The Little Girl with Big Ideas was written in 1957. Gidget, fictional character played by perky blondes changed the sport to include girls. Sally Fields changed the character to include brunettes. Sally Fields, still young looking today, takes Boniva, instead of waves chases grandchildren. Surfing is for girls and peri menapausal women.
I hit the Del Mar Beach at the Powerhouse Park to take a semi-private lesson offered to little and big girls and boys. The instructor guided me past the breaking waves and turned me around to catch a wave of my own. The combination of the long board and the short waves was awkward at first, but I was determined instead of standing on the shore line to ride standing on the board into the shoreline.
I did it-like Gidget
We Are Coaches, Inc.AQUA-ADVENTURES BEACH & SURF CAMPPromoting fun & connection in familiesCamps, Swim Lessons, Mom & Me, Parenting Coaching, After-school Programshttp://www.wearecoaches.com/(760) 436-1514
Peg Windisch
Monday, August 31, 2009
Snorkel With the Sharks
When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, (1706-1790), Poor Richard's Almanac, 1746
A sense of urgency, as thick as the marine layer in June, overcame me long before the end of summer. Chalk it up to global warming but our ocean water, usually cold heated up in July, and with the warm temperatures brought the leopard sharks.
I am no longer content to stick a toe in and shiver. It's time to get in over my head and face my fears. It didn't hurt leopard sharks are harmless and toothless and I got in without a wet suit and a buddy.
It put a smile on my face when I spied my first undersea creature, but I wouldn't recommend smiling while snorkling.
Fun for all ages and no experience needed
Guided tours and gear available daily
La Jolla Kayak
858 459-1114
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, (1706-1790), Poor Richard's Almanac, 1746
A sense of urgency, as thick as the marine layer in June, overcame me long before the end of summer. Chalk it up to global warming but our ocean water, usually cold heated up in July, and with the warm temperatures brought the leopard sharks.
I am no longer content to stick a toe in and shiver. It's time to get in over my head and face my fears. It didn't hurt leopard sharks are harmless and toothless and I got in without a wet suit and a buddy.
It put a smile on my face when I spied my first undersea creature, but I wouldn't recommend smiling while snorkling.
Fun for all ages and no experience needed
Guided tours and gear available daily
La Jolla Kayak
858 459-1114
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Stairway to the Stars
The hairpin turns’ winding up Mount Palomar call the young and young at heart; astronomy enthusiasts with a spirit for adventure come by motorcycle, convertible, RV, or bus.
The Palomar Observatory, same shape and size as the Coliseum in Rome, houses a two ton glass, 200 inch mirror telescope. Astrophysicist George Hale’s vision was made possible by a grant, American determination and ingenuity. Construction began in ‘36, interrupted during WW II, Hale died before it was completed in 1948. The world renowned astronomical research Observatory is owned and operated by CA Institute for Technology-Caltech is nothing less than cutting edge.
By night students, professors, and scientists make new discoveries and secrets of the universe are unlocked. By day, the “stairway to the stars” is open to the public, the freight elevator operates three times daily, which may have been disappointing for second time visitor, Margot Miles, 90 years young, who came 5,600 elevation (not exactly what ER doc meant by keep feet elevated) to see the telescope again before she died. Having been here a first time with the man she married in ’68, forty years ago. Not wanting to disappoint, Superintendent, Dan McKena, invited the group for an unscheduled “Behind the Scenes” tour. “Only if you promise to do what I say”, My impression was he wasn’t joking, after he explained the mechanics that keep the original six million dollar telescope well oiled and working with the same precision of a Swiss Watch.
Exploring the stars above or the earth below revitalizes our spirit. The universe is full of such wondrous sights for all with the strenght to climb; some just need a little lift.
Location: 35889 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain.
Hours 9 am -4 pm daily, (except December 24 and 25)
Cost: Free, Two Guided tours Saturday April-October $5, Srs $3, child 6-16 $2.50
More information: (760) 742-2119 Online: www.Palomar-observatory.org
View the night sky 3pm –midnight. Pre-registration required 619-238-1233 ext. 802
Stomp the Grapes, Drink the Wine
Have you ever wanted to stomp grapes? The first Saturday in September, it’s a “must” (translated young wine) an earthy tradition at the beginning of the grape harvest, and cause for celebration. Wine making is in my peasant’s blood. My great-grandfather filled two 50 gallon barrels (allowable annual amount per family use) to accompany great- grandmother’s homemade pasta and tomato sauce. His best kept secret recipes from the hilly countryside of their ancestral home of Naples was passed onto my grandfather, who was first to be born in America. He proudly offered me a sip of Italian Vino from the big jug. What a disappointment; not at all like Welch’s. I have since acquired a taste for dry, just a hint of fruity red and whites. Harford Wineries, not far from the MA & PA trail, has earned awards, despite Maryland’s cold. All across America, every state, even Alaska bottles their own wine, but the California sun and dry climate produces some of the best grapes that go into the new and world’s best wines, stem from an ancient Roman tradition
Come sample wines grown near the historic town of Julian-also known for another American temptation-appie pie. The first Apple Day celebrates one hundred years, but in order to satisfy San Diego's appetite for fresh pies apples are shipped to Julian and pies are shipped out to bakeries-some sell 1,000 pies daily. Over the next few months the apples are ripe for the self-picking. The fresh autumn harvest makes for La Dolce Vita.
