Just left the left coast; that's right, I am flying to the right coast. Great chance to compare the ocean and surf opportunities at the two extremes, Ocean Beach and Ocean City.

It's true I first learned to surf a long time ago on the Atlantic side of Florida. Let me tell you, one has to want it really bad to be a surfer in Jacksonville Beach. Or rather Mayport. My Dad was a Navy man, stationed at the base there, so my first home break was Mayport Poles. It's still a surf break today, with a web cam and everything.

But the surf itself is problematic on the right coast, nothing like the great swell machine that is the Pacific Ocean and the coast line of Northern California. However, this trip isn't to Florida, I am going to the Eastern Shore of the Great State of Maryland. Used to go there as a kid with my Mom. You see, she was born and raised in the little village called Mardela Springs. It's near Salisbury, and the road from there goes directly to the coast at Ocean City.

There are parallels between there and Santa Cruz, where I now live. Both towns feature a board walk, and you can get salt water taffy in each. Both are resort areas to which inlanders or valleys flock in the summer months. Ocean City is a surf spot, but rarely do the waves approach anything like those of Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Or put it another way, Ocean Beach never ever gets as flat is a typical day in Ocean City.

But I am headed there anyway, will check the waves with a hopeful eye, and will rent a board if there is anything out there at all to ride. I have to, it's what I do. I'll get some pictures and use them to illustrate a DogMan Chronicles column or two. No matter what I might find, the comparisons and the contrasts will be interesting. So are you up for the ride? Let's begin.

It all starts with an early early extra-early wake up call at the homestead in the Santa Cruz mountains. A dawn cruise up the coast to SFO, and an irritating and demeaning TSA full body scan come next. As if that isn't enough torture, (Your security is our priority!) a thorough pat-down is prescribed, even though I tell the Federal guys over and over there is NOTHING in my pockets. Finally, they are convinced I am telling the truth.

Then the cross-country plane ride goes smoothly, putting us into Dulles International later in the afternoon, East coast time. Back on the ground, it's time to cruise! And that's a tale for the next episode of "left coast / right coast."

CU Out There,

DogMan