Rock Stars Behaving Nautically (Redux)

Reports have revealed that 2012's Nelson's Pursuit Race champion recently returned to the Caribbean to defend his title. A repeat for our Pete was not to be as this year's trophy went to Peter Harrison's 115-foot Farr-designed Sojana with captain Marc Fitzgerald and helmsman Poul Hoj-Jensen.

Unfazed by his unsuccessful defense of the NPR championship, our windmilling wayfarer took time out for some work in the good deeds department. He made a rather handsome donation of a half-dozen Lazer Picos to the National Sailing Academy. As our coworker--who happened to grow up on the island--said, donating these sailboats to the children of Antigua was a "pretty wonderful thing to do". Link to story: Picos donated to National Sailing Academy by Pete Townshend and The Who

Photos by Kevin Johnson

An Ice Time

TSG isn't ashamed to admit that we're pretty damn wimpy when it comes to outdoor activities in the cold (possibly due to our thin Californian blood?) 44 degrees isn't our idea of prime hiking weather but the sun was out--so we hit the trail for a couple of hours and got some interesting pics of mud puddles in the bargain.

Huell Howser 1945-2013

TSG doesn't like to do obits, but we have to take a moment to remember the irrepressible spirit of one of California's greatest fans, Huell Howser.  Over the last couple of decades, his show California's Gold has taken viewers to the far ends of our home state. (Quite literally--four episodes were dedicated to visiting the "four corners" of California.)  Huell's endless enthusiasm and over-the-top curiosity made for a unique travel guide, and earned him a guest spot on The Simpsons (as "Howell Huser").

Huell's style may be an acquired taste, but we at TSG loved watching his shows and his infectious positive attitude has certainly rubbed off on us when it comes to exploring the Golden State.  Happy trails Mr. Howser, we'll miss you.

(California's Gold episodes are available for free on iTunes)