The MV Spree

This is looooong overdue

There are certain moments when I am reminded of how lucky I am to be diving. One of those moments is when I step foot on the MV Spree. It is easily my favorite live aboard I have ever been on. And I am lucky enough to be able to work on it. This year I worked on it as a Dive Master. I didn't get to dive as much as I did when I worked on it last year filling tanks and working in the galley. But it is by far my favorite job on the Spree. That is of course unless CP is busy one trip and I get the chance to be the photo pro. Not that I could possibly ever fill his shoes, but it would be fun.

This year I got to stay on the Spree for 2 weeks straight. The first trip we did was an exploratory trip that was chartered by a dive club and it was somewhat of a new experience for us. Originally the charter was scheduled to go back out to the Dry Tortugas, but was changed with mixed emotions and reactions to a Keys Krawl. Meaning instead of heading west to the Tortugas, we would head north and hit wrecks and new reefs (new to us).

My excitement of diving wrecks has certainly changed over the years. I used to really look forward to diving wrecks and would go whenever I could. But over the years I began to see them for what they are. Purposely sunk hunks of metal on the bottom of the ocean floor. I realized the draw to these wrecks is the life on the wrecks. Which is why they are sunk in the 1st place. To create artificial reefs. There it is, the word that sums it up and I cant get past. Artificial. Give me a natural reef over a sunken junkyard any day. But I digress…

After hitting several wrecks and a few reefs with less than stellar conditions and situations. We took a vote and decided to head back to the Tortugas in hopes to catch what was left of the coral spawn.

The morning we were at the 1st dive site in the Tortugas I couldn’t wait to get in the water. All the passengers were out of the water and I was gearing up ready to get in when a pod of dolphins came across our stern on the surface. Which was a nice welcome back sight. I was going to wait for CP, but he decided he needed to feed again. So I told him I would meet him down on the reef. Got down to the reef and started making my way up current along the sand next to the reef. When I noticed a dark shape over my left shoulder. I turned and the pod of dolphins were swimming by me, checking me out.

I almost forgot to breathe. It was the first time I have ever seen dolphins while underwater in the 9 years of diving. And with no one else around, it was just me and the dolphins in the open ocean. Several of them turned and looked directly at me, while I was trying to swim up current to keep up with them and still take pictures. It was truly a dream come true. Something that I will never forget.

We spent the rest of the remaining 2 days diving the Tortugas. Which in my opinion is some of the best diving you can do without leaving the country.

For a more accurate and better written dive report. Check out the MV Spree’s dive trip report.
The next few days we spent at dock in Robbies Marina waiting for the next charter.

It was some good down time and gave me a chance to go diving on CP's boat with CP and Chris "The Chef Extrodiare on the Spree" (Dont let his age or goofy looks fool you, hes a great cook).

Also to take some black and white shots of the boat yard.



You can see the rest of the boatyard gallery here


And the rest of the Tortugas gallery here.

Must See Movies

I am never one to stand on a soap box and say you should or should not do something. But here are two movies that everyone should see. Not only are they eye opening, sad and distrubing but powerful and educational. If you have the chance, please see them and tell your friends about them.

The Cove

The Cove begins in Taiji, Japan, where former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry has come to set things right after a long search for redemption. In the 1960s, it was O’Barry who captured and trained the 5 dolphins who played the title character in the international television sensation “Flipper.”
But his close relationship with those dolphins – the very dolphins who sparked a global fascination with trained sea mammals that continues to this day -- led O’Barry to a radical change of heart. One fateful day, a heartbroken Barry came to realize that these deeply sensitive, highly intelligent and self-aware creatures so beautifully adapted to life in the open ocean must never be subjected to human captivity again. This mission has brought him to Taiji, a town that appears to be devoted to the wonders and mysteries of the sleek, playful dolphins and whales that swim off their coast.

But in a remote, glistening cove, surrounded by barbed wire and “Keep Out” signs, lies a dark reality. It is here, under cover of night, that the fishermen of Taiji, driven by a multi-billion dollar dolphin entertainment industry and an underhanded market for mercury-tainted dolphin meat, engage in an unseen hunt. The nature of what they do is so chilling -- and the consequences are so dangerous to human health -- they will go to great lengths to halt anyone from seeing it.

