Back To Normal...Sort Of, from the Watt's notes.

   They've kept talking about the "New Normal." The media, the papers- both have been crowding onto the bandwagon. We ain't up for the new normal, we just want normal. It's hard to do though, especially in these times. Everyone must wear masks. Everywhere there are the signs about social distancing that serve as constant reminders. But, the OC is open for business and the Crew has been out and about once again. Our Quest for that perfect surf session and follow-up appetizer now back in swing.

Back in black I hit the sack

I've been too long I'm glad to be back

Yes I am

Let loose from the noose

That's kept me hanging about...

-AC/DC

Sliding into another clean front-sider. Holidays and 66th, 6/25/2020.

   The ocean water was a comfortable 73F as I paddled out. The air in the low eighties. As is prevalent this time of year, we had small surf, around thigh...maybe a rare waist. However it was clean, slow rolling swell. Had a very relaxing session. Conditions on the beach were similar as LWatt commented several times how nice the weather was. Even the Target had gotten back on his game. Finally, a surf session that took us away from the recent craziness, and back into the groove. Slipped into a few rights, snagged a couple backsides and finally headed in wrapping up the leash around the board's tail as I left the water. LWatt and Target packed up the chairs and towels as we proceeded to walk back across the dunes directly into a picture-perfect Eastern Shore setting sun. The light banter between us reflected the favorable conditions and mood of the evening as we looked forward to the post- surf chow.
   Our first newbie in-season review had us pulling up to Alley Oops Midtown, the Ropewalk family's latest location in the former (and obviously remodeled) OC Brewing Company. The place was made for the times as there were big, roll-up garage doors everywhere, high ceilings, a couple bars with plenty of taps, one of which had a huge projection screen TV.

Video games, pinball, and a substantial duck-pin bowling alley in the back that was under construction, but near complete. A veritable arcade within a restaurant. All in an open air atmosphere. At the head of the building were picnic style tables with umbrellas or freestanding thatched roofing, palm trees, and sting lighting. All tiki style. We took a table in the corner fronting the main drag though clear glass panels. Our masked waitress was on the spot taking our drink orders as we scanned the menu. Order up would be the Bavarian Pretzels, Epic Old Bay Wings, and a half-pound of  Steamed Shrimp Baltimore Style. I'll start by saying the food was all served hot. The Pretzel was fresh, well salted with good beer cheese and mustard dips. The wings were fat and meaty, but just a bit over spiced. The shrimp was better than average, well cooked as they were easy to peel, but they could have been a little more plump.

The beer was cold, but in cups...what looked like 12 oz. cups. Plus a couple of the taps were already spent. Yeah, we were outside, in an area covered in sand, and we know glass is frowned upon in these areas, yet we still cringe at the idea of drinking cold draft beer outta plastic...unless it's a frat party. Oh, and give us a pint! Overall, maybe a little expensive. Regardless, it was a nice night. Our service was very good, the waitress very attentive. The top 40 music could be heard with out drowning us out. Our entertainment was just what was needed this time of year...watching the tourists and traffic go by. Good food, good friends, good conversation; it made it feel like we were back to normal...sort of. It's an adventure, for sure. Guess we'll see what next week brings.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: B-

Bavarian Pretzel: B

Old Bay Wings: B+

Steamed Shrimp: B-

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.96