Cape Cod Sporting Life

Ballistic Burner

2012-01-30T14:38:00.001-05:00

Late this morning I drove down to Menauhant beach and fly my ram air kite, the ballistic burner. The evidence of wind erosion on the beach was dramatic. The town D.P.W. guys were there inspecting the attempt they have made to thwart it. Of course nature has had the upper hand. A section of the beach is almost fully washed out. They had brought in some of the dredging mix and made a pile along the shore to grow dune grass on. I saw little growing, but the mud,sand, and shell mix was still in a pile. It does look like the beach sitting population will be cramped this up coming summer.

Another good walk

2012-01-30T07:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I took another enjoyable walk. The temps were still in the low 40's and there was wind. This certainly made my cheeks glow. I did the "urban" route around here, a hearty walk down to the Waquoit Village Church and then past the old Swift estate to the Yacht club and back in briskly cool weather.

Cool Morning.

2012-01-29T07:46:00.000-05:00

The temperature dropped to 35F this morning, but the skies are clear. Yesterday was a good day for the outdoors. I took a long walk and went down to the country club to hunt golf balls and inspect the grass. The ninth hole was playable so I suspect most of the course would be the same. Amazing, one could ski and golf without travel in the same week.

Another storm has passed.

2012-01-28T07:27:00.001-05:00

We received quite a bit of rain yesterday. I didn't do anything outside except visit the shops at Mashpee Commons. I had an interesting conversation with a woman from Chile who has been living here since before the blizzard of '78 in the Art shop. I was wondering what I am going to do about the dead wood in the front yard while watching the storm from the window. I could leave it to the insects. Then the woodpeckers will stay away from my house.
The temps have risen so it's more comfortable in the hanger. I took out the ski rack I have never used that fits the Toyota 4-runner. I am going to put it on the roof. In that way, I can put my futon on the bed of the truck and sleep on it during trips. I can also carry a number of pairs of skis and mucho gear with it. With no snow, however, I am not going to do much.

The morning's work

2012-01-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

It's rather dismal outside. The temps are in the 40's, it has been foggy all morning and at times we have had rain. I patched a leak in my mountain bike. The instructions were read and everything went according to Hoyle. However, when inspecting the tire's internal skin I found the culprit, a thorn. I'm on a roll now. Yesterday, the people who sold me the new SUV tire eliminated the slow leak in the spare. However, I'll need to buy new wheel and tire eventually.

Is he stupid?

2012-01-26T08:47:00.002-05:00

It seems rather stupid of John Kerry not to have worn face protection. Here's a photo of a cage which offers the best. Pay no attention to the stupid looking model. In his case given all his money he could afford plexiglass. Then again, he has to be recognized and real men don't wear helmets when playing ice hockey.

The temps dropped to 32 this morning.

2012-01-26T06:54:00.001-05:00

The barometer was steady near 30 inches. However, I see a dusting of new snow. I'm definitely waiting for the next storm for some quality skiing. I found a slow air leak in my SUV spare and will have to work today to rectify it. It just isn't smart to go into the dunes on the sand roads or off road without a good one. In fact it isn't prudent to go anywhere without one in spite of the fact that tires today are much more reliable than those of the past. This spare has sat for more than a decade without use.

Bound and determined

2012-01-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

I doubt if the temps fell below freezing last night, but they did come close. It looks like it is going to be a clear, sunny and warm day. A plane is running up right now on the landing strip. I have not heard one since before the snow was falling.

Here's one for you.

2012-01-24T12:36:00.003-05:00

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) was part of the ceremony honoring the Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup win, appearing like he had just come from a knock-down, drag-out ruckus.

Kerry, 68, suffered two black eyes and a broken nose during a "friendly game of hockey" with family and buddies over the Christmas break, according to TheHill.com. If that's the result of a friendly game, we don't want to be a part of an unfriendly one.

“He must feel like Mitt Romney after South Carolina,” Kerry spokeswoman Whitney Smith told the Boston Globe when confirming the injury. Mitt Romney lost the South Carolina primary vote last weekend after a surprise surge by GOP rival Newt Gingrich.

When asked by a reporter from the Boston Globe, Kerry, who plays forward and right wing, wouldn't rat out who slammed him with a stick to cause the injuries.

The snow is melting.

2012-01-23T17:19:00.002-05:00

In all my 62 years of winter sports, I have never seen snow melt as fast as it does on Cape Cod. I'll be very lucky if I can put in another session of skiing tomorrow.

Cross Country Skiing

2012-01-23T07:05:00.000-05:00

The temps have risen above freezing already. This will make for sticky snow. I am going to use the Bonna Traditional skis with the ski tape again for starters. Things will be different today. Already with one day under my belt, I am feeling good for it. The maintenance man cleared the snow cover on the middle section of the taxiway. He blows it to each side. Yesterday's track is destroyed so I will have to make a new one. The airplane right of way, however, still has some pack which might make for good ski skating. We'll see.

Today is a ski day.

2012-01-22T06:17:00.000-05:00

The snow has stopped falling and my driveway is clear. However, I won't be driving today, I'll be skiing. All I need now is a little sunlight.

Snow Storm

2012-01-21T15:08:00.000-05:00

There's enough out there right now to lay down some cross country tracks, but I am going to wait until the storm abates before doing that. There's a north wind, which will make for some blowing and drifting on the open areas around here. However, I have an excellent area large enough for skiing that's somewhat protected right outside my back door. Today I took a long walk along the streets that have not been plowed yet. This was a great test of all my winter hiking equipment which I have not been able to use for almost 4 years. Most of it is new stuff which I didn't need in Florida.

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T04:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I flew from Orlando, Fl. to Boston, Ma. and then took two buses back to East Falmouth. I walked from Rt. 28 to the Falmouth Airpark and my home. I rode a van from Vero Beach to the Florida airport, carrying three small bags. The temperatures were mild and there was a light rain falling. It was dark by the time I arrived in East Falmouth around 5 p.m. due to the shortened days and daylight savings program, something which I have not experienced in a long time. However, the Holiday lights certainly make that interesting. I was able to fire up the Sports Utility Vehicle and do some grocery shopping in Mashpee right away.

Another wildly windy day.

2011-10-21T07:11:00.002-04:00

Once again the winds were out of the southwest yesterday. It was sunny and the air temps warm. The water temps were comfortable in my Promotion 3/3. I wore a hood and light gloves. Following a 24 hour period of hard rain, the blow was strong and gusty. After driving down a rather flooded Will's Work Rd. I found myself in a soggy launch area alone. There was a sole clam digger off in the distance, but the water was just too rough for boating. I sailed for a short exhausting period mid-day. I took two meter readings, one when I arrived at Callie's Beach and the other right before I put in. The first reading gave me an average at first of 24 mph, but it soon rose to 26 mph. The gusts were short but in the low 30's. The second reading saw winds in the high 20's with slightly more powerful gusts. I didn't notice much for lulls. The wind was picking the sand up off the beach and blowing it into the face of anyone on the shore. Nevertheless, I did not see any blue smoke or spindrift. After rigging my 6.0 North Spectra and putting it on the Angulo Summo 125 with my Orca 40 cm weed fin, Lebanese George arrived and said it was too much wind for him. He didn't have a small enough kite. However, we say a kite on the water in the shallow SE area of the bay popular with kiters. He told me that it was Rob Olsen, an older Wood's Hole researcher who has already had a serious shoulder injury due to his solo attempts at launching in similar conditions. George told me that he had called him earlier and that he was going to need help to land the kite. Rob hadn't asked him for help, but George knew he would need it. I entered the water knowing that I might be overpowered in the gusts. It was low tide and the waves were not any where near as big as the last session which was at high tide. However, the water was filled with white caps. I proceeded to slog back and forth once this side of the channel. Then I crossed upwind and out of the reaching straps to the other side of the bay. I wanted to stay for upwind of Seconsett Point especially after the fiasco of last Saturday. I got in the front strap on this port tack but missed the back in a gust. It was definitely hard sailing and took all of my strength and ability to hold on. The lulls were longer than I had anticipated. This made the Sumo 125 liter a good choice. On my first return tack, I missed the back strap again and landed in the water. Now I was angry, frustrated and tiring. I returned to the far shore into the shallows near the island which had flatter water and less wind. This time when I returned on the starboard tack, I successfully entered the reaching straps and proceeded to have the ride of my life!!! I can't say that it was "scary" fast or exhilarating, but it was definitely incredibly challenging. With the waves as they were, the big board, and plenty of overpowering gusts, I had to dig deep in my very limited bag of riding skills in order to stay on the board. Once back to the launch area I quit, exhausted but triumphal. I felt like I had been sailing for hours rather than a half hour. The wind was howling. There was no one in the lot to greet me with congratulations. George had helped Rob land at the far beach. The both had left the bay. Since George had not taken Rob's 7.0 meter kite out for a "spin" as he had told me he would, I knew that Rob had reported that the wind was just too much for kiting. It wasn't too much for windsurfing, but it was definitely a test of one's abilities.

The South West winds continue

2011-10-18T06:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday saw the clouds and rain clear and a SW wind dominate the afternoon. The windsurfing should have been good. Today promises to be light but still warm out of the SW.

Another windy day.

2011-10-16T19:17:00.001-04:00

The wind abated today for sure, but it was still strong enough to support at least two kites on Wacko Bay. I have been rethinking my experiences yesterday. The Energy was absolutely the wrong board for the conditions. The bay at full tide in a SW will support some serious wave action of 3 ft. or better especially when it starts to ebb. A flat board like that Mistral just gets swamped in those conditions. I keep leaving my pristine 89 liter Maui Force behind on days like this. It's rather stupid of me to do that. It has the perfect shape for an afternoon like we had. The Sumo was terrific in the morning, though. That was the board Josh won the World In-door competitions on, I believe. Outdoors it can be a total riot.

