Sunset Ranch -- For All of Us

On the top of the mountain, behind Sunset Beach, is a 27 acre parcel of land that has spectacular views of the coastline all the way to Kaena Point. This property has just been designated a CONSERVATION EASEMENT which means the owners have title and the land will never be developed. Sunset Ranch will be used for events (it can accommodate 1,000), education, agriculture, and equestrian (horse) training and schooling. Wow!! This is great for our neighborhood! Learn more at: www.sunsetranchhawaii.com

Here's Where it Is

This map of Oahu shows the North Shore. I believe it's the finest place in America to live---right out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The sense of community is strong, the air is clean, the temperture's perfect year round, 75 degrees, and I'm in the country at the beach--what more could a dog want? The yellow area on the map is another parcel of land in the same area that was recently saved from development, just like Sunset Ranch. Bravo to the young men and women in my community for being hardworking stewards and preserving precious land for future generations--Douglas Cole, Blake McElheny, and Denise Antolini.

He Made it Happen----Hooray!

Greg Pietsch is the grandson of conservationist and original owner of Sunset Ranch, Charlie Pietsch. His mission, now, is to become a spokesperson and advocate promoting CONSERVATION EASEMENT throughout the Hawaiian Islands. It took many, many months of intensive, determined energy and collaboration to make his vision a reality. (Thanks, Blake, for planting the seed.)

For All Generations

Grandpa Larry MeElheny played music at the dedication of Sunset Ranch and later in the afternoon he watched his sweet little grandson, La'e, enjoy and explore the wide open grassy fields. What a joyous celebration under white tents with fabulous food served by Wahoo Fish Taco, and lots of very proud community members smiling and hugging. This event was just another of many reasons to love the North Shore.

Everyone was Invited to Sunset Ranch and Look Who Showed Up!

Yes, I am in the "Country"! So there are always, and I mean always, wild roosters and hens running around all over the neighborhood. Maybe we should think about changing the state bird from Nene Goose to Chicken. What do you think?
(You may have noticed this bird next to the map of Oahu in a previous photo. It was quite friendly.)

The First Jewel of the Triple Crown

The Reef Hawaiian Pro is the first surfing contest of three comprising the Triple Crown of Surfing. This first competition is held in Haleiwa, my little beach town. Cannelle from Reunion Island, and Justine, with the colorful board, from Lacanau, France, will compete in the Women's Hawaiian Pro. They were practicing their wave riding skills after the last heat ended at 4:00 and they surfed until dark. These last three contests of the Triple Crown will end the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) 2010 World Surfing Tour.

Anyone for a Taco?

Matt was working for Steve who owns Cholo's Mexican Restaurant at the Haleiwa Market Place. Steve just outfitted this very spiffy lunch wagon (did you notice the t.v. screen?) and was providing food for all those involved in the contest. Cholo's is the official food sponsor of the Triple Crown.

Access for Anyone

Chris, of Access Surf Hawaii, made sure that all contest goers would be able to be in a good spot to watch the competition. (The plastic walkways made it easy for Mom to move across the sand in her stylish shoes, too.) This organization facilitates access to all ocean activities in spite of disabilities. Learn more at accesssurfhawaii.org

Now, That's Mighty Impressive

This piece of camera equipment is called a "Windowseat". I can see why. It enables the operators to sweep high and low and film the surfers from many different angles. Mark, on the left, and Scott were just putting the equipment away after a long day of filming the first day of the Reef Hawaiian Pro competition. Can you find me? All three contests of the Triple Crown of Surfing can be found live streaming. Go to triplecrownofsurfing.com

"Coming to You Live from Ali'i Beach Park"

Well, what do you think? Could I be a weatherman like Guy Hagi? Guy was at the beach sending a broadcast back to all his viewers and fans. He gave them a blow-by-blow account of the wave riding conditions, and the upcoming forecast.
There has been a little rain on the North Shore lately-----and that's okay because it's what keeps this neighborhood green!

Visitors from Viking Land say, "Hej" (Hi)

There are so many tourists on the North Shore during surf season.
Veronica, on the left, and Jenny came in from Sweden for a few weeks to experience the warm temperatures and big winter waves of Hawaii. When I asked them if they like being here, both replied, "It's awesome. It's like Paradise. I want to live here!!"
Lucky, I DO live here!

Making it All Happen!

Randy Rarick, the Executive Director of the Triple Crown, is an old hand at putting on surf contests. He's been in the business for 37 years and has been promoting this final leg of the world tour for the past 28. I asked Randy how he's contributed to the sport of surfing. His reply, "I'm proud I have been able to give wave riders the opportunity to live their dream, AND get paid for it?" Randy was a pro surfer many years ago and only wished he could have been "paid to surf".

Behind the Scenes

Banzai Betty, also known as Betty DePolito, sits inside the Media Trailer and keeps tabs on everything; working directly with over 2,000 media contacts and news agencies around the world.
Her title------Video News Editor. She writes stories daily and oversees a webcast which is viewed by a quarter million people. Now, that's plenty of pressure! Good job, Betty.

Check in Here

Jodi Wilmott is the Media Director of the Triple Crown of Surfing and that is a big, very big, job. She signs in all reporters who are covering the contest, and there are many, many from around the world. Jodi's green so she made this a paperless registration.
Guess what, I signed in on the screen next to her and now I have my very own press pass!! I'm official!

Will I Wear the Crown? The Triple Crown?

Yes, that's a crown alright, next to the World Tour of Surfing trophy. The crown is just a little joke that Jodi, the Media Director, keeps around for laughs, and as a conversation piece. This trophy is one of three on different continents.
If you want to see more or know more about the Triple Crown just remember to log onto triplecrownofsurfing.com

Our Big Night--Our First BIG Event

I had a benefit for Sunset Beach Elementary to raise funds for the summer reading project called "Right on Reader". I showed a great documentary about Pipeline called FIBERGLASS AND MEGAPIXELS in Waimea Valley. There were lots of smiles! The following photos captured the evening thanks to Maika, Paula, and Elizabeth.

Back in the Valley

Waimea is one of the most beautiful and cherished spots on Oahu and it's just down the road. This valley is the first place on Oahu settled by the ancient Hawaiians. The open air space you see, called the Pikake Pavilion, was the perfect venue for a surf documentary benefit, an auction, live music, and an evening full of fun and good spirits.

Jeanne Made Pizza--Yummmmm

She grows her own tomatoes, grows her own basil and makes pesto, and makes her own mozzarella cheese, too.
With a thin crust, Big Wave Tomato is the best pizza I've ever eaten. Jeanne sold out the night of the surf movie and I can understand why!!

Everyone Pitched In

A sense of community is strong on the North Shore and that's why I love living here. When Mom needed extra hands to make the evening benefit go smoothly, she called on her neighbors and friends, and they answered the call with goodwill and open hearts.
From left to right---Yvonne, Debbie, Elizabeth, Mom, Kathy, Karen, Jan, Lisa, and Diane. MaryJo is kneeling.
Bravo to these wonderful volunteers and the many more who supported literacy at Sunset Beach Elementary!

Making Little Brains Smarter

Mom's friend, Shellie Fielden, a Brain Gym consultant, set up a table and had the children, who were welcomed to the event, do some movements to facilitate brain development. Looks like they were enjoying themselves. To learn more about getting smarter through movement go to: www.braingym.org