When the ocean gets churned up, what is this sea foam?

| October 22, 2024

Brenda and I have been working hard to walk the beach while on our annual October vacation to Florida. This year the ocean weather has been windy, a bit rainy … but warm. We’ve found the longer than usual walk challenging as the waves and tide has shrunk the beach and churned the water. We’ve […]

Talk about slurping your food! #video

| April 8, 2024

Whale sharks certainly know how to slurp their food — they are big eaters! 

Archive: Memories from our October 2023 beachy vacation

| October 29, 2023

Before the photos from our October 2023 vacation to Florida are buried too deep on my phone, I’ll use this weekend post as is an excuse to archive them. Brenda and I had great weather for most of our vacation and enjoy many days walking on Delray Beach. She has recovered from hip surgery impressively […]

Take a peaceful walk on the beach with me …

| October 15, 2023

Who doesn’t need a little peace in their lives after this past week of unrest in the Middle East? Thankfully Brenda and I had a chance to escape reality, unwind a little bit, have a banana (photo right) … and walk along a sandy beach. We came across a Stand up Paddler #SUP enjoying a […]

The Hadley, Polar and Ferrel Cells and Surf Dancing #video

| June 25, 2023

Someone shared a National Geographic map on climate from a “years ago” issue and I found the discussion of the Hadley, Polar and Ferrel Cells interesting … I even had to look them up. The atmosphere transports heat throughout the globe extremely well, but present-day atmospheric characteristics prevent heat from being carried directly from the […]

Archive: Catch-up photos from April 2023 trip to Florida

| April 23, 2023

A trip to Florida would not be compete without at least one timeline marking photo of us … so this catch-up post with a few leftover photos from our “condo window installation” trip will start with a Brenda and Rich beach photo.  Between a few rain and heavy wind days, we had some sunny and […]

A bit more on the Portuguese Man O’ Wars this past week

| February 18, 2023

Brenda commented that I didn’t link any information on the the large numbers of Portuguese Man O’ Wars earlier this week, so figured I would share a beach photo of a bourgeoning Portuguese Man O’ War spawn that were washing up all over the beach this past week (click above). The interesting colored spot on […]

Audiobook: “Lethal Tides” by Catherine Musemeche

| October 1, 2022

Another interesting story tied to scientific development during World War 2 has crossed my email inbox from WSJ+.  This one is about the virtually unknown Mary Sears, “the first oceanographer of the Navy.” Her groundbreaking oceanographic research led the U.S. to victory in the Pacific theater during World War II, according to the summary. I’m […]

Friday Filler: Photos like this bring peace and tranquility

| August 26, 2022

Another “too lazy to blog” Filler Friday post.  Instead I will fill this space with a photo that brings me peace and tranquility. Who wouldn’t mind hanging a hammock in the shade and pretending there wasn’t a care in the world (where is this?)?

Music Monday: “That’s My Wave” by Jimmy Buffett

| August 22, 2022

While listening to Radio Margaritaville and relaxing in the backyard at the end of the day last week, another Life On The Flipside song caught my ear and started me thinking about how I’m missing sailing and the ocean. I’m not an active surfer, although “IF” I still had decent balance (see Menieres), I wouldn’t […]

A Blue Whale in clear water off the coast of Western Australia

| November 7, 2021

Maybe it is just me, but seeing this drone photo of a Blue Whale off the coast of Western Australia was impressive. Australia is one of those countries on my bucket list, but it is such a long and expensive flight … and Australia is a huge country to visit in a single trip, that […]

Friday Filler Video: This dad make surfing with kids look easy

| July 30, 2021

Professional surfer Billy Kemper — and his son Lion — surfing together. Surfer Billy Kemper says he glimpsed at death after a wave broke his pelvis in half (CNN) – It was a tiny error in judgement, but within seconds he realized that the consequences could be potentially life threatening. “That wave sucked me up […]

To have both ears working, my balance and to be young again

| June 30, 2021

I enjoy the ocean but haven’t really had my equilibrium and balance back since my 2-year bout with Meniere’s Disease 20 years ago. That’s a bit depressing since I still have the desire to switch out our surfboard for a longboard (or SUP). That dream aside … my wife will tell you that I wasn’t […]