A Banner Day

2011-10-16T05:01:00.002-04:00

It was blowing hard out of the SW yesterday. The skies were clear and the air temperatures warm. I went down to Callie's Beach around 10 A.M. Two guys in hunting orange and a dog came by when I arrived. They were trying to flush out fowl. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. They passed and left me alone to rig my 6.5 Gun Raptor on the Angulo Sumo board. Lebanese George showed up and tried to convert me to kiting. He instructs the sport and that was in the back of my mind while I told him I just couldn't afford it currently. Then I put in the water which was showing serious white caps and had some small wave action. The riding was challenging, but I was able to put in a couple of great blasts in the straps on the Starboard tack. The parking lot had filled with kiters who were on the beach. I decided to put up given how poor my windsurfing condition is. The wind also started to pick up. I took my time and rigged my Gaastra Manic 5.0 and put it on the Mistral Energy. Another windsurfer was there. He had a lot of trouble with his situation. He rigged a 5.5 and that was much too big for the conditions. Then I convinced him that it wasn't a bad idea to return home for smaller sails although they were old and lacked use. He then proceeded to rig another sail that was too big. All this time I was screwing around with my equipment. Neither of us had much experience rigging the small sails we owned. He pulled out his third sail, a 3.5. Meanwhile the infestation of kiters dwindled. The beach was covered with kites that were too big for the conditions. I entered the water about the same time that the other windsurfer did. It was rather gusty and I had a lot of trouble sailing past the channel. The other guy blasted at what I thought was an incredible speed past me and off to the island. I was in rather serious waves and too much wind. I had to beach the rig on Seconsett Point. The tide by now was at it's highest. I crossed the point and appraised the water conditions on the outlet at the channel. At this point the other sailor appeared swimming across the channel from Callie's beach. I was wondering why he was doing this. When he arrived to the shore, he told me his tale of woe. On his returning reach he lost his rig to the elements. He had no idea where it was. We went out to the bay shore and located it. Fortunate for him the tide was high and covered the rocks. His rig was in the reeds inside of the rocks. These large stones had been put there to stem any beach or shore erosion, but had been tossed around by the weather over the years. At that point I moved my rig to the channel shore and sailed across to the rigging area. A kiter was in distress there. The other kiters saved him from destruction. It was now blowing like stink with gusts into the 40's according to all the wind meter reports both local and across the cape. It had clouded up somewhat while I was rigging and sailing, but then it was clear. The kiters hang around in a group smoking pot and drinking beer. My windsurfing buddy quickly left. I loaded the SUV and took a wind reading. I got an average of 26 m.p.h. with gusts to 34. Almost all the readings were in the 20's. The kiters pointed out that we were in a long "lull" and that the radical conditions could return. In reality I checked the days records on I-windsurf this morning and the wind abated to more manageable conditions. However, these guys were stoned and on their way to oblivion!!! I left the beach driving home stone sober. This morning I'm definitely sore and stiff, but happy as a Waquoit clam.

Packing and shipping a windsurfing board.

2011-10-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

The last couple of days I have been involved with the packing of my glass Hi-teck windsurfer for shipping. I will be sending it to West Palm Beach, Florida via Amtrack and then picking it up when I arrive there. It's a very delicate board. I have taken extreme care with it. We'll see what happens.

Muscle Cramps

2011-10-07T08:17:00.000-04:00

Here's a little on cramps which will occur due to dehydration. Normally I drink plenty of Gatorade which prevents them. However, last night I started drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and listening to the Yankees-Tigers game. The Tigers won the series, but I drank too much and had an attack of cramps in my quads during the night. It was terrible. This was more than 24 hours after the physical activity. I saw a rather graphic example of what cramps can do to a top Athelete when R. Nadal, the tennis champion had an attack during a news conference. This was after the match. The conferences are mandatory, but the athelete should go through a cool down and relaxing period taking a number of hours before having to sit still for so long.

Fall windsurfing session

2011-10-06T08:34:00.003-04:00

I met up with SailingJoe at Waquoit yesterday. It was a rather challenging wind out of the NW. I used the same rig that Joe reported on. The Lessacher is an unforgiving fin. I took it out to use because Joe told me that I ought to use it given how much it cost. That should always be considered a bad reason for choosing your equipment. Since I have only had one day sailing since July 20th, I was not in very good windsurfing shape. I caught some wind and practically flew across the bay on a long exhilerating reach. Breathing deep and hard, I wondered whether this was going to be my last blast in the straps. Exhausted somewhat after that, I had a lot of trouble sailing and the fin didn't help. Lulls, gusts and dead spots all plagued the session. I realized that I would have been better off if I had chosen my Hydrotech weeder obtained from the House instead of going with Joe's Lessacher. In the same line of thinking the inexpensive Loft sail served my purposes well. It was the right sail for the gusts. We don't have the right length mast for it, 490, but can rig it hard or soft with a 520 and a 460 + North Extender. It was rigged by Joe on the 520, but I was never over-powered. The water was still comfortable once I was wet in my 3/3 ProMotion suit and new O'neil boots. The air temps were perfect, cool and not hot. Changing in the lot was not chilling. However, I know I would have had a better day if I didn't test the Lessacher.

Bicycling

2011-10-03T05:39:00.001-04:00

Saturday I took the bike out for a ride on my usual route. The weather has been good. I only wore a short sleeve shirt. It was cool in the afternoon and the ride went well. Yesterday, I didn't leave the house or yard, getting a number of tasks done. The leaves are starting to fall from the red oak in the front. Today, I will have to start picking them up. I'm also going to work on the SUV. It has been having trouble cold starting. If I use it this winter that just won't do.

A Return to Windsurfing

2011-10-01T02:51:00.004-04:00

After a long hiatus I have returned to Callie's Beach and windsurfing. Yesterday was a wonderful day. The air temps were in the 70's and it was clear and dry. However, there wasn't much wind. The first readings on the wind meter ran in the average of only 10 mph. When I arrived at the beach around 10 AM, I rigged my 5.9 North Duke and placed it on the Exocet Formula board. Then I had some trouble with my shortie wetsuit zipper and asked a lady who was jogging the beach to help me. We started talking. I remembered her from last year when we chatted on the same beach. She had windsurfing and kiting experience, the sun was warm so that lasted until I broke it off. Once on the water, after putting in a couple of reaches and gybes, I beached the rig. It was just too boring. I pulled out the clam rake but this beach has been pretty much raked out by now. I didn't come up with a single Quohog. Dr. Robert Ronin showed up much to my surprise. It's been a while since I have seen him (What a typically screwed-up doctor he is!! (For that reason very dangerous.)) We chatted and he put up a kite. Later on he expounded on this rather ridiculous theory he has about how the tides effect the wind. (We are enjoying exceptionally high tides these days due to a new moon.) That's what a PhD. in AstroPhysics from the U. of Hawaii will do for you. I decided to change my rig and took out the 11 meter Aerotech VMG Formula sail and was able to put the huge Formula fin on it given the tide height. Once on the water around noon, I did some slogging across the bay and back. At one point the wind picked up enough to allow for some light planing, but not full in-the-straps riding. Lebanese George showed up after having been called by Robert. I pretty much shared the waters with both kiters and few others. However, the Friday boat traffic picked up given the weather and made for more choppy waters than I like. After exhausting my energy, I put up. George was blown past the point and had some difficulty getting his kite back to the launch. Here's a tune for ya . . . Learn to Forget.

Kayaking

2011-08-10T15:13:00.005-04:00

Tuesday, Sept. 27 in the afternoon I took my inflatable river kayak over to Pirate's Cove in Mashpee and paddled all over Poppy Bay. It was a warm day in the seventies with clear skies. The water was mostly calm and the humidity low. I haven't done this sort of thing in a while so my shoulders were sore and tired, but once it was over they didn't feel bad at all. This is my first time out in a kayak since I was in Florida. I never did drive up to my Brother's and get out on the Swift river. However, this session lonely as it was, rekindled my interest in white water kayaking. Like kiting it requires two people which then means planning and co-operation.

More work on the Sport's Utility Vehicle

2011-08-05T08:52:00.004-04:00

Somehow I have always agreed with many rugged outdoorsmen that A.C. in a 4 wheeler destroys the experience. Yesterday morning I removed all the hoses and tubing associated with the A.C. in my 4 runner. This frees up some space to make it easy to work on the engine itself. In spite of the skinned knuckles and bloody hands, there's a fun side to this kind of work. Reaching distant bolts is like playing with puzzles; only the challenges are real and practical. Someday I might try to pull the compressor which is the only A.C. part left on the engine, but that I will leave to a spell of boredom.
Once finished with the Toyota, I started staining the clapboards of the house. This will be a harder job than I had anticipated. I've worked for long periods of time as a house painter both in Florida and Mass. However, that was years ago. I forgot how hard the work was. I'm not too frightened now regarding the ladder work, although I broke both of my wrists at one time in a fall off of a ladder six or seven years ago. Last summer I painted the chimney. Nevertheless working alone in a rather secluded area forces me to be more cautious. I would much rather have another person in the building, and I may bring someone into the fold. Sunday past I also took the Dome Tent out of the basement and went through the motions. The conditions were perfect for setting it up i.e. neither too hot nor too cold, no wind and bright sunshine. I timed myself for kicks. It went up and came down in a half hour. Funny thing was that although I thought I wouldn't have any difficulties with it considering that I have used it so many time, I did make a mistake erecting it. In the dark this might have been a real snafu. Tired after a long day of travel and in artic cold and wind, it could have been disastrous.

Wanna loose weight?

2011-08-02T08:18:00.006-04:00

Try hard work. I tipped the scale at 240.2 this morning as I have been throwing myself into my work. Putting the light wind day aside, I painted four shutters in the hanger and ran out of paint. Then I went to the hardware store and bought another can. Finally, I removed the A.C. condenser in the Sports Utility Vehicle yesterday in the late afternoon. It was a rough job and left it's scars. The condenser was currupted and required replacement if the A.C. was to work. Without it, however, the engine will run cooler. It's a lot more important to run an old engine at lower temps especially in the hot weather than it is to do the extraordinary maintenance required for automotive A.C. Consequently we have no A.C.'ld vehicles here. We don't need them, either. There are only a few days in a Cape summer when one would. I did the work while sweltering in the garage not more than twenty feet from a nicely A.C.'ld room. No wonder I'm lighter this morning. Here's photo of the damage I did to my wrist working on the Toyota.

