Waiting for an answer...that feeling you get.

Today is not the best day. It has been along time since I can remember having 'that feeling' in my stomach. It was off to a normal start, however one call has made my energy level drop and my usual drive diminish.

It is not to do with life or death, but something I care about. Yes I know I am being vague, but I am trying things such as this, to get it off my mind as I have no control over it.

What makes me happy...this is what I am thinking of so I can do some of these before work and clear my head and boost my energy.

Red Hot Chili Peppers- thats always one thing that helps, with today no particular song, just the image and what they represent is enough.

On this subject, I have a book called 'Scar Tissue' that the lead singer Anthony Kiedis wrote in 2004. What makes this so special and part of my link to RHCP, is that I was in L.A at the time and went to a book signing met him. That book is kept at my parents house and one day will be on display at my house.

The guitar- that is what I am going to go play now, no songs, just whatever chords I am feeling. I'l play on my balcony, in the shade and with the sea breeze keeping me cool.

What the result will be? I'll answer this when I get it.

As I said when I created this Blog, I want it to represent what happens in my life, good or bad. :)

Gold Coast Getaway

It was Monday afternoon, I knew I had Wednesday and Thursday off...what was I to do? I had no extra work that needed to be done, the sun was shinning...what was I to do?

I asked my room mate Daz (Darren) if he had it off, he did, so we decided Gold Coast was the plan. I worked until 3am Wednesday morning, 8am was woken up and 830am we were on the road!

When we arrived at Goldy, the wind was blowing NNE, so our first stop was 'The Spit'. The beginning of beach stretch, where the river joins the ocean. 

Why I love this place, is that it reminds me of my time in L.A, with the peers providing a great backdrop to 'old school' Californian surfing pictures.

The waves were fine, I had good company and the water temperature was perfect. Our day was off to a great start!   

Daz 

After we finished the surf, we explored the area a little. The picture above of beneath the peer, is my favorite of the day. The colours, ocean and beauty of something that maybe on any other day, I would just pass.

The iconic high-rise Gold Coast in the distance. With the sun shining, life guards out patrolling and ladies tanning up in the sun...."welcome".   

Although this is not one of my friends, I like this picture for the time this guy the has taken to enjoy the day. I feel comfortable with no shoes or shirt on, in water and with the sun steaming down on me...who wouldn't?




This guy made me sit down for a while, take time out and although I didn't think of much, I found myself saying thanks, to allowing me to be in such a beautiful place.

It was time to leave this spot, however
heat of the path was SOOO hot, that is
why the grass was selected.

Like after any mid-morning adventure, there is only one thing to do after it, that is eat! As we wanted to eat somewhere special, 'Hooters' was definitely that.

It was 33 degrees, so a cold drink was first on the list. A frozen cocktail was my choice and the cold Aussie beer was Daz's choice (Above).

(Above) It would not be a Raph album unless there was some sort of acting picture. 

(Left) when the bill was delivered, I thought it was an amusing and cute touch, the little love heart.

(Right) The food, was fresh and well presented. Giving us the much needed energy for the afternoon ahead.

There was a lot of history of 'Hooters' on the walls, but one particular phrase stood out. It was from the original owners who said "Hooters is all about good food, cold beer and pretty girls, three things that will always be wanted". I believe that. 

Our next stop was 'Snapper Rocks', which is not only an iconic surf spot, but home to to Quicksilver Pro which is on Feb 26th- March 5th 2011. 

 (Left) An uncrowded view of 'Snapper', lets wait 3 weeks for all that to change!

As the sun was setting, I captured Daz coming out of the water just as the sun tucked behind the clouds, with the city peeking through in the background. 

 My last view of the coast before we left. I had a great day off, good company and relaxing doing what I love. I know I found at times I would take just a few seconds to stop, look around, give a nod and say thanks. I am lucky where I live, who I know and what I can do at a days notice. 

A Glimpse at the Ocean

Spooky Beach

When my week begun at Yamba, the ocean was rough, foamy seas, high tides and strong SE winds. Not ideal for surfing. However, this did allow me more time to slow down, unwind and get to that state of mind whereby I was relaxed and could start to think about what goals I wanted to set for 2011.

This picture was taken on the last day, a few hours before I departed back for home. What followed this beach, summed up my trip and I knew I was ready to return...

 Bang! Looking through the trees at Angourie point break, it was on! The first sign of good surf all week and

 it had size too. 5 to 6 feet surf that, when we first got there, only a handful of locals were out in.

Sometimes watching good surf is almost, almost as good as being out there. I did have the urge to grab my board, but with my older brother and mum with me and not to mention the effort of getting out there... I decided it was a time to just appreciate others.

That we did.

Pud choosing his view. Now a local himself, I expect some hints
on the best way to get out on a day like this in the future.

The following four pictures start with a great wave being caught. It is followed by two  travelers to the area, who watched and waited for the sets to finish to jump in and paddle over off the rocks. The lull never came, therefore turning and not saying a word as they passed me...another day guys. A reason why they turned back...the next image tells the reason. Finally, a piece off another board, snapped and washed  up on the rocks...this morning you had to know your limits.  

 So what did this morning to me?

I looked at it as though all week I was wanting to get out and surf, but the conditions never offered that. So, I spent it exploring the floods of Maclean and sleeping in, helping dad around the house, going to the gym with my other brother, having one on one time with other family members and staying up late watching true blood.

I have found the ocean in the past year to have a special effect on me. It is my place to let go of whats in my head, refresh myself and give this energy that I find it unnecessary to describe. I felt refreshed and had direction and the time away from the ocean, allowed me to set my goals and rediscover what had dropped off in the previous months.

I was back, the surf was back, I had the spring in my step back and was ready to get on the road and make 2011 another different but special year for myself and those I would come into contact with. Let the journey begin...this time, blogging it for me and you.