Oddly enough

Oddly enough

Stubbornness pays off for coffee-serving man

BOISE, Idaho

An Idaho man and his mule who serve coffee to hikers and bikers in remote areas of the popular Boise foothills trails have sidestepped federal regulatory rules by getting permission from three private landowners.

The Idaho Statesman reports in a story Thursday that Matt Bishop and his mule, Richard, received permission from the landowners who provide easements for the Ridge to Rivers trail system.

The deal means Bishop can accept tips and donations, and there’s no limit on how many beverages he can serve.

Bishop began serving coffee in May, but the U.S. Forest Service denied his request for a permit, limiting him to no more than 75 coffee servings.

Bishop and Richard are currently taking a break but plan to be back on the trails Saturday.

Old lobster spared pot, will retire to aquarium

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine

It’s not common for senior citizens to move from Florida to Maine, but Larry the Lobster’s life depends on it.

The decades-old, 15-pound lobster has been spared from the kettles of a Sunrise, Fla., restaurant and will head to the Maine State Aquarium for retirement.

WPLG-TV reports a rescue group stepped forward to save the venerable crustacean. It’s estimated to be between 60 and 110 years old.

Maine Department of Marine Resources spokesman Jeff Nichols says the lobster will be quarantined to protect other marine life. The aquarium will assess its health, but has no plans beyond that.

Animal welfare group People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals is pushing for the lobster to be released into the wild so it can live out its “golden years at sea.”

‘Jersey Shore’ town now wants quiet beaches

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J.

A New Jersey town made famous by the “Jersey Shore” reality TV series and its hard-partying cast is ready for some quiet time on its beaches.

Seaside Heights is banning speakers, boomboxes and any other devices that amplify music from its beaches, beginning Friday. It’s part of a 60-day experiment.

Borough administrator Christopher Vaz told NJ.com the council received complaints about loud music, and lifeguards have reported confrontations between beachgoers over the volume.

Beach attendants will ask patrons to leave the amplification in their vehicles, and lifeguards will be watching for violators.

Associated Press