Surf Report # 23

Location: Devil’s Punch Bowl State Park – 8 miles N of Newport, OR
Time: 3:30 pm- 6:30 pm
Air Temp: 65° F
Water Temp: 55° F
Wind: From N 9 mph
Waves: 5-6 ft
Gear: 5/3 wetsuit, 5 mm boots, 3 mm gloves

Gorgeous day, though arriving so late in the afternoon meant a couple of hours squinting directly into the setting sun. Left the water feeling as weathered and sun-beaten as anything from recent memory. The waves were very clean, resulting in a boat-load of amusing and lengthy rides. I can’t believe how quickly the surfing skill has been coming around with a few weeks of legitimate surf. Really starting to get the hang of riding down the line, bottom turning, etc. Nothing spectacular, but the fun quotient certainly has been getting amped up as the rides lengthen.

The Oregon State interview went really well, or at least as well as I could’ve hoped for. I interviewed with a chemistry professor and the head laboratory staff person (both were very friendly, nothing too intimidating) and toured the facilities. I guess they are down to five interviewees, down from a pretty decent number of applicants, so if nothing else I feel pretty good about making the final round. I should find out their decision within a week at the latest.

The University of Oregon also called yesterday about a similar position and I now have an interview with them tomorrow morning. Roughly the same type of laboratory work, a little better work schedule, and the same benefits. I’m less keen about living in Eugene, but we’ll play that one by ear.

Regardless of what happens with the job situation, I think I’m starting to get a handle on a rough five-year life plan. It revolves around going back to school though, so that might be little irritating, but the payoff should be worth it.

I spent the afternoon at Mary’s Peak again yesterday. A much warmer and sunnier day than last time out, but still enough cloud cover to obscure the ocean I was looking for in the distance. The best view I could manage was a hazy look at the Sisters peaks 150 miles to the east (not pictured).

Check out who’s number one on Yahoo search via a “Dog Drinking Beer” image search query. I’m so proud. Cracks me up. I still love those pictures of Taylor.

Oregon State University called a couple of days ago wanting to set up an interview for next week for a job I applied for way back at the end of August. Nuts. Now, this is where it gets a little tricky. If I were to get this job, the benefits attached to it might be enticing enough to counteract certain deficiencies of the area right now. I’m vague, it’s great.

By no means is this my dream job, but it’s getting close to that dream job work environment. Not a ton of pressure, great working environment, access to amusing lunch break diversions, cheap tuition benefits ($30/credit up to 12 credits per semester, are you kidding me?), access to athletic facilities, great work schedule.

I expect there would be more qualified candidates applying for this position than the last one I applied for, but, I think I’ve got as good a shot as anyone (other than not being an OSU grad). Whatever. I’m at the point where, really, I just want something settled. The interview is on Monday.

Surf Report # 22

Location: Devil’s Punch Bowl State Park – 8 miles N of Newport, OR
Time: 3:00 pm- 5:30 pm
Air Temp: 55° F
Water Temp: 56° F
Wind: From N 11 mph
Waves: 5 ft
Gear: 5/3 wetsuit, 5 mm boots, 3 mm gloves, .5 mm hood

Dan and I went out again. Dan was surfing as well as I’ve seen him surf, standing and catching some longer rides (and adding to the gaping hole in his wetsuit). About the same as last time out with a little less abuse imposed on our persons. Good long period waves, plenty of oomph. The wind gusted quite a bit and our waves were more blown out at times. But, just wait a few minutes and it’s all good again. No complaints. Super fun as always.