<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596</id><updated>2011-07-07T22:40:48.358-07:00</updated><category term='focus surf'/><category term='san diego'/><category term='San Diego Travel Tips'/><category term='Portland'/><category term='Traffic'/><category term='Oahu'/><category term='Thai Food'/><category term='Eric McHenry'/><category term='Snowboading Mt. Hood'/><category term='Grommets Surf Better Than You'/><category term='San Diego Coastal Community'/><category term='Peru surf camp'/><category term='North Shore'/><category term='Pizza Port'/><category term='Oregon'/><category term='La Jolla Reefs'/><category term='Tourists'/><category term='Bird Rock La Jolla'/><category term='Mt. Hood Meadows'/><category term='Sunset Beach'/><category term='San Diego Locals'/><category term='San Diego Foodie'/><category term='Mt. Hood'/><category term='Clairemont Bowl'/><category term='Torrey Pines Reserve'/><category term='Ramen Noodles'/><category term='Sector 9'/><category term='Meriwether&apos;s Restaurant'/><category term='Las Vegas'/><category term='Tajimas'/><category term='San Diego Coffee Shops'/><category term='Best Coffee in San Diego'/><category term='Masu Sushi'/><category term='Sector Nine'/><category term='Vert Ramp'/><category term='World Travels'/><category term='Clairemont YMCA Skatepark'/><category term='Hood River'/><category term='Mandarin House'/><category term='Bird Rock Pizza'/><category term='Arizona'/><category term='San Diego Fish Tacos'/><category term='Ellen Browning Scripps'/><category term='Bird Rock Coffee Roasters'/><category term='7 Mile Miracle'/><title type='text'>Surf.Skate.Travel.Lifestyle</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>12</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-6269957282411502854</id><published>2010-05-26T22:18:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-05-26T22:49:36.304-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Bird Rock Coffee Roasters'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Bird Rock La Jolla'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Best Coffee in San Diego'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Coffee Shops'/><title type='text'>The Trophy Wife - Bird Rock Coffee Roaster's Specialty Coffee Drink</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style="font-family:courier new;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:verdana;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:arial;"&gt;I have been forgoing sweet coffee beverages for a few years now.  I realized that my taste buds transformed when the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks tasted like pure sugar and whole milk. Today it is mainly drip coffee with cream and sugar for me&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;However, while I stood in line to order coffee from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters I noticed their beverage "The Trophy Wife Latte" - a hilarious name considering that Bird Rock is a neighborhood of the almighty jewel, La Jolla.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The description read something along the lines of "vanilla macadamia nut flavored latte". I am a sucker for macadamia nut.  To prove my point, I drove to Extraordinary Desserts in Hillcrest this past weekend and waited in line for almost twenty minutes just so I could enjoy a small cup of Lion Vanilla Macadamia Nut Coffee.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Back to the Trophy Wife. I looked at the price, which was a little over $3.00. A little pricey for my budget, but I thought "why not?".  Splurge a little.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It was one of the best beverages I have ever ordered from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, and all together one of the best coffee drinks I've ordered outside my fulfilling cup of regular Joe. The whipped cream finished latte had perfectly underwhelming sweetness that accented the bold nutty vanilla flavor.   After taking the first sip, I inferred how the beverage got the name&lt;br /&gt;"Trophy Wife" - it's sweet but nutty ;)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you visit La Jolla, definitely stop through Bird Rock, and enjoy a decadent cup of coffee from the Roasters.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-6269957282411502854?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/6269957282411502854/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2010/05/trophy-wife-bird-rock-coffee-roasters.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/6269957282411502854'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/6269957282411502854'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2010/05/trophy-wife-bird-rock-coffee-roasters.html' title='The Trophy Wife - Bird Rock Coffee Roaster&apos;s Specialty Coffee Drink'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-2141719643247841240</id><published>2010-04-03T17:56:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-04-03T17:57:40.580-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Meriwether&apos;s Restaurant'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Oregon'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Snowboading Mt. Hood'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mt. Hood Meadows'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Masu Sushi'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Portland'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mt. Hood'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Hood River'/><title type='text'>Snowboarding Hood</title><content type='html'>My recent vacation (I just returned this morning) in Mt. Hood, Oregon inspired me to start "Awesome Experiences". Simply, if you travel somewhere and have an awesome experience, I would love to know about it. This way you can write about your amazing time, and in return support the people that contributed to your awesome trip by recommending them. Positive word of mouth is the best for business. Let's spread the word!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'll start:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I took a 6 Day trip to Oregon, 3 of those days included snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows. We scored 2 Days of Blue Skies and 1 Day of Continuous Snow Shower and Fresh Powder. The cabin we stayed in sits right on Hood River. Imagine relaxing in a jacuzzi while enjoying fresh pine &amp;amp; moss scented air, emerald green forest, the sound of a lively river, and a glass of Elk Grove Pinot Blanc. It is the perfect peaceful sanctuary. If you need a break from the world and enjoy the great outdoors, I recommend &lt;a href="http://www.mthoodlifestyle.