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MyspaceOne very fine day in 1973, Gary Ward and I were surfing Rincon and it was just perfect. We both had to leave around 1 p.m. to get back to work, but the look and feel of the Rincon on that day was more alluring than silver or gold. She was alive and dancing before my eyes. From the lineup, I glanced at the cliffs above and knew where I had to go. I had never seen her lines so clean and pure, just stretching to the horizon. What surprises, I wondered, awaited a drive to the top of the hill?
I knew, even had I not had my Nikon with me, I needed to experience that view. Moving slowly and cautiously, I drove up the small twisty road, occasionally glancing at Gary and thinking too much about the consequences of trespassing. Sign after sign ate away at my desire to capture one of the world’s most classic waves in all her glory as I thought about jail, long and tearful goodbyes to my wife and daughter, and the loss of my precious freedom. But the vision, or the promise of the vision, drove me on.
Lo and behold, we made it to the top, and when I looked around, nobody was in sight. The ranch house on the property seemed abandoned, and all three main gates were left wide open, inviting us to explore on this beautiful day. As we drove down into the magic setup, I felt the simple beauty of life surge through me, and I just fucking ran with it.
“Go, man, go! I will direct you where to stand … just go look at the surf.”
Forgetting caution, I found the perfect field and the perfect view and I told Gary, “Go, man, go! I will direct you where to stand … just go look at the surf.” Gary ran down into that field and just lost himself, staring out silently at the waves. A few excited Nikon F clicks later, I yelled “Let’s go!” and just like that, we were gone. I felt like Sinbad, like I had just stolen the most beautiful image of a queen, forever mine, to share with the commoners!
About a week later, I got a call on the business line in my kitchen. The voice on the other end wasn’t the average person wanting to order some print or such. The voice was scary. “Is this Mr. Bissell?” he asked. “Yes,” I said meekly. “Well, Mr. Bissell,” the voice boomed, “this is Mr. Bates. The mayor of Carpinteria just informed me of your trespassing on my land to obtain some fantastic photo that has just been published in a surfing magazine.”
I remembered the big R.H. Bates road signs from our illegal journey, and immediately regretted our trespassing romp. I was sinking fast into worry, but Mr. Bates shook me back when he began to laugh and said, “You know what, Steve? I’d love to order some of those great shots.” He was playing with me, and instantly his great sense of humor made me love him!
I told him I’d be more than happy to give him some prints. One sunny Santa Barbara week later, I made the same drive up the sacred grade, only this time I had permission. I was met with a smile from a very big man whose looks matched my imagination of what a pioneer of this very special place would look like.
He took the prints, showed me around his ranch, and loaded my crappy car with millions of avocados before sending me on my way. Thinking back, it really was one of those moments I live for. When, like on a roller coaster, you are going down fast one minute and the next you’re meeting an icon of Santa Barbara and he turns out to be a great guy with a classic sense of humor and a true lover of life.
Today, the Queen lives, and the King lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
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Comments
I am the great-grandaughter of RW Bates and I love this story. I always wondered growing up the origin of this photo. Unfortunately my great grandfather died when I was very young, so I never got to form a relationship with him. I had the privilege of growing up on the ranch, and spending my summers at the ranch house and at Rincon Point. My family has recently inherited the house after the disappearance of RW Bates daughter, Juliette Bates. We are in the process of bringing the house back to it's full glory after years of neglect. Hopefully soon we will be able to share the house and property for weddings and events. And bring people together for laughter and celebrations! I think the King himself would be proud!
MOLLYHUTTO (anonymous profile)
January 28, 2010 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story.
For the sake of dramatic impact and/or economy, Steve left out the fact that Stoker and myself were along for the ride that famous day at Rincon.
Being the generous soul Steve is, he offered that we all go up the hill to Bates to be in a picture. To which I replied "looking at that last set, I'd rather be in the foto DOWN HERE!"out
So as it played out, Gary went with Steve, which in my opinion, turned out to be a better composition with just one long guy in the shot. As to Stoker and myself, yes we were in it, but just a couple more 'ants' in heaven paddling through the line up!
DeadShaper (anonymous profile)
February 3, 2010 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The latest on Bates Ranch. Being a bit run down, this year the family has done alot of work on the place, without changing the character. It is being opened to the public for weddings and events.
The first event, and op to check out the Ranch, is on Sun, Oct 24, 2010. Lou Grant Parent Child Workshop in Carp is hosting an auction BBQ fundraiser. Tickets are $20, $25 at the door, with 2 free tickets going to anyone who donates items of $50 or more, lgpcw.org.
lisamcgu (anonymous profile)
September 7, 2010 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)