Not surfing.
Every couple of years my family goes on a group vacation. A few years ago we rented a house in San Diego county and it was an amazing time. A great spot and time to eat, chill, read, "bond", as it were, and just be with the people important to each of us. This year, a return to the beach was decided on and we ended up in Encinitas. Funny place for me, since so many acquaintances live or have lived in the vicinity.
You'd think with my pathetic aspirations as a surfer that these would be epic times for me. But last time, aside from a great day with some of the most special So Cal ladies I know, there was very little surfing--no waves until our departure day being a summer trip and waiting for the random South swell. My thoughts this time were of bigger and better things--things being waves, obvi. But sadly, during the Dew Tour in Breckenridge, I was cruising down Four O'Clock run, a boring cruiser that takes you right into downtown Breck, I caught an edge while, in my mind at least, looking like a bad-ass--jacket open, sunglasses on, sweet set-up and camera pack on my back--straight lining through the holiday crowds. The scorpion bit me and I was just happy to have avoided landing on my face. Then on Christmas eve one of my great friends, not knowing that I was nursing a sore breast region, jumped on me as I rode a sled through the classic Carter Park sled hill. I heard, and felt, my rib crack again, or at least completely. So this time, waking up to overhead waves on my first morning in Encinitas, all I could do was watch and suck down Advil. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time reading, drinking coffee and walking around.
Here are a few pictures from my wanders, in the absence of stories of glory on the waves. Happy New Year to you all. And please think of our friends and others who aren't able to aimlessly walk the beautiful streets these days--most recently Kevin Pearce, but each and every joining me as I soak up this beautiful world.
All the best in 2010. -Nate.
San Diego airport, soaking up good light.
Outside our house.
Palm tree shot number 4 of 50.
Christmas garage.
Moonlight State Beach.
Bank light.
Emo?
Tree.
Sunset emergency.
Birds over Pacific.