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Mt. Hood Lifestyle Bungalows&lt;/a&gt;.  We were fortunate enough to stay this cabin for 3 nights through a friend, and it is by far one of the most radical places I have ever been to. Visit the website to learn about the two men who built this amazing place.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.meriwethersnw.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Meriwether's Restaurant &lt;/a&gt; is a must visit. The food was delicious, and all their ingredients are from their &lt;i&gt;local &lt;/i&gt;privately owned farm: &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Appetizers: We ordered gorgonzola stuffed dates, riccotta fritters, and baba ganoush &lt;br /&gt;Soup &amp;amp; Salad: Endive &amp;amp; Apple Salad with gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, currants &lt;br /&gt;                        Farm Fresh Fennel Soup that was prepared like French Onion Soup&lt;br /&gt;Entrees:  We ordered Halibut Special that started with roasted heirloom tomato &amp;amp; eggplant, finished with a Marsala Sauce&lt;br /&gt;                Braised Pork Shoulder prepared with southwest style sauce that just melted in our mouths&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dessert:  Too Full&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Since our friend Executive Chef Dwight enabled us to achieve this wonderful trip, visit him at &lt;a href="http://www.masusushi.com/" target="_blank"&gt;Masu Sushi&lt;/a&gt; in Portland (&lt;a href="http://www.masusushi.com/" target="_blank"&gt;www.masusushi.com&lt;/a&gt;); NIKE buys out the restaurant for its events because Masu and Dwight are &lt;i&gt;that awesome&lt;/i&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;...Pictures to Follow...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-2141719643247841240?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/2141719643247841240/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2010/04/snowboarding-hood.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/2141719643247841240'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/2141719643247841240'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2010/04/snowboarding-hood.html' title='Snowboarding Hood'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-5416608614530431783</id><published>2009-11-27T20:35:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-27T21:02:29.845-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Grommets Surf Better Than You'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='focus surf'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='La Jolla Reefs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Coastal Community'/><title type='text'>Cough Syrup</title><content type='html'>I have been surfing this place in La Jolla more frequently this year. Up until these last 3 days, most of my sessions have ended in arguments with my boyfriend or tears. Not that my boyfriend takes waves from me or anything like that. He loves surfing this place, especially during the Winter.  Everytime I have a bad session, I blame him for making me surf there (Sorry).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This place is beautiful, but it's shifty and unpredictable.  It's a circus.  There are seasoned acrobats, clowns, and elephants with a whole audience watching every move. It's intimidating considering the history and the surfers this place has produced. That's why I call it "Cough Syrup". It tastes bitter , but it will make me better in the long run.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For me: catching 1 wave is a good session, 2 waves or more...even better. I don't dare to sit up top. I hang out with the groms on the inside. Being the only 24 year old chick out there, I battle with pre-pubescent to teenage boys for waves.  But, the funny thing is, they hoot for me which is pretty awesome. Thanks, gremlins for shedding some light these past 3 days.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now, everytime before I go out there, I tell myself that it will be an extremely challenging day and to try my best. I bitch for about 15 minutes because that's just my relationship with place, so far. It's smooth sailing after that.  Now, 10 waves is the most I've caught.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-5416608614530431783?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/5416608614530431783/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/cough-syrup.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5416608614530431783'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5416608614530431783'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/cough-syrup.html' title='Cough Syrup'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-8884675749837429069</id><published>2009-11-25T22:51:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-25T23:16:43.132-08:00</updated><title type='text'>A Moment to Remember</title><content type='html'>FM 94.9 played Pearl Jam's new song JUST BREATHE while I was driving home this afternoon into a breathtaking  La Jolla ocean view.  The opening line sings:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Yes, I understand that every life must end. As I sit alone, I know that someday we must go"&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A close cousin to a dear friend of mine recently passed away  - just a week before Thanksgiving. Although I was not very close to him, I was fortunate to have spent sometime knowing him. As goes with two friend who passed away last year.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;JUST BREATHE definitely hit a spot, and sometimes I don't think it's just pure coincidence that songs play at certain times.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, I just want to take a moment to remember them and who they were as people:&lt;br /&gt;-Matthew "Worm" Joyce&lt;br /&gt;-George C. Lin&lt;br /&gt;-Andre Askar&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-8884675749837429069?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/8884675749837429069/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/moment-to-remember.