Suicidal?

It's heating up here.

2011-08-01T11:37:00.000-04:00

Right now I am looking at 85F outside. I moved the laptop to the basement so that I could enjoy the cool temps. Yesterday evening I went cycling and enjoyed it. However, my knee is acting up today and I wonder whether I should go windsurfing or not. There isn't much wind, but I could have some fun. The only other work I might be able to do would be inside. Already I have vaced the whole upstairs and added an assortment of other tasks to a list of accomplishments.

A break in the action.

2011-07-26T14:09:00.001-04:00

There won't be enough wind for board sailing this afternoon. I need the break anyway as I pulled a muscle in the back cutting the Rhoddie's, have a sore ankle and the knee needs a rest. The other day I got a good look at the turkey's living hereabouts. This time the dominant male was in attendance. What a majestic bird!!!

Dusting off the Golf Clubs

2011-07-26T08:21:00.002-04:00

It's been two years since I have hit a golf ball, but I have an extensive collection of clubs in my basement here. Since I used to work pro shops and in the player's club kitchen at the nearby resort, New Seabury, I have had extensive experience with equipment. Nevertheless, I lost interest and the clubs have sat in the basement gathering dust for quite some time. Sunday, I was there to keep cool and wound up pulling everything apart and cleaning it up. There was plenty of mildew on the bags and leather grips. If there were items that had been exposed to sweat and other bodily fluids the growth was serious. It looks like everything will go back in the bags and on the shelves again. I have just too much work to do this summer and no one with whom to play. The Falmouth C.C. lies within walking distance. The putting green remains free to the public. I have a resident's card as well. This might be a good reason to go over and practice putting. Anyone can be competitive at putting. It can be a good way to meet the ladies. The Cape Cod Country Club lies nearby as well. It's open to the public and has a good practice area for chipping where the Play House used to be. It burned down over a decade ago after an illustrious history. Whatever, the weather is perfect these days. I just finished installing an outside thermometer which is wireless. We are experiencing low humidity, and I see an outside temperature of 74. The tide is high as well.

Back to cycling in cool temps.

2011-07-25T07:36:00.002-04:00

The temperatures turned cool yesterday afternoon so I could return to riding my bicycle on the usual route. I spend Saturday working at home all day and Sunday morning either doing chores or watching the Paris end of the Tour de France so I was rather pleased to be out and about on the bike. It was overcast and threatening to rain, but that never happened. This morning the temperatures had fallen to the mid 60 F's. I am currently wearing my hooded sweatshirt. Florida temps continue to sit in a rather hot range, 76F to 90 with 94% humidity.

Thursday windsurfing session.

2011-07-24T07:51:00.000-04:00

Here are two posts I put up on I-windsurf.
"The winds have been strong for July on Cape Cod. The last two sessions (yesterday and Sunday) I've been using my 125 liter Angulo and was able to rig the 6.5 Gun Raptor and use it for the whole afternoon yesterday. When I first went out around 1:30 or 2 p.m., it was gusty and I was overpowered to the point of exhaustion. One of the kiting Docs was convinced it was due to dehydration. In hindsight I totally agree. I thought that I was rather careful about that, but the ale and coffee drinking must have caught up with me. I'ld be much better off if I shed the extra pounds, too. Whatever, I wound up hanging onto the board for a long period recovering enough strength to blast back to the launch. I can say that I was close to drowning and the board saved me. It is very encouraging knowing that my Angulo board has been blessed and that even though you guys don't love me, Jesus does. The gusts abated once I re-hydrated, and I had an o.k. session. Unfortunately, though, soon after I decided to put up and de-rig, the winds reached an ideal steady state of 20 m.p.h. around 4:30. If I was in better shape and conditioning, I would have enjoyed myself immensely. A life of debauchery has not helped."
Iceratz: I sailed Lewis Bay with Ed between 5-7:30, and as you can see it was rocking! Steady 30+ for nearly an hour.
Kalmus and the mid-Cape area was blessed with sunshine, while Chatham and Buz Bay was socked in with overcast and fog. While I was sailing, I could see the thick fog-banks east & west.
The wind graph shows a huge spike drop in winds about 7:30-8, which is when the fog socked right back in at Kalmus.
These foggy conditions are very strange indeed, not quite like our typical SW conditions.
"Yes the type of humidity (fog) we have been having has been rather weird indeed. I think I have seen references to it in literature and have not understood it until now. I felt it throughout my body two days in a row. The sailing on Wacko bay was better when the fog rolled in and the winds leveled out at 20 with weak gusts and quick lulls. Today was back to normal as far as I was concerned. There definitely was a strong SWesterly off shore breeze hereabouts which killed the heat at the beach and gave anyone who was interested good power in their sails. However, it wasn't so "hazzy" although seriously hot inland in Falmouth and Mashpee. I was sorely tempted to sail my 89 liter board yesterday. It would have helped at first but when the winds backed down the 125 liter Angulo kept me from sinking in the lulls. Once again, Kalmus came through with the best winds but I don't regret my experience at all"

A hot and humid afternoon

2011-07-20T06:56:00.002-04:00

We had a hot and humid afternoon yesterday. There was no wind, and the water on the sound was glassy. Nevertheless, it was 5 degrees cooler and less humid than Florida. I waited until the evening to do some cycling because of the heat exhaustion risks. Putting in the usual route down to the eastern islands on Waquoit bay, I enjoyed myself immensely.

Another windsurfing session.

2011-07-18T09:52:00.001-04:00

It's been windy for the last 36 hours. Yesterday I went down to Callie's Beach around 3 p.m. at high tide. It was rather crowded with vehicles in the lot and backing up into the dirt road. There were the usual dozen or so kites in the air. I took a meter reading which showed enough for my 6.5 Raptor. Consequently I put it on the Angulo Sumo and sailed a couple of reaches. The wind had backed off by then so I had to rig another sail, the 8.4 Loft. I stuck with the Sumo, although the fact that it is 35 liters less in volume than the Naish Icon gave me adjustment challenges. I also changed fins, using my Curtis 46 cm freeride. Then I put in a few of blasts in the straps and one very long reach powered up on the Port Tack. By then I was exhausted and quit. Unfortunately, I dropped the universal and left it on the grass. Once home I realized the mistake, but didn't return for it until this morning. It was there and the wind was still blowing. Nevertheless, I was too spent to try for another session. I feel it in all the muscles and the joints and am stressed out to the max without having further injury.

Windsurfing Tally

2011-07-16T07:42:00.003-04:00

This blog starts in March of 2007 and covers the last few years of my windsurfing activity. The other day I took out my series of paper Calendars from '05 to '09 and tallied the number of days I windsurfed. Here are the figures.
'05 ~ 41 days, April to the first of November
'06 ~ 44 days, " " " " " "
'07 ~ 57 days, " " " " " "
'08 ~ 66 days, March 30 to the first of November on Cape Cod
'09 ~ 70 days year round
I bought the 8.5 Loft in '06 or '07 and that increased my days. The 9.6 Loft O2 was purchased in '08 I believe and that increased the amount of windsurfing days again. November '08 I started to live in Florida for the cold season.

A solid windsurfing session

2011-07-12T14:29:00.000-04:00

Basically the winds were blowing at an average of 17 mph with gusts over 20 for most of the morning and early afternoon. I rigged an 8.4 Loft sail and used it with my Naish Icon. I had a number of blasts in the straps on both tacks. There was a period of a half hour or so when the winds came down a bit, but the came back up and were strong when I left the beach. I was exhausted and did not stay out long. Since it was high tide I was able to use the 56 cm Tectonic's Mirage fin which is pretty much a straight up and down course racing fin made out of G-10. Compared to the weeders to which I have limited myself up to now, I found there was some very interesting differences. The Mirage allowed easier entry in the back strap, but made for a less forgiving gybe as the board could turn quickly and at a sharp angle. Sailing upwind with the Mirage was trickier and required a change in stance.

Cool morning.

2011-07-12T07:08:00.002-04:00

It wasn't as cool as it was the last few days this morning, but it definitely isn't as hot and uncomfortable as most of the country, especially Florida. I do hope all the trouble makers I know there enjoy their hell on earth. We had a big thundershower around 5 A.M., but now it has cleared out somewhat. I'm going down to Waquoit Bay and hopefully do some windsurfing. Yesterday, I mowed the lawn again as it has become a weekly ritual. Luckily Versus repeats their broadcast of the Tour de France all day long so if I miss it while windsurfing during the day, I can catch it later. In addition I was again fortunate to see the end of the Women's World Cup soccer match between Brazil and the U.S. sunday. It was fantastic!!!! The U.S. team now plays France in Germany tomorrow.

Don't try this at home.

2011-07-09T07:38:00.002-04:00

A guy with whom I grew up started "going steady" with a gal in the last couple years of high school. She was also in our class. They were both athletic. I played Tennis with her and American football with him. They continue to see each other often and regularly after they started University life. At twenty five years they decided to take an eight week tour of Europe on bicycles sleeping in a pup tent they carried with them. Intimate when they started the trip, they ended their romance upon finishing. She now lives in Japan and has two children. He never married and lives in Virginia on the beach now. I've done some long touring on a bicycle, but nothing like the Tour. My longest trip was on an old clunky one gear Schwinn. I went from Southboro, Ma. down here to Falmouth. It was about a 90 mile trip, mainly over flats, which took me all day. This has given me a good idea as to what these riders have been going through.
Whatever, the tour goes through the massive central of France. I have never been here. It begins in the section of France that George Sands wrote about. I've never read any George Sands in French or in translation. In fact, I'm still working on Vanity Fair, but it's going well. I wish I could say the same for my 17 year old Toyota 4-runner.

