Dermatologist

Went in for my annual body screen for skin cancer today.

Result: Three zaps with the liquid nitrogen (all on the head) and two biopsies off to the labs (forehead and R arm).

I never used sunscreen until my 40's, never used Zinc Oxide or even tanning lotion. I always tanned easily so it was no big deal for me. It is now. PSA: Use sunscreen.

Unfortunately, I need to stay out of the water for a week, which perfectly aligns with a scheduled trip to the northwest to visit family. So I won't be hitting the water until mid-July now.

Can't catch a break.

Back From Ireland

Spent a couple of weeks in Ireland on a business trip (June 9 - 20). I brought home a massive sinus infection with me. I'm sure it had nothing to do with working all day and enjoying the pub life in the evenings. To be fair, there is sun light until after 11:00 this time of year so the evening can get away from you very quickly.
I really enjoyed catching up with all the friends I've made in Westport over the years. In fact, I'm thinking of buying an apartment there and renting it out as a holiday home when we're not there. I absolutely love this town.
Since there was no surf to be found on the weekend I spent  Friday night in Cong (where they filmed The Quite Man) at my friend Patrick's house and mountain biked all over the grounds at Ashford Castle. Saturday evening I hooked up with my buddy Danny to watch his son play Gaelic football (brutal sport) and dinner with the fam after that. Then on Sunday I went to a kids soccer game with my buddy Cathal and had lunch with his wife Pam in town afterwards. Finally, on Sunday night we had a home cooked dinner at Ger's house. These are the friendliest, down to earth humans on this globe.

Bridge Street

Croagh Patrick

Mountain Biking on the grounds of Ashford Castle 

Charlie and Uncle John

View from the hotel parking lot

Westport House

At the end of the Quay

The Helm - Best pub in town

Ger, Carla, JD, Conor and Mary

Direct Flight DUB - LAX 

The only way to fly

Fickle Friday

Smaller in size from Wednesday, a little drained out but a few sets here and there made it worthwhile.

Late Again

I planned to go at dawn but my colleagues in Ireland decided that a couple of early meetings were needed related to my projects. No worries, I paddled out just before 9:00 instead. All I can say is it was good: 

Surfing

Wanted to go Monday, but the onshore wind was a buzzkill so I decided to sleep in. No surf for me today but tomorrow is looking good. I hope the local fishing boats aren't chumming the water offshore like they did this morning. LOL

On another note, I was conflicted last night on the final with JJF and Kolohe. I so wanted Kolohe to win his first event but JJF was on fire as usual. Good on both of them.