Butt Kicking, cuts from the Watt.

Kicked in the teeth again. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win.
Kicked in the teeth again. Ain't this misery ever gonna end. -AC/DC
The 47th Street smash-mouth machine, 6/24/2021.

     It has not been a notable start to our surf season. Once again we faced high winds on the beachfront. We moved to the 47th street break for ease of access as this week we honored the guest visit of LWatt's father (yes, my Father-In-Law), Mister C. He, LWatt, and Target set up camp as I wrapped the leash around my ankle and headed into the soup. Unfortunately, between the Atlantic's 'noreast ice-cream churn, and my struggles, he didn't see much of a show. The ocean has been heating up although the recent weather front stalled it at a borderline 68 to 70F. I had moved on to the rubber top. And of course, between the strong southbound current and choppy swells, I had no problem staying warm.

Final rinse cycle, 45th Street drift. 6/24/2021

With the tide coming in and overtaking a good chunk of the beach, it was all about timing to get through close-out sets and into the empty lineup. Yet, even at entry I was knocked on my ass at one point when I failed to give due respect to an incoming charge of whitewater. Once out, there was no getting into a comfort zone. Needless to say, after three or four drifts south and several walk-backs north I managed a short, straight-in ride over a foaming lip that unglued and ended quickly, albeit mercifully. Yanking myself from the drag of a rip, thoroughly ass kicked, I wrapped the leash around the tail of my board and headed back the few blocks north to find solace in the company of my Crew and our evening's culinary fix.

     The Survival Journey's destination was kind of a two-faced re-do. Taking over the space initially belonging to Rare and Rye in the La Quinta on 33rd Street, Ocean 13 has had somewhat of a rebirth as it's original location, a surf themed local dive in Phillips Beach Plaza on 13th below the Boards, was sold out from under 'em. We had been to both, so we were most definitely in judgement mode. It had kinda lost the surf shack appeal, and now appeared to be a work in process as more of an upscale joint. Upon entrance, the bar area was full; most definitely busy and with a 15 minute wait. When seating became available we were brought to the upstairs dining area which had quite a few tables available. Either they were still remodeling or they were taking social distancing to a whole new level...although that level certainly wasn't observed in the bar area. Regardless we had a very personable waitress that immediately took our drink orders. After some minor discussion, we put in our choices for a pound of Baltimore Style Steamed Shrimp (steamed in Natty Boh and onions), the Oceanside Seafood Flatbread, Pork BBQ Tacos, and the Blackened Salmon Tacos.

The food came out hot enticing us to dive in. Mr. C fit right into the conversation as we shared appetizers and discussed his viewpoint of the Right Coast based on his seven of ten days so far. LWatt and I had done a pretty fare job as he had been thrilled with the food and chill lifestyle of our 'Shore. The shrimp were plump and tender, but lacked seasoning as they were on the bland side. The Salmon Tacos were tasty, yet on the dry side. The pork tacos were good, however didn't "wow" us. And finally, the flatbread, which was the best of 'em, had a good spice, and the toppings of crab, shrimp, and cheese sprinkled with cilantro were a good combination, but could have been more plentiful. The fare along with the good company and good conversation were interrupted only by a tractor trailer. Yup, about a block south a trucker took the turn a bit tight, and sideswiped an electric pole, sporadically knocking power out across several blocks including our locale. No matter. We kept on eating and running our mouths until the meal was done and the grading was complete. No band, no real music, TVs only at the bar, but good service. Ocean 13's new location has some growin' to do. It may take us awhile (been 3 years since we visited Rare and Rye), but the Journey may be by again. In this case it will depend on Ocean 13's survival.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: C

Oceanside Flatbread: B-

Baltimore Steamed Shrimp: C-

BBQ Pork Tacos: C

Blackened Salmon Tacos: C+

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.14

Sabbatical, the Target's notes.

Having to work for position. Late starting Crew time, 66th and Holiday's. 6/15/2021

     It seemed like just yesterday we were carefully walking around a Christmas display followed by six long months of hardship. The Crew did what was right and necessary to protect ourselves, and others just like all responsible people have done. And because of people like us, the virus is now under control and we can return to what should be as close to a normal life as possible. A six month Crew sabbatical of sorts. The leave of absence had cast a long, dark shadow on the Watts. Without my glimmer of sunshine, refreshing outlook on life, questionable attitude, and mindful challenges to support them they had been lost. You could tell how important our first meeting was to both of them as they arrived five minutes early. Of course, I pulled in ahead of them, waiting a full five seconds for them to arrive. We quickly fell back into our routine, walking over the dune crossing to the shoreline. One thing that never seems to change in recent years is the wind. What I would give for just a couple of weeks without a small gale blowing every time we arrived. The Watt quickly headed into the water while LWatt and I set up the beach chairs. Watt fell into that early season kook routine. Small knee to thigh high, with maybe...maybe, a waist high set. Several attempts that ended badly. Yet, you had to give him credit being it was only his second time out this year. He did manage several very short rides of which I may have even snapped a picture. Time heals all wounds. More water time should heal the Watt's surf pain.

     To start our new season, (the year of the Survival Journey) we headed to a sort of "new" place. Mother's original location is a bit of an OC landmark. The Cantina on 28th Street more closely resembles the dives we hunt. During the offseason confinement, the Cantina Crew took over the former Three Anchors after a kitchen fire ended it's existence. This new, second location is spiffy and clean so it will never be confused with the original. I need to stop and talk about the new reality of business in OC.  Help is in very short supply and prices have gone through the roof. For the first time in our existence, instead of a stated price for a pound of wings it said "Market Price." And when asked, todays price was eight wings for sixteen dollars. Now Watt and I base our lives on the enjoyment of wings. However, for the first time we took a pass. The barkeep was friendly and quick with free multiple beer samples in glass. The Watt did a local microbrew that seemed a little on the flat side, while I stood with a classic - Stella in a bottle - as always. LWatt had a cider that was quite tasty. On order were the Chicken  Fajitas and Grouper Tenders.

The fajitas came out well seasoned and sizzling however they didn't "wow" us. In addition, our bartender got the order jumbled and we ended up with Chicken Tenders, which were good, but small and only in a quantity of four. There were plenty of fries though. Overall, it was an enjoyable place. With slightly better music and more TV's, this Mother's iteration could also become a Crew tradition in OC. Yet, I fear the days of a cheap Mother's Taco are long gone. We survived stop one. The journey will continue.

THE RATINGS-
Chicken Fajitas: B+
Chicken Tenders: C
Beer: C+
Atmosphere: B-
Value: C+
Overall Score = 2.50