Steel Brush, notes from the Rogue.

"That's when it all goes wrong. I turn back to see the biggest set of the day going square,
there's nothing I can do...it smashes me, leg here, arm there..." -Al Mackinnon. UK Surfer
Closed down for the evening. Feeling the sting, Holiday's & 66th. 9/13/2017

   Last couple of weeks have been harsh on my confidence. Painful sessions. A ride here and there followed by trips through the washer. One too many grinders on the head. Tried to hold position in the strong currents, Staring down the sets as they loomed up outta the blue-grey dusk. Needless to say got slammed with lefts and rights while Hurricane Jose scoured the Right Coast like a steel brush across metal churning out to sea after passing by New England. Water's still in the low 70s. Air has been cooling into the low 70s. Can make for chilly finishes. Had the spin cycle to keep the blood warm.

Walking off Jose's lacerations.
30th Street junk. 9/21/2017

 












   Close friend of ours in town over the weekend. Shown the local watering holes and whatnot. Included St. Michaels in the digression. Managed to put down a couple of brewskis in the process. The first. A heavy typifying recents times on the water. Troeg Brewing's Doppelbock legacy, Troegenator. One of those meals within itself. Translucent reddish-brown pour with about a single finger tan head. Caramel and chocolate in the aromas with a taste of sticky sweet molasses and  woody malt up front finishing off with a 25 IBU tone of hops. Bitterness balanced the sweet front nicely. This one was chewy. More apt to be thought of as a colder weather brew. But, the 8.2% ABV gives this beer the ability to take the chill off after a late surf session. Too many and it's another churning in the washer. Rated an A-.

Bellevue from the ferry. Tred Avon River, 9/17/2017.

   St. Michaels- always a good time. Took the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry in. Lyon Distilling; great Maryland rum. St. Michaels Winery; a tasting room by the sample or glass. Eastern Shore Brewery; improved variety. Had to hit Gina's. Out to Wades Point to set up our post Thanksgiving reservations. Local shops.

"Rum for all!"  - Capt. Jack

Zach's serenity. Wades Point, 9/17/2017.

   Finished up at Foxy's Harbor Grille. Burgers, tuna steaks, and I had to get the soft crab sandwich. All good. Washed all back with the DR's best. Presidente Beer. The review on this Pilsner style is easy. The Dominican Republic's version of an American lager. Pale yellow pour. Thin head. Watered down taste. Slight bitterness, thus low IBUs. 5% ABV means an easy drinker on a hot day. In the Caribbean or on St. Michaels harbor. The warmer it gets the worse it gets. So keep 'em cold. Ironically, just talking with our DR manager about this brew during my Cali business trip. Rated a C.

"Shhh! I hear a Presidente
calling me." -DR bar patron