I parked my rig at Sally Beauty on Vantage Point and walked a mile to find a place to watch Game 5. I was lucky to stumble upon Flight 747, a local dive bar that also serves as a drive-through liquor star located next to a motel, a half mile from the airport.
It was a busy Wed night. The two pool tables were full with folks watching, some playing an electronic dart board. People took turns singing karaoke on stage and every stool by the bar was occupied.
Beer is cheap there. $6 for a pitcher of Yuengling and $10 if you couple it with an 8″ pizza. It helps that this place is also a liquor store.. You know that the drinks are strong when there’s plenty of liquor bottles lined up along the wall.
The place was filled with locals. No tourists or guests with luggage heading to catch a plane.
I listened to a version of “Before He Cheats,” then I headed straight towards the big screen to watch the game.
I ordered wings and fries, Jack & Coke and a local favorite, I-10 IPA.
A man named Aaron was shooting pool and noticed my rapt interest in the game.
“I bet on the Hawks to win the series,” he added. “Don’t know if we can win this one, though.”
“Great pick. The Hawks are down 23 points right now. They’ll need a miracle to win this game. Are you from here?”
“Yes, I run a trucking company called Seacoast.. We haul a lot of freight heading north, particularly onions to Maine.”
“Really, well, I’m a trucker myself – leasing with Landstar. I’m delivering first thing in the morning to Sally Beauty, and I’m fortunate to stumble upon this bar.”
“Super, Nice to meet you.” Then Aaron motions to his friend to come over. “This is Randy. He runs the logistics for me. We broker loads to Landstar also”
His group enjoyed some green tea shots (Jameson mixed with Peach Schnapps). By the time I finished the wings, the Hawks had erased the 26 pt deficit to tie it.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when they ended up beating the 76ers in Philly. I’ve been reliving the bitter memories of 28-3 for many years. Instead of a massive collapse in the playoffs, like I’m used to, this time we ended up on the winning end.
