NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Hookups and Fishing Reports (Viewable by Public) => Topic started by: Seabreeze on May 28, 2007, 05:58:12 AM

Title: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Seabreeze on May 28, 2007, 05:58:12 AM
I guess everyone else was tired to their bones last night as well.  So, here is a first note on yesterday's farewell to our friend Steve.  My camera's battery was dead, so no pix from me.

It was exactly what you would want if you have to lose a friend too soon.  Gentle seas, launchable launch (chef salad notwithstanding), doable landings (and NCKA hands to make them all doable), good fish and great people with which to share the day.  A day obviously mixed with the forbidden tears and a day with shouts and cheers and a hearty clap on the back, or poke in the ribs, for the well caught fish.  We had big lings, nice cabbies and my personal catch was a NICE vermillion, just as I had when I last fished with the Chef here last year.

The ceremony was from the heart and the send off was mixed with cheers and those darn tears.  Hopefully, meeting some of the Chef's friends made the loss a little easier for the family who made the long drive to Mill.

The NCKA style food spread was as good as we get......Chef style tarter sauce, ling tacos and of course, so much more.........like Scwafish's mexican corn.....

On to next week and finding them big ones at SI.

Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: LoletaEric on May 28, 2007, 08:33:45 AM
Sounds like the spirit of Chef was well honored, and I'm sure those NCKA family members who could make it represented the rest of us with the love and vibrance that characterize our crew.  Thank you.   :smt001
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: SBD on May 28, 2007, 10:18:26 AM
Thanks to everyone that came and made the memorial so spectacular, it could have been any nicer.  The food was epic as always, but the sincere feelings in all around made it a proper finish to a long journey.  You could tell Stephen's family really felt the love...awesome day.

Myself, Jelly and PAL spent Friday and Saturday fishing Chef's favorite spots, and selectively catching premium fish for the memorial potluck.  On Friday we were met at Limekiln by a friendly ranger who swung the gates opened as we arrived and invited us to back down to the beach to unload into glassy seas...major good karma was upon us.

We paddled north past stunning cliffs and sweet sites like Jaspers Caves.  Jelly looking like a SUPER cool teenager...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12345&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

Once at Point Lopez the fishing was a WFO for blues etc., but a little scratchy for reds.  We had zero luck with lings.  On the way in the surf at the beach had picked up and Jelly got caught with a wave that sent him over.  His (my) rod paid the ultimate price...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12338&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

Soggy old Jelly did manage a few nice reds like this one however...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12341&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

The next day we launched into more glassy seas from Mill Creek.  We paddled south several miles to Chefs Kitchen.  We joined a GTO and Bob Neal.  Fishing was slow at the kitchen for the right kind, so we moved south and in to the kelp line. We did some  run and gun pot holing.  This strategy was much more effective and we all caught nice fish.  Jelly went on a tear...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12347&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

By the time we got back to the launch, Jelly could barely lift his high-quality stringer.  Lunch was officially served!!!

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12349&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)
 
The downside of lots of fish...3rd degree bass thumb for Jelly...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12355&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

And a lot of time at the table...

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12358&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

Couldn't think of a better trip for breaking in my new budget yak hauler.  This little Tacoma hauled us three, trailer full of yaks, and a bed full of gear up and down the hill Big Sur coast and got 23 MPG...low-bling but mighty frugal and comfy.  I love this little truck!

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12360&g2_serialNumber=1&g2_GALLERYSID=3de37da9bdb7b0aacdbbda934d97525c)

The ceremony/service/lunch was great, but I didn't take any pics.  Too busy crying/eating/drinking...it was a great bitter sweet weekend with some of the best people in the world.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Danglin on May 28, 2007, 11:10:06 AM
  Glad to hear the weather Gods smiled on you all.  Great Job on Honoring a Great Man....

 
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: jmairey on May 28, 2007, 11:50:06 AM

I never got to meet chef stefano in person, only virtually, but I will
remember him because of ncka and you who did know him well.

great pics, jelly might have to get a new nickname as he doesn't look
like a kid anymore! when did that happen?

sean, your rig is bling in the right places,  :smt002.

J
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Bill on May 28, 2007, 12:12:05 PM
It was a great day on the water with all of Chef's friends and family. Fishing was slow for  me Sunday but I didn't really care. I managed one 18" cabbie that had an awesome pattern.

