Softshell Crabs in October

Softshell crabs, ramps, morel mushrooms and hay fever seem to all come together at the same time and mark the begining of Spring and culinary promise.  Well, I recieved a phone call and at the other end was someone telling me they had fresh softshell crabs.  Impossible.  Normally softshell crabs would be long gone, becoming a distant memory as the cold chill of fall encompases the evening air.  However, because of unusually warm water temperatures and a bit of luck softshell crabs arrived on our doorstep.  What a treat for us, since we sort of missed the softshell crab season as it is normally delineated.