Build The Stoke, the Rogue's session notes.

"Like walking on water, only better." -Anon.
First canal to the left. Lookout Point and Moonshell, 6/6/2020.

   Flat surf along the shoreline over the last couple days. Equated to a warm, somewhat calm day on the bay. Pretty sure there were no rides to be had. Time to put that idle SUP to good use. With COVID keeping the gym closed, I had been committed to doing something, anything, every day. Well, most days. Surf, run, some mini cross-fit, bike. And there it was, too tall to stand up in the board rack of the garage, leaning on it's side against the shelves. A log to satisfy the need to be on the water. Casted the doubts of "what's next", and headed out on the "stand-up." Did a Saturday and the next Monday on the local 'Pines canals, the last being a post work stress relief sesh complete with a classic Eastern Sho' sunset. Works the calves, ankles, feet. Some shoulders and arms. Took it easy though. Focused on balance. Felt like a decent workout. Maybe rougher water. Push for speed. Avoid the gnats. Not real intense. More of a nice, unwinding workout. Builds the stoke. Gets to the core of what ails ya.

   Speaking of ales, a nice post-SUP IPA was the spicy Live Wire IPA from Roak Brewing outta Royal Oak, Michigan. Amber-gold pour with about a finger or so frothy, off-white head. Hoppy dankness with some pine and grapefruit in the smell. Some maltiness in the background. Tastes of mango and citrus, the resinous pine up front. Nice touch of malt sweetness in the back. Did not feel strong. And went down amazingly smooth. 72 IBUs of clean, perfectly bitter, hoppiness in the finish. Too smooth for the 7.5% alcohol content. Rated an A. Dangerous.

"Gym? I thought you said

pizza and beer."

-Restaurant sign

Grabbed RaR Brewing's brown ale in a mixed six about a month or so ago. The Mid-shore's brewery's conditioned their Spring seasonal in Rise-Up medium roast coffee beans to brew Bucktown Brown. Incredibly silky and smooth both pour and taste. Opaque dark brown with a finger-plus tan head. Sticky lacing. Aromas of roasted coffee, milk chocolate, and brown sugar. Upon first swig, the chocolate is much more bitter-sweet. The taste of coffee is more burnt. Flavors of nut bread. Earthy hops, dark fruit, and malty caramel round it out. Rated this edition an A. Wow, need to SUP more often.

Start the week. Lose the stress. Shell Gut Point, Pines Swim & Racquet Club, 6/8/2020.