infocus as these few shots.ALSO,the Dolan clan stepped up to the plate bigtime by inviting me to Canadian Thanksgiving feasting along with 23 other family members.It was a culinary heaven on earth with the appropriate cardiac care EMTs on hand.I only had to be defiblirated twice during the seven course meal.I was actually hoping for a mouth-to-mouth miracle;but had to settle for the paddles.Thank You Gina,Lucio,Bill and Joanne for another unforgetable Nova Scotian moment.CONTRIBUTIONS ARE SLOW;PLEASE remember our wonderful and brave warriors with a contribution to the SHEPHERD CENTER.Just click and feel good!Thank You! Yours with the Waves. Ralph

Mahone Bay Presidential Candidates

2008-10-15T14:29:00.003-04:00

Mahone Bay Presidential Canidates

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

Mahone Bay Nova Scotia

2008-10-15T14:27:00.001-04:00

Mahone Bay Nova Scotia

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

Bluenose II

2008-10-15T14:26:00.001-04:00

Bluenose II

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

Lunenberg Waterfront

2008-10-15T14:25:00.001-04:00

Lunenberg Waterfront

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

Lunenberg Waterfront Nova Scotia

2008-10-15T14:24:00.001-04:00

Lunenberg Waterfront Nova Scotia

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

Ralph in the Spider's web

2008-10-15T14:21:00.001-04:00

Ralph in the Spider's web

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

Hunt's Point ,NS Hyway Market

2008-10-15T14:18:00.001-04:00

Hunt's Point ,NS Hyway Market

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

Lilla Folsom's pics of Libby's Campground and visit to Grain Surfboard Factory(1st & 2nd day in York,ME)

2008-10-08T09:57:00.002-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lilla Folsom <lilla@carolinaone.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Subject: the blog and pics part 1
To: Ralph Williams <RalphUSPG@hotmail.com>

Ralph,

Foster and I checked out the blog yesterday and laughed and laughed. You are one funny guy! I'm sending a few pictures I stumbled across. Where are you and when are you coming to charleston? We got your note and I want you to know you are so special to us, we are honored to have been art of your"coming out".

--
Lilla Folsom, Your Favorite Realtor
Carolina One Real Estate
1265 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412
M. 843-696-7810 F.843-202-2250
Visit me at www.Lilla.Net

--
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)

pt 2

2008-10-08T09:54:00.001-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lilla Folsom <lilla@carolinaone.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Subject: pt 2
To: Ralph Williams <RalphUSPG@hotmail.com>

That was supposed to be a part of your coming out.

--
Lilla Folsom, Your Favorite Realtor
Carolina One Real Estate
1265 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412
M. 843-696-7810 F.843-202-2250
Visit me at www.Lilla.Net

--
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)

FLYS,FLAGS,FUN!!! for Mr October

2008-10-03T15:36:00.003-04:00

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

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

2008-09-30T09:42:00.005-04:00

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