Great Finish for HTC-High Road

2011-07-08T12:22:00.002-04:00

After watching today's stage finish of the tour, I have no doubts about this race, the Tour de France, being a team competition. It was a rather beautiful sight seeing Mark Cavendish, the Mannsk, take the stage behind his Southern California team from a camera in a helicopter. On top of that Atlantis, the space shuttle, had a successful last launch. One great day for the U.S. of A. Chateau-Roux looked like a town worth visiting due to the flying buttresses on the Cathedral there. That would mark a high gothic structure. All in all, not much for Cape Cod sports but something to consider while riding your bike around here. We had a thunderstorm this morning and that's cooled temps rather nicely. Perhaps I should move down to a flatter part of the Cape, (Brewster or Harwich would do). Whatever it's raining lightly outside and the temps are quite comfortable. No need for airconditioning.

hanging in here

2011-07-08T10:48:00.001-04:00

This morning has been a working one. However, I have been watching the Tour while doing laundry and other domestic chores. It's been a pleasant surprise to see that they have covered some of the ground I passed over. I took a long train ride out of Bordeaux which included a tiring stretch across the flat farmlands and then up the Loire to Angou ten years ago. This has given the tour today an added meaning for me.

Aftermath

2011-07-08T07:17:00.002-04:00

Two days later and I'm not fully recovered from the Windsufing session on Wednesday. My right leg continues to remind me that there are a lot of annoying and dangerous young punks and pukes out there. A hot shower this morning helped, though. It hasn't been unbearably hot and humid like it is in Florida, but we are enjoying summer weather these days. Yesterday afternoon I was able to walk along the shore of Green Pond and the Vineyard Sound down to the Casino and back. The windsurfing, obviously didn't help. In addition I've been able to enjoy the television coverage of the Tour de France. They just finished the stages in Normandy and Bretania. I have traveled all over France, but it's such a vast country (roughly the size of Texas and much more interesting) that they ride through many areas which I have not seen. The Helicopter coverage makes the scene rather fascinating. In addition the competition adds a lot of excitement. Today they will be travelling from Le Mans south. It's a flatter ride than they have had so far, but since it's in an area North and West of those I have been in, I want to see it. Unfortunately, I have not been able to cycle myself since the first day of the Tour. It seems to be effecting my knee adversely. Today, however, I am going back to wearing the neoprene knee braces and see that the knee is obviously swollen. It must have been the climbs on the hills hereabouts that hurt. Florida, being rather flat and boring did not bring on such a condition.

A good windsurfing session

2011-07-07T02:13:00.001-04:00

Finally we had enough wind so that I could put in a good windsurfing session. Certainly, I was not alone as the usual kiting crew showed up along with a half dozen windsurfers. I was blasting on both tacks which has been my desire for some time. It has lost it's exhilarating feeling in that I have been doing this often, though. However, it's great to have recovered from my shoulder problems of last winter enough to be able to do this. I was also out at high tide so I could use the 56 cm Tectonics Mirage with the 9.6 Loft Sail and Naish Icon board. This required a change in technique when sailing up wind. Since I have been using weedfins most often, it was a bit tricky at first. My usual stance was obviously wrong for this fin and I had to correct it. It wasn't so hard for me getting in the backstrap on either tack, however. The board didn't point up into the wind as dramatically as it did when I use the weeders. Nevertheless, I'm a bit beaten and sore now.

Arbeit Macht Frei

2011-07-05T00:51:00.006-04:00

I spent the holiday working. Nevertheless, home alone, lost, abandonned and forelorn, I do accomplish quite a bit. Unfortunately, I let the Sport Utility Vehicle leak out too much oil so I had to do an emergency oil change. The "Check Engine" light had gone on and stayed on for a week or two. That happens when I have let the vehicle idle too long so I waited to see the light go off. It never dawned on this moron that "Check Engine" might mean "Check the Oil". No wonder they call them idiot lights. The Toyota was spending too much time starting, too. Usually it starts right up. I'm not sure that having a full engine will turn the light off, but I only drained 3 quarts, and it fills with 5. Owning two vehicles at times can be a real bitch, but it definitely helps to have a second when the first needs work. In fact, I could live here without one and have done it in the past. During the winter of the blizzard in '05, I was without my wagon for 6 weeks. Previous to the storm I had bought a new pair of snowshoes. They were a godsend. Now I keep three pair here. Whatever, I've putting off a lot of mechanical jobs in the garage and this got me started. There's something about crawling under a smelly, greasy pile of junk that doesn't appeal to me in my old age. Then again, there's something unappealing about climbing on top of a smell, greasy pile of junk, too. (Please don't take that personally, girlfriend.)

The Circus

2011-07-04T06:55:00.004-04:00

Everybody was out yesterday here on Cape Cod. I drove down to Callie's Beach in the early afternoon and saw an amazing conglomeration of humanity and their toys. There were about 15 kites in the air and plenty more on the beach. If you go back to my earliest posts here in '07, you can get a feel for the scene there. However, I have no photos that can give you an experience like the one I had yesterday. It's like an outdoor circus. Not only were there kites, but also boats, jetskies and kayaks. The narrow strand was wall-to-wall people around the parking lot. There wasn't much in the way of wind, either. I put in a work session with the 11 meter VGM and the Icon board. Today I am somewhat sore, but not to the point that I would quit the sport. Have a Happy Fourth!!!!!

Board Comparisons

2011-07-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

With little wind this morning and no companion to distract me, I have been doing a board comparison in photographs. In a last post I put up one photo that really doesn't do the differences in the two boards, the Naish Icon and Exocet Turbo II Formula boards justice. Although the differences in volume are slight, albeit 5 liters or 155 for the Turbo II to 160 for the Icon, the differences in weight are noticeable. When I bought the Icon in '06, it was partly because I was obtaining a much lighter board than the Bic's and HiFly I had been using for more than a decade. Now I find the Exocet even lighter!!! In fact it's noticeably lighter. However, that means it is even more fragile and subject to dings and other forms of breakage. For travel, I bought a board bag, but now for safety reasons keep it in the bag all the time. Hopefully, I will add more here about the differences in windsurfing boards, but for now you have to settle for another photo.

Windsurfing Session

2011-07-03T07:44:00.008-04:00

Thursday, the 30th of June, the forecasts were for winds between 10 and 13 mph out of the SW. I should realize by now that the forecasts here can often be wrong and miss the good conditions for windsurfing. However, I pissed and moaned about the lack of wind in the morning but decided to go out anyway. This spring I have been rigging the 9.6 and 8.5 Loft O2 sails and finding myself underpowered. Since the 11 meter Aero VMG sail I own remains rather large and challenging for me, I have been reluctant about using it. The same goes for the Exocet Formula 100 II board that fits the formula with that sail. Consequently, I decided to pack that rig and was determined to use it no matter the conditions. I did not bring any other sail or board down to Waquoit Bay. Once I arrived in the early afternoon the winds were blowing stronger than the predicted strength. In fact, I took a reading of an average blow of 13.7 mpg with gusts to 17. This frightened me a bit given that this was the upper limit of the 11 meter VMG sail. After removing a rotting carcass of a Possum which had drown and washed up into the rigging area I proceeded to put the formula equipment together with full downhaul and launch from Callie's Beach. My first reach was upwind to Washburn Island. After that I caught the wind in a long blast back. What a kick in the pants this equipment was!!!! I was not fully comfortable with it, but had some solid riding. Then I noticed that a small tear had developed in the foot of the sail at a seam that was repaired earlier. Consequently, since I was somewhat exhausted I decided to beach the rig.

Thank the lord for long June days!!!! I took a anemometer reading of 16+ average with a gust to 21 mph, obviously too much for my sail. I was ready to quit for the day when Marshall, one of the foot doc kiters, showed up. He told me that the changed forecast on I-windsurf was predicting that this unexpected wind would last to 8 p.m. I said that I could return home and change my rig for more sailing. He convinced me that I should. As a result, when back at the old corral, I loaded up with the Naish Icon freeride board and the 9.6 Loft sail. Back on the water, I realized that I had missed the strongest winds, but did get in a good short session. The 160 liter '06 Naish, my main board for a few years and the 9.6 felt much more comfortable than the Exocet Formula 155 liter and 11 meter sail. I started to think that I probably should have left the Exocet in Florida. The Naish people set 11 meters as the upper limit of the Icon's range. The next time out with the 11 meter I am going to use the Icon. I have yet to get into the back strap on the Exocet and use the fifth chicken strap which is designed for downwind sailing.

My left shoulder kept reminding me that I should have been ambidextrous in my earlier years. I would definitely like to put in enough TOW to master the back strap on the Exocet because I'm sure that would put it on a true racing plane. This board is 18 cm wider than the Icon (82 cm) and 30 cm shorter. The mid section measures wider than the Nash and it has cut outs in the tail. Both have rather delicate shells and light diviny cell cores. Consequently I have padded the decks of both in areas where the mast can strike the rails in a catapulting fall. With the Exocet I was able to do a bang-up job of padding since I could obtain deck pads for it from an SUP shop on the West Coast. I noticed that the mast sleeve of the 11 meter already has wear marks from impacts.

After the session I returned to the Airpark and hosed the equipment down. The evening turned out beautifully as the wind died and the front had left some rather pleasant dry air. The fireflies weren't out, but I was in no shape to watch them. I downed a few bottles of Harpoon India Pale Ale with Salsa and baked Tortilla chips, ate a salad and hit the hay. I awoke with a hard-on to match all hard-ons, but found that upon rising I was feeling stiff all over. A hot shower and breakfast of eggs, bacon, and chicken livers have loosened the muscles and put me in an even great mood.

