Early March Powder Dump

My last post was titled "End of February Surf", and this one is "Early March Powder Dump" following weekend's massive snow storm up north.  Should be the other way around it seems, but once again life in the Great Lakes Region is, and will continue to be quite difficult to predict.  I am feeling pretty lucky about being in the right place at the right time lately.  I sent a pic to a friend this weekend showing a Jeep buried in snow and the sun shining brightly; his reply was, "It takes a master's degree in timing to be in the right spot around here."  Meteorology has become a second hobby of mine, it's an end to a means to be in the right spot at the right time.  But, I still think it has more to do with luck.  Sure you can give yourself a one up by studying some weather models, but in the end, if you don't go you'll never know.  I have for sure had my share of cruddy sessions, mushy brown waves, bullet proof groomers, and everything in between.  But, like another friend told me once, "every dog has his day."  So, I'll keep searching, and I know with a little homework, and a lot of optimism, we'll score again.  The transition of seasons gives us the opportunity to do all the water and snow sports in the same week.  Just another token of mother natures appreciation for the stoked.

End of February Surf

It's the first year I ever remember scoring waves like this in February!  Normally, there is ice out to the end of the piers.  But this year we are reaping the benefits of a year round surf season in Michigan.  So yesterday after drinking a few cups of coffee and getting highly caffeinated, I loaded the wettie and a couple of my favorite sliding tools; a hand shaped Mini-Simmons, and a factory pumped Firewire Dominator into the Jeep and rolled out to find some icy olas.  The sun was shining, and the wind was southeast telling me this could be an epic late winter score.  I'll let these photos tell the rest of the story, but I had one of the best waves I've ever had on the lakes yesterday.  Thanks to Brian T. for the shots! 

"A wave is where you find it."
                                   -Gerry Lopez

Happy Birthday Michigan! 175 Years Young!

The State of Michigan is officially 175 years old today!  Looking good!  Watch the flash back video created in 1986.  It's pretty retro these days, but if you've lived here long enough you definitely remember the "Say Yes to Michigan" Campaign of the 80's.  It's officially Michigan Statehood Day coined by our new Gov. Rick Snyder.  So, do something today that celebrates our great state.  Take a walk in the freezing cold wind, go for a cross country ski session, take a drive along the lake shore, but make sure you reconnect with your homeland today.  Remind yourself that you live in a beautiful place that has seen 175 years of ups and downs, but one thing remains the same.  The natural beauty that we always have enjoyed has always been here.  So, today get out there and remember why we love this place so much.  Just bundle up and take the adventurous spirit out there with you that brought our ancestors to this great state.

Southend Steel Sessions

This time of year seem to yield the most memorable shots from the industrial grade southend sessions.  I always love the stoke of the southend crew, and look forward to the few times each year I get down there for a surf.  The lighting and background composition of this shot is inspiring!  Each year it can be hard to find that stoke to suit up and paddle out as the weather turns much colder, and photos like this one always help remind me that it's all worth it once you get out there, duck dive those first few waves, and lock into a early winter nugget like this one.   Thanks for sharing Peter!   

Gales of November

The storms of November have definitely made their presence known!  These shots taken from Roberto's kite cam last weekend shows the lake in all it's darkness of the season.  We had an amazing session riding these nuggets, and it never felt so good to get back inside and turn on the football game.  Every year these dark, slate gray skies bring a smile to my face.  After all the years of memorable sessions, a famous old song keeps running through my mind.  "When the Gales of November remember."

For the Love of Lake Superior

I was rewarded Saturday morning after driving 6 hours Friday night, sleeping in my Jeep with no sleeping bag, and drinking a putrid gas station coffee; it was all worth it when I set eyes on this prize.  Enough said.  I can't wait for the next trip.  Check out the bottom pic!  My new kitesurf friends from Wisconna.  Got to love the Gitchee Gumee. Thanks for the pics Brian T.!

The Wizards

SURFING WITH STRANGERS from TDZ on Vimeo.

I have been kitesurfing strapless for most of the season, and tonight was another amazing session in the waves. After work I headed down to the Grand Haven pier to find some decent waves rolling in with very little wind. I paddled out and caught a few nice ones before the wind started pick up again. I met up with Bucky on the beach and we contemplated the situation. With the wind picking up I sprinted to my Jeep and grabbed my kite. Ten minutes later I was charging out through the shore break. What followed was an amazing kitesurfing session with the waves all by myself. As I got closer to the pier the swell was building and dropping down the face of a few of those sets will be in my mind for a long time to come. I titled this post "The Wizards" because these guys are inspiration and motivation for me to pump and head out no matter the conditions. They are my virtual mentors!

Northern Lake Huron, Michigan's Advenshore

What a beautiful weekend of diving and kayaking.  Saturday started with diving the schooner E.B. Allen and the steamship Grecian.  Both wrecks lay in 100 feet of water.  They are well preserved, and the visibility was good.  The pics below are from the Thunder Bay NOAA website, and not pics from our dive.  But, it gives you an idea.  If you're a SCUBA diver, you should really check out that area sometime.  Dive Alpena runs a great charter.  The owners name is Brian, and he will take good care of you.  We had another beautiful day kayaking and snorkeling along the bays and points of Northern Lake Huron.  The water was crystal clear, and warm.  It had me wondering if I was back in Hawaii!  If you're looking for a little adventure before the summer comes to a close I highly recommend the Alpena area for some sea kayaking and snorkeling along the wrecks.  There are more than 200 shipwrecks near Alpena and many of them are shallow enough to snorkel and kayak.  Check out the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary for all the info.

SUP a Sport for the Kings

A Samainian enjoys an evening session in Michigan´s thriving little beach town. The perpective is brillant; the Grand Haven pier iconic in the background.  The sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding is sweeping the world; as it allows many people to access all bodies of water, gain strength, and endurance while enjoying the beauty of nature.  It´s an excellent way to experience all the lakes and rivers of Michigan.

Tahqua Trail Run Anyone?

I have wanted to do this trail run for a few years.  It follows the course through the Tahquamenon National Forest, and one of the most beautiful routes along the river to the series of falls.  Anyone interested in running it with Anna and I?  We will not be racing, just enjoying the course set in one of the most beautiful settings of the U.P.  The race is August 13th, we would be running the 25k=15.5m, but feel free to sign up for the 10k=6.2m.  It would be a great time to get some Samainians together in da yoop for a eco friendly trail run.  If you´re interested in running, or just heading up to the yoop for some camping, kiting, surfing, kayaking, and of course trail running goodness shoot me an email.  We´ll probably make a stop at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery post run!    Tahqua Trail Run

Tahquamenon falls from Charlie McCarthy on Vimeo.