Apologies for later than normal posting post-surf as I've been experiencing problems uploading with Blogger. Ben and I did indeed get over to Sandilands on Friday afternoon and enjoyed a return to some surfing action. It was a day of firsts on reflection: the first time Boris had served his purpose on the east coast, the first surf since June 1st on the east coast; indeed our first surf since mid August in Cornwall.

I'd opted to go later rather than earlier, timing our arrival for about an hour before low tide. Though not the ideal state of tide, the breeze was forecast to drop off to very light and I was banking on the swell to pick up some more on the turn. As it was conditions were good enough with plenty of clean wave to make it worthwhile on arrival.

We were soon changed and in having both opted for fins set at the back of the box for speed. This was perhaps the wisest choice as the receding tide was making timing awkward to say the least, requiring plenty of paddling to get into them. Hence why it took us both 15 -20 minutes to catch any sort of notable wave. Once wired though we were soon up to speed and picking and choosing between the mellow rights and lefts, and the odd rogue bomb close in.

It was around 3.15 when Naips announced his arrival in typical enthusiastic and vocal fashion. A true character on this stretch of coast! He joined the logging crew before opting to sponge as low tide took a hold, by which time Ben and I hit a nice spell and sequence of waves each.

Ironically as the tide did begin to flood again, conditions deteriorated markedly which encouraged Ben to call it time after only an hour a quarter in. I soon followed when it became clear the best had been had, and was unlikely to change before dark. Then came the next 'first' as my return to Boris was marked with a mug of hot choc made my Junior himself. Wonders will never cease.
posted by wollocks at 5:24 PM

Jury Service has ended on a feeling of anti climax but I have a chance to exorcise this by going over to Sandilands later this afternoon with Ben. Shall have a quick lunch, load up Boris and head over to meet up with Naips around 2.30pm. With the other day to day frustrations of late, I could really do with some waves!
posted by wollocks at 12:00 PM

Something is bound to crop up, it usually does of late.

This would suggest the threat of imminent swell and how fate will decree that I don't get a look in! The signs are good for a potentially ideal set of elements to combine from tomorrow onwards here on the east coast. This time though I'm hopeful of being able to trundle over with Ben and get in for the first time since we returned from Cornwall over two months ago!

As ever though a cloud looms which may just deny us, this time in the shape of Jury Service which I'm due to complete....tomorrow! There is though cause for hope insofar as no new trials usually begin on a Friday, and I expect to find out later today that I will not be required to go into Lincoln tomorrow as a result. Even so a doubt looms as this has been a frustrating two weeks 'doing my public duty', and it wouldn't surprise me if there isn't yet another twist. Yesterday [Weds] underlined exactly what I mean:

My first week was a total non-event spent waiting around, sent home early, called in late; that kind of scenario. Not a sniff of a court room in fact, as potential trials were called off with late guilty pleads, 'illnesses' and other time wasting tactics to boot. Despite this, I couldn't help but want to get involved and was keen to get into a 'starting 12'.

Come Monday just gone it looked as if at last I'd get my wish, when I was selected onto a jury panel which this time actually made it into a court room! I was one of three 'rejectees' who weren't drawn from the hat, and with this being my second week and eventually not required the following day, I figured my chance had gone.

Then yesterday on being recalled I found myself on a panel again with every chance of a 5+ day trial to get teeth into. We assembled late morning and discovered things were due to start around 2pm which allowed an extended lunch break. Two o'clock came and went but assurances were forthcoming that we'd at least get sworn in before the day ended. Around 5.10 we did eventually get the call, only to discover that the defence had just pleaded guilty and there was to be no trial. We had been called in only to be apologised to for the inconvenience; which was appreciated, but boy did the dock get the 'stink eye'!

I shall know after 5pm whether or not I do have to go in again tomorrow [Fri], and if not, it's down to the elements to play ball to stop me going completely mad :o(
posted by wollocks at 9:59 AM