I love some Carolina Beach. The place had a reputation for being a little rough for many years, but has cleaned up nicely. It's perfect actually; you still get to see some pretty special people if you catch my drift.
My routine when I get down there is usually about the same for Saturday mornings; roll out of bed with a headache, walk out to the screened-in porch, ask jack if he wants to go for a car ride (and he's already shot up and raced to the door after "you wanna go---") and head down to the bean to grab some coffees. On the way back I'll check the water for waves, which there usually aren't any in front of the house.
We then head down to Fort Fisher, a nearby state park. That's usually where we find a wave or two, like we did this time, as evidenced by the photo below, taken by government satellites. I love the kinds of days where we half-reluctantly get wet suited up (just doing that can be a real pain in the balls) and paddle out to end up finding 2-3 foot, fun little waves.
Jensen got a new board from a friend and was taking them down the line with Corbin. For one reason or another, I got a good several months' worth of face plants in along with a few good rides.
Graaaaant, will you wax my board?
Slaving away. I even caught some sunburn in February. Of course, I'm an easier target than most with the amount of coverage on my dome. The sun was probably saying, "man it's too early in the year to fry all those beach patrons....wait, check out that dude with the five head- I got this"
Considering the amount of pain I go through when having to leave CB on Sundays, I really should be living closer to the beach. Two hours isn't far, but still. I'm even more thankful to be able to have the freedom to go there, or OBX when I want, without some a-hole manager scratching his chin while deciding whether or not I can take some of my vacation time. Besides, now I just work from wherever I am at the moment.
This leads me to thinking....2 more beach trips coming up, the second being the 2nd annual beach weekend with my college friends. I say annual because I'm really hoping we can do this every year.
I don't have much in the archive in terms of leftover pictures, but regardless, let's take a stroll down memory lane.
Last year involved whistling pigs, several thousand busch lights, 80 degree beach days, face plants, admittedly a cheese slam, typical Darrenisms, and all sorts of good times.
Here's how I ended up one night.
Btw Jack thanks for the pillow effect; you've earned your spot on this year's trip.
As I got up and looked around, everyone was in this general condition...
Solid, Owen, solid.
And this wasn't just him, it was the entire room. Amazing how everyone falls asleep sitting up, beer still in hand with no spills or drops. This takes some serious balance, and plain old talent in general, but what can I say, we are a group of talented guys.
Unfortunately Cooper (see below) won't be able to make it, but I'm hoping him reading this will convince him to sell some valued personal belongings or family heirlooms on craigs list and fork out the 7 hundo for a plane ticket from Washington state.
"Man, sitting here with the dog playing poker with everyone is like heaven. I can't wait to do this next year.....oh wait"
On a brighter note, Dool show and Cal have confirmed for this year. Instead of imitating Dooley the entire time, we get the real thing this year. Shaping up to be another classic.
btw Corey you are in, whether you like it or not.