I did not get and pictures or the ceremony but it was awesome. Like Sean I am prone to water works and I had plenty.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Frankfishing on May 28, 2007, 12:12:56 PM
Joel,Chuck and I arrived just before sunup with Josh and Jay.Unloaded and got on the water  closely followed by Stu and Freddie.(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12378&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12376)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12375&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12373)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12372&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12370)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12384&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12382)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12390&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12388)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12387&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12385)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12396&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12394)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12384&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12382)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12381&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12379)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12399&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12397)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12365&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12363)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12369&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12367)(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12393&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12391)......More to follow

Continued....(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12506&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=8343f7d0be31659575e940759b56db60) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12504)

I think this is my favorite shot...why we we're there for Steve...Laughter,tears and reflection.Please view gallery for the rest of the album and Thanks to all who are part of this evolving family.

Please fill free to add comments to this album. Thanks Frank

Getting to Gallery:
Click Gallery above    Home    Forum    Help  Search  Profile  My Messages  Gallery http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery  Calendar  Members  Logout

once in Gallery type click advanced search http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_view=search.SearchScan&g2_form.
type frankfishing in search box
click on memorial picture whala album.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: SBD on May 28, 2007, 01:18:02 PM
Frank...I think something is whacky in your post. I can't see your pics, but I can tell they are there.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Bill on May 28, 2007, 02:02:52 PM
Sean have you setup your gallery account yet? Click on the gallery link up top. I think it has some to do with that.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Potato_River on May 28, 2007, 03:27:32 PM
It was very touching to see the turnout this holiday weekend and to meet Stephen's family. 

On the beach, several shared kind words and talked about past memories, but I silently reflected on past, thinking of the good times, which seemed like yesterday.  The energy and comraderie was amazing. 

This was my first trip to Big Sur, and now, I realize why Steve loved this place so much.  When I go back to Big Sur, I will always think of him. 

As always, the NCKA potuck was OUTSTANDING!!!!  Great food, awesome company, and the fishing was decent too.
 
Thankyou Sean, Jelly, Paul and Steve's family for allowing me to say farwell to a good friend.

Wishing I was there, FISH HARD next weekend and take plenty of pics.
 
Stuart
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: SBD on May 28, 2007, 03:28:31 PM
???? What do I need to see Franks pics.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Pacifico on May 28, 2007, 04:00:15 PM
Great day, awesome time, delicious food.

Caught my first ever kayak rock fish.  My launch went pretty smoothly but my landing would have been a mess if it wouldn't have been for the helping hand I received....thanks!

As far as friends go...one can only hope to be as lucky as Chef was.


Bill, I don't see the pics either.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: & on May 28, 2007, 04:06:24 PM
???? What do I need to see Franks pics.

Ditto.

Was sending out some good vibes to y'all, that Chef would find his way back to the Kitchen and be at peace.  Glad you guys made it out and back safe.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Frankfishing on May 28, 2007, 04:07:23 PM
As far as the gallery as I understand  you must log in under your old log to view the Gallery?
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Big J on May 28, 2007, 04:34:59 PM
...the sincere feelings all around made it a proper finish to a long journey.  You could tell Stephen's family really felt the love...awesome day.

Yesterday was truly memorable. I've attached just a few pix that were most touching to me. Yes, Sean, the day was filled with love--you guys were/are incredible friends.

Janice aka "Big J"
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: jselli on May 28, 2007, 05:36:41 PM
Although I was unable to attend my wife and I spent some time discussing how amazing this site is and how courageous Chef was.  It is hard to believe that at the Elk Derby less than a year ago he was catching fish and creating an amazing cervice (sp?).  In memory he is an amazing inspiration and model as to how to "live life to the fullest."  Well done NCKA saying goodbye.


Solemnly
Jason
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: starfish on May 28, 2007, 05:42:25 PM
I never got to meet Steve but am glad that I had the opportunity to attend the memorial with Angel. The memorial service was a good way to reflect on life and say goodbye to a great friend.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: PAL on May 28, 2007, 09:12:16 PM
A wonderful send-off for a one-of-a-kind friend who knew how to live every day to the fullest. Goodbye brother Stephen. I'll be back to visit.

