Neoprene Free Season, from the Rogue's notebook

Getting back. Near waist high take-off along the trail.  Holidays coast, 7/13/2017.

   In the few times I've gotten to hit the surf, the best that I've been able to to do is snap a few knees and thighs. Didn't come without being slapped down myself...once or twice...or so. Still shorin' up those kook legs. No morning sessions yet. More water time always improves water time performance. Gets ya into surf shape.

Barely knee highs.  47th Street snippets, 6/29/2017.

Despite the typical early summer small-scale swell, the nor'east chop, and on-shore winds the water's now neoprene free. Mid 70's. Comfortable. Makes it a little more maneuverable in outta shape mode. See what happens in the up 'n comin' weeks.

Closing torment. Holidays end-game, 7/13/2017
"You know the nearer your destination...

the more you're...

...slip slidin' away."     -Paul Simon

    Company in town. Understand it happens when you get a house near the beach (another reason to get more time in the water). We like it. Friends or family. It's all Family. Like this week. Dinner with my brother and his kids. On the weekend, dinner with my Wife and her Daughter and Sister. Nice.

Bros and brews at Dead Freddies.

Seafood, beer, and a Margarita (or two).
Hooper's Crab House

   With company, a couple of brews thrown back. Alaskan Brewing Company's Amber, an Alt style beer (meaning "old") brewed in the German tradition of cold fermentation. Supposedly improves the conditioning. No fireworks here. Poured a clear, amber red with a finger and a half off-white head. Good lacing. Aromas of biscuit and grain. Lightly sweet. Average taste. Very malty. A little nutty. Light bitterness (18 IBUs) in the finish. Good beer, Not a standout. At 5.3% ABV, it ain't gonna keep 'em warm in Alaska. Rated a C+.

   Coronado Brewing put together a nice IPA sure to enhance any summer surf sesh. Islander IPA filled my head with aromas of mango and citrus sprinkled with pepper. Smooth malt sweetness in the taste combined with the mango and notorious hop-forward grapefruit. Three different hop varieties pumped 65 IBUs of resinous pine bitterness for a crisp finish. Poured a hazy, orangy gold with a finger of white fluff head. A newbie West Coaster in my book. Not the best of the IPAs I've had, but dangerously easy drinking at 7% ABV. Nice brew. Rated a B+.

"Coaster? That's for people
who put their beer down."
-anon.