Prepping for summer and admiring a porch view from a friend

| June 2, 2021

Although I’ve enjoyed summertime on the beach ever since I was a little boy (we live on a beach), there is something relaxing about seeing the photo above that a friend sent me from his families rented beach house in North Carolina … it look very relaxing. The older I get, the more I enjoy […]

Would you feel safe swimming with an Orca Pod? #video

| August 26, 2020

Just a filler video that I found eye-opening since my wife Brenda is a openwater, correction … shoreline swimmer. 😮

Getting close to nature … this might be too close!

| April 25, 2020

Once upon a time, I worked at Sea World in Aurora, Ohio. I did not work with the Killer Whales (Orcas), but was fortunate enough to have been able to “hang out” with them when the park was closed. I would often enjoy sitting on lunch breaks watching them “watching me” while exercising in the […]

We need to get back to doing our sailing thing #TBT

| November 7, 2019

Although we have recently returned from a nice two week vacation (Part One, Two and Three) and finishing up projects at the condo, I was reminded when looking at a post from 5 years ago for Throwback Thursday #TBT, just how relaxed we were and how much we enjoyed our time together sailing Encore (it […]

How does a clam dig under the sand? #video

| November 6, 2019

Occasionally something appears on one of my sailing social media feeds that is just too cool not to share on the blog. I would give the original author credit for the video, but unfortunately, it has been passed around on too many feeds – perhaps he/she will see it here and contact me? (although I […]

Vacation Part 3: A few left over photos and video from the beach

| October 27, 2019

There were a few extra photos and some video of Brenda swimming on my iPhone from our Delray Beach, Florida vacation last week, so I’ll archive them and make a Vacation Part 3 post (Part 1 and Part 2). Nothing spectacular … but viewing the video and listening to the water and wave below is […]

If you need a workout, try #PumpSurfing

| August 6, 2019

One can only imagine (unless you have tried it), the kind of workout it would be to race past a sailing vessel on a surfboard with a pump-foil attachment? Impressive.

Surfing done right on Sunday – The Long Ride #video

| August 4, 2019

Who doesn’t wish they could surf like this?

When surfing or on a SUP, a dolphin can be a bully too

| July 31, 2019

Dolphins and humans have a few things in common – there are bullies in both species.

Do you recycle or think about your environmental footprint?

| July 24, 2019

As a conservation minded “conservative” and as someone who has always balanced the cost vs benefits of decisions, I once thought “recycling” was as simple as “not littering” and cleaning up pollution highlighted by the 1971 ad campaign (Iron Eyes Cody photo above). From an early age we were bombarded by pointing out how careless […]

The diver who recreated the “Jaws” movie poster photo (& others)

| May 29, 2019

It is summer and what is more “summery” than being out in the sun and going to the beach … and thinking about “JAWS.” Yikes! Ever since the iconic “we’re going to need a bigger boat” Jaws movie came out in 1975, most people have been both fascinated and fearful of the Great White Shark. […]

Have a “leaping” great weekend! (testing a new blog tweak)

| March 8, 2019

Animated GIF of Dolphin pod jumping and leaping

Photog unknown, but a beautiful beach/surfer filler photo #TBT

| February 28, 2019

I enjoyed this photo enough to use it as my “too lazy to blog” filler photo for the day … and just to make it a ThrowBack Thursday #TBT … how about a photo with my buddy Mark Jones from 2014 looking down from up on Encore’s mast? 🙂

The Great White Shark hunting from below #photo #filler

| February 20, 2019

Just an ominous filler photo that you probably don’t want to be looking at before going for a swim in the ocean. The Great White Shark can definitely give you nightmares. EDIT 2/22/2019 with an image from a Twitter friend: Let’s just hope sharks don’t like the crunchy texture of surfboards?

