Chicagoland 2008
The Chicago Pipe Show was great, as it always is! Of course, this year it was bizarrely smoke free (i.e. no pipe smoking curmudgeons walking around – just grumbling curmudgeons) and a police presence to make sure we didn't rise up in armed rebellion. But all that aside, it was still great seeing the folks we haven’t seen for a year and meeting new friends. All great! I’m already looking forward to next year. And as soon as I pay off the debt incurred at the show, I’ll start saving my pennies for next year. Screw the kids’ college education! – T

Mark and Chuck have serious discussions as the trip begins – something to do with the length of rest stops. – T

Mark at the pump with a crazed look. Gas prices increased as we went north. Fortunately, we were smart enough to bring only two vehicles – so our fuel costs were only slightly more than the yearly GDP of a small third world country. – T

Pheasant Run at last – just ten hours after leaving Memphis! Mark, David and Chuck with a slight case of saddle sores. – T

Full of energy and ready to go! – T

Collector Matt Guss (my avowed Pipe Enemy) with Wolfgang and Gita Becker. I was fortunate to grab the Wolfgang pipe I wanted before Matt arrived! – T

Anders Nilsson and Martin Vollmer stopped by our room with a few pipes we’ve been impatiently waiting for. – T

Our pal Kevin, who we met through Smoker’s Forums. This guy can tell a joke, plus he makes some fine irish music! – T

5:30 Friday morning – Lining up for the "Pre-Show" Show. – T

Not slowed down by the early hour or his massive donut intake, Mark finds his perfect Celius pipe and snatchs it!– T

A quick smoke before the Pre-Show. Mark, Rob, Neill Roan, Peter Heding and Kjeld Sorensen – T

Friday night in the smoking tent. What a great time! Many of the pipe makers brought out their cases and showed their wares. Fantastic! – T

Our roadies, David and Chuck. Chuck sports a new pipe he picked up from Robert Lawing (aka Lawdog). – T

We shared a table with Cornelius Maenz and Wolfgang Becker. Needless to say, no one even noticed our pipe racks. They were too busy being wowed by the pipes. Oh well. – T

Young American pipe maker Adam Davidson. There was quite a buzz going about his pipes. He is someone to watch. – T

Another young but well established US maker, Jeff Gracik of J. Alan Pipe fame. Great guy and truly fabulous pipes. – T

Wolfgang and Lars. – T

Saturday night round table discussion with John Crosby, Jason Sunderland, Adam Davidson, David and Neill Roan (with his new Davidson pipe). – T

Chuck, Mark and Scary Guy Scott Anderson totally mesmerized by cigars. Scott makes some cool pipes. Mark was lucky enough to grab one. – T

Chuck (his ear) Scott, Kevin, John, Jason, Adam, David (nose), Neill (nose) and Mark (bald spot). – T

Gita, Cornelius, Anja (I might be spelling that wrong) and Wolfgang... and Matt Guss’ nose. – T