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/8884675749837429069'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/8884675749837429069'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/moment-to-remember.html' title='A Moment to Remember'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-5016249811560840810</id><published>2009-11-12T22:07:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T00:10:31.378-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Sunset Beach'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='North Shore'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Oahu'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Eric McHenry'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='7 Mile Miracle'/><title type='text'>The North Shore Chronicles Pt. 1:  Rick Kane's Sunset Experience</title><content type='html'>Whether I'm around or not, my friend Eric McHenry will tell this story as long as he's alive. I'll always be that girl who paddled out at Sunset Beach like Rick Kane.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Before I begin my story: let me explain who Rick Kane is (for those of you who don't know) and paint you a picture of my North Shore Pilgimage.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Rick Kane is the white boy wave pool surfer, from the classic movie THE NORTH SHORE, that makes his pilgramige to Hawaii to charge big waves. So imagine 3 ft mushy swimming pool surf compared to anything but that.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. During ninety percent of my time on the North Shore, Pipeline was breaking at 3rd reef and the Eddie (Aikau) contest was almost called on, which requires Waimea Bay to have a minimum of 20 ft. waves. I only experienced two 5-6ft days of clean perfect Rocky Point. For the rest of time, I battled the Ocean, Surf Industry's Melting Pot and an excessive supply of beautifully sculpted men that Brazilian and Mid-West chicks actually PAY to visit the North Shore &lt;span style="font-style: italic;"&gt;just &lt;/span&gt;for that reason. Afterall, it &lt;span style="font-style: italic;"&gt;is&lt;/span&gt; called the 7 Mile Miracle. I paid to surf, and man was I SUPER bummed to know that I was completely unprepared.  I wanted uncrowded head high (and a little bigger) waves - the antithesis of what I got.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Don't get me wrong. I would never trade in those two weeks of watching guys from Garrett McNamara, Jamie Sterling, Flynn Novack, The Ho's, Reef Mcintosh (the list continues) surf Pipeline and tow in at Phantoms. I wouldn't take back watching Mikala Jones or Coco Ho surf V-Land. Nor, would I ever return the experience of getting to see Kalani Robb surf Rocky Lefts in real life and bbq-ing with him and his buddies. It's not everyday you get to play golf with Tiger Woods; and, the closest you'll get to him is with a load of money at a PGA tournament where you still have to fight the crowd.  I paid for a roundtrip ticket and a few extra bucks to sleep on couches.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, getting back to my embarassing Rick Kane moment. Like I said, I felt frustrated because I really couldn't surf. I had no boards nor experience surfing mammoth North Shore waves. The guys I stayed with suggested I paddle out at Sunset to observe.  McHenry really pushed for me to surf inside V-land with him because Sunset was gi-normous. Not at the 20ft point, but between the 10-15 ft range. I had my mind set. Because I'm stubborn, I turned down McHenry's offer.  In hindsight, I probably should have followed his baffled "don't do that, May, you're going to kill yourself" expression.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The boys left without me, so I went to Sunset alone. I broke one of Surfing's most important rules: observe for a long time before taking action, especially on a big day.  Like a ditzy girl who had no idea what she was doing, I paddled through the channel then directly into the lineup and said "Hi, Boys!" feeling super excited to even be out there.  Yeah, I had no clue what I got myself into.  Sure enough, only when the sets rolled in did I realize that the guys were sitting at the waves deepest section further behind the main peak, which is what I like to call the impact zone; death zone; you better scrap to make it over the wave zone; dear god, help me, zone. I forgot that they were the same guys that surf Tahiti.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I paddled my heart out as I watched the massive water wall approach me.  The wave broke 6 feet ahead of me. I duck dove thinking that I could penetrate deep enough to get under the foam. WRONG. Instead, it mauled me like a bulldozer. I pushed to the surface to catch my breathe and felt myself entangled with Pat, one of the guys. While we were trying to unwind our leashes from each other, the wave's lip drilled us back under water - stripping our chances to even sip air. By the time we re-surfaced, Pat's board arrived on shore and I looked like a rag doll that endured 100 rounds of the washer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We got to shore, regrouped ourselves and silently walked home. Let me tell you, I had never felt so utterly defeated, embarrassed, and beet red as I did on that 15 minute journey back to the house.  It was the week's entertainment for the guys, and McHenry never let it go during the trip or at home in San Diego.  He wasn't present to watch the live footage, but he'll forever remind me of my Rick Kane moment. My face glows brighter than my drunk glow when that story is told, but it's a humbling reminder that I still have a ways to go.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Next up: The North Shore Chronicles Pt 2: Haleiwa&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-5016249811560840810?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/5016249811560840810/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/north-shore-chronicles-pt-1-rick-kanes.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5016249811560840810'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5016249811560840810'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/11/north-shore-chronicles-pt-1-rick-kanes.html' title='The North Shore Chronicles Pt. 1:  Rick Kane&apos;s Sunset Experience'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-2411026798938687152</id><published>2009-09-12T21:34:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-24T13:08:10.719-07:00</updated><title type='text'>A Travel Addict's Life Experiences</title><content type='html'>&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-ZF9rghI/AAAAAAAAAB4/-jPTvEyBrfc/s1600-h/l_b60366695162348b5455bf4abcc80a69.