A good day to say goodbye May 27

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.

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.   

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...



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...



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



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...



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


 
The downside of lots of fish...3rd degree bass thumb for Jelly...



And a lot of time at the table...



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!



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.

  Glad to hear the weather Gods smiled on you all.  Great Job on Honoring a Great Man....

 

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,  .

J

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.

Joel,Chuck and I arrived just before sunup with Josh and Jay.Unloaded and got on the water  closely followed by Stu and Freddie. ......More to follow

Continued....

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:
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once in Gallery type click advanced search .
type frankfishing in search box
click on memorial picture whala album.

Frank...I think something is whacky in your post. I can't see your pics, but I can tell they are there.

Sean have you setup your gallery account yet? Click on the gallery link up top. I think it has some to do with that.

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

???? What do I need to see Franks pics.

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.

???? 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.

As far as the gallery as I understand  you must log in under your old log to view the Gallery?

...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"