Cold Clams and Beer on Coney Island

I didn't actually have clams, but I did drink a cold beer. It was a perfect day to stroll the boardwalk: 65 degrees, overcast, and not very crowded. But even with meager crowds, sleaze was in good supply. An NYPD chopper buzzed the beach close enough for the pilot to see my curious expression. Morbidly obese children mingled with French tourists and skinheads. I didn't get pickpocketed and I avoided food poisoning. I squeezed through the two security checks on the pier without getting my bag searched. I had a wonderful afternoon.