Latest Update: September 3, 2001 by Ben Marcus

1:55 ALASKA TIME MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2001 KINKOS ON DIMOND BOULEVARD.

I need to get to sleep. Just dropped off Team Turkey at the airport and ate Burger King with them. Bought a couple of magazines and saw the Surfing Magazine with my Jay Moriarity story in it. Looked okay. The rest of the magazine is just plain silly.

Got a couple of good e-mails from a guy at Guinness World Records. They aren't sending someone to Alaska, but he is intrigued by Mr. Wooster Fop.

In a message dated 9/3/2001 12:39:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, chris.sheedy@guinnessrecords.com writes:

Dear Ben,

Your record-breaking idea sounds awesome, but I fear it may not come close to breaking the current world record. Here are the details:

"The longest recorded rides on a river bore have been set on the Severn bore, England. The Official British Surfing Association record for riding a surfboard is 9.1km 5.7 miles by David Lawson from Windmill Hill to Maisemore Weir on 29 Aug 1996."

IS THAT THE OFFICIAL, ON THE BOOKS, GUINNESS WORLD RECORD? I'D HEARD IT WAS WITHDRAWN, FOR SOME REASON.

I THOUGHT YOU COULD USE THE ALASKA TIDAL TO SET SOME KIND OF GOLD-PLATED, OFFICIAL GUINNESS STANDARD FOR RIDING TIDAL BORES.

I WAS JUST AT TURNAGAIN ARM TODAY. THE BORE THERE IS PRETTY AMAZING AND I'VE GOT SOME TALENT COMING UP ON THE 15TH TO CHALLENGE IT. KIND OF A DRY RUN FOR THE WHOLE THING, SHOULD IT EVER HAPPEN.

As far as the Wooster-Fop character goes, I'd need to discuss this idea with my superiors - it's very amusing but slightly unlikely.

"SLIGHTLY" UNLIKELY DOESN'T SOUND SO BAD. SLIGHTLY CAN BE OVER COME.

CLIVE WOOSTER-FOP IS JUST A CHARACTER, BUT A GOOD ONE AND A POTENTIALLY VERY FUNNY ONE, IN A MONTY PYTHON/CHRISTOPHER GUEST SORT OF WAY.

IF I HAD MY WAY, CLIVE WOOSTER-FOP WOULD BE WRITTEN BY GEORGE MCDONALD FRASER AND HE WOULD BE PLAYED BY A GREAT ENGLISH COMIC ACTOR: MICHAEL PALIN, CHRISTOPHER GUEST, JOHN CLEESE OR ANOTHER OF THE PYTHON TROOP.

AND GUINNESS WOULD BE ALL THE HIPPER FOR IT. THIS WOULD BE AN HOMAGE TO GUINNESS, IN A COMIC WAY.

THIS IS ALL A TREMENDOUS LONGSHOT, OF COURSE. I HAVE CONNECTIONS TO DISCOVERY, BUT I'D RATHER SEE THIS DONE BY THE BBC. THEY'D DO IT SMART AND RIGHT.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO WRITE AN ELABORATE PITCH, MAY AS WELL MAKE IT SOUND GOOD.

If you'd like to use Guinness World Records in any promotional material/film etc, I'd need to get you to pass any idea by our Trademark team to ensure you have correct permission to use our trademarks - but that's a simple process.

I JUST WONDERED ABOUT THE REALITY OF A CHARACTER LIKE CLIVE WOOSTER-FOP: AN OLD SCHOOL GUINNESS GUY WHO IS DISGRUNTLED WITH ALL THE COMPUTERIZATION AND MARKETING.

Please tell me whether you feel you could break this current record

NOT IN ALASKA.

MAYBE SOMEWHERE ELSE.

THAT WOULD BE A SUB-PLOT TO THE BORED! TV SHOW, A SERIOUS ATTEMPT TO SET A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD. A SILLY ONE, PERHAPS, BUT MAYBE NOT.

because if not (and judging by the measurements you have sent me, it will not be possible in Alaska) we would not consider sending an invigilator anyway.