Goals

2011-07-01T08:25:00.003-04:00

I've set a goal for myself in the sport of Windsurfing. It would be to ride the Formula board I own in both straps, at least on my favored tack, the Starboard. I bought the board online in October of '09 with the intention of driving to Daytona after flying to Daytona, picking it up, sailing with it there with smaller sails, and then bringing it back with me on the airplane to Cape Cod so I could match it with the 11 meter rig I had bought the summer before there. That was a plan and goal which I carried through successfully to the end. Now I have it matched with my 11 meter Formula rig. Sailing the board correctly was another matter. I found the rear strap location further out on the rail than the Naish Icon freeride board I own. It remains a challenge for me to use that board's rear strap. Entering the strap on the Formula board would have to happen with my largest sail, an 11 sq. meter Aerotech because the smoother the water, the easier it is to place the rear foot in the strap. The larger the sail, the less wind one has and consequently the smoother water. Futhermore, it will have to happen when the boating activity is either non-existent or at a minimum and not creating wakes in my flat water venue, Waquoit Bay. This won't be today for sure. I may have to return to Florida with the board, buy a new Formula rig there, and wait until I have good conditions to reach this goal. Whatever at first I will practice using the 11 meter sail with the Naish Icon. This will obviously effect my shoulders in an adverse way, but I hope to avoid injury by being more careful and methodical in my sailing. I am also planning on avoiding re-injuring my shoulder rotator cuffs this summer in order to be able to sail in Florida once I return. It's all a tall order for a man my age, but I'm bound and determined to see it through.

Here's a photo that compares the straps of the Turbo II Formula board and my Angulo Sumo, my favorite but seldom used board.

Rain

2011-06-23T07:15:00.004-04:00

We had quite a bit of rain in the last 24 hour period. The Red Sox game in Fenway saw four rain delays. It poured all night. This will make for a better lawn, especially since I limed the grass the day before yesterday. The bugs will be out in a vengeance, now. I'll have to reapply the Horticultural oil on the Hemlocks and other infested plants. I watched the Irish movie Veronica Guerin last night. She was a journalist for a Dublin Sunday paper who was shot, beaten and brutally murdered in the late 90's for her investigative writing of the heroin traffic there. This was a Dublin I haven't seen. She was very much into Soccer, having played herself. This allowed her to fit into a heavily male society. I'm including a photo of her (not the actress).

Her survivors included a son. Here's a video to take your pain away.

The Birds and the Bees

2011-06-22T06:58:00.003-04:00

Finally, a wild turkey and it's chicks wandered into my yard this morning. Of course the bees have been very active here with all the flowers that bloom on the property. Yesterday I saw the nested pair of Swans out with their young on the pond on Red Brook behind the road crossing. They always remind me of the brilliant stream of consciousness novel by Flan O'Brien Snámh dá Én or At Swim Two Birds. Today I am going to visit the new Mashpee Library. I haven't been inside yet. Unfortunately, the weather has turned a bit and my knee has been acting up. A punk snowboarder from the Zero Generation slammed into me on Killington Mountain 4 years or so ago. It's given me some pleasure trying to capture in photography the Gold Finch. Here is a nesting pair.
My reading of Vanity Fair has been moving along. I'm now into the middle of the 5th century of pages, the 45th chapter and covered a passage last night after the previous post.

Anima Sana In Corpore Sana

2011-06-22T01:39:00.003-04:00

ASICS makes a great shoe. I have to break my new ones in, though. A big caveat for this time of year would be to be leery of jumping into new sneakers and walking a long distance. Blisters can be rather nasty feeling. I haven't walked much since leaving Florida but hope now to do more of it. After putting in the usual cycling session in the evening yesterday, I came home to find that there was another power failure locally. They occur often hereabouts due to the winds and semi-rural factors. It makes for a pioneering understanding as you become prepared to live without electricity. A lot of people invest in gas powered generators, but I just keep a lot of bottled gas for the Coleman stove. However, the ngas line isn't effected and can be started with a butane lighter. I also have a collection of flashlights, portable lamps and radios.

(Not to mention cameras ;)

Watching the grass grow.

2011-06-21T12:38:00.005-04:00

It seems like that's the only excitement I have here now. Nevertheless, it definitely is growing fast as I'll have to mow it again this afternoon. The last time I did it was a week ago. I packed the SUV, but the predictions have changed to NADA. It's a gorgeous day, however, and any time spent outdoors makes for a happy camper this first day of summer. A Towhee, a medium size local bird, can be heard outside turning over leaves and pine needles. The gold Finches are in full color and dominate the backyard now that I have hung thistle seed feeders in two locations. Here is my first photo this year of them. It's a bit fuzzy, but still a success. Like them, I'm in the best of health and loaded for bear!!!!

Facing the blank page of a new day once more.

2011-06-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

After working all day on the tailgate of the SUV, the Formula racing boom, the Hemlocks, the master bedroom, and a variety of other things yesterday, I went riding in the evening on my usual bicycle route. It was surprisingly windy on the bay. Nothing dramatic, but I saw Rob Ronin's distinctive kite down at Callie's beach. He uses a big directional board to increase his TOW and keep prepared for a long lull which might leave him stranded on the Island. The only kite board I own would be a directional. IMHO this wind was almost purely a thermal and might certainly see it repeated this afternoon. With long days at the solstice, we can enjoy a good session in the late evening. I will pack the formula equipment today. In addition while purchasing a round file at a nearby Hardware store, I decided to buy a clamming rake. If I drive into the reservation and don't find wind, I can gather clams!!!! Finally, I have two women's bikes here. One is an old Schwinn with lots of chrome. The other is a mountain bike exactly like mine. They haven't got use in a few years. Mom stopped riding after she put in one session over eighty. Once in a while I'll take the bike into the woods down here. It isn't all that exciting, however. Consequently, I bought a travel box for one of the two bikes. I can strap it to the SUV's roof rack and head for the mountains.

Plunking the fat bottom at the computer, eh?

2011-06-20T09:10:00.001-04:00

No wind this morning, but plenty of work to do. See ya later, alligator.

Can you tell me where she's hiding?

2011-06-20T08:43:00.002-04:00

Here's a song from the 4 fingered guitarist to start your week, Señior.

Sticking to the subject.

2011-06-20T07:49:00.003-04:00

We've been living with Bruin's mania these past 5 days. Mom's in hospital in New Bedford and will be there for a while. I'm currently liberated of my duties when it comes to filial pièty so I drove to Boston Sunday and checked out the changes. There are more hotels there than ever before, but Filene's still remains empty and the basement sits as a large hole in the ground. They have not proceeded with the glass and steel tower planned for central Boston. Some of the orange and black confetti was still left on Bromfield and Winter Streets but the city had cleaned up all the trash left by the Rolling Rally.
On my return trip I stopped at two malls, the Darby St. Shoppes in Hingham and the Plymouth mall that contains Dick's Sporting Goods. There I bought a speed-O and pair of Asics running shoes. The shoes will serve me for my walking this summer. They were rather pricey even with the discount, but that's what to expect with Asics. Darby St. was the mall built where the original Building #19 was located. It replaced a Bradley's and contains a Whole Food's Market and REI store.
The weather has been excellent. It's on the cool side here on the Cape, but that has kept the weekend warriors away. Yesterday after my return I was able to put in a stellar biking session on the usual route. However, I saw only a few people. Here's a photo of the view down Washington St. from in front of the Eddie Bauer Outlet store.

Striped Bass

2011-06-15T06:32:00.002-04:00

The bro-in-law left us a couple of large fresh striped bass filets all cleaned and ready to eat. He and my sister had been out with his Dad and family on a chartered fishing boat originating in Barnstable harbor that morning. I baked one filet for my brother, his wife and myself. It was ample. I froze the other. Of course it wasn't as good as fresh Haddock, but I liked it. It's a common sport fish on Cape Cod given that the cod has been all fished out of the region.
I wasn't able to cycle yesterday, but today I will. The weather definitely is improving. Putting the bro and his wife to work, but raked the clippings off of the grass and the lawn looks great. That doesn't mean that there isn't a lot of yard work left to do. Unfortunately, there was some wind yesterday out of the North. However, given the temps in the 50F's, the wet atmosphere and the usual gusty conditions one would find on Wacko Bay, I opted not to sail. Hopefully, this week we'll see some warm and steady SWesterlies this week. Water temps are still on the cold side in the Sound which means we are set up for some potentially strong sea breezes in June.
Everyone in New England will be watching the Bruins-Canucks ice hockey game tonight. It should be exciting.

A little relief.

2011-06-14T15:06:00.004-04:00

My youngest sister and her husband took my mother out of here around noon. Of course they came without prior notification (didn't call and tell either mom or myself they were coming), and have rather arbitrarily decided in an arrogant way what is best. However, they think that it's going to be a piece of cake taking mom to the hospital again, having an MRI performed and supporting her in their house. I really wonder why this young generation believes that technology offers miraculous cures and solutions. Whatever, it's a relief for me to have they take the burden of care of my mother at least for a while. I left a message stating that they better not bring her back here as I won't be in residence. Funny, how they always insists on having all the right answers. Whatever, I do hope to get in some cycling although I'm rather tired from the disruptions last night and the yard work this morning. My brother Kerry should be here shortly, too. That will be added relief to have some sanity in the mix from a totally crazy point of view.

Here's a photo of a few of the roses with the hanger's slab and the taxiway of our home in the background.

Caos

2011-06-14T10:01:00.003-04:00

Finally, my mom has reached a semi-comfortable and somewhat stable state sitting before the fire in the rocker this morning. Last night was like shoveling against the tide for me. She lost all sense of order and sanity. Most of my efforts now are devoted to keeping her situation dignified, safe and hygenic. The pain has been causing her to demonstrate in rather hysterical ways, but I have been able to keep on a steady keel.
Yesterday, I was able to go cycling in the afternoon and enjoyed it immensely. However, upon returning an hour and a quarter after leaving mom, I found her in a crazy position which only the most imaginative person could think up. I joked with her and took a picture to add some levity to what has become a rather grave situation. All she seems to be conscious of would be the intense pain. Heat seems to be the only way to relieve it. The unseasonably cool temps and humidity have intensified the terrible state into which she has fallen. It's a bitter and ironic situation in that it's great weather for cycling and the way I like the weather. The roses also are looking great after my efforts to cultivate them over the past 5 years. Here is another picture I took yesterday.

The lawn as well has been growing and looking great. I have to mow it today when the grass dries. I have had to cut it weekly this season.
Finally, the Boston Bruins won last night and are one game away from winning the Stanley Cup. This final game seems closely resembling the Gold medal ice hockey game during last year's winter Olympics. Everyone hereabouts stands behind the Bruins and wish them a victory in Vancouver.