The event is hosted at the Menghini Winery
to benefit the Julian Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Julian CA 92036 (760)765-207
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Miramar Marine Corps Air Station Open Cockpit Days
Take your kids and your camera to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Open Cockpit Days, every other weekend during summer ending Sept 5 and 6. It’s free!
The grounds are packed with twenty-five vintage aircraft, while inside it’s packed from floor to ceiling with rare artifacts from WW I up to the present. Memorabilia collected from every era of aviation is on display in the small galleries. One must see room is dedicated to the ‘History of Women in the Marine Corps’ and is the only such room in the US .
Expect to meet friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, such as John Archer, who proudly introduced me to a helicopter hero, Richard Toettcher (call-sign “Touch”), who served two tours (’66 and ’68) in Vietnam . “Touch” is the real deal. Although reluctant to talk about himself, he eagerly answered questions about the F-5 Tiger, down to the last decal, as he helped everyone safely into the cock pit.
Another exciting photo opportunity for us civilians is the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, immortalized by the Blue Angels. Also of international interest stands the CH-46 Sea Knight, the helicopter used to carry cargo and passengers in the Viet Nam war and was the final marine aircraft to leave Viet Nam . It evacuated several thousand refugees and the American Ambassador during the fall of Saigon , on April 30, 1975 , thus ending our involvement-as a new day dawned.
Come and honor the brave men and women behind the machines-whose loyalty spreads as wide as the sky that is at their command. Come to look, listen and learn.
Marine Corps Aviation Museum
MCAS Miramar , San Diego , CA 92145
877-359-8762
Open everyday (except Monday)
9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
www.flyingleathernecks.org
The grounds are packed with twenty-five vintage aircraft, while inside it’s packed from floor to ceiling with rare artifacts from WW I up to the present. Memorabilia collected from every era of aviation is on display in the small galleries. One must see room is dedicated to the ‘History of Women in the Marine Corps’ and is the only such room in the US .
Expect to meet friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, such as John Archer, who proudly introduced me to a helicopter hero, Richard Toettcher (call-sign “Touch”), who served two tours (’66 and ’68) in Vietnam . “Touch” is the real deal. Although reluctant to talk about himself, he eagerly answered questions about the F-5 Tiger, down to the last decal, as he helped everyone safely into the cock pit.
Another exciting photo opportunity for us civilians is the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, immortalized by the Blue Angels. Also of international interest stands the CH-46 Sea Knight, the helicopter used to carry cargo and passengers in the Viet Nam war and was the final marine aircraft to leave Viet Nam . It evacuated several thousand refugees and the American Ambassador during the fall of Saigon , on April 30, 1975 , thus ending our involvement-as a new day dawned.
Come and honor the brave men and women behind the machines-whose loyalty spreads as wide as the sky that is at their command. Come to look, listen and learn.
Marine Corps Aviation Museum
MCAS Miramar , San Diego , CA 92145
877-359-8762
Open everyday (except Monday)
9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
www.flyingleathernecks.org
Sunday, August 16, 2009
TOPGUN
Photos: courtesy of Tail Hook
As our nation recalls 40th anniversaries, we celebrate those who sang Freedom and those who fought for freedom. Our brothers transported by helicopter above the quagmire of peace at Woodstock nation and those who served in the Viet Nam war, both declared national disasters in America’s history. The most poignant moment from newest release of Woodstock came from a proud father, “I have two sons, one is here and the other flies helicopters in Viet Nam.
Three days of peace and love and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix. His rendition The Star Spangled Banner, hit all the right chords. Lest we not forget our beloved brother, whose music died too soon, the Heroes of Woodstock nation and our national heroes who never received their heroes welcome home.
