Autumn Shut-Down, the Watt's notebook.

Slicing 'em thin to make 'em last. Crumbling knee-highs in the September clouds.
Holidays and 66th, North OC. 9/24/2020

   The Autumnal shut-down is upon us. The summer season, now in it's death throes, has been fading quickly with fast advancing sunsets closing out the evenings by 7pm. As difficult as it is for LWatt and I to get to the beach any sooner because of work (much to Target's chagrin), this ain't been good. Add in a dreary, cloud filled evening, and I had enough time to squeeze a few quick rides before dusk firmly took over. The ocean temps were still tolerable at a level 69 degrees-F with a rubber top. I stayed pretty warm and active as I spent most of the rest of the session getting caught inside, in the dark, time and again. It was a fast closing jammed session, and though it was a mild night (and by this time it was night) on the sand, LWatt and Target were relieved when I wrapped up, I am sure.

Fresh seafood available, but get there early!

 

   We headed to the Talbot Street Pier for our post surf meal which was expected to be at MR Ducks, but to our dismay and annoyance the "covidian syndrome" rules they had in place for their 2nd Season shut the kitchen down way earlier than our arrival. Their loss. We had the Angler Restaurant right next door. More history with the Crew than Ducks, it had been five years since our last foray into the Angler. And while we were catching their kitchen staff at clean-up as well, they still earned bonus Crew points by hooking us up with some decent, fast-patched together apps.

Home-fried chips and dip, a dozen steamed littleneck clams, and a pound of medium to large sized, steamed shrimp. The chips were crispy, but had the beginnings of becoming stale, like they had been sitting...maybe the last batch? The clams...I mean they were clams... tender, hot butter on the side, but nothing fancy. The shrimp were the best of the three- spicy, plump, well seasoned, cooked hot and tender without drying out.

In contrast, our beers came out very cold; to make LWatt's case, a Burley sour, one of her personal favorites, Target's Miller Lite was icy which always puts a smile on his face (even without a glass or cup), and my IPA was a post surf refresher. The perfect libations to enjoy in front of the Angler's exceptional bay and bridge view. Put the classic rock in the background and add very good service and we etched out a clean finish to another enjoyable session. Our challenge for the next few weeks will be getting in a surf before nightfall, and catching those few establishments that avoid the early Autumn shut-down to brave the next Crew judgement call. That is their test. That is our Quest.

THE RATINGS-

Home-fried Chips n Dip: C-

Steamed Littleneck Clams: C+

Spiced Steamed Shrimp: B

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: B

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.63

Lost And Found, the Watt's notebook.

The evening's lineup...O.C. Fishing Center's fleet lies in wait. West Ocean City, 9/16/2020.

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be

yours, wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your

world with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons bring

the best to you and yours!

-An Old Irish Blessing

 

  It's been a lost month. We've been adrift in travel, engrossed with kinfolk, absorbed in the daily grind, and perplexed with the weather. In short, the Crew has not been to the shore, raided a tavern, nor gotten a surf in the entire month so far. This evening had been the best chance up till now, and I got caught up with a project at work. A calm night with winds out of the southeast. Air temps in the upper 60s on the beach. The Atlantic was still hovering in the mid-70s. Right breaking, thigh to waist, semi-clean swell about 20 yards off-shore. The water was somewhat clear considering the generator, Hurricane Paulette, had just passed by off Bermuda. Regardless, a lost session. 

Monday, 9/14/2020.

   It's hard for me to describe just how bummed I was at the proposition of missing such a prime opportunity. Frustrated that my commitment to said project would force the Crew out of a potentially inspired night of waves. Yet, this is what a Tribe is all about. Not just friends, they are family and they certainly came through in this instance. Our post-surf saloon was set to be Micky Fins in West 'O. We had a good friend staying with us and both she and LWatt were still interested in going to Fins. LWatt immediately went into salvage mode. She reached out to Target who was hungry himself, and then called me to find a stopping point and get my ass home to change. With the darkness setting in earlier as we've closed in on the equinox, we arrived at the Ocean City Fishing Center, the home of Micky Fins. Winds had shifted to the east and coming off the ocean they were enough to force jackets on as we found our way to the outdoor dining venue. A round of drinks, and we put our orders in.

A skewer of Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Blue Crab Flatbread, and a couple of Red's Cheddar Burgers. I'll start by saying that the draft equipment was shut down. And while I didn't quite get that, Target's beer came out without a glass. Not an auspicious start.

Yet, the food amended the slow start. The burgers were nothing fancy, however with plenty of melted cheddar cheese they were hot, juicy, and filling. Both LWatt and our friend Bethel enjoyed 'em. The crab flatbread was crispy, but lacking on the volume of crab in Target's book.

I felt the scallops tasted pretty good, but they were only warm. No music or TV as they were inside the open air bar. Our service was a bit slow considering it was not a full house by far. But, such are the times we are in. We've been here before. The view and atmosphere this time of year has always been hard to beat. A much needed attitude adjustment (my two martinis helped). We sat at a circular table, the four of us, going round and round about the day to day. We had found the Stoke. As the blessing says, good and faithful friends. Family really. Our Crew. Our Tribe. That's what it's all about.

THE RATINGS-

Bacon Wrapped Scallops: B-

Blue Crab Flatbread: C+

Red's Cheddar Burger: B

Beer: D

Atmosphere: B

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.33