Last Chance, cuts from the Target's notes.

Leaving it all behind, Holiday's & 66th. 11/2/2017

Gonna hitch a ride, head for the other side
Leave it all behind, never change my mind
Gonna sail away, sun lights another day
Freedom on my mind, carry me away for the last time
-Boston, Hitch A Ride
    As I drove towards the beach Thursday evening, I noticed the trees filled with color. Cooler nights have brought Autumn in full swing and Winter is coming. This night we made our last stand. The session would not end 'til we said we were finished. As I approached OC I saw a sign. The reflected light of a big full moon filled the sky lighting a line to the sea. Wattman was running late and LWatt would miss the session due to work.

Upon my arrival the sun was already starting to fade. Shortly thereafter Watt pulls up. As we cross the dune an evening of pure Stoke awaits. Everything has aligned. The warmth of the day still carried over and purple-red clouds colored the sky. Water was still in the upper 60's. Only a slight breeze could be felt and a low tide provided knee high swell. Short rides. Some lacking power. Others closing out. Didn't matter. Tonight was the last chance to hitch a ride. Our last chance to get our fill of the Atlantic. So Wattman caught the quick rides. Some rights...a few lefts...feeling his way as dusk quickly set in. An entire season now in the past, the Revival was incomplete. The Sea was not done with us. A full Surfer's Moon filled the sky. So bright  you could read a book.  With a shimmering ocean reflecting colors only the right combination of elements coming together could produce, the Watt would continued to surf late into the dark.

   As I paced the beach the only sound that could be heard was the soft caw of a distant seagull and the crashing of cascading  waves against the shore.  The ocean's quiet call of good-bye until next season. Eventually the session had to end. As we walked off the beach for the last time this year I glanced back to see the empty waters and could only hope to make it back next year.
   We headed north to High Stakes Bar and Grill after several years absence. This locale had scored well previously, so we were looking forward to our return. LWatt was able to finish her work and join us for the post-surf meal. Since our last visit the place had gone through a complete re-model. Now one large bar instead of an unusual two room/two bar set up. Open concept. But the more things change the more they remain the same. We managed to catch oldies night I guess. When I am one of the youngest people in the joint, well, you get my drift. That doesn't mean the place was not jumping. A one man band set up got the music in these blue hairs. And the packed house was calling for more. The three of us grabbed the only seats at bar and the bartender soon found us. The beverage selection was small; served in a room temperature glass but the liquid refreshment was cold as we settled in for the night. We ordered up,

deciding to go with the BBQ Wings and the Chicken Cheese Steak sub. As we waited for our food LWatt could not decide what to make of this place especially as Wattman seemed right at home. The old guy finally stops playing and the crowd quickly disperses. Let's face it, it was most likely bed time for many of these people. The wings and sub arrived and we dug in. Crispy, tangy, with a sweet BBQ flavor. We all three agreed they were in the top 5. Both Wattman and I wondered if the recipe may have originated just down the street at that Irish pub. The cheese steak, while large and filled to the brim with chicken, seemed bland. To me it seemed to be missing the special seasoning all sub type sandwiches are suppose to have. In addition, paper plates. Not that we expected good china, but paper took away part of the dining experience. Prices however, were very reasonable. Decent food, good value, and a welcome-all attitude went a long way to capping off the session and making this night a nice experience for each of us. Well worthy of the Revival.

THE RATING-

BBQ Wings: A-

Chicken Cheese Steak: C+

Beer: C

Atmosphere: B-

Value: B+

Overall Score = 2.80