Black Friday Surf

These shots were taken by my beautiful wife Anna with her cell phone from the cozy warmth of our Jeep.  With 45kt west winds blowing on Black Friday we scored this little left that was quite protected and fun.  Wind chills were down in the teens for sure, and the snowing blowing in your face made for a very winter like surf.  We scored our first surf and skiing session in the same day for this year.  Boyne was open all weekend and Sunday morning the snow conditions were really good.  Here comes winter!

Surf and Snow Sessions Michigan Style

I have been surfing a lot lately.  Three lakes in three days just recently.  The Gales of November are a special time for me.  The water is getting really cold, and the air is freezing too.  It can be hard to get into the water, but once I get a few waves I seem to forget all about the cold.  I love the gray clouds and cold winds this time of year, it always reminds me of all the great waves I have had and times surfing with my friends.  The dark skies and biting wind used to get me down when I was younger.  But, after years of so many great waves and adventures on our Great Lakes coasts exploring and finding new surf breaks I have only fond memories of those dark, cloudy, and stormy days.  This time of year as the snow starts to fly I seem to get even more excited knowing that many of these storms will soon dump snow at my favorite Michigan ski resort Boyne Highlands.  The opportunity to surf and snowboard in the same day or same weekend is just around the corner.  We will reunite with our Boyne family and the good times at the resort will ensue once again.  The stoicism of living and enjoying the cold weather and dark days to their fullest I think represents our greatest asset as humans, that ability to adapt to whatever mother nature throws at us.  But, not just to adapt, but to accept to the point of looking forward to it and longing for those days to come.  So as the days get darker, colder, and snowier I hope all of you find a way to enjoy and look forward to this gift we are given by mother nature.
    

Just Another Reason to Love Lake Superior

Stoney Point from Ben Moren on Vimeo.

First Tracks at Boyne Winter 2010-2011!

Even though that white stuff has not yet officially coated our landscape the snow making crew at Boyne is busy getting their slopes ready for your sliding pleasure!  Check it out, maybe we will make our first runs of the season over Thanksgiving weekend.  I love winter!

My New Favorite Song

Sunrise Session

Here is a beautiful shot that was taken on the lake this past week.  I don't know who the surfer is, but the photo is amazing.  The sun about to come up in the background, the surfer just getting to his feet in that moment of thoughtless bliss that makes us so addicted to this endeavor.  I can only imagine how stoked this dude was for the rest of his day.  Only a surfer knows the feeling.

Lake Michigan Surfrider Meeting

This Thursday at the Old Oak around 7:30pm the Lake Michigan Surfrider Chapter will have a long awaited meeting. Anyone is welcome to show up. It should be a little business and whole lot of story. No matter what you will make some new surfer friends, or reconnect with long lost buddies of the wave.  Not to mention feel good about yourself as you help to do your part to preserve, protect, and steward our precious Great Lakes.  Hope to see some new faces!