TOPGUN, Flight School purpose was to teach the lost art of aerial combat celebrates 40 years. Pete Pettigrew, retired TOPGUN flight instructor served as a Navy pilot and technical consultant for the ’86 Top Gun movie. Pettigrew, shot down a
MiG during the Viet Nam War. Pettigrew was the real “Viper” character, although appears in film as Charlie’s “older date” in the bar scene. No matter how many times movie buffs watch, it’s a must see thrill.
Take the family on an unforgettable adventure upon a floating city, the USS Midway Museum. Become lost in 50 years of history upon the largest and longest serving aircraft carrier, without leaving the harbor. The self- guided audio tour, 60 interactive exhibits, 25 restored aircraft, and personal accounts from docents, themselves veterans eager to share experiences can take 3 to 4 hours. Maverick’s who feel the need for speed, can zip up a flight suit and take your seat in “ready rooms” and perform touch and go maneuvers and engage in virtual combat in-flight simulators in Fightertown, USA.
Location: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours 10-5 daily Ticket booth closes at 4 pm
Admission $17 adult $13 seniors and students with ID $10 Military with ID $9 Youth
All active-duty military/reservists FREE with ID
As our nation recalls 40th anniversaries, we celebrate those who sang Freedom and those who fought for freedom. Our brothers transported by helicopter above the quagmire of peace at Woodstock nation and those who served in the Viet Nam war, both declared national disasters in America’s history. The most poignant moment from newest release of Woodstock came from a proud father, “I have two sons, one is here and the other flies helicopters in Viet Nam.
Three days of peace and love and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix. His rendition The Star Spangled Banner, hit all the right chords. Lest we not forget our beloved brother, whose music died too soon, the Heroes of Woodstock nation and our national heroes who never received their heroes welcome home.
TOPGUN, Flight School purpose was to teach the lost art of aerial combat celebrates 40 years. Pete Pettigrew, retired TOPGUN flight instructor served as a Navy pilot and technical consultant for the ’86 Top Gun movie. Pettigrew, shot down a
MiG during the Viet Nam War. Pettigrew was the real “Viper” character, although appears in film as Charlie’s “older date” in the bar scene. No matter how many times movie buffs watch, it’s a must see thrill.
Take the family on an unforgettable adventure upon a floating city, the USS Midway Museum. Become lost in 50 years of history upon the largest and longest serving aircraft carrier, without leaving the harbor. The self- guided audio tour, 60 interactive exhibits, 25 restored aircraft, and personal accounts from docents, themselves veterans eager to share experiences can take 3 to 4 hours. Maverick’s who feel the need for speed, can zip up a flight suit and take your seat in “ready rooms” and perform touch and go maneuvers and engage in virtual combat in-flight simulators in Fightertown, USA.
Location: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours 10-5 daily Ticket booth closes at 4 pm
Admission $17 adult $13 seniors and students with ID $10 Military with ID $9 Youth
All active-duty military/reservists FREE with ID
Friday, August 14, 2009
Woodstock Album
Eddie Kramer’s career spans four decades. He was classically trained an accomplished musician, sound engineer and music producer before he recorded Woodstock. His exhibit, The Other Side of the Glass, was presented at the opening of the newest Morrison Hotel Gallery in the Flower Hill Promenade. The legendary Kramer shared stories of Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Traffic and the Beatles inside the London studio and from Woodstock stage. High above the quagmire helicopters shuttled performers back and forth. Below the stage, where rats (he emphasized New York sized) ran to and fro. They slept for two hours, like parents to a new born, awake and alert and eager to capture their baby’s firsts for days on end. The best was sent out into the world with fingers crossed, not knowing their fate. It was a daunting task, with wonderfully raw results. Kramer said “It’s a miracle Woodstock was recorded at all.” Kramer recorded onsite with limited equipment (only 12 outputs and 8 inputs for techies) and under primitive conditions.
Three days of peace and love and drugs and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix, who hit all the right chords. I listened to his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner with my heart clutched and head bowed. Lest we forget, our beloved brother, who died too soon, heroes of Woodstock nation and war heroes, who weren’t welcome or never came home a long time gone.
Many parents forbade their children to go off to Woodstock. Mine wouldn’t even allow the next best thing. The double album set, because of one word, was buried in their basement for forty years. Mr. Kramer was astonished to see one vinyl still wrapped in the protective cellophane survived without a scratch. In his cool paternal voice, “You must not play it”. He honored me with his autograph, where the cellophane lifted from the edge. I believe he is comfortable there. Individuals are born genius, but it is the collaborative effort that pushes musician’s personalities and their instruments to the edge of their craft.
Music is not a solitary sport, whether an audience of two or full stadium the feedback produces something never possible in separate rooms. The coming together at Woodstock was a magical moment in history. Come to The Morrison Hotel Galleries to experience fine art photography as famous as the photographers and musicians who produce them. The newest location:
Morrison Hotel Galleries
2670 Via De LA Valle
Del Mar, CA 92104 tel. 858 350-3777.