NCKA, you are a class act. You cook some tasty eats too! Very Chef worthy. 

Thanks Sean and Chris for joining me on the Tour de Chef. Jellyfish is growing into one heck of a man. That kid can fish.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: promethean_spark on May 28, 2007, 10:25:27 PM
I'd only met Chef in passing physically, but knew him well from the forums.  He certainly was a cheerful guy, whereas I probably come off as a crass hillbilly.  I doubt I'll ever attend an internment that is as much of a celebration of life and kinship as I did on sunday. 
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: sackyak on May 29, 2007, 09:05:23 AM
NCKA Knows how to say good by.  It was a truly class act.  I arrived late after fishing at San Simion with Great Bass 2 but pulled up just in time to take some photos of the memorial from the bluff over the parking area.  I will post them from home later today along with a few others.  I was able to help several people land and also assist with hauling kayaks up from the beach.  It was a pleasure to meet Chef's brother and his mother with whom I had a brief conversation and expressed how Steven had inspired me and other NCKA memebers even if we had not met him.  The food and comarodary was great.  A real celebration of a life that was cut short but will always be remembered.  Photos to come.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: mooch on May 29, 2007, 10:37:53 AM
It was a great day to honor a dear friend  :smt045

Some of us got their early enough to do some fishing and as I was paddling out, I came  across a small hump on my fish finder and immediately dropped my iron down to the depths and caught my first Ling on the season :kick...then I thanked Chef for showing me this special place  :smt045 Soon enough, I started catching several Olive Rock Fish.....and the funny thing is that I called 'em "Johnny Bass"  instead......and I remember well that it was Steve that used to call 'em that  :smt003 I just couldn't help but smile and think that Chef was right there, fishing right next to me  :smt001

I'm looking forward to fishing "Chef's Kitchen" again  :smt002
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Sturgy on May 29, 2007, 01:37:44 PM
Had a great time fishing at Big Sur. Truly a beautiful spot. I know Chef was looking down on us. Attached is a photo of Chef's brother and wife.

(http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12622&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=ab53ed53e1e8d715dac1147423b26de7) (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=12621)


Mike
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: JTF.. on May 29, 2007, 04:03:53 PM
Yep, I still call em johnny bass also, verocious little killers.  I was sad not to be able to make it, seein the pics makes it better. 

I know I'll never ever fish big sur without thinking about Steve for the remainder of my days.  jtf..
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: sackyak on May 29, 2007, 06:38:01 PM
Below are some photos I took.  The first ones are taken from the highway above Mill Creek.  Then one from the beach and one from lunch.  The last two show how we completely took over Mill Creek Sunday.  The forest service ranger commented that he has never seen so many kayaks there.  It made for some colorful photos.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: Freddie on May 29, 2007, 07:19:39 PM
What can I say that hasn't been said already...? It was just great to get the group together to honor Chef like we did. From those who knew him well to those who only met him a time or two. He was just one of those people who immediately struck you as a special person. We cannot say enough of his spirit and zest for life. I'd like to thank his family again for making the long journey to Big Sur. Also, thanks to all the NCKA brothers and sisters for an awesome day. A part of Stephen will always live within all of us.

Freddie
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: guitarzan on May 30, 2007, 02:39:02 PM
You guys and gals ARE the class act.
Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: jdyak on May 30, 2007, 05:17:08 PM
Spent a couple of days to reflect on Sunday.  It was great to see everyone pay their respects to an incredible person that Steve/Chef was and is.  I will never forget him and will always think of him when I'm on my kayak doing what he was so passionate about.

John

Title: Re: A good day to say goodbye May 27
Post by: BobN on May 31, 2007, 10:56:17 AM
Most of the appropriate kind words have already been posted.

The turnout for Steve's memorial on the holiday weekend was amazing. Those who arrived early (Thursday) vying for the few campsites available and those who did the long drives early and late to participate. A true demonstration of the love and respect for the Chef and what the NCKA family is really about.

As it should be, the weather and surf were respectful all weekend. There was even a little sunshine for the NCKA feast. It was great to be there. The memory of Chef, his attitude and courage will remain with us all forever. BIG SUR = Chef

Sackyak, great pictures!!