Capturing the Moment

Fresh off some cold water wetsuit surfing in New Hampshire I was eager to get back in the waves here in Hawaii. The swell has been consistent every day since I've been back. I've hit up a few different spots and have had some pretty fantastic rides at each.   I snagged a few photos with a GoPro camera attached to the front of my board. Then Heidi stopped by and grabbed a few more with the big camera. It is amazing to be able to find a great wave out here without a big crowd. That is definitely one of the big perks of living here and being able to explore different breaks. Looks like more swell on the way!

The launch for Stave Island Stave Island Barn  This August marked the fifth time I visited Heidi and her family up in beautiful Vermont. There are always so many beautiful things to see, tasty foods to eat, and fun times to be had. I will always think of delicious corn on the cob rolled in butter, starting off the day with a hot cup of coffee, and walking the Miller family dog around the pond when I think of Vermont.  During my summer visits we try and spend a lot of time out at Stave Island. This privately owned island is mostly wooded  wilderness out in the middle of Lake Champlain. It is a great place for colorful sunsets and I always try to circumnavigate the island by stand-up paddleboard. Deedee, Don, and Susie are always incredible hosts. It is pretty impresive to watch them work all day and then whip up a huge meal for a dozen of Heidi's friends. They are quite the team. Happy baby swingin' with Dad Noah, Anna, Charlotte, Heidi, Skye, Erin ...

East coast surf! Excitedly running to the surf in New Hampshire   A day after flying from Savannah to Vermont Heidi had planned a quick road trip out to the New Hampshire coast to see some friends and possibly score some surfable waves. We had driven down to the N.H. coast before and scored some pretty big waves as Hurricane Irene blew through so I was looking forward to going back.   It's always nice to see a big surf scene in other places and all of our friends here in Rye, N.H. are focused around the pulsing New Hampshire surf scene. Ryan and Tyler actually own the coolest surf shop on the strip called Summer Sessions. I am always impressed by how busy the shop is with surf camps, shoppers, phones ringing off the hook, and ladies only surf groups, but this time it was even more impressive. Ryan and Tyler have expanded with a surfing apparel shop in Portsmouth and a Juice Shack up the road. Even more daunting is the fact they currently employ around 50 employees...

After a nine and a half hour direct flight from Honolulu to Washington D.C., and a quick regional flight I found myself back in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia. It is not often that I get a chance to visit so I try to pack in as much southern themed experiences as I can in the time that I am back. This trip was only a week but included catching alligators, sunrise walks on Bluff Drive, a road trip to Atlanta, a late late night Braves game, a photo tour of downtown Savannah, and drinks with the gang.     Southern food and eateries are always high on my list of experiences when I visit as well. I am pretty sure all but one of my breakfasts included grits and I had some classic Southern breakfast charm at the Waffle House and Cracker Barrel. And since a road trip to Atlanta was in the plans I had to grab a yellow dog and varsity orange at the Varsity. Some things never change...while at the same time new developments, homes, and other buildings catch my eye each time I come ...

Forsyth Park Fountain   I spent the first 18 years of my life growing up in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Savannah, Georgia. Although it took me moving away and traveling all over to realize what a gem Savannah truly is. I only had a short time for a quick visit with family and friends, but I managed to squeeze in a morning of playing tourist in Savannah's historic downtown district. These are some of my favorite pictures from that walk. Lafayette Square and St. John's Cathedral   I started with a relaxing cup of coffee at the Sentient Bean overlooking Forsyth Park. Afterwards I meandered into Forsyth Park, admiring all of the huge live oak trees covered in Spanish moss. I made sure to stop at the Forsyth Park fountain to take a few pictures. I tried for a while to wait until no people would be in the picture but finally gave up and took photos anyway. I actually like the photos even more with all the people relaxing on the park benc...