David Multer

Charlotte is headed up to San Francisco this weekend to do the Run Wild For A Child 10K run. Since she’s doing it on her own, I’m joining her for the trip, though not for the run itself. I hate what running does to my cycling legs. We stop for lunch in Sausalito. Looks like the weather for the run tomorrow is going to be fantastic. Today is a huge surf day as I heard a big Alaskan storm sent a big swell our way. Since I can’t enjoy boogie boarding down in Santa Cruz, we head to the Marin Headlands to check it out. We are not disappointed. ...

We missed a few weekends of fishing for unavoidable reasons, so a day off from school is the perfect time to head out to the Santa Cruz reef. We catch a few small ones, and Gabe manages to catch a very nice rockfish. Now that’s going to be some good eating!

We’re all up at George’s place for Thanksgiving this year, so that’s at least one thing I’m thankful for this year. I know our kids are all very happy to be visiting with their cousins. The big kids hang out in the family room while lots of memorable old photos roll by on George’s new flat panel television. Everyone has plenty to catch up on. There’s also plenty of kitchen action as usual. Some hot babes are working the burners, while George once again shows off his impressive carving skills. ...

Hot on the heels of Nick’s birthday as usual, Monica celebrates a big birthday herself. The cake might not be very big, but she’s gotten at least 3 birthday cakes today. A few very nice gifts from her best friends. A few special faces on her special day. I think she likes her presents. Of course a big trip to Europe, or a new car to go with her new license would have been nice. ...

Gabe and I are off for some fishing today, and I finally get my first close up view of a whale. A few of them were in about 50 feet of water just outside the harbor entrance. Gabe gets credit for first spotting them. I thought it was some dolphin at first, but then one kicked up it’s tail. It was really tough getting a photo, but this is the best I could do. Take my word for it, they were amazing. ...

It’s a big birthday for Nick. Eighteen years old means he can vote (go Obama!), still can’t drink, and goes to college next year. That special, happy, good boy is still in there. What a nice cake! Grandma Phoebe is here for his birthday and that makes it that much more special. I even managed to get one of those rare moments giving Gabe a hug. Gabe and I collided and he nearly gave me a black eye. I can’t explain the problem with Nick’s eyes. And a nice hug for Gracie too. ...

Here’s a rare glimpse for me into a day for Nick and Monica at school. Sounds like Nick had a bit of a surprise when his usual area to hang out was converted into birthday party central. Looks like Nick’s enjoying himself. Lots of great gifts and cakes for everyone to share. A few of the gifts were pretty funny. There was even a flag to mark the spot for those that didn’t know today was Nick’s birthday. ...

When you’re a standard poodle living in Santa Cruz, you’ve got to have that Santa Cruz style. A little help from Gabe and she’s looking hot. It’s so nice that Gabe has a little sister he can play with.

The Santa Cruz upper harbor has been pretty deserted lately with the lack of salmon fishing and high gas prices. Just the thing for this local to finally get a chance to keep my boat in the water. This sure is a million times more convenient. She looks very nice in her new slip. Can you spot her from up on the hill? Though Gabe is much happier now that we’re taking out the boat much more frequently, we’re not catching any bigger fish. It’s still a load of fun. ...

It’s a beautiful morning on Laurel Lake on the second day of our backpacking trip to Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite. There’s no one else around except the yellow jackets buzzing around the tent. I’m definitely sore from yesterday’s effort, but I feel a whole lot better after the rest. It certainly would have been even better if I actually fell asleep. After a great breakfast, Gabe spots a black bear walking along the edge of our campsite. I throw the last bits of food back into the bear canister, then throw Gabe and the packs in the tent and give the bear some room. My “Hey Bear” calls keep him from being surprised, but clearly he’s done this thing before. Sneaky bear thought he would surprise us during breakfast and get a nice meal. I can tell he’s seen a bear can before as he just gives it a lick and then walks on. His next step is to approach me and the tent, likely to try his next strategy of going through our packs. I stand my ground and he finally backs off and continues around the lake. ...