East Coast Visit (with Noe and the BRM Maliko 5.1)

I spent the past couple of weeks back on the East Coast.  Half for work and half for visiting my Dad.

I didn't bring ocean going stuff - I had looked at the forecast and it was not calling for much if anything (except for Cape Hatteras - but I didn't have the time to swing by this trip - plus it is the middle of the summer mad rush....)

This was the North End of Virginia Beach - tiny surf.

Mermaid's purse.

One thing that was new - there is a Wegman's in Virginia Beach now!!!  I wish I had a kitchen in my hotel... pan fried crab cakes...

This was South Gate on Dam Neck - one of my favorite VaBch surf spots!

And then I had a ground handling/adjusting session with the BRM Maliko 5.1 parawing.

I'd fly it, adjust the bridle positions, fly it, adjust, then start over.  The end spots are slightly different than the 4.0 bar mods, but the size differences alone warrant those.

Then Noe arrived!!!  She checked out Old Dominion University and once I was done with the work trip, we also checked out Duke University.

This was the Buc-ee's in Florence, South Carolina - "Fresh Brisket on the Floor!!!"

This was at the biggest tourist trap known to mankind - South of the Border in South Carolina!!!

This place used to be open 24/7/365.  Now they close at 8pm.

We eventually got down to Jacksonville, Florida.

Here I am flying the 5.1 at Mayport Beach.  This is near the spot where I learned to surf.

Ground handling the parawing is pretty fun in itself.  Definitely helps to develop muscle memory for flying it on the water.

At Lolo's house!

The rest of the trip was eating - this is Seafood Kitchen

This was at a place that my Mom liked going to - Cap'n D's

And this is another one of my parent's favorites - Sonny's Real Pit BBQ

This Marbled Beef Brisket was so decadent...

And my Dad really likes the St Louis Sweet and Savory ribs

Good trip back to the East Coast!

Shrimp Summer Rolls for Dinner!

Last night, La was on fire (cooking spree).  She made shrimp scampi and a bunch of these shrimp summer rolls.

Sooooo gooood!!!!!

The New Shirokiya Food Court

If you've been to Ala Moana Mall, you've probably been to Shirokiya's. If you've been to Shirokiya's then you've probably eaten in their food court area. Prepared Japanese and local foods as well as made to order meals like ramen abound. Well - they moved the food court to where the old Sears used to be. Seating for 800 and not 1, not 2, not 3, but 7 aisles (I think - I lost count) of vendors to chose your lunch from. Pretty crazy and overwhelming. Add in the crowd and you get overloaded quick. But it did remind me of trying to get a bite to eat in Yokohama or Tokyo.

Lunch Break and Seeking Out the Assassin

La and the kiddoroosters were in town and free during lunchtime, so they picked me up and we went out to lunch!!! I took them to a spot I have been wanting to try out, but haven't had the time to get to - Ahi Assassins. Note the business hours - these guys go out on their off days and catch the fish they serve on the on days. Delicious food - well worth every penny Smart people work here and make wonderful food for savvy customers - and they get to go fishing as part of their job!!! Go check them out - near UH where Berentania St starts.

Poor Arthropods

They took the bait only because they were hungry. They didn't want to be locked up in a glass box, not eating a meal for days or even weeks. But here they are... waiting for the end... Hmmmmmmm, now I'm hungry....

Local Fish and Crabs Not from Around Here

I stopped off at Pacific Market in Waipahu to pick up a cutting board. They had a bunch of local fish for sale (but they weren't really fresh...) They also had blue crabs for sale - and most were still alive! Hmmmmmmm.....

Seattle for the Day

We headed up to Seattle for the day - we started by checking out Emerald Water Anglers. Nice shop with a really cool fly organizing system. After that we made out way to Pike's Place Market. We saw the Duck Truck fleet partying it up in the streets. Lots of people at the market.... No shortage of fish and fishing references We went to have some chowder at the Pacific Place Mall (no lines like at the Market). Ended up walking around Belltown for a bit. And we finished off the day at the Asian district near the stadiums. Fun day checking out Seattle and catching up with my bro Landon at the sushi joint!!!