Tropical Storm Danny

With our latest storm sitting right off the coast here in Cape Hatteras, the expectations for severe weather have actually waned just a bit. Orignially, the storm predictions estimated the disturbance progressing into as high as a Category 2 hurricaine with chances of a direct hit to the Outer Banks areas. Things are still moody and rough, but not severe.

The storm has failed to strengthen into any appreciable threat. Unless you plan to enter the water. Of course, as wind/water junkies we (Kim, myself, and most of our friends) we fully intent to enter the water. All of the current warnings are for moderate to high rip current threat. The wind will not get much over 40mph and the storm swell is somewhere around 10 feet. Perfect conditions for 'playing in the water'.

If the wind direction turns, as is expected, to an offshore direction the surf should be quite nice for the next day as the swell peaks - it is mushy and blown out today. After surfing too many days in a row, and sometimes multiple times a day over the past 10 days, today was a much needed break. The waves were out there, but it was not as well organized and clean as I prefer. Yes I'm getting picky.

Towards the end of the day today the wind started to come up to a level high enough for kiteboarding. I decided not to go out as the predictions called for somewhat drastic changes to the direction and velocity. Besides, just looking at the stormy skies I could predict less than favorable conditions for kiting.

About the only rideable location for the SE winds today was the 'point' of Cape Hatteras. Yes. The little tip of land where the sandbar makes an almost 90 degree turn to the west and creates a south-facing shore. With the storm swell and wind direction kiters and wind surfers alike were taking advantage of what little riding there was. The waves were very disorganized and sloppy. Part of me was itching to get wet and ride the waves, but the other 99% of me was not in much of a hurry to get out there.

I was happy hanging out on the beach with my cameras and friends to watch as most of the kiters eventually slipped further and further downwind until they walked back up the beach. Besides, I'm saving my energy.

With the wind direction predicted tomorrow it should make for nice surfing. So it is off to bed for me... I need my rest. I haven't been this tired for this many days since performing long range patrols as a young Marine.

Aloha.

Surf and Photography

Two recurring themes at my new home away from home. Surf and Photography. I have been fortunate enough to have an abundance of both lately.

I have always admired photographer's work of the local area. I know a few that are practicing their trade sucessfully and their work is quite inspiring. Now, for myself, having the chance to shoot on Hatteras Island is something I really didn't fully appreciate until spending so much time here. Before moving here I would always bring my camera gear on our weekend trips and make myself shoot at least a few shots each day I visited.

However, there is nothing like being in the right place at the right time in order to get a nice shot. With me spending so much time on the island my odds of getting what I consider a nice shot has gone up dramatically. Today, while out for an evening surf after work with Kim and some friends I made sure to bring one of my cameras to the beach. I had a feeling I would find something interesting to shoot after my surf session.

Some of our friends were already in the water and others showed up as we were surfing. The surfing was a fun little wave about chest-high. Kim managed to paddle out through the break which is a big accomplishment for any aspiring surfer. I have always said surfing was the hardest sport I ever learned, and I participate in a lot of steep-learning-curve sports. So to see her progressing is pretty awesome.

As the surf died I came in to shore and pulled out my camera and sarted looking for material to unfold before me. It is amazing how much you can find when you start looking for it, and here, you really don't have to look hard.

After all of the years visiting this area, I am still amazed at the stunning sunsets. Never are two the same, and I never get tired of looking at them.

Aloha.

Surf, Surf, and more Surf

The past week or so on Hatteras Island has been a great time for playing on the water. With Hurricaine Bill passing by and sending some beautiful waves our way, and the nice dose of winds that have blown through on an almost daily basis, I have been surfing and kiting just about as much as I can stand.

Today, I surfed at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The swell was anywhere from chest high to 1-2 feet overhead. A very fun wave. Here I am dropping into a baby wave - last ride of the day.

As I write this, I have a head full of salt water and bloodshot eyes... Souveniers from another awesome day of surfing. Today has rounded out my run of surfing 6 of the past 8 days. A few of those days I surfed twice a day. Others, I was surfing and kiting in the same day. It is a tough job, but someone gets to do it.

