Season Finale's Siren Song, cuts from the Rogue's notes.

"Named must your fear be before banish it you can." -Yoda
Chest-plus swell calling from beyond. Trolling the Inlet's south jetty border, 11/5/2022.

     Last cruise on the bay. Burning up the gas before shut down, literally, for the winter. Can't help but feel that pull to stay on the water. The smell of salt, pine tar, and boat fuel in the air. The sound of the waves crashing on the horizon, wake slapping against the sides of the boat.  Right Coast's siren song. Fear that this is the last of our water-time. Ocean and surrounding tributaries getting colder (60s), yet a clear day in the lower 70's. Did a few drifts in the bay. Trolled the inlet. Ran into neighbor DP and his wife on one of those drifts. Also comin' up dry. Decided to hit up Harborside for a late day lunch/early supper. Fish weren't bitin', but the beer was cold. Zipped back out to the inlet for a few more casts whilst admiring the North Assateague break. Classic finish to a stoke filled boat sesh on the water.

Full lot...seafood's a waitin'.

 

    

     Beers that stand up to the end. BJ's Brewhouse offered a semi-sweet, very hazy IPA. Zany Zitrus. Refreshing after a mellow day on the bay. Cloudy, golden orange color with a finger or so white head. Strong hops and citrus in the nose. Grapefruit, oranges, and lemon in the flavor profile. 50 IBUs come out strong with each sip. A real hard hitter at 7.4% ABV. A dangerous A- rating.

    Not been huge on porters. Found one that won me over. A real warmer after a cool night washing the last of the season's salt off the boat. Flying Dog's Gonzo Imperial Porter. Black as night pour with a 2-finger, dense, fizzy head. Very aromatic layers of molasses, coffee, and roasted malts. Sweet, rich toffee, chocolate, and espresso in the taste. Smooth and silky feel with each sip. Packed 85 IBUs of well balanced bitterness on the back end. Speaking of packin', at 10% ABV this might have doubled for extra fuel had we run dry. "Bold and forceful." Like the gonzo beer that it is. Excellent porter. Gave an A+ rating.

Ride home... throttle wide open. St. Martin straightaway, 11/5/2022.