I was on a little hike at Stone State Park in western Iowa today when I came across this interesting little placard. I'm sure I've seen it a hundred times, but today was a little different--today I had a pipe of my own in hand as I climbed the bluff! I took it as a sign that it was time to snap a few pictures and finally introduce myself here, after months of lurking.
So here I am! Name's Josh, 26 year old living in the heartland. Took to the briar last August after stopping in Eastwold Smokes in Sioux Falls on my way to Okoboji for a wedding. Jerry at Eastwold's set me up with a Peterson pipe and a few bags of his top-selling aromatics, but I've branched out to English blends--and today was my first crack at a Virginia. The pipe you see in these pics is my new Stanwell Deluxe filled with a little Capstan Flake Navy Cut, on her maiden voyage.
Iowa can be more beautiful than most people might imagine. These hills are as green as Ireland in the spring, and burnish like gold in the autumn sun.
But of course winter is just ending. Still, I love to get out here in early spring. Its one of the best times to hike, before the weather gets too warm and the ticks and mosquitoes are out in force. Well its good to finally be here "officially"! I've taken a lot of advice from you folks, even if you don't know it.
Now grab a pipe and get out there--and lets see some pics!
. I can't help showing off my latest acquisition--the pouch is a Sorringowl and Sons roll-up from his Christmas series. Look Frank up on etsy--he does it all by hand, its excellent work!