Now, about the business of the storm swell Bill sent our way. Last week, the surf starting building to a crescendo of waves hitting the shores this weekend at somewhere around 20 feet or so. All week leading up to the weekend you could feel the energy in the air and people were buzzing with anticipation. The roads were jammed with people entering and leaving the narrow island.

We only had one day of surf that was crazy-high. Thankfully, the other days were more normal. The waves were anywhere from knee high early in the week to well overhead towards the end of the week, but not quite what we call double-overhead - or, even triple-overhead.

Until this weekend. Saturday.

When waves get as big as they were this past Saturday it starts to become very tricky to paddle into the wave and catch it for a ride. This is where motorized assistance comes in. A technique called tow-in surfing is when a JetSki pulls the surfer along until the surfer can use the speed generated by the JetSki to 'drop in' to the wave and successfully ride.

I am quite thankful the waves were 'ginormous' for only one day. For that one day, I happily sat on the shore and deployed my photography equipment to capture some of the phenomenal action directly offshore. My surf photography is not something I get to practice very often, so I was thrilled when Kim and I spotted two skis towing surfers into waves yesterday.

Back when I started surfing (too many years ago to mention) I found myself paddling into quite a few storm swells here in the Outer Banks, so I have enormous respect for the kind of heavy water these guys were playing with. Never did I attempt to paddle into triple-overhead though. Of notable mention, there were paddle surfers out in the waves catching rides on Saturday.

Aloha.

Gone Surfing...

Yeah, many of my friends and family have wondered where I ran off to recently. No blog posts. No emails. Not even a text message from me. Well, I have been stranded on a small island.



That isn't exactly true, but close... I took a job in Cape Hatteras, NC. As most who know me know I like to play, a lot, and Kim and I do much of our playing on the sandbar known as Cape Hatteras.



As the story goes, I have been coming to this island for 40 years now. It started with me at 6 months old and my parents kayaking from island to island freely camping. I don't know all the details, but the story suggests that I (as in all of us) almost didn't make it back due to typical storm conditions for around here. Since then, learning to surf here as a young Marine helped solidify my bond with this area. Kiteboarding has taken over and now I have the opportunity to spend even more time here for my career.

I was lucky enough to find a position with a local kiteboarding company, REAL Watersports in Waves, NC, who has crossed over into surfing and stand up paddle boarding. The atmosphere, the people, and the mission of the company make it a great place to work and make part of my life. As a long-time surfer and now kiteboarder this is an awesome way to continue (and further) my career - and yes, have a teeny bit of fun while I'm at it.



Since taking the job on July 16th I have spent a lot of time on the water as well as behind my desk. The job is demanding but the rewards are commiserate. The job description is Technology Manager. A new direction for my career. A lot of things are new to me and I am enjoying the challenge of learning new areas of the Information Technology industry. I will primarily be working from Richmond, VA but during the beginning I am spending a lot of my time ramping up at the office.

So my lifelong dream of becoming a surf bum is finally being realized. Kim and I have a 'cozy' little camper parked at a marina where things feel just like home. It is a bit tough sometimes with Kim being back and forth between Richmond. However, as I start to work from Richmond more we should be able to develop a manageable schedule.



To date, things have been a little hectic for Kim and I. Setting up some sort of domicile on the island, taking the new job, being apart, keeping our house in Richmond going, meeting new friends. It all adds up. Luckily, at the end of the day we have each other and get to go surfing, or kiteboarding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, or having a sushi picnic on the beach enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Thanks and much love to Kim for being the amazing wife I am still wondering how I deserve. She has done so much to make this happen. Always supportive of me, and enjoying the lifestyle we built for ourselves as much as I do.


Aloha.

Food Work

As I continue to look at photographic challenges for myself, I follow a blog (Strobist) that is perfect for introducing those challenges. Most often, I simply work to duplicate certain techniques illustrated by the blog posts, which is great practice for me.

The blog is dedicated to techniques that promote minimal lighting equipment and maximal improvisation and photographic skill of the photographer. This is a great way to practice the art of photography for many reasons. One of which is an obvious one; Professional photographic equipment can be extremely expensive. There are times when big, expensive, feature-packed equipment is required. However, as I am learning from the blog's teachings, there are many opportunities when similar (and equally acceptable) results with minimal equipment can be obtained.