Relapse

2011-06-13T06:31:00.002-04:00

The weather here has been good for roses and lawns, but it has not been so good for the elderly. My mother has been miserable. I had to call the EMT's and have them take her to the Falmouth Hospital yesterday. There, I obtained some serious pain medication and had her tested for UTI's. I should have put in an hour of cycling, but couldn't because of this. With the rain yesterday morning, I sat and did some repairs on a sail bag. Consequently, due to this,

the sitting on watch for mom and running around town with the car, my own health was effected adversely. I'll definitely be out cycling today.

The wild Rose bush

2011-06-12T10:18:00.001-04:00

My wild Rose bush has about thirty buds on it and is already blooming. The recent heavy rains have helped develop them. Here are some photos of these wonderful flowers I have now.

Yesterday evening Gail Gilmore on her radio show, celtic twilight, ran a whole hour of gaelic songs about roses. However, I didn't here the most famous one, Bing Crosbee's Rose of Trallee. I traveled to Tralee and the Dingle Penninsula once, not for the famous Windsurfing waves, but for the roses. It was rather a fascinating town as everyone grew roses in their yard.

Windsurfing work session

2011-06-10T07:19:00.002-04:00

Late yesterday afternoon I packed the SUV and went down to Callie's Beach for a windsurfing session. When I arrived there were a number of kiters on the beach and water. The wind was blowing. It intensified while I was attaching the Tectonics Mirage fin to the Naish Icon 160. The tide was high and that would support this fin across most of the waters of the bay. I decided to rig my Loft 8.4 as the wind was intensifying. Unfortunately, though, it died once I was ready to launch. Consequently, I spent a session slogging and working on my tacks and gybes. This was a good work out. After the long hiatus in Florida, I needed the practice. However, I would have liked to have enough wind for a few reaches in the straps. If I had rigged the 9.6, that probably would have happened as the wind did sustain a speed of 16 m.p.h. at times. The clouds darkened and the sun started to set so I ended the session by gybing back to shore.
Once beached and in the process of de-rigging the lightening began to flash. It was a distance from us, but everyone worked to clear the beach of equipment. Once on the way home on Will's Work Road, the rain started and continued to heavily soak the area. I saw a few rather spectacular lightening flashes on Rt. 28 in Falmouth as well. Now I have to rinse off the equipment as I couldn't work in the rain.

More cycling but no windsurfing.

2011-06-09T06:32:00.002-04:00

Every day I have been bicycling down to the Islands on the East side of Waquoit Bay. I have seen fox on two occasions. They are young and rather tame. The weather has turned hot during the day, but it is still comfortably cool at night.

Things are going well.

2011-06-05T06:13:00.000-04:00

Mom's health has been improving, and I have been cycling my twelve mile route daily. In addition I have been able to get out windsurfing without seeing any complications to my shoulder. On both occasions I had enough wind to blast in the straps, too.

White Water Kayaking and Expresso Coffee

2011-05-09T10:58:00.003-04:00

After seeing my brother yesterday, we've reconnected regarding white water kayaking. He lives in Ware, Ma. which is on the Swift River. It's good white water this time of the year especially with the big snow melt. We might be able to spend some time together kayaking. It's always better with two people and two vehicles. You leave one vehicle down river from your launch spot. In addition, I was able to use these two demi-tasses I took back with me from Barcelona ten years ago. I shipped an Expresso maker to Cape Cod from Florida and started using it yesterday. I had saved the cups as souvenirs and never expected to use them. I tried shopping for a demi-tasse set today and couldn't find one locally. Waste not, want not.

I just like Mondays.

2011-05-09T06:47:00.001-04:00

Today I hope to continue the yard work. I'm going to purchase a few bags of lime. It will eventually be applied to the lawn. Since we have about 50 pine trees on our property, the soil needs as much lime as I can add to it. The Ph of the soil will always be heavy on the acid side. I've also started to doing my computer work standing up. I was able to put the laptop on the top of the bureau in the guest room. This gives me a suitable height for mouse fondling and typing. It reminds me of some of the passages in Thomas Mann's Magic Mountain that pertained to Naptha and Setembrini. As a matter of fact when I was writing HTML code at Harvard, I was doing it on their upright terminals which are scattered all over the campus. The Hemherrhoid stopped bleeding. I'm determined to heal without professional help. As long as I limit my strenuous efforts in the yard to short periods of time, I can keep from suffering the hard effects of physical work. Yesterday I had the pitch fork out and was turning the weedy sod in the flower beds for twenty minutes. Today I should be back walking. Yesterday I brought out the plastic boomerang. I could feel it in my shoulder when throwing. However, my niece and nephew got rather good at it.

As Happy as a New England Clam

2011-05-08T06:21:00.001-04:00

The weather has been perfect, and it looks like today will be the same. I said hello to Peter, the elder Canadian who lives across the street while I was raking the lawn. He agreed that we couldn't have better weather than this. Peter and his wife Olga hail from Ontario, but they raised their family in New Jersey. She is the pilot. He doesn't fly, but is a big whig in Curling.
Definitely, I'm rather happy to be back home. There's nothing like a New England spring with all the deciduous trees budding. The bird songs remain familiar. Even the titmouse which has a very sharp whistle of a call has given me a definite feeling of being home. While last year I was rather heart-broken by leaving Florida, this year I am rather pleased with the change. As usual I had booked the flight a month or more in advance. This time I was rather impatient about leaving for weeks before the event. Both vehicles started up without any hassle. The Riviera works better now than it did in the fall. Go Figure. The Cruise wasn't working when I left, now it does. The lawn looks great after the work I have been doing, and Mom will have a good day today. My sister and her family will be here today to take her out to dinner. That should help. Here's a photo of me in front of our house after the work was finished.

Interesting Hockey Match-up

2011-05-07T14:43:00.001-04:00

The Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightening will be playing each other in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference title game.

Yard work can be hard work

2011-05-06T15:49:00.000-04:00

The grass in my yard has been growing at a healthy pace and has had no help from the mower. Consequently the job of bringing the lawn back to a suitable height today was a task indeed. Nevertheless, it was a perfect day for outdoor work, cool and sunny. I'll probably be sore in the muscles that haven't been used tomorrow. Once mown the lawns had to be raked as the cuttings were clumping and drying out. I couldn't finish all of it. Tomorrow I'll continue. On top of that there's the fallen limbs which had to be removed from the yard. The pitch pines that grow abundantly on Cape Cod have rather loose branches which the winds are constantly breaking off. As a matter of fact, today was breezy and probably a suitable day for either kiting or sailing down on Wacko Bay. The sound of the wind chimes fill the air and the wind sock on the air strip has been stiff.

The morning after.

2011-05-06T05:50:00.000-04:00

Now for the costs of travel at my age. I arose this morning with bleeding hemorrhoids for the first time in my life. This condition resulted from sitting all day, 6 AM to 5 PM., but I'll probably have to have a physician check things out. Hopefully getting back to work in the yard will rectify the rectum before needs like that. I am also going back to my high fiber breakfast. In order to use up the eggs left in the fridge in Florida, I was eating ham and eggs. The grass here has grown too long. My brother is definitely the laziest guy in the world. I tried to convince him that it would help all concerned if he came down here and mowed the lawn. All argument was to no avail. I have gotten the SUV up to snuff already(although I need a new inspection sticker for it) so that I can go and buy some fresh gasoline locally. I can walk the few miles for food if needs be, but I may risk driving to Mashpee for food. However, I weighed in at 249 lbs this morning I'm ashamed to state. The diet starts today!!!! The weather this morning has been much more to my liking than it was in Florida, cool and damp. However, it looks like the clouds have passed and the sky will be clear. The views I caught from the brand new Airbus 320 we were riding in weren't as impressive as they have been in trips past. I didn't have the window seat I would have had if I had been on time for the flight, either.

Home, sweet Home.

2011-05-05T18:15:00.000-04:00

After a long day, we are back home in Falmouth. I love it here!!! The change was terrific. Florida was just too hot for me. We were delayed in the Orlando Airport and had to take the 12 o'clock flight out, arriving in Boston at 3Pm. I was very lucky to get both my mother and myself on the second flight. It's a long story which will have to be told at a later time, but I successfully made it home by dinnertime.

Adios!!!

2010-11-05T04:41:00.000-04:00

I'll be back in the spring. Check out my winter blog from Florida.

Motor Sports

2010-10-31T15:12:00.001-04:00

Since most of today I have been doing yard work, I want to take some time to add a little about why you don't see anything on my blog regarding motor sports. Some may find it peculiar that I live on an Airpark, own a hanger and have a taxiway to a runway for a backyard. My Dad was the pilot, but my sister died in a plane crash. She would have survived if they prevented the plane from taking off in terrible weather. She was 17 at her demise, my Dad was 73. He died naturally. There was nothing left of her but her teeth. I actually hate living with the noise here, but my mother has lived in this house for so long that we won't probably sell it until she dies. In fact, I have done a lot of flying and realize that it can be safe, but now I really have to have a good reason to step into an airplane and then it would be a large one. We sold my Dad's plane after he died. I have used the hanger for my windsurfing boards. I am a full believer in using your natural energies or harnessing those natural energies one finds in one's environment. Comparing one mode of motor transportation, I am aware that flying is the safest way to travel and the most rewarding if used right. However, I am always reluctant to fly and often hesitant to drive. I wonder how I survived the 50,000 miles of Motorcycle driving I have put in through 10 states and Canada given the risks I took. I don't drive the machines now because my Dad got rid of my motorcycles, one in Florida and one here on Cape Cod after I survived an accident. I hate car racing, it's noise and the crowds associated with them. I sincerely believe most people attend them to see a bad accident and observe others either perish or suffer injuries. I attended one Formula one Race, the Grand Prix of Monaco and would also attend the Grand Prix of Le Mans, but would definitely not make it a destination. I feel fortunate that I have survived my driving in the past. I "sport" a permanent kink in my hip due to it. Motor Sports Fans and their women, however, do not appeal to me. I find it insanity to drive at high speeds around a track with out doing any traveling. I would much rather go to a horse race which matches men's ability to control a beast without much of a chance of a loss of life or limb. Included is a photo of my mother with a Clydesdale in Centerville, Ma.

