Cruising The Back-Bays Of Cape May County
Last weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to the Garden State. Doesn't everyone love New Jersey? It smells like roses. The people practically invite you into their family. Driving is a wonderful experience, and the weather is always sunny. Right? Have you ever been to Elizabeth? ugh. All joking aside, parts of the Jersey Shore are enjoyable - especially the Avalon/Sea Isle City area.
I pulled onto 41st Street in Avalon Friday afternoon. Sean said I could use his floor as a bed over the weekend. Dave, Mark, Sean, and others were already "Down The Shore." I had to call Kochanski "G@y" real quick then we started relaxing. How can you go wrong with Derek and the Dominos - Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. The music was good, the sun was out, it was hot, the beer was cold, and Jeff showed up! What a fantastic afternoon. I'm happy we didn't drive to happy hour.
The evening found us out at Jack's Place. I had never been, and I don't think I'll go back... It was a strange crowd. A weird mix of old and young, but not like an ABB show. The band on stage was terrible. The best part of the night was when Sean called them *****. I don't even know how they get gigs.
Saturday was overcast, but we were still beachbound. I wanted to play some beach soccer in the worst way. After a goofy breakfest at Uncle Bill's Pancake House, we made a pitstop by Mike's parents condo. He was in Avalon with Kelly and Sophie. Everyone wanted to see the beautiful baby girl! She was very cute, quite, and well behaved. She looks a lot like Mike. It was great to finally meet her.
Mike holding Soffee
We then illegally entered the beach of Avalon. Because NJ doesn't believe in state taxes, you have to pay for a beach tag. There wasn't a beach tagger at the entrance we choose so, free sand for everyone. Jeff, Mark, Mike and I played some keep away with the soccer ball. Mike, Mark, and I also jumped in the Ocean. It was much warmer then June. Our free beach time was spoiled by roaming beach tag checkers so, we walked back to 41st street.
The entire weekend was centered around Saturday's voyage. Kochanski had planned a third and final Booze Cruise. This one was to leave out of Sea Isle City. In order to kill sometime, a group of us ran down to No Shower Happy Hour at the Ocean Drive. Two Jersey Shore bars down, two less then enjoyable times. I want my Carousel! After Mark almost died, we went back to Avalon for the Booze Cruise 2005 pre-party.
I decided not to clean up for the gig. Why tame the hair when the boat would untame it? Lucky for us, Kochanski's house was right down the street. We walked over and took up residence in the backyard. Admission to the boat included this party. What a sweet deal Kochan! I drank my fill of Red Bull while chatting it up with Matty and Herb. That lucky wanderer Herb just got back from a month in Brazil. How come I can't take a month off work?
Before we could get on the beer pong table, the buses to the boat arrived. It was a quick ride down to Sea Isle. I sat with Kelly, and we speculated what the cruise would be like. The first year was amazing. We left a bit earlier and saw the sunset around Cape May. Too bad Mike put his foot through the window, and we weren't allowed back on that boat. The bus dropped us off near main bridge into Sea Isle, and we filed onto the party boat.
They didn't start serving beverages until the boat left port. This was fine. I sat on the top deck waiting with Mike, Kelly, Mark, Rob, Jeff, and others. It was a nice night for a ride - not too hot. Soon after everyone boarded, we left for the back-bays around Sea Isle. The line didn't really die down until we had been crusing for a bit. I was somewhat dissappointed in the fact we just anchored about 25 minutes behind Sea Isle. I was looking forward to motoring around the back-bays, feeling the wind, and watching the shore. No matter, those on the boat sucked up the drinks and good company on deck.
The cruise was long indeed. It lasted from 9pm till midnight. Once we pulled anchor and navigated back to Sea Isle, the buses carried us to the Princeton in Avalon. It was a shame we arrived toward closing time. The place was packed. Three bars up, three bars down. Jeff and I grabbed some pizza (that is all i ate the entire weekend) and walked back to 41st street.
The weekend was a success. Why? The booze cruise was a success. Thanks Mike for the blood and sweat put into this the final edition. I can't really forget parts of the rest of the weekend. The bars didn't score to highly on this adventure, but the company is always unsurpassable. Will we always listen to good music on Friday afternoon in the sunshine? I sure hope so...
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What exactly is a Soffee?
