Needless to say, Christmas snuck up on me this year. I'm not saying that it wasn't welcome, but over the past few weeks I haven't even had time to breath, much less go shopping. Thank god for the internets.
For the third year in a row, Larry and I spent Christmas visiting his family in Salinas. But since his family isn't exactly down with the whole gay thing, we stayed at the Hyatt in Monterey, where we spent most of our time. And other than a constant battle with some very loud snoring, our stay was very nice thanks to the beauty of the Monterey Bay area and a monster swell in the water.
After an exhausting 8 hour drive on Friday night (2.5 hours just to get out of L.A.), we woke up Saturday morning and decided to take the 17 Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel. We made stops at several stunning vistas, but the most memorable was Ghost Tree, pictured above (click to enlarge). Not only does it offer a stunning view of Carmel Bay, but it also happens to be California's newest big wave spot.
After finishing the 17 Mile Drive, we headed down to what I consider the most beautiful beach in California: Carmel Beach. I had been several times before, but have never surfed it. I left my board at the hotel with the intention of taking advantage of the liberal leash laws on the beach and letting Jaeger run his ass off. But man, I wish I would have brought my board because it was perfect. Lefts and rights anywhere from 3-7ft all up and down the beach.
Surfing in Northern California is a whole world away from surfing in Souther California. Although the water is a clear and stunning electric blue, it's a heck of lot colder and the waves - at least in the winter - are a heck of a lot bigger. The rugged coastline is another factor, although the rocks and cliffs that line the coast do provide a great variety of point breaks. But from my perspective, they're just another obstacle. Then there is the issue of the wildlife. In SoCal, you'll see an occasional Seal or Dolphin. You'll also see these in NorCal - along with Sea Lions, Otters, and Great Whites. I even read a tale about a surfer's supposed encounter with a Killer Whale.
The next morning, I packed my board and wetsuit and promptly headed back to Carmel beach. When we arrived, it was very obvious that new swell that everyone was talking about had arrived. And it was big. Really big. And really walled out with barely an occasional corner to ride. After getting beat up by the shorebreak, most guys were only lasting about 20 minutes before heading back in. And I could tell that Larry didn't want me to go in as he rattled off all the cons of the surf there. But, like an idiot, I jumped in wanting to experience the clear, cold, sharky water of Northern Cali. And after one massive pounding that held me under for what seemed like an eternity, I was able to witness firsthand the clarity of the water at Carmel Beach as I glanced up from my position below the surface into the blue sky at the air that I wasn't breathing. A lot of crazy shit races through your mind when you think you're drowning. Word.
The next day - Christmas Day - we decided bring Jaeger to the beach again before we made our way over to the family gathering. We had seen a lot of dogs the day before on our way to Carmal at Asilomar State Beach, so we decided to stop there. And even though the break was the sight of one of the only fatal Great White attacks in the area, I really wish I wouldn't have left my board at the hotel, because it was perfect. Very big - but very do-able. But no friggin board.
Our Christmas Day Celebration was actually somewhat pleasant. The family was well behaved. There were no anti-gay tirades. We only had to pray once, and didn't have to do it in church - AND I didn't have hold someone's hand while doing it this time. Plus, we scored a whole pant-load of gift cards. Praise him.
The drive home was fairly quite since both of us were exhausted from a long weekend of the beach, a lot of snoring, and little sleep. Regardless, we left early because I wanted to stop in Ventura to do some surfing.
By the time we got to Ventura Harbor, the swell had already arrived - and it was massive. Surfers were lining up at the point and riding the 8+ foot waves all the wave down into the harbor. Photographers were also lined up along the beach snapping photos of the surfers as the rest of the crowd was whooping and hollering at the sight of a small pod of dolpins also enjoying the waves. The dolpins would start up at the point, right alongside the surfers, jumping in and out of the waves as they rolled down into the harbor. When their ride was over they would shoot straight back up the point, launching themselves out of the back of the wave.The swell was so strong that as soon as a surfer got in, the current quickly began moving them down the point making the paddling incredibly difficult. I contemplated getting in, but was quickly discouraged when I saw the old-timer pictured to the right enter the water and quickly get pulled down into the harbor without catching a single wave. After a weekend of little sleep, I decided it was best to avoid another near-drowning experience.
When we got home around 4:30, I promptly passed out and woke up the next morning at 8:30. It was much needed rest for another small vacation in Palm Springs this weekend for New Years.
See you in the emergency room...
There are a few of you out there who have been a little bitchy about my blogging absence. But only for those were actually somewhat polite about it, I'll do my best at coming up with an adequate explanation for my somewhat extended siesta.
And in the short period of time that I've had it, I have quickly discovered that there are massive amounts of burly gay bears who adore my Castro Chic.