Undeterred, O’Barry joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Oceanic Preservation Society to get to the truth of what’s really going on in the cove and why it matters to everyone in the world. With the local Chief of Police hot on their trail and strong-arm fishermen keeping tabs on them, they will recruit an “Ocean's Eleven”-style team of underwater sound and camera experts, special effects artists, marine explorers, adrenaline junkies and world-class free divers who will carry out an undercover operation to photograph the off-limits cove, while playing a cloak-and-dagger game with those who would have them jailed. The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery that adds up to an urgent plea for hope.



The End of the Line

The End of the Line, the first major feature documentary film revealing the impact of overfishing on our oceans, had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. Sundance took place in Park City, Utah, January 15-25, 2009.

In the film we see firsthand the effects of our global love affair with fish as food.

It examines the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, brought on by increasing western demand for sushi; the impact on marine life resulting in huge overpopulation of jellyfish; and the profound implications of a future world with no fish that would bring certain mass starvation.
Filmed over two years, The End of the Line follows the investigative reporter Charles Clover as he confronts politicians and celebrity restaurateurs, who exhibit little regard for the damage they are doing to the oceans.

One of his allies is the former tuna farmer turned whistleblower Roberto Mielgo – on the trail of those destroying the world's magnificent bluefin tuna population.

Filmed across the world – from the Straits of Gibraltar to the coasts of Senegal and Alaska to the Tokyo fish market – featuring top scientists, indigenous fishermen and fisheries enforcement officials, The End of the Line is a wake-up call to the world.

Laguna Seca MotoGP 2009

This years MotoGP at Laguna Seca could not have come at a better time. Besides it being on 4th of July weekend, I just really really needed to get away and take a mini vacation.

There is a saying that goes "Sometimes it takes a full tank of gas before you have a clear head". This could not be more true. It wasn't until I stopped in Ventura for coffee and gas did I finally start to shrug off all the stress and hoopla I was trying to leave behind.

This year Mega couldn't make it, so I was riding north by myself to meet up with Denny and Mike who were riding down from Corvallis Oregon. It wasn't until I hopped on the 33 and headed north did I finally have a clear head and really started enjoying the perfect weather and awesome ride.

Along the 33 I stopped at Pine Mountain Inn, and actually got to meet the owner and he Assured me they will be opening soon. The place has been closed since I first saw it over 3 years ago, with a sign that said "Opening Soon".

I took the 33 north to the 58. Which along the way you go thru the town of Taft, Ca. The sign at the city limits says "Taft, the best of places!". I thought to myself if Taft is the best place you have been, you really have been in some really crappy places in your life. It also reminded me of the movie "Best of Times" with Robin Williams and Kurt Russel. Funny movie if you ha vent seen it.

From the 58, I took the 101 north till I hit our base camp of Soledad. Another beauty! Its town sign says "Its happening in Soledad!" I'm not sure what it is, but its a lot of nothing if you ask me. This is the best shot I could get of the town. Notice, how the Ducati just makes everything better?


The reason we decided to get a hotel in Soledad is 1st because everything close to Monterey was book or real expensive, and 2nd because of Carmel Valley Road. We took this road everyday last time we were here for the MotoGP. Its a 56 mile ride, one way to Laguna Seca from Soledad taking this route. And it is a great road. In decent shape for being in the middle of nowhere and hardly any cars on it at all.

Saturday morning we got to Laguna Seca right as Free Practice 2 was starting for the MotoGP. As we were walking close to the track, you could hear the bikes warming up. You could actually hear the bikes from beyond the parking lot, because they are so freaking loud. But its a beautiful sound and gave me goose bumps!

Rossi

Stoner!


Nicky Hayden

The Little Pecker that ended up winning.

Chris Vermulan

In the infield of the track, there are so many booths of everything motorcycles you can think of. California Superbike School was there and I got to meet Keith Code. An awesome guy and I really want to take his school...soon.

Of course the CHP had a booth too. Here's a cop in full leathers on a R1. Pretty cool bike and would hate to see this guy coming up behind me on Angels Crest.

Of course no MotoGP is complete without Ducati Island. This is truly and prime example how Ducatisis are different from other motorcyclists. The passion in Ducati riders is something unmatched by any other rider. And it shows how this little Italian company repays its owners and sets up a hospitality tent for them that gives out free water, coffee, snacks and sunscreen. You would never see anything like that from the big 4 Japanese manufactures.