Windy days and nights.

2010-10-30T22:48:00.000-04:00

It's been windy, but I have not been windsurfing. Last Halloween I did put in a last session before leaving for Florida, but this year I have succumbed to old age and have not been sailing for over a month due to the cold. My Halloween last year I remember well in that I was in good form and got a big smile of approval from the kiter Rob, the elder researcher from MBL when I cut a gybe in the shallow end of Waquoit Bay. However, I do remember jamming a toe while entering a back strap and having it bother me for a few months after. The heavy North Race wetsuit I was wearing (4.5/2.5) made leg movement more awkward than usual and that I blame for the difficulty in entering the strap. Any kind of injury in the cold now takes longer to heal. These days the evening temps have gone down and the night skies have been rather clear. However, I have been surprised that my right shoulder hasn't been bothering me much. This in spite of the intense use it got Thursday with the hockey stick. I shoot left handed like most hockey players. This has been very encouraging for me. Last week it was rather painful to use the arm. The rotator cuff was just too sore. The cold has not given my 82 year old mother cause to complain, either, and that certainly has been a good sign. I hired the Plumbing & Heating service people to come in and overhaul the system in this house in September. They did an excellent job. The back office which has not had adequate heat for years now feels like every other room in the house. We've been entertaining guests lately, members of the family. Some of them use the computer in the office and complain about how slow it is during the day, but the office can be used. My mother requires daily care as does the house. This prevents me from going where I want, but it definitely makes old age easier. In the winter I can cross country ski out the back door. (However, even when I lived in Boston I found a way to ski out the back door.) I haven't spent a winter for two years here, but perhaps this winter will be different. Then all my work keeping the house up will be rewarded. The howling winds tonight reminded me of past nights when I slept out on Cape Cod in my pup tent or under a blanket in the dunes. I love sleeping out and wonder if I will ever do it again. I have the gear downstairs to do some winter camping, but never have tried it in a tent. I slept out in my car on my journeys through the Western mountains and know how exhilarating it can be waking to a clear sky and snow covered landscape like Yellowstone N.P. with the Grand Tetons in the background. This winter a pair of skis will always be within a few steps of me. Today I took a long walk down Davisville Ave which is an old tree-lined road built in the twenties. It was not only good exercise but rather enjoyable. I was feeling depressed, forlorn and abandoned. I did find, as recommended, walking built up my self-esteem. Now, I'm siting on top of the world!!!!

A good start

2010-10-30T06:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I spent some time clearing the leaves and pine needles from our property and didn't do much in the way of sports. Bicycling was out due to the showers that started to fall after I finished the yard work. I took a walk, though, around the airpark and am including a video taken Friday. It really doesn't give the glory of the foliage justice, but it does provide one a view of what the changes are all about. This morning I awoke to find that my diet has started in good form as I have already lost 10 lbs in a few days. Although not directly related to sports, weight loss has become my major project now. Given that I probably won't live more than another twenty years and that I won't be as active as I have in the past, for me it is paramount that I return to my competitive weight of 185 lbs. It's really a question of measuring the breakfast, keeping the lunch light, eliminating in-between snacks and alcoholic drinks, and having a substantial dinner with little fat. I'll be eating more fish and less beef.

Physical Demanding but a lot of Fun

2010-10-29T06:55:00.000-04:00

The hockey session went well yesterday. Enough players showed up to give us the opportunity to play a 3 on 3 half ice scrimmage. Since we had two hours of ice time, we were all pretty much exhausted by the time we returned to the dressing room. Of course most of the competitors were less than half my age, but I kept up rather well if I do say so myself. I've also started my diet and have lost 5 lbs. Now I am rather psyched about it!!! I want to say hello to all the Russians and Eastern Europeans that have been reading this blog. You're great folks!!! The Falmouth Clippers Football Team lost their last game October 23 at Plymouth North (5-2) L 7-28. Good luck to them with tonight's contest versus Marshfield.

One more skating session

2010-10-28T05:01:00.000-04:00

Again I was up at Gallo Arena for the Senior hour yesterday. I took my time driving up there, travelling on the back roads in order to enjoy the full effect of the fall foliage. Hatchville, North Falmouth and Pocasset were all impressive viewing. The session went well and most of us had a good work-out. It was raining outside and that usually attracts some people. Sure enough there were about eight skaters who showed up. Steve Wallace put in an appearance. He remains one of the better skaters in the state and is enjoyable to watch. Today I'll be at the public hockey session which can be a lot of fun.

Wood's Hole

2010-10-27T07:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I took a walk around Wood's Hole after driving down there along the shore road past the light house. It's a fascinating area for vegetation. 150 years of inhabitation by eccentric marine researchers has left quite the impressive array of trees. Some of them have been protected for all that time and rise to 200 feet in height. They folliage hasn't changed there much, though, as it's a village protected from the ravages of the weather. When it does, it must be spectacular. On the drive back along the back road which follows the glacial side morraine that forms the western shore of Buzzard's Bay, I encountered some truly glorious trees with full fall foliage. The photos I have taken with chemical film have been better than digital cameras in capturing the beauty. Consequently, I left the digital camera at home.

Skating Lesson

2010-10-26T07:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I drove up to Bourne for the senior skate hour (over 50). I had the first half hour to myself and then shared the second with Roger a retired skating coach. Now, since I have been ice skating all my life, I assumed that I had mastered the sport. Not so. Roger gave me a couple pointers for which I am grateful. I changed my technique and actually improved my style. Many thanks to Roger. The changing foliage on Cape Cod is peaking right now. It's absolutely gorgeous. Although I have enjoyed the changes in New England most of my life, it still impresses me. I drove over to Wareham, had coffee and lunch, bought some Haddock, and returned on the back roads through Pocasset and West Falmouth. This area of the cape remains characteristic of the New England countryside with stone walls, rolling hills and narrow twisting roads. It was a superb experience for me. Once back in Hatchville, the central area of Falmouth, I took out the video camera and shot some long footage from the SUV. Unfortunately, though, it just doesn't do the real life experience justice. However, I'm including one clip now.

A simple walk along the shore.

2010-10-25T07:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was able to enjoy a simple walk along the shore in Falmouth. The weather was perfect, not too hot nor cold. A regular habit of mine in years past, I have been cycling instead this year. Starting at the state boat launch parking lot on Green Pond I walked to the Casino beach and back.The shore line provides good views of Martha's Vineyard and Vineyard sound. The bay berries and poison ivy which lines green pond have turned into brilliant colors of red and orange. The dunes at the SW corner of the pond are impressive in their beauty. Today I will return to the skating rink. With the changes in the weather, I have been feeling my skeletal injuries of the past. My ankles have started to remind me of my age in that skating can effect them stressfully. Nevertheless, with these new Graff skates I have better support there and can overlook the "reminders" of the way of all flesh.

Hunting Season

2010-10-24T08:17:00.000-04:00

In the future I'll be donning my hunter orange as it's bird hunting season hereabouts. It's really the best time of the year for exploring the woods given the folliage changes. For this reason I take the hiking boots out of the closet and bring the camera on some long walks.

Another windy day.

2010-10-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

Chapin and the other beaches on the North shore of Cape Cod must have been active today with the kiters and windsurfers, but it wasn't for me. The water should be rather cold these days and not all that comfortable. I did some walking and four wheeling in Mashpee. I captured a few photos of the changing foliage. I'm including one.

More Ice Time

2010-10-21T19:07:00.000-04:00

Today I skated for the two hours of public hockey at Gallo Arena. It went well in spite of the fact that there weren't any goalies. There were six other hockey players there who varied in abilities. A couple I couldn't match in ability while a couple weren't as adept at the game as I am. This made for some good scrimmaging for all of us. It was exhausting as far as work outs go. After the session I was able to put together this video which was captured the day before during the Senior Skate hour.

Another ice skating session.

2010-10-21T06:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we went to Gallo Arena. The weather was good for walking so I took my mother so that she could walk the C.C. canal path as a change of venue. I skated and took some video. After lunching in Wareham, we did some exploring in Pocasset before returning home. The afternoon was warm and sunny giving me good conditions to photograph local fall color and the boats on the Pocasset River at the Marina. I was able to capture the Marina staff removing a mast on a large sailboat in order to be able to shrink wrap the boat for the winter. I will post the photos on some of the past blog entries and the videos on this and future entries. Here's a photo of the scene at the Marina.

An early morning review

2010-10-20T06:46:00.000-04:00

As posted, I did go riding yesterday on my bike. First I took the bike apart and sized it up against the travel box which I recently bought. It isn't that I plan on taking it anywhere right now, but I want to be prepared to go at any time. I discovered that there's more involved in folding the bike and packing it than I had expected. I did wonder if I was every going to get any use out of the expensive box, too. At that point I decided to unfold the bike and go riding. It had been a cool day and not very inviting. However, I had a good run and wasn't uncomfortable once I warmed up. On the road to Monomoscoy I passed another rider with a new fancy lime colored specialty jacket. He called out to me. It turned out to be Doctor Robert, the kiter. We had a pleasant chat and then went our separated ways. Included is a recent photo of him on Callie's Beach. Notice the twisted suspenders. They go with the Ph.D. in Astrophysics and M.D. in Radiology. He kites all winter long in the latest and best dry suit. Last winter he suffered frost bite on the fingers, something against which the dry suit can't protect. Today I hope to return to Gallo ice arena for another hour of skating. My knee has been acting up a bit, probably as a carry over from the time a snowboarder clipped me at Killington. However, it's not lasting and the slight pain disappears after a warm up.
The Falmouth Clippers now own a 5-0 record. They play next when they travel to Plymouth North for a Atlantic Coast League contest on Friday, October 22.

Another day, another bike ride.

2010-10-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I spent an hour skating. Today I am going to mount the bicycle and ride for an hour. Other than that there is nothing more to report. Here's another photo taken at the Pocasset River.

Bipolar and alternating current.