INVIGILATOR? INVIGILATOR!!!!!! CLIVE WOOSTER-FOP IS AN INVIGILATOR?

THAT'S HOT. I COULDNT HAVE MADE UP A BETTER NAME.

NOW WE HAVE TO DO THIS.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUINNESS INVIGILATORS TO MAKE THE PITCH BETTER?

DO YOU HAVE THE E-MAIL ADDRESSES OF ANY INVIGILATORS I SHOULD TALK TO?

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND HELP, BY THE WAY.

Good luck with your plans, and please keep me informed.

I WILL.

I SAW THE ALASKA BORE TODAY ON A "THREE STAR" DAY AND I'M BRINGING UP EVERYONE FOR A "FIVE STAR" DAY ON THE 15TH.

Regards

THANK YOU AGAIN.

Chris Sheedy

-----Original

That was a nice e-mail and he responded to my responses right away.

In a message dated 9/3/2001 2:15:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time, chris.sheedy@guinnessrecords.com writes:

Hi Ben,

Yep, this is the official Guinness World Record.

THAT'S GOOD TO KNOW. I HAD HEARD ONE DIDN'T EXIST FOR RIDING TIDAL BORES.

THE RECORD DOESNT EXIST ON YOUR WEBSITE. ONLY "MOST DESTRUCTIVE TIDAL BORE."

If you're wanting to put together a major pitch then I'd have to put you onto our Marketing team.

OKAY. I'M STILL WORKING ON IT. NOT SURE IF IT'S CLEVER OR STUPID. IT'S A THIN LINE, YOU KNOW.

I'm Research Director (I run the team who say yes or no to every new Guinness World Record).

THEN I WILL CONTINUE TO BUTTER YOU UP.

I know what you mean about the word "invigilator". It blew me away when I first worked here - sounds kinda wrong.

SOUNDS GOOD THOUGH. KIND OF RIDICULOUS, AND WOOSTER-FOP IS RIDICULOUS.

SO IS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS RUN BY OLD-SCHOOL, OXFORD ENGLISHMEN, OR WHAT? ARE THERE ANY CONFLICTS WITHIN THE COMPANY, SUCH AS MR. WOOSTER-FOP IS EXPERIENCING?

Anyway, as an Australian who grew up on Sydney's northern beaches, I'm still keen for you guys to have a chat, but you must first be sure you can break the current record.

NOT IN ALASKA.

Perhaps a trip to the UK is in the works?

EVENTUALLY TO THE UK.

I THINK THE RECORD WILL BE BROKEN ON THE AMAZON

I also agree that your idea could only be good for GWR - it sounds great.

IT WOULD BE FUN AND FUNNY. SQUARE AND HIP AT THE SAME TIME.

AND A WAY TO GIVE AN INNER LOOK INTO HOW GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS WORKS.

Have a think about what you want to do and I'll then put you in contact with the correct people here.

I'M STILL WORKING ON THE BORED! PITCH.

I'M COLLECTING INFO FROM OTHERS ABOUT THE OTHER BORES IN FRANCE AND BRAZIL IN CHINA, TO MAKE IT AS DETAILED AND COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE.

JUST REALIZED TONIGHT THAT A GIANT ALASKAN EARTHQUAKE IN 1964-CENTERED RIGHT AROUND TURNAGAIN ARM-CAUSED HUGE TIDAL WAVES IN ALASKA, HAWAII AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

A PLACE WITHIN TURNAGAIN ARM DROPPED 15 FEET AND WAS FLOODED.

INVIGILATOR CLIVE WOOSTER-FOP WILL USE THAT 1964 EARTHQUAKE TO EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIDAL WAVES AND TIDAL BORES.

SEE HOW IT IS ALL LINING UP? THIS IS GOOD TELEVISION.

MAYBE GUINNESS WILL SPONSOR THE PRODUCTION.

HOW MUCH CONNECTION IS THERE BETWEEN GUINNESS BREWERIES AND GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS?

YAMAHA MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS BECAUSE THE WATER PATROL WOMAN RIDES A WAVERUNNER.

AND MY FRIEND ROSALDO IN BRAZIL THINKS BRAZILIAN TV MIGHT WANT A PIECE OF THE ACTION.

WORTH A TRY.

THANKS AGAIN.

Chris

19:53 ALASKA TIME MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2001 KINKOS ON DIMOND BOULEVARD.

Anchorage. Shit, I'm back in Anchorage. A couple of hours ago I was in this Kinkos on Dimond Boulevard, in Anchorage, sending and receiving e-mails. I left around 15:00, I think, planning to drive back to Valdez and cut fish.

Well I got about halfway to Valdez, enjoying a beautiful clear-sky Labor Day drive in spectacular Alaska, when I called my mom from Hicks Creek about a Patagonia package.

Yesterday I had gone by Scott Liska's house to pick up some packages, hoping that the Patagonia swag would be there. My Russian translating software was there, and some magazines from Randy Ward, but there was no giant box of swag from Patagonia.

That worried me a bit, but I spaced out and didn't look into it until I was halfway to Valdez. I found a piece of paper with the Fed Ex tracking number and called my mom from Hick's Creek to see if she would track it for me. I got an ice cream cone (which I am still regretting) and then called mom back.

She told me the box filled with Patagonia swag has been waiting for me at Anchorage for a while.

Tracking Number : 494811354790 Ship Date :
Delivered To :
Delivery Location :
Delivery Date/Time :
Signed For By :
Service Type :

Scan Activity Date/Time Scan Exceptions
------------- --------- ---------------
Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/30/2001 17:05
Package in FedEx location
Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/29/2001 16:42
Package in FedEx location
Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/28/2001 16:22
Package in FedEx location
Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/27/2001 16:46
Package in FedEx location
Delivery attempt ANCHORAGE AK 08/27/2001 15:40
Customer not available or Business closed
On FedEx vehicle for delivery ANCHORAGE AK 08/27/2001 09:23
Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/24/2001 15:24
Package in FedEx location
Delivery attempt ANCHORAGE AK 08/24/2001 14:53
Customer not available or Business closed
On FedEx vehicle for delivery ANCHORAGE AK 08/24/2001 09:18

Package status ANCHORAGE AK 08/23/2001 16:11
Package in FedEx location
Delivery attempt ANCHORAGE AK 08/23/2001 10:54

Customer not available or Business closed On FedEx vehicle for delivery ANCHORAGE AK 08/23/2001 09:39
Arrived at FedEx Destination Location ANCHORAGE AK 08/23/2001
09:12

So I turned around at Hicks Creek and drove almost 90 miles back to Anchorage, and here I am.

I picked up a hitcher on the way in, a kid who had just had an ounce of cocaine and a pound of pot stolen by his mother's boyfriend.

Nice kid.

I dropped him off near the airport and saw the Fed Ex package pickup place just by chance. It was sealed up tight. Labor Day and it was after 18:00, anyway.

I'll sleep near there tonight, get the package at 8:00 and be on my way to Valdez.

Looks like the Tidal Bore thing is going to happen, finally.

The Alyeska Prince is cooperating, but I'm not sure about the WaveRunner situation, or the photographer.

John Markel waved me off regarding PWC in Turnagain Arm. ñWe don't want them here.î He has a point, but I'm thinking about safety. Shit does happen, or as Roger Erickson said, ñEverything's okay until it isn't.î

I called the State Parks people today to see if it's even legal to take a ski in there, and to see if we can get a Special Permit. They were closed for Labor Day.

Here is the back and forth between Markel, Shawn and myself.

EVERYONE

HERE IS SHAWN ALLADIO'S RATHER IMPASSIONED RESPONSE TO THE PWC CONCERNS IN TURNAGAIN ARM.

THIS MAY ALL BE MOOT. I JUST TRIED TO CALL GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HEADQUARTERS IN GIRDWOOD TO SEE IF SKIS ARE EVEN ALLOWED IN TURNAGAIN ARM.

THEY DIDN'T ANSWER BECAUSE IT IS LABOR DAY, BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME THAT STINKPOTS AREN'T ALLOWED AROUND ALL THOSE BELUGA WHALES.

HOWEVER, THEY MIGHT ALLOW A SPECIAL USE PERMIT. SHOULD I CONTINUE TO PURSUE IT?

SHAWN DOES MAKE A GOOD POINT ABOUT USING PWC FOR WATER SAFETY. SINCE I AM INVITING PEOPLE UP HERE TO DO THIS AND THERE IS SOME (NOT MUCH) DANGER INVOLVED, I'D FEEL BETTER HAVING SHAWN AROUND.

IT'S LIKE ROGER ERICKSON SAID: "EVERYTHING IS OKAY UNTIL IT ISN'T."

HERE IS WHAT SHAWN HAD TO SAY ABOUT IT ALL

BEN

In a message dated 9/3/2001 1:35:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time, K38 RESCUE writes:
Subj:Re: THEY DON'T WANT JET SKIS
Date:9/3/2001 1:35:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From:K38 RESCUE
To:TheBenM
CC:K38 RESCUE

In a message dated 9/3/2001 12:57:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time, TheBenM writes:

Ben,

JOHN MARKEL: The local windsurfers, kayakers, and surfers do not want jet skis on the arm.

BEN: I HAD A SUSPICION. DUDE, PEOPLE HATE JET SKIS.

The whole idea of a jet ski for safety is pointless.

SHAWN: SAFETY is never considered pointless! Personal Watercraft (PWC's) are a very safe and credible vessel, and more so for safety and rescue, or logistical support. The issue is the 'operator and their knowledge in terms of the technical handling of the craft, and respect.' Is that the real issue here we are addressing? Or is it a personal issue based off of past negative experiences with 'yahoos' which I could understand?

DON'T NEED IT UNTIL YOU DO.

The idea of the "tow in" is of equal value.

THEY WOULDNT BE TOWING INTO WAVES. JUST CATCHING THE WAVE AT BIRD POINT UNTIL IT BACKS OFF, THEN BRINGING THEM DOWN THE CHANNEL TO THE FIRST PARKING LOT, TO PUT THEM IN THE PATH OF THE WAVE. THEY WOULD CATCH IT WITH THEIR "BARE HANDS"

ALSO THE SKI MIGHT BE GOOD FOR PICKING THEM UP IF THEY FALL.

Never had any discussion of tow-ins for this with anyone on the contact email list, the wave in my estimation doesn't even deserve credibility for tow-ins...not epic or grand enough, that would be horrid to defame it that way....ugly to tow.

I WATCHED FOUR GUYS TRY IT YESTERDAY AND THEY ALL BLEW IT. NONE WENT MORE THAN 50 FEET.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE SHOT A DAY, MIGHT AS WELL MAKE IT WORTH WHILE.

We have been doing this for over 20 years and no one has ever needed a jet ski.

I don't think that this project was organized to be a 'trial' of local users or a surf session, nor to impact the local population who enjoys this wonderful gift. I believe it was intended for world class high profile athletes to use their personal skills and knowledge on a very unique and interesting gift from nature during a one week waiting period. The local knowledge is very important to the overall intent of the project, but I would surmise to say that the ability of the 'invitees' would possibly show a different skill level; maybe not, perhaps they will find the wave itself to be known as 'a class' level worthy of merit...that is what makes it so interesting, to challenge and discover the level that may be capable of enjoying! Perhaps the locals should be invited as well to attend, maybe this is a local issue where there are certain representatives who are offended that their 'zone' is being invaded by outsiders? I don't know, I'm only projecting thoughts and concerns. It's a free world, and by due process and communication people if they respect and address all concerns should have access and opportunity to enjoy these gifts, but with manageable respect, not by division or negativity.

I'VE ONLY WATCHED ABOUT SEVEN DAYS BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE ANYONE RIDE THE THING ANY MORE THAN 50 YARDS. THE IDEA HERE IS TO DO IT FROM FIRST PARKING LOT TO THIRD PARKING LOT. THREE MILES. THE WHOLE WAY.

The Beluga whale population is considered endangered,

I HEARD THAT OPN THE RADIO. THEY LOOK TO BE AS ENDANGERED AS SALMON, BUT I DON'T WANT TO BUG THEM, EITHER.

the last thing in the world that they need is a bunch of yahoos on jet skis chasing them around.

JUST ONE YAHOO. A FEMALE YAHOO.

I can submit a resume and reference regarding my professional background, and in terms of judging a person or equipment or situation, I think professionals do take advice from other professionals to make a successful venture, whether the issue is a PWC is important or not is what the focus should be in regards to this project. I respect the people, equipment and environment I work in, the boats I use (PWC) are approved through the USCG Federal regulations whereas the sound suppression systems, and reduced emissions have been in place for the past 3 years, making their craft, quieter and while burning smokeless oils and other additional federal requirements to not impact the environment, all this data can be submitted per request.

I do not think that anyone who represents this project has the intention of creating a scene by using or incorporating a PWC that would have a negative impact. It is one thing to create a theory and another to work with a reality. I appreciate this persons concerns, there is validity and truth in what they speak, however there are also equally valuable points that would be supportive. I suppose when you break it down, it's personality based and perhaps ego or prior bad experiences that have added to their concerns.

It has nothing to do with slandering user groups, representatives or product. That doesn't create resolution or enable education and resources to match the concerns of individuals nor does it create solution. Education is powerful, it's knowledge we can all benefit from the exchange of data, criteria, information in respect to PWC's albeit if a person or user group feels they are negative. Safety work is not about 'chasing', it is about management and support for logistical issues. Has nothing to do with impacting and creating a negative impact, that doesn't make sense nor does it allow for the positive focus of the event. Certainly I would support that theory if in fact a person was disruptive and disrespectful both operationally in regards to the craft or those in the water.

Since you are turning this thing into a media show it will eventually bring other jet skiers out there.

That is an education and enforcement issue, the concern here is the event status and logistical/safety support. If there is a problem with PWC users in that area, that can be addressed through the State Boating Law Adminstrator, associations and local boating law enforcement representatives.

NOT TOO MUCH OF A MEDIA SHOW. JUST ABC ALASKA AND SOME VIDEO GUYS FROM NOR CAL.

Even if you managed to tow all your surfers at once there is still very limited room on a wave.

WE'RE NOT TOWING GUYS INTO WAVES AT ALL. JUST PUTTING THEM IN THE PATH OF IT.

MAYBE WE DON'T EVEN NEED TO DO THAT. I JUST LIKE THE IDEA OF GETTING IT UP AT BIRD POINT, THEN GETTING IT AGAIN DOWN BELOW

I THINK THERE IS ENOUGH FOR SIX GUYS ON THAT WAVE, IF THEY GIVE EACH OTHER SOME ROOM.

Half the challenge of being able to ride the bore is reading the water and figuring out which spot is going to work.

I KNOW THAT. THE SKI IS JUST TO BRING GUYS THROUGH THE BIG FLAT SPOT BETWEEN BIRD POINT AND THE FIRST PARKING LOT, NO OTHER WAY TO DO IT IN TIME.

You will be diminishing the entire experience when you bring in these watercraft. Jet skis are not wanted or needed.

SHAWN?????

I believe we are only speaking about one PWC for safety/logistical support. If this representative states they are not interested in (JET SKIS), PWC's, then they obviously have a personal issue or a professional concern, and we should address what the positives and negatives are in respect to the event in particular and not personal attitudes or past negative experiences, we should deal with the structure of the event, the equipment being used and the necessity, without 'being critical and judgmental', let's just focus on looking at the facts and staying on track with the 'point' of the project.

You need to get your ass on your board, drift down into the oncoming wave. When it is quite, you can hear the flood coming long before you see it.

IT'S LOUD.

The sound of jet skis will destroy all of this and take the mystery and challenge out of the arm.

YOU'RE RIGHT.

The sound? That is also a misconception in terms of destruction, once again we are speaking about one PWC, not 'many or multiples'. A PWC has a very low decibel level, most of that is operator knowledge and or error in operation, whereas I could understand a person concern and questions. Would you want me to supply you with the federal sound limits for PWC and of other type of craft, motorized vehicles, etc. to compare this information with the addressed concerns?

Show some common sense and respect for the local ethic.

WELL I'M JUST NOW GETTING AN IDEA FOR THE LOCAL ETHIC.

AGAIN. THE SKI IS THERE TO LET GUYS RIDE IT AT THE TOP, AND THEN PUT THEM IN THE PATH OF IT AGAIN AT THE FIRST PARKING LOT. THAT'S ALL.

ANE MAYBE PICK THEM UP WHEN THEY FALL.

LET ME KNOW HOW EVIL THIS WILL BE AND WE MAY CALL OFF THE SKI.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THIS. I DON'T WANT TO PISS ANYONE OFF. JUST WANT TO SEE THE THING RIDDEN REALLY WELL.

At the end of the day, this representative probably has a 'closed mind' in respect to the PWC issue as a safety/logistical vessel and that is fine if that makes them happy and won't create any further negatives for the benefit of the athletes and this awesome project you've been organizing. I'm sure you are wasting time trying to negotiate or explain the advantages that may outweight the negatives with a PWC, they simply are not interested in your concerns. Thanks for trying to include the boat in your project and my services Ben, I consider it an honor to have been included on the project and to work with the boys! Tell them I said a BIG hello to all when they get there, I'll see them up at Mav's at the end of September for sure!
Shawn Alladio

As for the photographer, I offered it to John Markel. I don't think anyone is coming up.

That was earlier today, just before I left for Valdez. I haven't heard anything back, yet.

When I got to Kinkos this afternoon, there were some e-mails from Cella Baker at the Alyeska Prince Hotel.

She's nice. I may have to give her a pair of Smith Optics sunglasses.

Hi,

David, please set-up a block of 5 rooms for Monday, September 17 at an $80 media rate for the crew filming the bore tide surfing event. The name of the group should be "Bore Tide". The rooms will be picked-up on an individual call-in basis and are the responsibility of the caller.

I'M PRETTY SURE THAT I, BEN MARCUS, WILL WANT ONE ROOM, BUT JUST FOR MONDAY.

IM PRETTY SURE THAT MARK ALFARO WILL WANT ONE ROOM, BEGINNING ON MONDAY AND PROBABLY TO WEDNESDAY.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE OTHER THREE ROOMS OR THE OTHER PEOPLE: SHAWN ALLADIO, COLIN BROWN, CURT MYERS, ERIC NELSON.

One room should be reserved now for Ben Marcus. He is the organizer and will pay by credit card upon arrival.

IF I STILL HAVE ANY CREDIT IN TWO WEEKS.

THAT'S HOW ORGANIZED I AM.

I have been corresponding with Ben via e-mail, at the above address. He responds immediately if you need to reach him.

I HAVE NO LIFE, BUT E-MAIL.

He's traveling around the area setting up this event

AND ROBBING BANKS.

AND POACHING SALMON.

and I think his laptop is strapped to his hip.

NO, MY LAPTOP IS EMBEDDED IN MY GLASSES.

I TYPE BY POINTING MY LEFT IRIS AT THE KEYBOARD, AND BLINKING. I CAN BLINK 40 WORDS PER MINUTE.

A LITTLE LESS WHEN I'M DRIVING.

THE OTHER FRAME HAS A SATELLITE CONNECTION. 156 KBPS.

IT'S ALL VERY TOP SECRET, YOU KNOW.

CANADIAN TECHNOLOGY. THE BEST.

Ben, I am headed out the door right now so please respond to David at the above address.

OKAY.

He needs to know if you want a room with 2 double beds or 1 king, and smoking or not. If you'll be arriving after 6pm, you'll need to send your credit card # as a guarantee.

DAVID:

NON-SMOKING.

TWO DOUBLE BEDS.

CURT AND ERIC WILL BE SHARING ONE BED, MOST LIKELY.

THEY'RE "PARTNERS"

SORRY. KIDDING. BYEGONES.

THEY'RE AS STRAIGHT AS THE SANDBARS AND CHANNELS IN TURNAGAIN ARM.

Let everyone interested know about the rooms that are blocked.

THEY KNOW NOW.

They should call (907) 754-2111 or (800) 880-3880 to make reservations. Have them ask for the "Bore Tide" room block. It will be in the system and ready for calls by this Wednesday.

THANK YOU TO ALL INVOLVED.

I'll leave an envelope at the Tram Ticket Office here at the hotel for you with 10 complimentary tram tickets.

I THINK THAT'S THE NICEST THING ANYONE HAS EVER DONE FOR ME.

THANK YOU. SINCERELY. THAT WILL BE FUN.

I WANT TO WATCH THE BORE FROM UP THERE ON AT LEAST ONE DAY.

They are for one-day use. As a hotel guest, you can purchase more at a greatly reduced rate.

WE WILL USE THEM GLADLY. THANK YOU.

Ben, I'll be back in the office on September 12th. Let me know how plans are going

I SHALL SEND YOU SOME MORE E-MAILS.

THEY COULD BE WORTH MONEY SOME DAY.

and please call me at 754-2209 the next time you're in Girdwood. Good luck in your plans...I hope the "event" comes together as you expect.

THE ONLY THING I CAN COUNT ON IN ALL THIS IS THE OCEAN, WHICH IS UNUSUAL.

I'll even have to come out and see this one!

YES, YOU SHOULD.

HOPEFULLY WE WILL PIED PIPER ALL OF YOUR HOTEL GUESTS TO THE WATER TO SEE THE SHOW.

ALSO WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU AND RED BULL ABOUT A COMBINED SNOWBOARDING/TIDAL BORING EVENT NEXT SPRING. THAT COULD BE FUN.

A TIDAL BORE EVENT WOULD BE BORING, BECAUSE IT'S ONLY GOOD FOR 15 MINUTES A DAY.

BUT COMBINING THE TWO COULD BE REALLY FUN.

THE TIDAL BORE COMPETITION COULD BE LIKE BOARD-O-CROSS, OR WHATEVER SNOWBOARDERS CALL THOSE HECTIC, EVERY-RIDER-FOR HIMSELF RACES.

PUT 10 GOOD SURFERS ON THAT WAVE AND THE LAST ONE STANDING, WINS.

GLADIATOR IN THE SURF. THAT WOULD BE SO COOL.

THOUSANDS OF SCREAMING ALASKANS LINING THE ROAD.

ANYONE? ANYONE?

regards,

cella -- Cella Baker
Marketing Manager
Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Prince Hotel
(907) 754-2209 phone
(907) 754-2290 fax
www.alyeskaresort.com
Y

So that's where all this stands. I'm still working on the Santa Cruz article for TSJ, trying to prod everyone from Gene Van Dyke to Rich Novak to Chris Gallagher to say a few syllables about the joint, online. It's the new journalism. Instead of interviewing people and transcribing the interview, I ask people to write down their thoughts and I just whack them into the story. We'll see if it works. There is a lot of ground to cover.

Now it's 22:25. I'm gonna feed Ikester and go find a place to sleep near Fed Ex.

Just looked in MavSurfer and SurferMag to see if I'm being slandered. Not much, really.

Also put a ñtrollî post on SurferMag, hoping to find a UCSC student who will talk about surfing in Santa Cruz. One person put up their e-mail address. Oh well, it's a start.

Just got an e-mail from Chris Sheedy at Guinness World Records, suggesting some people in Australian TV I should contact. I also sent an e-mail to Nick Carroll, asking for suggestions.

Going back and forth with John Markel about the PWC situation on Turnagain Arm. He just doesn't want to encourage others to be there.

I also finally mailed my Surf News prank to the rightful owner. This should be interesting.

Oh and last night I renewed an IM relationship with a woman who got pissed at me a few months ago. Strangely, one of her boyfriends had told her about this column, just before I started talking to her.

Now that is strange.

Bye for now. Time to sleep at Fed Ex then get my swag, then get back to Valdez to cut fish.

I'm about to run out of money again.

Can't stress how beautiful Alaska was today: clear and fall-ish with snow already in the mountains. This place just knocks you out sometimes.

Lots of cars on the road towing ATVs. I think it's hunting season. John Markel's concern about PWC in Turnagain Arm is based on Alaskan's being a bunch of motorheads.