Thanksgiving Surf; Rinsin' The Rust, the Rogue's notes.

Long weekend, short surf. Holiday's (appropriate) 66th-67th Street, 11/25/2015.

   Thanksgiving weekend is always a special one. In the past I've made trips down south. This year I came back east. Had to take advantage of one last chance in the soup. Small knee highs. Maybe an occasional waist. If my imagination was with me. Semi-clean to chop. Ocean was in the upper 50's. Had the full suit. Boots. Gloves. Tried to tell myself it wasn't cold; this while my toes tingled, face chilled in the light on-shore winds, and my nose ran. Didn't care. I was surfin' man! Finally. No stick since August. Felt the stiffness. Rust everywhere. Still great despite the multiple headers. Took my Chi-town Girl. Met my surf Crewmate at the beach. Post-surf dinner. Christmas lights 'round the OC. Got wet. Got reborn. 'Nuff said.

"I don't want to rust out, Id rather wear out." -Fritz Hollings 
Rinsing off the rust. 11/25



  Christmas is around the corner. This year just flew by. A lot of people ask about what there is to do at the beach in the colder months. Surf. At least until I gotta wear a hood. One of the big things I miss about my part of the Right Coast. And of course...I always miss Lady Atlantic.

Ocean City's entrance from Route 50.

New home to the Beach Patrol

"Rockin to and fro with the rhythm of the ocean;
Singin' Silent Night with the palm trees blowing."
                                     -Kenny Chesney

 

   This time of year the beer gets a 'lil darker. A 'lil stronger. Got us a couple of big percenters here, neither of which have any problem taking the chill off. We start with Lagunitas Brewing's Equinox; a "real" Pale Oat Ale who's 8% ABV helps warm the cooler evenings and shorter days (and 50 degree waters). Poured a cloudy orange-amber with about a finger and a half head. Mango-citrus aroma with tastes of toffee up front and the resinous pineapple hop slap in the finish. 50 IBUs; no wonder. Not overpowering. Smooth. Great seasonal brew. Rated this an A.

Sours are a venture for me that I am developing somewhat of an affinity for. My girl, Lisa loves 'em. Barrel-Aged Raspberry Sour Ale from Avery Brewing outta Boulder, CO. Lemme tell ya, those Coloradians know their beer craft. This sour was absolutely fantastic. Even at 6.85% (strong for a sour), not boozy at all. Aroma and tastes of tart raspberries throughout with a Zinfandel wine background. Fair acidy and light sweetness. Poured a reddish-copper with a less than one finger white head. Nice lace. Very well done. Another A rating!

"He thinks about boat drinks, and

fun in the sun."

-Jimmy Buffett