Let’s go swimming … come on in, the water is fine. #sharks

| January 23, 2019

A filler post, but not a good photo for those nervous about swimming in the ocean. The photos last week from a couple of freedivers in Hawaii swimming with a massive Great White Shark known as #DeepBlue really has me wondering just how wise it is to be that adventurous. There is a fine line […]

A face only another shark can love … or maybe not?

| August 28, 2018

Just a couple of different #sharkshares this past week – they always make “attractive” photos for the blog! #NationalToothFairyDay Are we sure we want to celebrate this? pic.twitter.com/5jDE5Uf8Hd — Big Peg, Diva of the Sea (@MakoPeggy) August 22, 2018

Will motion exercises on land aid in preventing seasickness?

| June 1, 2018

Tom Hoskins wrote an interesting article on "Overcoming Seasickness by Habituation On Land" and although parts of it seems humorous (lamp shade and swings), the testing of motion sickness on land makes a good deal of sense … especially the testing the meds one might try when going sailing. Better to know in advance how […]

Fantastic sperm whale and diver photo … if it is real?

| March 9, 2018

One never knows anymore if photos are real or Photoshopped .. . but this filler post photo of a sperm whale and snorkeling photographer is amazing.

Windsurfers and Waves … and getting some air! #video

| January 6, 2018

Filling space with a 22 second video clip and testing “autoplay” and “loop.” https://myarchive.us/av/windsurferbigwaves.mp4

A great photo that gives meaning to whales being gentle giants

| December 26, 2017

California Gray Whale watching is on most ocean lovers "want to do list" but few have up close and personal opportunities like this. Part of me wants whales to "fear" humans and keep their distance (for their own protections and survival), where another part of me loves seeing the bond between mammals and knowing the […]

The ocean and whales – giants among us

| May 13, 2017

A few years ago I posted an image of a sailboat having an encounter with a whale … just imagine swimming or paddling with something this big … there are truly giants among us. (The Fin and Blue Whale)

So very true: Living Near Water Can Reduce Stress

| June 7, 2016

The other day in Mental Floss I read that a "Study Confirmed What We Already Knew: Living Near Water Can Reduce Stress." I can attest to this since we lived by the water when I was a boy. My parents had a home on the shores for Lake Erie with a 150 foot private beach […]

Escaping for a minute while writing lunchtime Python scripts

| February 25, 2016

The American Pi blog was due for an update (including on MyDesultoryBlog.com too!) and thought escaping for a minute to gaze into water and sky of the right color for this dreary February afternoon was a good idea. Why am I still in Cincinnati again?

An amazing wave and impressive ride #surfing

| February 22, 2016

Lost at sea: the man who vanished for 14 months

| November 9, 2015

In November 2012, Salvador Alvarenga went fishing off the coast of Mexico. Two days later, a storm hit and he made a desperate SOS. It was the last anyone heard from him – for 438 days. This is his story Source: Lost at sea: the man who vanished for 14 months

Video: A Great White Shark is not a puppy

| May 26, 2015

Norwegian Dawn gets hung up on a Bermuda reef

| May 20, 2015

I'm remembering the tight entries and snake like departures from Bermuda a few years ago … it was just a matter of time. In this photo provided by the Royal Gazette, the Norwegian cruise ship Norwegian Dawn, lies aground near Bermuda's North Channel Tuesday, May 19, 2015. The Norwegian cruise ship Norwegian Dawn, lies aground […]

Anchor from Blackbeard’s ship raised

| May 11, 2015

The nearly 3,000-pound anchor was raised from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the flagship of the notorious pirate that he intentionally grounded off the North Carolina coast in 1718. It is the largest artifact yet recovered from the wreck. Source: Anchor from Blackbeard’s ship raised after 293 years off North Carolina coast

These Great White Sharks could use a little Botox treatment

| April 9, 2015

Nothing like being it the water while photographing Great White Sharks to get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing (hopefully in a cage). With views this close (click for slightly larger) you can even count the freckles or maybe get a price for Botox! A school teacher, Amanda Brewer, took this picture while cage-diving in […]

Are Bull Sharks the most dangerous at popular beaches?

| September 10, 2014

Mention Great White, Tiger and Hammerhead to most people at the beach and they will usually bristle with concern or at least know you are talking about “dangerous” sharks. Mention the Bull Shark and NOT many realize that IF the minuscule chance of a shark attacked occurred, the Bull Shark would very likely be the […]

No waves? No problem.

| July 6, 2014

Now tell me that these electric surfboards wouldn’t be fun? Depending on charging and battery life, having one of these would be great at a beach cottage or to have when cruising or chartering. An Aquila Electric Board has to be better than “sea lice” when it comes to noise.