2010-10-18T17:48:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been going from cycling one day to skating the next. Today I was at Gallo arena for the senior skate. A black lady joined me for half the session. She wasn't half bad and definitely a better figure skater than I. There were these perfect circles she had cut in the clear ice for me to see. The day before I took my usual bicycle route. I observed a number of kite surfers, obviously beginners down at the kiting corner of Wacko Bay. While Friday had the best winds and Saturday the next best. Monday was rather calm. However, I saw no one out on Friday, one kite on Saturday and four or five on Sunday. Go figure!!!!

More Cycling

2010-10-17T08:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I repeated my 14 mile circuit of bicycling and did it in an hour. It was rather windy, but the temps had reached 60 F. and I wore a long sleeve shirt I had bought for it the day before. I passed a house where a woman was feeding the wild turkey's in her yard, and a man was taking pictures with a video camera. The dominant male was standing guard on the side of the road at the entrance to their driveway. At that point they are ready for a quick getaway. I saw one kiter on Waquoit Bay. Today I'll be out again on the fold-up Montague. It's looking like a glorious day outside. The Northeaster has passed and left a foot of snow in the Green Mountains. Here's a view of a boat owner watching workers remove the mast on his sailing craft.

Ice Hockey

2010-10-15T15:14:00.001-04:00

Today has been windy. I was sorely tempted to go out windsurfing after I took a bicycle ride down to the Islands. My shoulder was feeling good, the winds were out of the SW and strong. However, I decided that I would forgo a return to that sport for a while after returning to the house. Yesterday I skated and practiced some hockey with a goalie and another forward. I stayed on the Ice for most of the two hour session. Things went rather well for me. The new composite hockey stick worked out remarkably. Being lighter than wood, it doesn't seem to stress the shoulder as much as wood. The temperatures however have warmed somewhat going from the 40's to the low 50's in the morning and that has had a noticeable effect on my shoulders. Here's a video of the Old Buzzards scrimmaging in Gallo Arena. Aren't they slow?

A picture perfect day.

2010-10-14T05:03:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the sunshine dominated the day. I was able to ride the bicycle on my usual route of 13+ miles. The temperatures have cooled, but I did not have any discomfort on the ride. However, my shoulders are reminding me to take things easier. October definitely has to be the best month on Cape Cod for outdoor activities. The waters were calm on the sound. I saw fishermen at the beach and sailboats in the light North wind. Here's a photo taken from the parking lot at the Pocasset River Bridge.

The New Rink

2010-10-13T06:49:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I drove to Hyannis and skated in their new sport's complex. There are two rinks and other winter recreation facilities. It was finished recently. The ice on the Butler rink was superb. I skated for an hour and am finding that some of my old skills are coming back. The ice maker should be commended. The Butler rink is colder than the main Kennedy rink. This makes for a better skating surface. However, I was told that they had graded the ground under the Kennedy rink with sand which makes for a better surface. I'm not so sure about that. After the skating I bought a carbon-composite hockey stick at a nearby shop. I wanted the best and paid for it. Hopefully it won't be so hard on my shoulder. It definitely has a great feel to it. All the deciduous trees have begun to change hereabouts. This is definitely the best time of year to spend on Cape Cod. Here's a photo of the docks on the Pocasset River.

Peregrine Falcon and Wild Grapes.

2010-10-10T17:38:00.000-04:00

It was colder today than yesterday, so I delayed my bike ride until right after noon. I spotted a Peregrine Falcon on Monomoscoy Island. They usually appear around this time of the year on the Cape. I also spotted some wild grapes by the side of the road near Waquoit Village. I remember them in Framingham growing up and think they grow wild all over eastern Mass. Hence the name Vinland given to the region when Lief Ericson discovered it for the Europeans. Vin is the french word for wine, so I do wonder about the derivation of the word.

Back on the road bicycle

2010-10-10T06:59:00.000-04:00

It's been cool these days, but that didn't stop me from cycling down to Monomoscoy again yesterday. I think this is really the activity I enjoy the most. After going over the posts here from last year I see that my shoulder troubles started kicking up back then. Since using my left side to shoot hockey pucks last Thursday, the pain has returned with the cooler temperatures. I'm going to have to continue the Celebrex ingestion, but I wonder if the normal dosage has helped much. Two years ago I had the trouble with my hips such that I had to crawl to the bathroom at night. Hopefully that won't kick in this year. I've not spent much time waterstarting clew first this past summer so that should be the case. Included is a photo of the Clipper's kicker and the ball holder after an attempted score. Stacy provided all the photos of the Clipper's games so far. Her dad and I competed in High School.

The day after.

2010-10-09T06:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I returned to Gallo for an hour of skating. Since the sun was shining and the temperatures outside warm, no one else showed up. Consequently, I was able to build some of my skating confidence. Since I was rather sore and stiff from the previous day, I made sure to stretch and wear the helmet and knee pads. I slowly worked up my efforts and spent a good deal of time skating backwards. A lot of kids and some of their mothers showed up for the Public Skating at noon. Columbus day weekend has become a big one, and the local schools have been taking Monday off. The rink will be closed then. After that, given the great weather, I took a walk along the canal. It was a superb experience. Once finished with the day's shopping I knocked off a bottle of wine and decided not to go to the Football game. Falmouth was handily victorious over Sandwich extending their undefeated streak. The photos again are not mine, but I do find it amazing how good they are considering the artificial lighting.

What a work out!!!!

2010-10-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

Today, I went on the ice with all the hockey padding, stick and helmet. Two young goalies from the Senior Hockey hour decided to join us. (Go figure.) Consequently, they took shots from me and another young guy. Although unpracticed and wild, I discovered that I still have a powerful wrist shot when I broke the goalie's neck guard. He had to go into the locker room and replace it with on in his bag. I did some skating as well around the rink. Definitely I'm out of shape and needed this kind of practice. The skates were holding up well, but my feet did start to get cold after an hour. As a result of that and the exercise, I quit before the full 2 hours were spent. In addition, the Falmouth Clippers are starting to get serious attention. I hope to be at Friday night's game with Sandwich to take some photos.

Cold Rain all day and night.

2010-10-06T07:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I was able to take a short walk in the rain. However, it was not the day for outdoors activities. There was a steady drizzle all day. Last night the weather intensified into a steady rain which continued all night. The only positive in this town has been the high school varsity football team which is currently undefeated and highly ranked in Mass. They have beaten B.C., Dartmouth and Somerville High. The last game was in the rain so the pictures weren't all that good. The Photographer of them all has been Stacy Richardson-Tavares. Her Dad, Mike, grew up with me. Today, I went skating again. It was raining hard outside, but the ice was good. The work out was excellent.

An alternative route

2010-10-04T06:36:00.000-04:00

The temps have cooled and yesterday morning it was downright cold. All day the readings on my outside air thermometer were at 55 F. or so. I cycled down to Waquoit Bay and on my return decided to take an inland circuit. I was hoping to see some wildlife, but didn't. First I passed the former horse farm on Hayway Rd, but all the horses had been removed. Then I went into the adjacent game preserve. They haven't started hunting yet, but I remained wary of gunfire. However, I spotted neither man nor beast.

Big Birds and Cycling

2010-10-03T05:47:00.000-04:00

My ride yesterday was noteworthy, not only because I clocked 59 minutes for the full tour, but also because of the wildlife observed. At the end of Seconsett Island the pair of Great Blues that inhabit that area flew over my head not more than a few feet from me. I also spotted the three swans, one grey, that feed in the shallow pond on Red Brook where Red Brook Road passes from Falmouth to Mashpee.

The last three days

2010-10-02T07:49:00.000-04:00

Wednesday I had a good day skating at Gallo. My Graf skates were not as painful to start out and became comfortable. I was a able to work on my stop&starts which gave me full command of the ice. The skates definitely are nearly completely broken in. Thursday I did the 13+ mile circuit down to Seconsett and Monomoscoy. Friday, yesterday, I had a dental appointment in Braintree at 9 A.M. I encountered no gridlock or bumper-to-bumper traffic on Rt. 3 and arrived at 7:40. Then I walked around the town taking some photos of Thayer Academy and a civil war cannon. It was extremely windy, but I am still recovering from my sore shoulder. I returned using the new Hiway U.S. 44 which connects Plymouth and Middleborough. Once I arrived at the traffic circle that connects it with the interstate, I decided to drive the mile or two to visit the Junkyard in Bridgewater. There I removed and bought a Cruise Servo for the Riviera. As soon as I drove away from the yard, the rains started. It then rained heavily until sometime early this morning. Now it is clear and sunny. I watched a large flock of turkeys, 50 or more, come through the taxiway behind the house this morning. The are all full grown now. Today I should put in some bicycling.

45 minutes ice skating

2010-09-28T09:03:00.000-04:00

The ice skating session went well yesterday. I still have to break in my new Graf skates. The left one was painful when I started skating but this went away after a number of circuits. Steve Wallace, Wild Bill and a good figure skating man shared the ice with me. Today I did the usual 11 mile bicycle ride down to Monomoscoy Island. There was a strong wind from the south which made it easy pedaling on the return. Here's another photo of the Falmouth High football team.

One more ride on the bicycle

2010-09-27T07:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I rode about 13.5 miles on the bicycle in Mashpee. I clocked about an hour for the trip. It was good weather for the sport i.e. cool, dry and clear. Today the weather (overcast and wet) isn't conducive to cycling. I hope to be ice skating at Gallo Arena. These pictures are from the Sommerville game which Falmouth won.

A windy day.

2010-09-25T18:32:00.000-04:00

Today around noon I took a long bike ride down to Waquoit Bay and Monomoscoy Island. The temps were in the 70's in windy conditions out of the SW. The bay was covered with a light haze. I saw a number of kites and one windsurfer blasting away. This made me a bit envious, but I could not go out due to my bad shoulder. In the afternoon while doing yard work, I received a package of celebrex which I hope will help me recover from the rotator cuff trouble. Yesterday I walked down to Johnie's Tune and Lube to pick up the Riviera. That was all the exercise I put in that day. The Falmouth High School varsity football team has been doing well and I'm going to include a few photos of them.