Burnin' Gas, notes from the Rogue.

"One can almost imagine the beer as the knife that cracks the oyster open- there seems to be a primal connection between them. The flavour of the oyster is magically magnified and fills the senses."  -Garrett Oliver
Primal happy hour! Catch 54, Fenwick, DE. 11/7/2020

   Early November. We had about a three quarter tank of gas left in the boat. Needed to burn some off before wrapping it up for winter...literally. Normally, we burn quite a bit heading up Assateague way. This time 'round we plotted our course north to Delaware. Super calm waters in the mid-60s. Air in the mid-70s. Usually, north of the Rt.90 Bridge between Isle of Wight and Ocean City, for whatever reason, the Assawoman can get rough. Today it was flat. Waterski-able...and you don't see much of that anymore. 'Bout as near to glass without being. That's how I rated it. Cruised up through the Fenwick Ditch, a canal that crosses the Mason-Dixon into Delaware. Apparently a good fishin' spot as well...with a Delaware license. Through Lighthouse Cove, into the Little Assawoman Bay. All the way up to Little Bay and Miller Creek.

Water was so clear, and this area was full of shoals. Could see the crabs, mussels, oysters and seaweed so vividly. Felt like I was gonna run aground at any second. These were the moments when the depth finder came in really handy! When I finally paid attention, the channel markers became quite helpful as well. Slipped into the mouth of the Assawoman Canal, and there we chose to turn back.

Assawoman Canal dead ahead, 11/7/2020.

 Fuel gauge now showing 39%, we were getting ready to enter uncharted (for us) territory with known refueling docks in our sites. A planned route for the future, but today was about burning gas, not gassin' up. Turned back south, back to the Ditch and Catch 54 for some real fuelin' up. Strong northerly current where this area narrows so, docking required a bit more attention. Found that once I  motored outta the channel and into the marina area we were able to line up into the boat slip with little problem. Oysters, burgers, fries, and beer (oh, and a Martini for the Wife). Ideal chow for the afternoon. Nice. Had the pooch with us. Looking out over the channel as the boats drifted by trying in vain for that last fish fix. Relaxed a bit. Closed out the tab. And, headed back south through the Big Assawoman all the way to the East Channel right off Paradise Island. Tried to fish. Boat traffic was surprisingly busy in this area. This time of year the "no wake zone" is relaxed. Had to be on our toes. I think it was the center-console fisher that passed close by and snagged my line that finished it for me. New rig, new gulp...gone in a snap of my line. No worries. Getting late in the afternoon. Sundown by 5:30pm. Looked like we were gonna be washin' up in the dark as it was (and we were). Headed back to the ramp. Gas tank reading 32%. Mission accomplished.

   Lager of the Lakes Bohemian Pilsner. Another Bells beer. You could say the last of the summertime brews for the last summer-like cruise. Poured a bright, clear gold with a dense, finger thick, white head. Smelled of lemon, grains, grass and herbal hops. Tastes of dry biscuits, more grain, and light sweetness. Mild, 34 IBU hop bite in the finish. Nothing that wowed, but at 5% alcohol, makes a couple of these sea worthy. Rated a B-.

Been a while since my last Odell beer. Their original IPA. This time around it was Drumroll, their Hazy Pale Ale. White, foamy, near 2-finger white head capping a hazy amber-orange, well carbonated body. Aromas featured hints of pine, juicy citrus, and malt. Flavors had the telltale grapefruit yin, a lil' mango, hop resins, and just a hair of a malt yang. Lots of hops for a Pale...51 IBUs worth. Nice bite in the finish. 5.3% ABV. Gave Drumroll an A-.