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-ZF9rghI/AAAAAAAAAB4/-jPTvEyBrfc/s200/l_b60366695162348b5455bf4abcc80a69.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380814624363610642" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/SrvP19a5G6I/AAAAAAAAACI/RQzuZDfX2JU/s1600-h/burleigh.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/SrvP19a5G6I/AAAAAAAAACI/RQzuZDfX2JU/s200/burleigh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385126305378933666" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-YT7YzAI/AAAAAAAAABo/tdu7Wvp5KGA/s1600-h/IMG_0677.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-YT7YzAI/AAAAAAAAABo/tdu7Wvp5KGA/s200/IMG_0677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380814610932222978" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-X74rHcI/AAAAAAAAABg/P66JMx82Gm8/s1600-h/IMG_1690.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-X74rHcI/AAAAAAAAABg/P66JMx82Gm8/s200/IMG_1690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380814604478389698" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;I HAVE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1. Surfed and tanned at hidden back beaches with no one around except sea urchins and dry jelly fish decorated shoreline&lt;br /&gt;2.  Hiked 2 out of the 7 wonders of the world: The Great Wall and Macchu Picchu.&lt;br /&gt;3.  Eaten stroop waffles: Dutch caramel filled waffle treats AND Pannokaken: Dutch thin crepe like pancakes.&lt;br /&gt;4.  Sipped on calimochos (Coke and Cheap Wine) while walking along Port de Barcelona. I've consumed coca leaves (part of the cocaine family) to ease my stomach.&lt;br /&gt;5.  Partied all night and into the next morning, leaving only 2 hours before I  had to catch my flight.&lt;br /&gt;6.  Surfed international world class waves such as Snappers (It was more like a paddling and walking marathon because it was so big that the current swept me so far down the beach that I walked back multiple times) Meanwhile, Parko and Fanning had jet skis towing them back to the top.&lt;br /&gt;7. Slept on concrete floors, using my clothes for makeshift bed. I arrived in Den Haag to visit my friend Marisa. The previous week, our friends stayed with her as well. Unfortunately, they deflated the blow up raft they used as a bed. I was too busy having fun. By the time we returned to her dorm, the grocery store across the street would be closed (they closed at 5 pm)&lt;br /&gt;8. Stayed at a professional big wave surfers home.&lt;br /&gt;9. Made my pilgrimage to the North Shore (of Oahu). Mother Nature handed me my ass on a golden plate as a reminder that she rules all.&lt;br /&gt;10. Walked the works of Gaudi (Sagrada Familia); Seen the works of Van Gogh; Experienced Anne Frank's life during World War II&lt;br /&gt;11. Smoked at the Grasshopper&lt;br /&gt;12. Celebrated FC Barca's victory over Real Madrid with the locals&lt;br /&gt;13. Drank Sangria like it was pure fruit juice&lt;br /&gt;14. Bungee Jumped&lt;br /&gt;15. Driven in Tijuana, an adventure in itself&lt;br /&gt;16. Peed in Chinese style potholes&lt;br /&gt;17. Seen the poorest of the poor - literally burning dogs on the side of the road in Peruvian shanty towns.&lt;br /&gt;18. Swam in the clearest turquoise ocean with only one other person&lt;br /&gt;19. Drank Purple Maize juice and beer&lt;br /&gt;20. Been crammed into a mini-van bus with 30 people&lt;br /&gt;21. Stayed in 5-Star hotels for $30 bucks&lt;br /&gt;22. Driven the entire West Coast of the United States and into Canada&lt;br /&gt;23. Eaten peanut butter, banana and honey sandwiches daily for almost 1.5 weeks&lt;br /&gt;24. Taken a road trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney - Driven on the passenger side and had multiple near death experiences driving on the opposite side of the road. MESSED UP. Thank goodness there weren't any roundabouts. La Jollans would be screwed if they had to drive in Aussie roundabouts.&lt;br /&gt;25. Traveled alone and stayed with a Peruvian family in an isolated neighborhood.&lt;br /&gt;26. Gotten jipped from locals. While I was walking around Cuzco, Peru - a lady with her llama told me it was free to take a picture of her. After, she said 5 soles as a "propino". So, I gave her 5. After that she asked: Cinco mas soles para comprar comida por mi bebe (referring to the baby Llama she held)?. Definitely did not give into that one.&lt;br /&gt;27. Eaten the most delicious food that I would have never known about: Lomo Saltado, Carapulca, Masamora Morada, Brumby's, etc.&lt;br /&gt;28. Only seen a small percentage of the World&lt;br /&gt;29. Been itching to leave on a jet plane&lt;br /&gt;30. Booze Cruised, Bobbed for Beers, and Eaten lots of Mexican food in Cabo&lt;br /&gt;31. Built a home in Juarez, Mexico&lt;br /&gt;32. Trekked the Grand Canyon&lt;br /&gt;33. Climbed the Rocky Mountains&lt;br /&gt;34. Snowboarded Tahoe in fresh powder with just my friend and a handful of people&lt;br /&gt;35. Chilled with indigenous Inca descendants&lt;br /&gt;36. Been deprived of hot showers for longer than a week. The Peruvian family's home was in a neighborhood that had fickle water pressure. During my stay there, my hot showers were mere drizzles that would last about 3 minutes.&lt;br /&gt;37. Had a Staff guided tour of the Capitol from Senator Orrin Hatch's office&lt;br /&gt;38. Stepped on sea urchins because I failed to know that San Bartolo, Peru has an infestation on the inside rocks&lt;br /&gt;39. Nearly killed doing a rock-jump into the ocean at Lennox Head. For those of you who don't know: A rock jump is when a surfer has to stand on  rocks or reef while timing the waves, so he can get into the water unscathed. Hard to do when the sets keep coming and there are nothing but rocks, urchins, and reefs surrounding you.&lt;br /&gt;40. Had to cross a sketchy river mouth multiple times in Currumbin because I couldn't make it to the peak through the Key Hole and got swept past the 2nd Jetty (Groin).&lt;br /&gt;41. Met some of the most wonderful people in the world who I'll always have a connection with&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-2411026798938687152?