A suprise package

[chuckw]

A suprise came in the mail yesterday form Mel Feldman, The Smoker. As most know, Mel is getting out of the business and retiring, so when a small box arrived, I didn't know what to think. I hadn't ordered anything. Upon opening the box, I discovered an unsmoked Willmer Bel Aire and a note that read, "Chuck, this is the last Willmer that I have. Hope it gives you many good smokes. No cost" It was signed, "Your friend, Mel."

Mel and I had many a conversation while I was still on the road about pipes and trucking. I suppose Mel is as close as I could get to a mentor. He talked me through many a mile.

Here is the pipe. It's getting it's virgin bowl of Greg Pease's Union Square as I type.

 

[hellar]

wow very nice i love it

 

[robs]

What a magnificent gesture. Enjoy that Pipe in Good Health Chuck.
Best Regards

Rob

 

[buck67]

Very, very nice. Looks like something Bing would have smoked. Enjoy!!!!

 

[bowhatchie]

Good friend... good pipe.... Congrats!

 

[menckenite]

What a wonderful gift and from a mentor makes it all the better. Enjoy Chuck!

 

[kammi4pipes]

What a touching gift

 

[mlaug]

Very nice gesture. I've received pipes as gifts and the memory of the person is so closely tied to the pipe, I can't help but recall them as I smoke.

 

[excav8tor]

Wow, I need a mentor like that. Lovely pipe and a wonderful friend too, life doesn't get better than that.
Jim, will you be my mentor???

 

[fred]

That's a swell Pipe and a grand event of friendship!

 

[unclearthur]

Very kind gesture. Excellent looking pipe as well.

 

[python]

A good pipe from a good friend is a special thing that can't be beat!
Congrats!

 

[admin]

That is a damn sexy pipe. What a great gift. Unexpected gifts, and well-thought gifts are on their own special level.
Good for you, Chuck, and good for Mel too.

 

[onizuka]

That is truly awesome. I'm still amazed by the generosity of the pipe smoking community.

 

[hilojohnny]

Wonderful gesture....great pipe....Life is Good.

 

[krgulick]

Wow, what a great gesture and friend. Hope it is a great smoker for you.

 

[bubbadreier]

What a great surprise!

 

[collindow]

That's delightful! You're one lucky guy, for having a friend that good and a pipe like that!