Aside from the price point of the recommended equipment promoted by the Strobist blog, the learning aspect of using low-feature, low-power gear evolves into a great asset the photographer can utilize throughout their career. Information and skills gained from practicing the aforementioned skills are the big reason I subscribe to the blog.

In addition to posting lighting and photographic techniques, the blog also publishes assignments for the readership. As personal photographic challenges go, I have yet to take on an assignment put forth by a party other than myself. After reading about the current Strobist assignment I decided it was time to take on something that was of another's conception as the challenge seemed well within my current comfort level. So off I went.


I was out of town for the July 4th weekend with my usual minimalist travel pack of camera gear. It provides me just enough functionality for most applicaitons. After setting up my 'travel studio' I started pulling food objects from the fruit basket and refrigerator as potential subjects.

The results were satisfactory and I was happy to dial in my lighting and exposure. However, one little gem I stumbled across was an orange bell pepper that was previously used for a dish. About half of the body was intact with part of the core as well. It provided more content for composition technique as it was rather unique.

As I played with different lighting effects and positions I finally nailed the look I was hoping for. This turned out the be the shot I submitted for the assignment.


Something about the enroaching state of decay slowly pushing it past its prime along with the various contours and facets really caught my interest. In addition to the interesting details, the simplistic starkness of the darkened background helps push forward the impact of the overall shape. I get the sense of a familiar object with less familiar details.

For those interested, below is the set up I used for the shot. Two small strobe flashes (wirelessly fired) with modifiers along with a makeshift reflector card on the kitchen counter top. About as minimilist as you can get.

Draft Plan 2026 - Henrico County

Last night was a late night for many Henrico county constituents as they waited their turn to speak and listen to others speak. The occasion was to address the current 2026 Comprehensive Plan in a public forum. It was the last chance for interested parties to speak up and let their thoughts and concerns be heard before the County Board of Supervisors votes to approve the plan.


Being a life-long resident (37 of my 40 years) of Henrico county (Brookland district), I can appreciate the varying needs and perspectives of the county constituents. Growing up riding my bicycle to and from school and everywhere in between, the changes to the county I've seen have been incredible. Some better than others.


As expected, the night was filled with various perspectives, opinions, and facts. It was an empowering feeling to listen to the passionate thoughts and suggestions presented by many residents of the county specifically, Varina residents, an area that is proposed to be developed.


College students, citizen advocacy groups, small-farm farmers, retired farmers, local residents, business interests, you name it. They were there, and they all had excellent points about their interests. Looking at the map of Henrico and the proposed development, I can't help but think what will happen when the land is no longer farms and open space.

Dr. Kimberly Perry spoke on behalf of Bike Walk Virginia about the need to address bike and pedestrian accommodations. Thomas Bowden also addressed critical points concerning the need to devote attention towards bike/ped needs. Additionally, Dr. Tracy Wright, pediatrician at Richmond Pediatrics Associates spoke on addressing the rising childhood health concerns when considering new community development.

If you did not make it to the meeting last night, follow the link at the top of this post and voice your concerns about this plan. There is still time to make your opinion known to the County Board of Supervisors. Thanks are in order to all that attended and facilitated the meeting. It was a late night but a great way to see our government at work.

Girlie Racing

After a pretty busy weekend and start to the week, I was not up to much tonight except for helping Kim get her gear ready for this weekend's race. Her and 3 of her girlie-friends are participating in a 6 hour adventure race. She has done an adventure race with a couple of the girls already so they should have a great time. I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday, so I don't get to play.

Besides, I've been working on other types of training.


Our house is nothing but one big gear closet, but this week has been especially so. My climbing gear is out from where I gave the girls a quick(ie) rappelling (and compass/land nav) clinic earlier this week and I've had my photography gear strewn about. On top of the kite gear that never seems to be put away during kite season, it is a mess around here.

Here is the better part of what Kim will be taking with her this weekend. I believe they will be camping all weekend so more stuff will be added to this pile as the week comes to a close.

Kayaks are part of the race this weekend, but Kim's boat was not in view of the back door during the torrential rain storm we experienced tonight, so I snapped a quick shot of my boat that happened to be in view. It will have to do for the purpose of this post.

And, the bike. Big wheels roll faster. Isn't that what they say? She will be riding with gears and (front) suspension for the race. Smart girl.