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/2411026798938687152/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/09/travel-addicts-life-experiences.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/2411026798938687152'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/2411026798938687152'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/09/travel-addicts-life-experiences.html' title='A Travel Addict&apos;s Life Experiences'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sqx-ZF9rghI/AAAAAAAAAB4/-jPTvEyBrfc/s72-c/l_b60366695162348b5455bf4abcc80a69.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-6398309037566505078</id><published>2009-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-08-17T14:56:54.383-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='san diego'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Ellen Browning Scripps'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Torrey Pines Reserve'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Coastal Community'/><title type='text'>Thank You, Ellen  Browning Scripps</title><content type='html'>I recently took my client from Delaware to hike Torrey Pines Reserve. At 17 and coming from the East Coast, it was his first time experiencing San Diego. As we hiked the Guy Flemming, Parry Grove, and High Point trails the turquoise blue Pacific Ocean, rusted colored cliffs, wind caves, canopy Torrey Pines, coastal and inland views awed him. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;While the East Coast is famous for its Fall Colors, we get to experience the Reserve during all seasons, thanks to Ellen Browning Scripps.  Had it not been for her, the Reserve would have probably evolved into a multi-billion coastal development.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Being a Native San Diegan, I will admit, I have forgotten those individuals such as Scripps who contributed their wealth in an effort preserve our natural environment. Recently, word on the street was a family acquired the lagoons and marshes adjacent to northbound 5 in order to prevent further development.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;While their wealth originates from deep pockets, it is nice to know that there are philanthropists who are giving for the great good of the community.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-6398309037566505078?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/6398309037566505078/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/08/thank-you-ellen-browning-scripps.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/6398309037566505078'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/6398309037566505078'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/08/thank-you-ellen-browning-scripps.html' title='Thank You, Ellen  Browning Scripps'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-1087250342680861715</id><published>2009-08-06T23:50:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T00:27:21.063-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='World Travels'/><title type='text'>The Gift in Traveling</title><content type='html'>I've been melting in San Diego. Not only because it has been gorgeous out, but it has been grossly hot. Move an inch and I'm raining sweat.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As a result: I haven't been going to the skatepark much. If it's 85 degrees + at the beach, imagine what how it feels East of the 5.  It's almost asking the weather to intentionally suffocate you.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've been spending time surf instructing and trying to recruit more clients. We also received a 5-star review on YELP! High five to us!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I've really had time to think and reflect on my travels, especially about the people I've met that have helped me.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fortunately, I have known people in most places I have visited whether it's family, friends, or friend of friend. The only time I knew absolutely no one was my Peru trip last year.  I found that family from wannasurf.com. It's funny how life works. I think after all my experiences I'm a firm believer that good things will come, no matter how crappy things may be at a certain moment. Overall, I've been lucky.  I could have easily been kidnapped and sent away to be a sex-slave.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Growing up, my family taught me to bear gifts or contribute our share whenever friends and family accommodated us. It didn't matter whether it was a small or big gesture like getting a car ride, dinning at someone's home, or staying at a friend's house. The golden rule was to give in return.  I remember my mom would pack dozens of Almond Rocha choclates, Dove Soap Bars, and Herbal Essence Shampoos for friends and family before we left for Taiwan and/or China. She would have packed In-N-Out Hamburgers if it were possible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Of course those were products they enjoyed, but the meaning behind the gesture was to show thanks. And, to bring something uniquely American. Because they were friends and family, they never asked for us to pay for being our guides. However, we always knew to either treat them to lunch, dinner,  gifts, and genuinlely invite them to our home so we could do same.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My parents' values still stick with me. I carry it to each place I travel to because I think it is important to express appreciation for a person's &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;time&lt;/span&gt; whether their friends or strangers. Being me, I remember every person who has helped me a long the way. And, I make sure that it is returned whether it's in gifts, paying for different expenses, treating them to coffee, or accommodating them when they visit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is a bit more challenging to travel to foreign places without knowing anyone. For my Peru trip, I had to pay to find hosts and guides. In the end, they became my friends and unofficial Peruvian family because of how well we clicked. However, I have no problem paying for their services because I respect them for their time, knowledge, and trust.