1969 NASA put a man on the moon, yet taped over the Apollo’s original transmission video; I did it to my cousins wedding video, just too embarrassed to admit it. Kramer recorded onsite from the stage with limited equipment (only 12 inputs and 8 outputs for techies) and under primitive conditions” It’s a miracle Woodstock event was recorded at all,” recalls Kramer.
The newest release includes never seen before footage, includes Hendrix’s stand out performances of Star Spangled Banner, among heroes of Woodstock , many who left us too soon. As well as some 2nd generation musicians, who came back to replay instruments not picked up by the mike, an improvement to the sound quality. I relived the event, in the comfort of my own family room on a 57 inch HD screen with surround sound with the blu-ray release of Woodstock with my reluctant teenager, for almost four hours, mesmerized.
I wasn’t offended by the four letter word, but the three letter word I was reluctant to use, was ART, referring to auto destructive kind. Peter Townshend, a student of Gustav Metzger. Townshend smashed his Les Paul; Gibson SG, guitar on the Woodstock stage, another first in rock to do so. Incidently the broken instrument was also kept in a basement for forty years. I wonder what it sold for at auction in London?
http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/default.aspx
Taylor Guitar offers free tours of their El Cajon factory, where the past and present meet. Computer laths and lasers combined with human hands turn lumber yards of wood into a works of art and music for generations to enjoy. The saddest note came when our tour guide told us Les Paul, who invented multi track recording and developed the electric guitar that adorns his name died. A light passed over an agitated elderly gentleman face upon mention of his name and he remembered his wife’s name. Mary Ford and Les Paul are together in peace again and making music.
http://www.taylorguitars.com/
Three days of peace and love and drugs and hope cumulated with the visionary Jimi Hendrix, who hit all the right chords. I listened to his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner with my heart clutched and head bowed. Lest we forget, our beloved brother, who died too soon, heroes of Woodstock nation and war heroes, who weren’t welcome or never came home a long time gone.
Many parents forbade their children to go off to Woodstock. Mine wouldn’t even allow the next best thing. The double album set, because of one word, was buried in their basement for forty years. Mr. Kramer was astonished to see one vinyl still wrapped in the protective cellophane survived without a scratch. In his cool paternal voice, “You must not play it”. He honored me with his autograph, where the cellophane lifted from the edge. I believe he is comfortable there. Individuals are born genius, but it is the collaborative effort that pushes musician’s personalities and their instruments to the edge of their craft.
Music is not a solitary sport, whether an audience of two or full stadium the feedback produces something never possible in separate rooms. The coming together at Woodstock was a magical moment in history. Come to The Morrison Hotel Galleries to experience fine art photography as famous as the photographers and musicians who produce them. The newest location:
Morrison Hotel Galleries
2670 Via De LA Valle
Del Mar, CA 92104 tel. 858 350-3777.
1969 NASA put a man on the moon, yet taped over the Apollo’s original transmission video; I did it to my cousins wedding video, just too embarrassed to admit it. Kramer recorded onsite from the stage with limited equipment (only 12 inputs and 8 outputs for techies) and under primitive conditions” It’s a miracle Woodstock event was recorded at all,” recalls Kramer.
The newest release includes never seen before footage, includes Hendrix’s stand out performances of Star Spangled Banner, among heroes of Woodstock , many who left us too soon. As well as some 2nd generation musicians, who came back to replay instruments not picked up by the mike, an improvement to the sound quality. I relived the event, in the comfort of my own family room on a 57 inch HD screen with surround sound with the blu-ray release of Woodstock with my reluctant teenager, for almost four hours, mesmerized.
I wasn’t offended by the four letter word, but the three letter word I was reluctant to use, was ART, referring to auto destructive kind. Peter Townshend, a student of Gustav Metzger. Townshend smashed his Les Paul; Gibson SG, guitar on the Woodstock stage, another first in rock to do so. Incidently the broken instrument was also kept in a basement for forty years. I wonder what it sold for at auction in London?
http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com/default.aspx
Taylor Guitar offers free tours of their El Cajon factory, where the past and present meet. Computer laths and lasers combined with human hands turn lumber yards of wood into a works of art and music for generations to enjoy. The saddest note came when our tour guide told us Les Paul, who invented multi track recording and developed the electric guitar that adorns his name died. A light passed over an agitated elderly gentleman face upon mention of his name and he remembered his wife’s name. Mary Ford and Les Paul are together in peace again and making music.
http://www.taylorguitars.com/
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