On Ducati Island they also have a mini Ducati Museum with some pretty cool antique bikes.

After checking out the Island and all the other booths we headed to the World Famous Corkscrew to watch the MotoGP Qualifying Practice. The corkscrew is one of the most famous corners in all of racing. It is a tight S turn that drops over 5 stories. To watch these guys take the corkscrew and full speed, is an amazing breath taking sight.

A couple of times a day, they allow everyone to cross the track. Now at first it doesn't really seem like a big deal. But once you step onto the tarmac and feel how smooth and perfect it is under your feet and look down to the corner and imagine coming around it at over 100 mphs, its an overwhelming feeling. And to think of the legends that have raced on the very spot under you feet, its truly a simple and exciting privilege.

After the day at the track, we headed down to Cannery Row in Monterey. They close down the whole street to cars and only allow motorcycles and people in. There are bikes line bar to bar all the way down both sides of the street. And the street is filled with people as if its Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We hung out there for awhile then headed back to lovely Soledad, cause according to the signage, it was Happening there!

The next morning before the races, Ducati made a couple of announcements. 1st was that the new Ducati Streetfighter was voted as one of the best bikes of the year. And 2nd they brought and Nicky Hayden to unveil a limited edition 848 with a custom paint scheme and each hand signed by Nicky himself. They are only releasing 150 of them in the US. Call now while supplies last!!!

And finally it was Race Time! For the race we like to hang up on the hill that over looks the whole track. If you want to watch the entire race, its truly the best spot in Laguna, in my humble opinion.

Pedrosa got the whole shot and led the pack into turn 2

Rossi was 2nd going into turn 3

A couple of laps later, Stoner moved into 2nd and here heading into turn 4

Rossi did sit in 3rd for long, before moving back into 2nd and almost passing Pedorsa on the last corner of the last race. It was one of the best races I have seen in person.

Pedorsa ended up winning and Stoner came in 4th, with Nicky getting his best finish of the season at 5th place.

After the GP, we stuck around and watched the Daytona and the Superbikes races. But we moved around a lot since most of the place had cleared out. But we were able to get close to the track and get some better pictures.

As I was trying different angles on the Corkscrew, I just set up in this spot when there was a crash during the Daytona race and I was lucky enough to catch it at the right time. Or actually wrong time if you ask Yamahas Josh Hayes.

It was a great weekend, one that I really needed. I have been friends with Mike and Denny since high school and it was awesome to hang out with them again and to ride everyday. Till next time guys.....

Streets of Willow Part 3

There are 2 things that no matter what time the alarm clock goes off for in the morning, when it does, I pop right out of bed and I am instantly awake. The 1st is going for a shark dive. The 2nd is a track day. So when the alarm went off at 3:30am on Friday morning, I was out of bed and dressed before my feet hit the floor. Randy aka "Mega" and I had the bikes loaded on the trailer and were on the road by 4am. Of course I then proceeded to sleep the 2 and a half hours all the way to Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, CA. Thanks for driving Mega. I’m sure my snoring kept an interesting conversation with you.

This was the 3rd time we have been to Streets, and I love it every time. The track does not have a lot of safety features. Off of the narrow pavement of the track is rocks and dirt. No grass, gravel pits or safety air fences. So if you go wide, you will be eating dirt and rocks and your bike will have seen better days. But Streets of Willow is such a tight twisty track, if you hold your line and dont go too hot into a corner, its not an issue. And if there was ever a track made for my Multistrada 620, this is it.

In the morning the weather was just about perfect for riding. Low 70s and sunny. Then around 10 or 11, the wind kicked in and destroyed Mega's Easy Up, along with countless others along pit row. We decided to leave the frame up and pretend to have shade.

As always CaliPhotography was there taking awesome shots again. I would truly love to shoot with Brian some day. So if youre reading this Brian, let me be your intern for a few track days.

Thru out the day, Mega and I were comparing lap times. I crushed him in the morning with a 1:38.8 lap time and he put up a 1:42.2. That seemed to light a fire under his ass and the next session he put up a 1:38.1 and got the fastest time of our group.

The next session Mega did a 1:37.8 and I did a 1:37.9. Foiled!