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It amazes me how many people think that things are or should be free. Truth is, nothing is free. There are always exchanges that come in different shapes, sizes, actions, and values. I don't mind because time and information are important.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, I hope this is something people will consider as they travel and meet new friends who make their trip even better than expected. Either pay it forward or give in return. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Keep Traveling. Push the limits. It's a whole different world outside our American turf.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-1087250342680861715?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/1087250342680861715/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/08/gift-in-traveling.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/1087250342680861715'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/1087250342680861715'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/08/gift-in-traveling.html' title='The Gift in Traveling'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-5884017997365491091</id><published>2009-07-25T09:55:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-07-25T10:18:14.815-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Fish Tacos'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Thai Food'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Tajimas'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mandarin House'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Foodie'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Bird Rock Pizza'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Ramen Noodles'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Pizza Port'/><title type='text'>Good Eats: Best Places for Comfort Food</title><content type='html'>My favorite comfort food at home is tomato basil soup (or tomato bisque) with grilled garlic sourdough mozzarella cheese sandwiches; using fresh warm French Bread is a must.  When cooking seems like too much work, here are the restaurants, deli's and hole in the walls I like.  The selection ranges from Mexican to Asian Cuisine and everything in between:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mexican:&lt;br /&gt;  -Sombrero's Rolled Tacos w/ Guacamole, Lettuce &amp;amp; Cheese - house made red hot sauce required&lt;br /&gt;  -Bahia Mexican Grille Lobster and/or Shrimp Burritos | $0.99 beer battered fish tacos&lt;br /&gt;  -Los Dos: Vegetarian Burrito&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Asian:&lt;br /&gt;  -Tajima's Ramen Noodle House&lt;br /&gt;  -Saffron - Thai and Roasted Chicken&lt;br /&gt;  -Mandarin House&lt;br /&gt;  -Tofu House&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Italian:&lt;br /&gt;  -Cafe Milano's in La Jolla&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;American:&lt;br /&gt;  -Franky the Bull's BBQ - Mac N Cheese, Texas Beans, Pulled Pork Sandwiches or Ribs&lt;br /&gt;  -Cass St. Bar &amp;amp; Grille: 1/3 lb Cheeseburger or Chicken Burger&lt;br /&gt;  -Hodad's in Ocean Beach&lt;br /&gt;  -Cheese Shop: Turkey &amp;amp; Avo Sandwiches&lt;br /&gt;  -Sandwich Club:  Joe Namath or Blue Chip&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pizza Joints:&lt;br /&gt;  -Extreme Pizza (It's a Franchise but their thin crust Veggie Pizza is awesome)&lt;br /&gt;  -Bird Rock Pizza&lt;br /&gt;  -Pizza Port&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Seafood:&lt;br /&gt;  -El Pescador: Salmon Burger&lt;br /&gt;  -Bay Ho Fish Market: Fish Tacos&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I like Whole Foods too for a Healthier Selection, but that requires a Whole PAYCHECK. So, the places I listed are $-$$ and range from healthy to gluttonous. But everything in moderation is okay.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Enjoy!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-5884017997365491091?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/5884017997365491091/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/good-eats-best-places-for-comfort-food.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5884017997365491091'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5884017997365491091'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/good-eats-best-places-for-comfort-food.html' title='Good Eats: Best Places for Comfort Food'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-7530317845716180982</id><published>2009-07-20T22:27:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-07-20T22:49:05.445-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Locals'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='san diego'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='San Diego Travel Tips'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Tourists'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Traffic'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Las Vegas'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Arizona'/><title type='text'>Vacation Manners</title><content type='html'>Summer is always hectic. No matter how horrible the economy is, people still need to get out of town and relax.  Be assured, we love vacationers and tourists in San Diego.  Since I grew up inland I can't hate on it, so yes please come to the beach. But, for EVERYONE who is out here to have a good time please keep a few things in mind:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1.&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt; Pick up your trash and your dog crap&lt;/span&gt;: I saw three beer can lids floating in the ocean today. Picked up food wrappers, water bottles, balloons on my beach walk. Seriously, people, the City spent a superfluous amount of money to provide trash cans for you. Yes, they serve a purpose.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2. &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Use your car blinker&lt;/span&gt;: this past Saturday we decided to drive up to Oceanside. Needless to say, we'll never drive on a weekend AGAIN. Cars have blinkers so you can communicate to other drivers what you're going to do on the road.  We were brake checked multiple times on the way back to La Jolla simply because people were looking for parking and were too lazy to tap the blinker handles behind the steering wheel. Had they used their blinker, we would've known that they were looking and gone around them.  