The year in parties past

I have many photos from past parties and social events that need a forum for publishing. So with 2010 now behind us, seems like a good time for some reflection. But first(!) some windsurfing news. Finally, after almost a month of hibernation, the trades are looking like they're ready for a real return. We had some warm up wind two days ago and again today (for the new year) and starting tomorrow perhaps almost a week long stretch of trades is coming up. And some waves. In fact, tomorrow has this surf forecast "Surf along north facing shores will be 6 to 10 feet through early Sunday, increasing to heights of 18 to 24 feet Sunday afternoon." But its a WNW swell so it won't be that big on Maui, maybe half the height. But still, big enough.

Here's the last of last year's last sunset...

After todays surprise new year's session at Kanaha, I was de-rigging next to a windsurf girl who also happened to be on a new 2011 Goya sail (we just got our 2011 4.7 a few weeks ago). We discussed all the wonderful aspects of these sails - lighter, stronger, shinier, and all that (I need a special report to cover the subject). I glanced at her truck, the rear which was plastered in bumper stickers. Very cool bumper stickers. It reminded me of an older car I had with a large rig storage box permanently attached to the top which was similarly covered on old stickers. When the car finally went to car heaven, I was more sad to lose all those stickers then almost any thing else. Anyway, here's the picture of her truck and all the truly deep and meaningful stickers...

I should mention that we saw Willie K bring in the New Year at Mulligans in Wailea.  It was one of the more amazing blues performances I've seen in a long time.  Willie seems to get better every time I see him, if that's possible.  And each show is very different, depending on the occasion.  Last night he was in full Blues Brothers meets BB King persona.  If you like blues, this was the show to see on Maui.

Now for all those party pictures.  Let me step back to the Sailworks end of summer party.  Our friend Dean couldn't make it, so he sent a poster in his place. He was crowd surfing later on. Dale brought his new family addition to the party.  Shane and the ten thirty band provided the excellent music (these guys always put on a great show, looking forward to seeing them next summer).

Still back in the Gorge, there was an art show called "Live Art at the Ruins".  A ton of very talented local artists live and work in the Hood, and this party provided a chance to see some of their art being created live.   The painting of the lady was done by Amarett (and it was most impressive to see go from a sketch to finished painting in an hour), McRae Wylde impressively welded together scrap metal into an art form, and Michelle Yamamoto showed several of her incredible paintings (such as the Geisha).  Shane and the ten thirty band also performed at this show...

Returning to Maui, it's Halloween at Moana Cafe.  Some of the worlds top windsurfers were in attendance and having a good time...

The folks in HR also know how to get dressed up for Halloween ...

All the folks from walmart came over for this gorge hoe down ...

And finally, after a concert at Maryhill Winery (very close to the well known high wind big swell windsurfing spot "The Wall"), we camped next to this very interesting architectural homage to Stonehenge...

Here's hoping that 2011 is as fun and exciting as the past year.  Looking forward to many good times with everyone.  Aloha!