Seasonal Closeout, cuts from the Target.

 

Fast end to a fast right. Holidays and 66th, 10/21/2021.

    We have but 3 surf sessions left at most. A seasonal closeout that was blowing thru just as certain as the evening's high winds. Daylight Savings Time was coming to a close. The Watt had insisted on a 6pm meeting time. Though I had my doubts, I arrived with time to spare, but Wattman is nowhere to be found. So, I waited in the fading daylight, my punctuality jilted once again, while buffeted by the gusting winds, some that exceeded 30 mph. When the Watts' do arrive, LWatt is in shorts, an error in judgement she worked to overcome with a towel. No easy task, considering the Watt's determination to salvage what was left of the surf session. The air temps were in the lower 60s. The ocean was in the upper 60s. However, October is not known for clean surf and with the southwest winds whipping up the Atlantic, it was an accomplishment just to find a space in the lineup. The sun had set by the time the Watt hit the water, so LWatt, with her legs wrapped in a towel, and myself stood on the beach instead of our normal recliner beach chairs. Wattman did his best to ride the chaotic chop while he could still see an outline of a break. The night quickly took over. After several failed attempts, and one fast right, we all wrapped up and headed back over the dune.

     This evening we had chosen an upscale location inside the Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront. Over the years we had tried several hotel bars with varying results. The 32 Palm was an odd name considering we saw no palms, palm plants, or palm trees of any kind. No matter, this establishment was more a lounge than a bar. Seating next door met the accommodations of a full scale restaurant. Being this was off season, our barkeep was in charge of the entire lounge. Thus, at times service was a bit slow as she worked to cover the tables and bar. The beer selection was small but with large cold glasses Watt and I were quickly satisfied with our brews of choice. As we reviewed the menu the two large TVs and classic rock music provided a nice backdrop for dinner. I like steamed shrimp, so that was the first of our choices and the biggest disappointment of the night.

I am not sure what fall flavor they were trying to produce, but they missed completely. Maybe cinnamon, maybe not, but it definitely wasn't Old Bay. Our next choice was a Blue Cheese Steak Flatbread Pizza. Fair, with the blue cheese complimenting the steak, but it was not outstanding. Our last choice was the BBQ Bacon Burger... angus beef topped with pulled pork and bacon. Yes! Three of my favor foods all  joined together. The only thing missing was there was no mustard to be found on the bun or the bar, however we all agreed it was the best pick of the night.  Upon leaving the lounge we did  a quick tour of the hotel, and in the process realized there were only two more surf sessions left. The real question was: will the Watt survive the close of the season's Journey and make the most of the daylight left?  Time will be the judge.

THE RATINGS -

Beer: C+

Steamed Shrimp: C-

Blue Cheese Steak Flatbread: B-

BBQ Bacon Burger: A-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.46

September's Gone, notes from the Watt.

Summer has come and passed. The innocent can never last. Wake me up when September ends.  - Green Day
Dusk at our home break's namesake, Holiday Inn Ocean City, 66th and oceanfront. 10/7/2021

     I have to say that the earlier hour of sunset has made it very difficult for LWatt and I to meet Target in a timely manner. Call it work, call it being ready to go on time; all excuses. With only five surf sessions left, each one has it's own importance for being there on time. Add the fact that we are losing approximately ten minutes of daylight per week...no bueno. A wake up call- moving forward, we gotta do better. The evening brought 10-15mph winds and choppy surf. After hiking to the shoreline to do my own reconnaissance to see if it was worth the effort, I came back with positive results (which Target knew was inevitable). I talked him into grabbing the Canon automatic while LWatt cleared emails. No chair, no fixed position, and considering my being tossed around by the sectioned swell, the Target did pretty well.

Lights out! One of two attempts. Holidays break, 10/7/2021.

Besides, it was probably the shortest surf sesh so far this year as the light of dusk was pretty much gone in about 20 minutes. A quick about face as we headed back to the vehicles. It's October. September's gone. I definitely must do better about hitting the waves earlier.

     Endless Summer...don't we wish...no, it was the weekend of the Endless Summer Cruisin' car show. A great display of hot rods, classic cruisers, and muscle cars that roam throughout the main drag, and parking lots of Ocean City. Tonight's diner of choice has become a Crew's classic of sort, Albertino's Brick Oven Eatery on 131st Street and Ocean Highway. Complete with a couple of Cruisin' Classics in the lot, the restaurant had a modest crowd and we were able to find seats at the bar the moment we walked in. Our barkeep was quick take our order for a trio of cold brews for myself, LWatt (a fruited sour) and Target, although they had several taps that had run empty- IPAs no less. And while he insisted the one IPA they had that I ordered was a Rye IPA, to me it was more of a heavy Red Ale...more malty than hoppy. But, I love beer, so I didn't argue. We cruised even faster through the menu and were ready with our food preferences right behind the beer. Putting in for the Fried Mozzarella, Homemade Meatballs, and a Chicken-Bacon Margarita Pizza, the food was out to us pretty jiffy fast.

