« What Do You Do To Clear The Cobwebs Out? »

We've all been through this before, we all have writer's block from time to time. Sometimes we're not feeling it or are so consumed with "stuff" that the creative juices aren't flowing. So what do the tough folks do when the going gets this way? Well, this one is packing up the ol' truck and the 24' fully loaded Taj Mahal with a license plate (travel trailer) and going surfing!

That's right! I'm packing up the wife and kids, 3 boards, a fridge full of food and drink (including the makings for Smores using leftover chocolate bunny fragments), some firewood and heading out to camp (okay it's not really camping) right on the sand at one of my favorite surf spots north of San Diego near San Onofre CA. The military was kind enough to reserve a small strip of beach for military recreational use. There are picnic tables with patio covering, fire rings, showers, baths, laundry facilities (for those on extended stay, but what's to wash, shorts and t-shirts?), a jungle gym, trailers to rent and full hookups for those of us that like to bring our own. And then there's the surf spot, it's a fun, peeling right hand wave that follows the shoreline into a little bay. It's a rocky bottom and on a larger swell can technically be a challenging wave. I've carved many a turn and been chased by many sections of whitewash that never seemed to catch me. The military doesn't keep other surfers out of the water so it's a mellow spot that seems exempt from localism and "my wave" wavehogs and the overly agressive surfers that are intent on not enjoying themselves.

But not here! I plan on building sandcastles, shell hunting, staring at clouds, a few bonfires and of course, SURFING!! This time of year, especially midweek, hardly anyone is out so crowds will be minimal. Plus it's a military base so mayhem is non-existent, except for the occasional game of tag with a glee-squealing, grinning kid and a fresh from the water hug for my wife Barb.

I'll have plenty to do when I return. Thankfully my assistant is on the ball and fully capable of TCB while I'm away.

So what do you do (or what will you be doing) this year to clear your mind? What will help you recharge your batteries?

Take care, Have a great week!

Marvin