I am not sure yet, but it looks like summer is finally around the corner. I am sure, most of you are sick and tired of me pining for those hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer, but it’s so close I can taste it. The smoked meat, the garden fresh veggies, the fried smelts, the key lime pie, (yes, those were all past columns) come to Papa!

I pretty much have a list of all my favorite summer pastimes all laid out and ready to go.

In fact as soon as the kids get out of school I’m heading up to the North Shore for some of the best seafood in the world, seriously, the world.

Steeped in a heritage of sea food tradition (no pun intended) the North Shore, Cape Ann, Plum Island and the New Hampshire coast have some of the freshest samplings you will ever taste. From Nahant Lobsters to Ipswich Clams it doesn’t get any better than this.

A perfect North Shore day trip for me starts at the E Z Pedaler . located at 40R Merrimack St. Newburyport MA. For a small fee you can rent one of the hottest fads to sweep the beach, electric bicycles, complete with all the gear. These bikes are great ! Peddle when you need to burn off all that seafood I’m about to tell you about or turn on the electric motor and let the bike do the work for you. It’s a great concept and be sure to tell Bill I sent you when you stop by.

Once I get my bike, it’s a quick zip over to Bob’s Lobster ( no relation) at 49 Plum Island Turnpike. This place is the epitome of the classic summer clam shack. Located on the banks of the scenic Merrimack River Bob brings all the classics to the table, and the tables are all located outdoors! Corn & Lobster chowder, fresh Ipswich steamers, oysters, flounder and yes even fried smelts. You can get individual steamed lobsters or the whole sha- bang clambake. Trust me folks, it doesn’t get any fresher than this.

Now that I’ve had my fill of awesome New England fare its back on the bike over to the Parker River Wildlife Refuge . This 4,664-acre reserve is home to over 300 species of bird and many more local wildlife surprises. I once saw a silver fox with a red tail (no I wasn’t drinking) . The reserve, founded in 1942, is a great place for a picnic and offers some of the best fishing around . In fact, on June 11from 9 to 3:30 they will be hosting a family “ Lets Go Fishing “ day . Not only do they teach you how to surf cast and identify the different species of fish but they bus you over to some of the richest seafood coastal areas around.

Now its back on the bike, (good thing I don’t have to peddle) over to Newburyport  to turn the gear in.  Maybe one more stop on the way back at Bob’s for an old fashioned root beer float or a Richardson’s ice cream cone. Once you get back to the E Z Pedaler don’t forget to check with Bill about the best place for your favorite libation. I’m sure he can give you tip or two.

Ahh, those lazy , hazy, crazy days of summer. I can’t wait.