Furthermore, we saw a bad accident at the intersection of Fay and Pearl Street simply because the person yeilding to turn left decided to go straight at the last minute and either had their blinker on while going straight or didn't use a blinker at all.  Like relationship therapists tell couples: COMMUNICATION IS KEY.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3. &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Use a Map&lt;/span&gt;: If you don't know where you're going, pull over and figure it out instead of trying to read a map while driving.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Follow the checkered flags: &lt;/span&gt;If you live or vacation in San Diego regardless of where you're from, you should know the rules of the yellow and black checkered flags on the beach. Just in case you don't or have forgotten, the flags represent swim zones and surf zones. If surfers have to get blackballed for swimmers, boogies,  and wompers to frolic in the water - then leave the surf zone alone; you need the exercise anyway. So, take a 3 minute walk north or south of the checkered flag and swim there. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5. &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Respect our City and the Locals: &lt;/span&gt;We appreciate that you spend time and money here. But, please don't be rude or anger us. Please use your manners as you would at home.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you and enjoy your time here.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.sandiegoactionsportstourguide.com"&gt;San Diego Action Sports Adventures&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-7530317845716180982?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/7530317845716180982/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/vacation-manners.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/7530317845716180982'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/7530317845716180982'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/vacation-manners.html' title='Vacation Manners'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-3297948401401766212</id><published>2009-07-19T10:49:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T00:28:46.341-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='san diego'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='focus surf'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Peru surf camp'/><title type='text'>Off Season Peru Surf Trip with Focus Surf</title><content type='html'>Last summer I decided it was time to split from San Diego for a vacation away from EVERYONE. Needless to say, I got what I wished for. I booked a flight to southern Peru, found a surf camp/hotel from wannasurf.com, worked my ass off for two months, and finally left mid-September.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I almost missed my entire trip because my flight left at midnight September 16 from LAX, and I thought it was midnight going into the 17th. Fortunately, I figured it out Monday morning the 15th, the day I was supposed to leave. After a 10 hour flight, I landed in Lima. I passed  immigration and waited for my hosts to pick me up. I felt skeptical because I had never randomly found a family to stay with from an online resource. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. Were they legitimate? Were they going to kidnap me and hold me for ransom? Holding my breath, I searched for my placard. Finally, after waiting for 30 minutes I saw a couple holding a sign stamped with my name.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;They were Luis and Roxana of Focus Surf. After introducing ourselves, they took me on an hour journey south of Lima to their beachfront compound at Playa Arica. By the time I arrived, it was already 11:00pm, so the neighborhood was almost invisible except for the distant city lights I saw from my bedroom window. The awesome thing about traveling alone off-season is I had everything to myself. I awoke the next morning to unridden waves breaking 20 feet away from my window.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For ten days, Luis and his family personally took me to surf empty breaks along Peru's southern coast from Lima to Puerto Viejo. We scored head high Caballeros all to ourselves, La Pampilla with a handful of people, and San Bartolo with seaurchins, which I can do without. The waves were spectacular, and even better there was hardly a crowd except for our session at San Bartolo. Unfortunately, Puerto Viejo wasn't too good after we had driven almost an hour to get there. But it was well worth seeing the desert coast that could easily be Baja California.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;During my time there, I became a part of the family. The fed me amazing homecooked Peruvian food. I attended their jam sessions, church, and Roxana's baby shower. I'll admit, driving in Lima was a near death experience. Imagine combining Tijuana and New York City into one place and you have Limenian drivers, which could be an adventure if you're into that. Regardless, I highly reccomend staying at Focus Surf if you ever decide to travel Peru. This article would be too long If I were to go into detail of every part of my experience. But take my word, Luis and his family are more than hospitable. You'll surf awesome waves and be in good hands.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You can visit them at www.focussurf.com&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Happy Travels!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;www.sandiegoactionsportstourguide.com&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-3297948401401766212?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/3297948401401766212/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/off-season-peru-surf-trip-with-focus.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/3297948401401766212'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/3297948401401766212'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/off-season-peru-surf-trip-with-focus.html' title='Off Season Peru Surf Trip with Focus Surf'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3342133309930287596.post-5125023721176185110</id><published>2009-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T00:26:54.440-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Clairemont Bowl'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Clairemont YMCA Skatepark'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Vert Ramp'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Sector Nine'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Sector 9'/><title type='text'>Clairemont YMCA Skate Session - 7/15</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sl6rqh1oamI/AAAAAAAAABY/K5OJxd2rXyE/s1600-h/IMG_1762.