Finally Sprung, notes from the Target

   Finally the fog has lifted, and what?  What's that? Our piece of the Right Coast? Fu#%ing A it is!  Crap waves or no, we've got us some.  Surf temps are right around the 50 mark, but we're tentatively watching...better conditions, an a$$-hair higher temp consistency.  HEY! This early Spring is outrageous...we gotsta be sure.  Goal - weather/water temperatures permitting, next week...

Some core bros testing the waters @ 30th St.  - Conditions 3/22: on-shore winds at10-15 kts., sunny at 65k, water temps at 50F, waves- knee to thigh bump  

   

   Yes, Spring has sprung, officially.  Warm evening, birds singing, the smell of fresh cut grass.  But, to those of us on a crusade, every week is a new beginning. And other than the perfect wave, the perfect ride...we seek the perfect wing, delivered to our table in the ideal setting under ideal conditions.  This week we continue searching the Northern reaches of the OCMD territory.  But one must consider, after our first three reviews, does civilization exist in these regions?  As scores have been indicating, we have barely been able to find enough substance to survive our travels thus far.

   As this week's affair approached judgement it was immediately noted something was amiss.  WixMan was not present.  Seemingly left behind in a recovery home- a 12 pack of Milwaukee's Best Light at his feet; a bowl of rice and peas cradled in his hands.  Things that make you go, "Hmmmmmmmm."  Then again, he may have had to work late...ya think? We can only hope and look forward to his rejoining along the course. 

   But, I digress.  We entered the oasis known as Bull On The Beach.  A previous visit a few years ago brought an air of apprehension wafting thru our minds.  Not to be denied, we headed to the bar and were immediately greeted with an eclectic 70's and 80's mix and a couple of frosty mugs of beer courtesy of smiling bartenders ready to exceed any previous mark. We ordered the Hot Buffalo and Barbecue wings, both delivered well cooked, hot, and shimmering in their respective sauces. Both were meaty and had very good taste.  For the first time, a rival to Smitty's.  But a Crusade without conflict would be a mere cruise. Though the debate raged, Watt and I came to an agreed upon ruling.  Does this experience come deserving of a top rating on the cusp of such a young season? Not to be.

Wings (Spicy): A
Wings (Quality): B
Beer: A- (and they had PBR on tap!)
Music/TV: B+
Atmosphere: B+
SCORE: 3.55

  

   

   As we left the Bull a light breeze was upon us.  The smell of salt in the air, the distant crash of the Atlantic's waves...a siren song calling to us. Is it time? Will we answer?  Only next week will tell.

Fogged In, notes from The Watt

   Thursday, March 8th.  Salisbury, Maryland is experiencing above average temps during the first full week of Daylight Savings Time.  This day is no different.  Upper 70's.  Bright sunshine... 5:45pm and I begin my ride to OC to check out the waves and then pick-up Wix.  Early onset of Spring had me looking forward to the surf check.
   By the time I reach Willards the skies are getting overcast.  By Berlin, an on and off drizzle has started. By West OC the front is settled in over the coast.  As I cross the Sinepuxent Bay, a heavy fog bank has enveloped the town.  A common condition as Spring sets in.  The warmer air, the cooler ocean.  Course, with this front the temps have dropped into the lower 50's and winds drop 'em lower which adds to the blown surge.

3/8,  Fog much?

 






 




 

   I head up to Holiday's to check the surf.  Conditions on the water are no better.  Visibility approx. two maybe three hundred yards.  Knee to thigh slop.  Disorganized.  Sectioning.  Water in the upper 40's.  Still waiting.  I snap a few cold ones and head on up to Fenwick to pick up Wix and meet the Crew at tonight's chosen destination.  On our ride to, Wix and I discuss the F'd up conditions. Wix just shakes his head, "typical man, typical." Target elaborates...
   We have been thinking about nothing but the next possible oasis.  Other commitments have kept myself and Watt-man away for the last couple of weeks.  But, as each day passes we look forward to that brief respite, and like the French Foreign Legion in the desert, we have kept marching toward the next watering hole hoping it would be more than just a rippled vision in the distance.  Would the establishment of  Harpoon Hanna's be able to revive our spirits?

   The weather had been perfect all week. Early Spring fever was upon us.  As we entered the parking lot of HH, the buildings are completely covered in fog yet the lot was full. Sign?  A bad one indeed.  The crusaders were in full force plus one, but our numbers were no match for the "Senior Prime Rib Night."  While the beers were cold and the prices reasonable, they could not overcome our lack of service, average wings, and ungainly atmosphere (really a timing thing).  Even the NCAA B-Ball Tournament was not enough to keep us there.  Another short night.  Maybe in the heat of summer, the outside Tiki bar open, and a sweating ice cold beer in hand could entice a return.  But, for now - onward is the cry!

Ratings Accordingly
Wings (temp) : B
Wings (quality): C
Beer(temp): B
Beer (selection): C
Music/TVs: C
Atmosphere: C
Total Score: 2.3