the CREW's LAST WRITES: Pounded, from the Target's notebook.

Wrapped up, snapped up, surrounded. Shorebreak eruption, 66th and Holidays. 10/4/2018

An early meeting this week, but since the Watts have not been on time recently I was in no real hurry. To my surprise they were already on the beach when I arrived. However, Wattman had yet to enter the water, so that being said, was I really late or just in time? I believe it was obvious where I stood on the issue. Even at 6:20pm, the light was fading fast as LWatt and I sat at the edge of the surf. The late season warmth had held the water temp, but the hurricane season, the season of fronts and low pressure systems, had left us with chopped conditions. Watt was getting pounded. The sets were nice size, but exploding as they hit the shore. The vanishing sun turned the skyline from flaming reds, to pinkish orange, to light purples as the Watt struggled to paddle back out while duck diving, getting smashed by multiple waves, and generally feeling the punch of even the smallest wave. Heights tonight ranged from thigh to head high. But the key to the Watt was simple. He had paid his dues and he was not leaving until he got his fill. That may mean only two rides that count, still that is two more he can put into his reserve to carry over this winter.

As we prepared to leave the beach, Wattman informed us that his daughter would be joining us as we continued our tour of the senior restaurants. Nothing to do with Mexican food. More like the elderly gentry that frequented these fine establishments. Or maybe the dated decor. Thus tonight we headed to Ocean City Square Shopping Center on 118th street and Whiskers Pub, a sports bar with a big local following and lots of knotty pine. Watt and I made our last visit here in the Fall, many moons ago. This being a Washington fan-base tavern, Wattman was excited about all the Redskins memorabilia on the walls...another reason for the old folks that were here. Let's face it Washington, it's been awhile. But Watt proved that the spirit was still alive, confronting some little old man and getting some of the other patrons to join the Watt in regaling the guy and the rest of the joint with a joyous rendition of the Redskins Fight Song. However, upon wrap up, the old guy recovered and informed Wattman that he was a Ravens fan (albeit because his wife was). Oh, well...c'est la vie.

With the place being packed, the service seemed a little slow but we eventually got our cold drinks served in glasses that were not chilled. This being the off season and a local place, our expectations are at minimum that our glass be chilled and not just clean. The Watt's daughter ordered the Steamed Shrimp. We went with Barbeque Wings, Rockfish Fingers with a Sweet Chili dipping sauce, and Sweet Potatoes Fries with Tiger Sauce. The Rockfish was light and flakey with a nice crunch, but the real flavor was in the dipping sauce. Sweet, with a chill kick on the back side, the chili sauce finished off the fish nicely. The wings were just wings...average. We could have gotten the same quality at a dozen other places. The fries, an LWatt selection, were crisp, with a good flavor and texture. To that what could I say? I'm not a fan. A good Idaho potato fry, when done properly, is hard to beat in my opinion. Regardless, we enjoyed the night. Nice senior vibe. Add Friends and Family and stir (or sing). That's what the Patrol is all about.

THE RATINGS-

Rockfish Fingers: B

Barbeque Wings: C

Sweet Potato Fries: B-

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.58

A footnote. It was that time of year again, and the Endless Summer Cruisers were in town again. Another nice thing about this week's venue. We had Cruisers all out on display in the front lots lining Ocean Highway. Made for a nice way to walk off our meal.