The fried mozzarella was ok. Nothing fancy about the seasoning. Of the three picks, this seemed most like a previously frozen dish, although the marinara was good. The meatballs were incredibly tender; a blend of beef, veal, and pork with the right amount of sauce and cheese. Target absolutely inhaled his. The pizza, which LWatt and I rave about when asked, had big slices of chicken (although a little dry), fresh cut bacon, homemade sauce and plenty of an Italian blend of cheeses. While we ate, the classic rock music being played was not overwhelming, and we could enjoy both football and baseball on the flatscreens in front of us. Of our experience, the only downer was the heavier than normal tab. However, it's effects were less lasting with the good food. Another nice night of surf, food, and conversation. Target set a heading to cruise the strip on his way home, while LWatt and I went to grab a coffee, and check out the sportsters. Did I mention surf, food, and conversation? Add Cruisers to the list...sweet night, pure Stoke.

THE RATINGS-
Beer: B-
Fried Mozzarella: C
Homemade Meatballs: A-
Bacon Chicken Margarita Pizza: B+
Atmosphere: C+
Value: C-
Overall Score = 2.63

'72 Chevy Nova Super Sport

Custom 2020 'Vette

1950 Silver Low-Rider

"Ambition is the key to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."

-William Eardly IV

Priorities Of The Crew, cuts from the Target.

Hard pull left...like the light, the depth of the Atlantic faded fast. Holidays surf, at 65th St. 9/29/2021.

     Another Wednesday, as Wattman had requested the switch due to work. He also requested an early start which I questioned. Yet, he insisted and sounded positive it would not be a problem. Once again I stood waiting. The Watt needs to help his folks at work understand the priorities of the Crew. It was not the best beach night as the evenings were now becoming chilled to the low to mid 60s. But, LWatt and I had come prepared with sweat shirts and hoodies as we settled in. With the Atlantic's waters rolling in the lower 70's, the Watt stuck to trunkin' it with a rash guard. Good thing he kept busy in the knee high lefties that pretty much cast him onto ankle deep shorebreak, otherwise those breezes would've made for a brisk lineup. Halloween being just weeks away, tis the season that I come supplied with bags of M&Ms to help us pass the time while Wattman searched for the next ride. In the words of Grandmaster Flash, "I'm not big on snacks, but if I do, I like a few M&M's." I know my priorities! With the remaining light quickly fading, Watt was pretty much jumping any wave available. To his credit was able to find a couple small backsides right before darkness overtook the beach.

     Tonight we had chosen an OC bar and grill icon for the last 40 years, the Bull on the Beach. A locals bar where everyone talks to their neighbor, and you never feel like an outsider (sounds like a sitcom). With extremely large flat-screens and good music at just the right decibel level it was no wonder the bar was packed on a Wednesday night. We quickly got our cold beers in iced glasses while we reviewed the menu. This place is known for it's Pit Beef so we ordered the Dunker, a cheesy French dip version, along with Seafood Potato Skins, and the Spicy BBQ Wings.

To be honest, I have never understood the fuss over pit beef. Tonight I was validated. While the sandwich was a good size, the beef itself was bland, without seasoned flavor, and a little dry to both LWatt and myself. Not that the Watt noticed as he inhaled his portion. According to LWatt, it certainly was no comparison to a Chicago Italian Beef. The seafood skins had cheese, lots and lots of cheese, but very little seafood. One tiny, tiny shrimp per skin will not make the cut. The wings had a very nice barbeque flavor, with a light heat, but the skin was not crisp. Part of any good wing is a crispy skin. Yeah, we're tough judges and expect a lot from our food, even so we have high priorities here as well. Our evening drew to a finale with a few brave bar singers, as it was karaoke night at the Bull. As good as any entertainment, most of the fun of karaoke has always been the challenge faced by the people who try and sing. The first dude up did ok with Garth Brook's Friends In Low Places, but the next singer was nowhere near on key as her performance was a bit teeth grinding... we couldn't even remember the song afterwards. However, our last performer had talent and we stayed to hear her complete Fleetood Mac's Landslide, finishing with a round of applause from the Bull crowd. Nicely done. A fun close to a night of cold beer, ample food, friendly conversation, and good times.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: B

The Dunker: C

Seafood Skins: C

Spicy BBQ Wings: B-

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.63