Team Osprey

I come off the bridge and as the vehicle in front of me slides into the right lane I drop the hammer and fly down the highway. I am late.

We had been fixated by Team Osprey’s trip to Surf City. Upon return from the Audubon trip on Saturday Rob and I had received the news that they were in the semi’s or finals in chosen categories. There was excitement around the shop. Back at the house that evening over amazing fish tortilla’s we speculated on events.

The road passes quickly but the clock in the truck tells me that the margin to make the train is narrowing dangerously. I kick myself yet again for having had to turn around to get my rail pass and ID.

Sunday was rain, wind and threats of thunder and lightening. Waiting for a call from the boys, we worked on pre-season’s, the website and various other chores. In the early afternoon the call came. Everyone had placed. Team Osprey may not have won but ESKA knew they were there in every category competed in.

I step out of my truck and eye the crossing gates suspiciously. The red was just a reflected brake light from a passing car. The train is running late as well. I think about the stories the guys will have from their weekend.

Bringing Chaos!

A quick update from the boys...

Rob and Will are in the Waveski Finals on CHAOS boats
Mike, Rob and Will are in the HP (high performance) semi's
IC (international class) standings aren't in yet.

Apparently it was "Victory at Sea" conditions...something like seen here from Hurricane Bill:

Reprazentin

By about July the other Osprey staff develop a gestalt that I’m not part of since I am only there weekends. I end up focused on my own weekday 9-5 and gym and chores and stop paying much attention to what goes on in Westport during the week.

It came as a bit of a surprise when it dawned on me that I had heard that Mike and Rob were heading to a surf kayak competition down in the Carolinas somewhere. Talking to Sam later in the week confirmed that they were going to North Carolina and that Will was now accompanying them. Setting aside some reports I was working on, I did a quick check and found that sure enough ESKA (Eastern Surf Kayak Association) was having their “Battle of the Blade” this weekend in Surf City.

It occurred to me (after confirming Mike’s bio by looking at his web page) that this is a bit of a homecoming for him and that he may well be excited to show those folks the level of talent he has helped foster up here.

Mike, Rob, Will…good luck and show ‘em how we kill waves LC style!

Sharing

Mike and Rachel sharing a wave.

Bird in hand

I walk to the back room. Morgan is sitting on her cage dispassionately looking at me. At least it is not the malice she has flung my way for most of the summer. I greet her.

Walking to the living room I turn on the television, Carl and Sam are at the surf event and I have just gotten back from the winery tour. I love those. They always seem to work out fairly well. The people who come out for them are always interesting.

I channel surf, ending up watching a documentary about the Aussie and South African surfers who hit the scene in the 70’s. Morgan begins to whistle as she decides that she wants to be social. I whistle back. Call and response begins.

Eventually I return to her room and offer a lift to the living room. She looks at me, deciding if she will accept or if it would be preferable just to bite me. She hops onto my hand apparently not having to think too hard about it. I deposit her on her perch. The whistling stops and she begins to watch me and the television while grooming.

SUP board + trainer kite = Trying something new

Like the man said,"Throw your hands in the air..."

 

I love this picture. There is abandon, humor, camraderie, people I like and a perfect, glassy wave.