After that, the fine folks at Fastrack Riders decided to bump Mega up to level 2. Obviously they didn’t want me to show up the level 2 riders on my 620. =)

But I had the last laugh and on my last session I rode a 1:37.4 and got the fastest lap time between the two of us. Victory!

The Aftermath

Even though I love my bike, its not the ideal track bike. So when its on the track there are some consequences of its ground clearance and lack of rear sets. Here is what’s left of my brake pedal.

The pegs and elbow of the brake lever grind as well.

And for the first time I actually dragged my pipe

I had bought new toe sliders for the track. This is what was left after the first session.

And finally this is what’s left of my boot.

As always it was an awesome day, something I really needed. And cant wait for the next track day, whenever that might be

Back in the Water!

I cant believe I haven't been diving since August, but it has. So when I had the opportunity to go test regs with Scuba Lab again, I couldn't wait to get back in the neoprene.

For these tests we were extremely lucky and fortunate to be able to use the Body Glove boat the Disappearance. It is a beautiful boat and plenty of room for us get all of our testing done. Bob Meistrell ( one of the co-founders of Body Glove) was our Captain and host for the 2 days. He is an amazing man. 81 years young and still out everyday living life to the fullest and never short of a story to share with you.

The weather was perfect and the topside water conditions could not be better. However the diving conditions were not as good. But it didn't matter. I was just happy to be back in the water.

The water was a refreshing 57 degrees and visibility ranged from 3 feet to maybe 15 feet. With a lot of back scatter in the water. But since the focus was testing on gear, it was good enough for us to get everything done.

I had a few chances to shoot a little but not as much as I usually like to. But seeing 2 Pacific Angel Sharks and a few other critters made it a great day for me.

Back in the saddle

Check....check.... Is this thing still on? Man it has been a long time since I have posted anything. And its not because I was out traveling the world and too busy to post. It has been quite the opposite. I have not been diving since August. And my bike was out of commission since December. So I literally had nothing to post about. Until now. I finally got my bike together and went for a ride this Saturday morning.

I wont go until what happened to my bike, its a long story. But in short. One part broke that caused several parts to break, a lost license plate and destroyed rear tire. So finally after replacing everything and putting it back together on this Friday. I couldn't wait to go out and get in a quick ride.

So on Saturday morning at the butt crack of dawn, the alarm went off. I slid out of bed, threw on my clothes, boots and jacket and headed over to meet up with Bruce. It was still dark enough outside that with my tint visor is was difficult to see. But by 645am we were already on our way up the 2 - Angeles Crest Highway. I didn't have my winter jacket with me, only my summer jacket. So I had on several layers on underneath and it was not nearly enough. It was fa-fa-fa-freeezing. But it was the best cold experience there is to have.

The best part of getting up that early is, we had the road to ourselves. Only had to pass 3 cars on the way up and all of them used the turn offs when they saw us coming. That was first. We rode all the way up the 2 to Newcomb Ranch Cafe, to warm up and have several cups of coffee and an egg sandwich.

Bruce was riding his Yamaha RZ350. That is a sweet bike. He takes great care of it and it looks and runs perfect. And its awesome to see a street bike with a kick start!

After hanging out for awhile and warming up, we started to head back down the hill. And on the way down, the traffic coming up had dramatically increased. Lines of cars and bikes behind them were seen the whole way down.

We pulled off at one look out, to enjoy the view. And we can still see snow on the sides of the road and off the distance across the valley.

It was a quick short ride. But one that I needed sooooo bad and felt so good to get back in the saddle and scrub in my new rear tire - Pirelli Rosso. Since it was new and this was my scrub in ride, I really didn't push it. But the grip I felt in the corners was really good and cant wait to put on my full leathers and really put the test to them and get some knees down.

Next weekend is diving - So another post is in the near future, and hopefully I will be posting consistently and with lots more pics.

Save The Blue

Looking to start your Christmas shopping early and help stop shark finning at the same time? Well look no further. Go to Save The Blue.Org, make a donation and get a very cool necklace or shirt. This is a great non profit organization with some great information and links. Check them out, make a donation and give the gift that keeps on giving.

My New Truck

(I wish)

Ducati teams up with Toyota and creates the almost perfect track day truck. I say almost because the perfect tract day truck should hold 2 bikes. But overlooking the one minor flaw, its pretty flippin sweet. Even comes with solar panels for all your onsite power needs. Now only if it came with the bike and an umbrella girl.