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sl6rqh1oamI/AAAAAAAAABY/K5OJxd2rXyE/s200/IMG_1762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358909353743641186" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sl6rqaoQERI/AAAAAAAAABQ/rZNoxxjFhyM/s1600-h/JHCMontBowlGrind.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sl6rqaoQERI/AAAAAAAAABQ/rZNoxxjFhyM/s200/JHCMontBowlGrind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358909351808471314" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Every kid has tried skateboarding once whether you sucked or not.  I dabbled with skating. Frankly, I was horrible at it. I cruised around, however when it came to ollying or kick flips - my feet failed to gracefully and skillfully master the techniques.  I stopped after middle school, and decided to pursue surfing (less painful).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fast foward a decade: my boyfriend encouraged me to give skateboarding another shot. I personally wanted to as well because I surf. I felt skateboarding would improve my rotations as well as increase my leg strength and ramp skills, which I could carry over into the water.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I began skating the mini-half pipe behind the Clairemont Skatepark Bowl. I practiced kick turns like a broken record.  I didn't drop in until about 4 months. Even though it was a 2 foot ramp, it was scary as hell looking down and telling yourself to drop in to what felt like a 10 story building.  After I dropped in and nailed my kick turns I progressed to the mini-ramp. This year, I started skating the bowl.  I headlonged and stacked my first time dropping into it. I took some time off, and finally gained enough juevos (girly ones) to drop into the Sector 9 Bread Bowl.  Now, I'm working on carving, tailtaps, and all those crazy things 7 year old kids pull.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The photos and film clips are some of my friends that skate at Clairemont on a weekly, if not, daily basis. They're all at different levels: some of the guys you see skate the vert ramp aren't even sponsored "professionals". They just have fun charging, grinding, and rotating at 540, 720, etc.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My friend Jenny rips: she resumed skating after having her daughter a year ago. She carves and grinds the bowl, drops in and skates the vert ramp with all the guys. Not only that she skates the concrete pool, pulls axle stalls, rock to fakies + more. She's on fire! Our latest additions to Clairemont are Gabrielle (who's dropped in from the vert ramp's midpoint) and Jaime (who completed a rock to fakey after face planting 6 times - tough lady!).  Everyone at the park is so talented no matter what level they are.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hopefully we'll inspire some of the ladies to come skate with us!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;- May&lt;br /&gt;San Diego Action Sports Adventures&lt;br /&gt;www.sandiegoactionsportstourguide.com&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;object width="320" height="266" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-3c00f89c8b5e66c2" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"&gt;&lt;param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/get_player"&gt;&lt;param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"&gt;&lt;param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"&gt;&lt;param name="flashvars" value="flvurl=http://v18.nonxt6.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D3c00f89c8b5e66c2%26itag%3D5%26app%3Dblogger%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1331305626%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D3647F4218568C14A5DAD0EF682FC35DDC4217693.20B72B787DBBE19D0BA2E220C07F75CBA206C4A5%26key%3Dck1&amp;amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D3c00f89c8b5e66c2%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DAr1qGZoAw2a51krXIcT4WAO1oqo&amp;amp;autoplay=0&amp;amp;ps=blogger"&gt;&lt;embed src="http://www.youtube.com/get_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"width="320" height="266" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"flashvars="flvurl=http://v18.nonxt6.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D3c00f89c8b5e66c2%26itag%3D5%26app%3Dblogger%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1331305626%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D3647F4218568C14A5DAD0EF682FC35DDC4217693.20B72B787DBBE19D0BA2E220C07F75CBA206C4A5%26key%3Dck1&amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D3c00f89c8b5e66c2%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DAr1qGZoAw2a51krXIcT4WAO1oqo&amp;autoplay=0&amp;ps=blogger"allowFullScreen="true" /&gt;&lt;/object&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3342133309930287596-5125023721176185110?l=surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='enclosure' type='video/mp4' href='http://www.blogger.com/video-play.mp4?contentId=3c00f89c8b5e66c2&amp;type=video%2Fmp4' length='0'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/feeds/5125023721176185110/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/clairemont-ymca-skate-session-715.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5125023721176185110'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/3342133309930287596/posts/default/5125023721176185110'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://surfnskatesandiego.blogspot.com/2009/07/clairemont-ymca-skate-session-715.html' title='Clairemont YMCA Skate Session - 7/15'/><author><name>SD Action Sports</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16111786953785754044</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='31' height='21' src='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Slvu9EsppiI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Bq46agUkAWw/S220/Happy+Place.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Qb58COq-KI/Sl6rqh1oamI/AAAAAAAAABY/K5OJxd2rXyE/s72-c/IMG_1762.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