The Amazing Octopus

| June 27, 2014

One of the bests jobs in the world – Surf Photographer

| June 25, 2014

click for short OneDrive slideshow or a video interview below As someone who loves the ocean and has enjoyed photography since I set up my first darkroom in 7th grade, Surf Photographer Clark Little has the greatest job in the world … or maybe the "surf is just bluer on the other side of the […]

Katharine is an immature Great White Shark, but she is still big

| May 13, 2014

The team at Ocearch tagged a Great White Shark they named Katharine off the Cape Cod coast of Massachusetts in August of 2013, but this 14+ foot 2,300 pound “immature” female has been checking out the Florida coastline and yesterday a beach near Sebastian. A few more miles south and we might see her poke […]

Unmanned school project sails the Atlantic … sort of

| March 10, 2014

   I love these kinds of  school projects … An English fisherman got an unexpected greeting from a Morristown [New Jersey] school this week, when a five-foot unmanned sailboat — at sea for a year and a half — made its way down the English Channel and caught his eye. The Crimson Tide, a sailboat […]

Is Atlantic White Shark Conservancy sending a wrong message?

| February 23, 2014

Ocean and marine life preservation is a noble cause and something I’ve supported and have been part of since the 1970’s, but I’m not fond of sending misleading messages. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s ecommerce “shop” website is using an attention getting image (artwork) portraying a diver swimming face to face with a Great White […]

Tracking Sharks with Ocearch.org iPhone app

| January 11, 2014

It’s been interesting watching the track of Katharine, (a GPS tagged 14’2” immature 2300 pound Great White Shark) this week along the north and central coast of Florida using the global shark tracker iPhone app from Ocearch.org. In previous posts watching Mary Lee (a 16 foot 3456 pound Great White) we saw her well south […]

Diana Nyad completes her record swim

| September 2, 2013

It is not like my long distance swimming wife needs an additional incentive to keep swimming further and further, but hearing this is sure to keep Brenda‘s motivation alive. Congratulations to long distance swimmer Diana Nyad in succeeding in her open water swim “without a shark cage” from Havana to Key West this Labor Day […]

When shark fishing, a picture is worth 1000 words

| August 15, 2013

A couple fishermen with a dogfish (shark family) on their line happened to lured something a little bigger as they reeled in their catch.

Amazing pod of Killer Whales having fun

| August 7, 2013

http://youtu.be/kjDvaT5z1Lk

Tandem surfing in Australia

| June 26, 2013

It has been a while since I’ve posted anything on surfing … so here’s a feel good story from down-under.

The most interesting thing you will learn this weekend

| November 24, 2012

I’ve enjoyed beachcombing and ocean exploring all my life, but I never realized just how important the prehistoric looking horseshoe crab is to biomedical science and pharmaceutical research. For 30 years I’ve had shells, sand terrariums and even a horseshoe crab shell hanging in my office but never knew all that much about them … […]

Caught myself thinking like my father did back in the 1970s

| November 21, 2012

  While surfing for family news and goings-on for Thanksgiving, I saw a photo on my son’s Facebook page with a couple of his high school friends. I recall that they recently visited with him at Miami University and remembered Taylor told me that they were still pursuing their music dream. Of course after seeing […]

Let’s play follow the leader …

| October 19, 2012

… but please close your mouth. 🙂

Shark or dolphin? A brief moment of panic …

| September 20, 2012

For surfers, there’s nothing worse than spotting a large gray figure swimming underneath you. In that brief moment where the brain tries to process the information, the body can go into shock, which is downright debilitating. Rookie pro Kolohe Andino had a tough second-round match at the Hurley Pro, and then he had the real […]

A couple oceans of the world photos – sharks, fish and rays

| June 18, 2012

  I’m either too busy or too lazy to add a post for Monday … as both Sunday night and Monday morning have disappeared. Instead, I’ll reshare  a couple interesting oceans of the world photos. (Sharks with schools of fish and a large “Batoidea” migration.)

Kayak surfing Nelscott Reef in Oregon

| May 30, 2012

Living on the edge when it comes to navigating natural hazards in the breaking ocean isn’t for the average kayak surfer … one mistake and not only will the sea and reef grind your plastic boat to bits … it most likely would do the same for flesh and bone. "There is something about knowing […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog