Ray

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Bob Skeat and I meet in the parking lot of the Capistrano Inn and take a short drive to Dana Point Harbour. I’d camped here, on the nearby beach, some years earlier. It’s an achingly beautiful day. I remark to Bob how I feel like I am in a movie. Even the vagrants look like they are wearing designer tramp costumes. We stop a person manning a pedestrian crossing, where can we find the Wind and Sea Restaurant? He’s wearing reflective sunglasses and looks like a male model. He whips out an IPhone and asks, “don’t you have Edge?” We mumble something pathetic back, and he proceeds to direct us.

15 minutes later, after hugs all round, we are ensconced at a table overlooking the boats in the harbour, with our old mate, Ray Weston who is looking healthy, happy and relaxed. We order plates of French Toast, eggs bacon and fresh California fruit and set down to catching up. It’s been over a year since Ray decided to make his home in Orange County and we all agree it’s suiting him. It’s rare while touring, that you take a little time out to take stock but Bob mentions that he and Ray have been in bands together for over 20 years and Bob himself has been in Wishbone for over 10. Tempus Fugit. Ray’s time in the band exceeds that by several years.

Ray sends his best wishes to all the fans and our friends and tells us he is actually very busy teaching drums and playing with various people including a signed songwriter. All this, in addition to being an active dad to two teenage boys. He’s quite excited about an upcoming beach show, featuring Miss Bonnie Raitt who we both met once, over a similar breakfast. Anyway, after our amazing feast, we all go back to the hotel where we pose for this picture with our friend Scott (Ash 40) before heading down to San Diego. Happy days.

~A.P.