Sunday, November 25, 2012

Trip Recap: Turkey Day in NYC

I may have failed to do daily posts of our recent trip to New York City, but that is simply because we had too much fun and I had so little energy at the end of the day.

The single thing that made this trip so much easier was the gracious offer of housing at my friend's apartment. Not only did we save big time bucks but we also benefitted from his convenient location and thoughtful suggestions on sights and restaurants. 

First let me hit the highlights of the trip and then bombard you with some sample photos from the weekend. 

On day one we rode the train to the Museum of Natural History and got to see the baloons for the Macy's Day Parade all blown up and pinned to the streets by big nets and sandbags. We walked home and stopped at Eataly, and Italian market/restaurant for a light snack. This would be one of several trips to Eataly. It was a bit pricy, but phenomanally delicisous. 

On Thursday, we woke early and got to 49th and 6th to grab our spot in line for the big parade. Our spot was so close I feel like I am now friends with Carly Ray Jepsen, Chet Atkins, Whoopi Goldberg, and The Elf on the Shelf. 

Immediately after the play finished, we took the short stroll to NBC studios and watched a taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Rashida Jones and Jimmy did a rocking medley of contemporary hits with a holiday-themed twist. Man-o-man, I wish you could have seen it.... but wait, you can. Click HERE. keep an eye out for the guy in the top right of the crowd high clapping in a red plaid shirt... yeah, that is me. The wife and mom-in-law are to my left. I also got to shake Jimmy's hands. They are surpisingly soft.



Wi did manage to have a Thanksgiving Meal. I went to a nice grocery store near the apartment where they had some pre-made goodies. Stuffing, turkey breast, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Yum.

On Friday we spent time down at the 9/11 memorial. It is really a beautiful site. There is a lot of construction going on down there as they raise other buildings and complete a visitors center, but you can tell, once it is complete, it will be gorgeous.

Let's see, what else. We grabbed a cheap burger and beer at a place called Corner Bistro that was really cool. It was great to see some reasonably priced foods. Nothing special. Just a good burger with good beer.

On Saturday, I finally made it to the local Manahattan Fly Shop: The Urban Angler. That deserves an entire post in itself, so I'll just stop for now by saying, it is a great shop with knowledgable staff and some very sweet rods, art, clothes, and equipment.

Saturday afternoon we used our turkey leftovers to make a turkey white sauce pasta. That induced a deep coma in the girls only to be woken by me when it time to head to see our only show we paid for: A Prairie Home Companion. It was a great show with a new favorite musician: Aoife o'Donovan (pronounced Eee-fa). Also, some awesome jokes and, as always, Lake Wobegon. The show is archived here.

Other noteable thigns included the Union Square Market, Peels for brunch, buying Starbucks coffee in exchange for toilet usage, and weather that couldn't have been much better.

Okay, time for the photos.


Prime spots at the parade.

The Parade Begins.

That's not Jimmy Fallon, but he let us into the show.

9/11 Memorial.

Delicious bread from Eataly.

Thangsgiving Leftovers go Italian.

a famous skinny building.

The Urban Angler - Manhattan.

The Union Square Market.

Public Transportation. 

3 Shades of Beer.

Brunch at Peels. 


Friday, November 16, 2012

Rest Easy, Friday Night: Vol. 11: New Video Edition

Breaking the rules a bit for the Rest Easy, Friday Night post, but I hope you'll excuse me. Tonight, instead of group of songs from a selected artist you'll find just one video with one song. This is the video I put together from the recent trip to Harkers Island in search of False Albacore. How'd it go? Play the video and find out.

Have a great weekend!

"Harkers Island 101"



The folks who fish from the shore of Harkers Island, North Carolina are lovingly referred to as the "Sand People." Just like the Tusken Raiders from those movies that one guy (George Loomis or something?) made, little is known about the Sand People and their lifestyle. I present to you a short expose about the elusive fly fisherman and their obsessive quest to hook up with a False Albacore from the banks of Harkers Island. Was this trip a success? You'll just have to watch and see for yourself.

Filmed with my iphone and goproHD
Music by me.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Harker's Island: The Preview

While I shuffle through video and wait for Kevin  (photos are courtesy of him) to write a great report and Andy to share all his awesome photos, I'll give you the main details.

1. It was gorgeous.

2. I got sleepy waiting for the elusive False Albacore.




3. And I had an awesome time and caught an amazing puffer fish.



4. Please give me a few days or so get some sort of video together that both solidifies the memory (or the way I want to remember it), and come up with something that is, at least, mildly interesting.

Have a great week!!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

2:23AM



The path before you
Winding, Is only as long
As it needs to be


_______________________


Camping gear? Check.
Fishing gear? Check.
False Albacore? ...... Pending.....

Stay Tuned.....