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