Arrival

[mick]

They say pipe smoking is about the journey, not the arrival, but I can't help but feel that I have somewhat arrived, or at least, finished the novice stage. When I first came to PipesMagazine.com, the first thing I asked for and needed help with was tobacco types for an order and in there was Escudo. Well, I just didn't "get" it at all. I hated it: I hated the weird flake coins, I hated the burning, I just hated it. Now, I would say I have the mechanics down a bit better. I just smoked Escudo for the first time since the week of my first TAD and the difference between my early smokes and now is like night and day!

That is the brand new cob I just smoked for the first time with a bowl of Escudo. I used to get minimal cake on the first bowl and now, why it's nearly down to the draft hole! :clap: It sure does feel good to have started "getting it".
I just wanted to share that for two reasons. One is to share my genuine gratitude for those who have helped, both directly (like my mentor simenon) and indirectly, like all those who post their experiences and knowledge from which I have learned so much so quickly. And the other reason is to tell those people who are in that novice phase to keep at it, and you will arrive, too. I know, personally, I sometimes felt like it would never happen.
Thanks and happy smoking, everyone!

 

[mountainman]

Congrats! If you weren't hooked before then you are now.

 

[hawk60ce]

Im stil waiting for that "Ah Ha'' moment. been smoking for about 4 months now and i think its around the corner. more and more smokes are becoming more and more enjoyable which is a good sign i reckon

 

[mick]

Im stil waiting for that "Ah Ha'' moment. been smoking for about 4 months now and i think its around the corner. more and more smokes are becoming more and more enjoyable which is a good sign i reckon

It's definitely elusive. For me, the biggest "ah ha" was figuring out tamping. A week or two ago, I had my first 2 match smoke, from char to dottle (which has also all but disappeared for me whereas before it would be maybe 25%!).

 

[gwtwdbss]

That is awesome news Mick!

 

[hawk60ce]

yea im still getting that 25% dottle. not sure why. i think im smoking too fast causing it to get too hot and too wet. hmmmmmm

 

[photoman13]

I know exactly what you're talking about. It hit me a while back but I still feel like a novice from time to time. Glad you are here with us brother.

 

[mick]

@ rothnh: what can I say, helping others is contagious. =]

yea im still getting that 25% dottle. not sure why. i think im smoking too fast causing it to get too hot and too wet. hmmmmmm

I don't know, maybe it is smoking too fast, but I really think it goes hand-in-hand with relights and tamping technique as much as with smoking too fast, at least in my limited experience. I found that my huffing and puffing was trying to make sure the tobacco didn't keep going out, but I found a good and often tamping technique keeps the embers in contact with fresh tobacco, making the huffing and puffing unnecessary to maintain a good consistent volume of smoke.
Thanks for the other comments!

 

[mick]

I'll look into that. Thanks for the tip! ::

 

[sixmp]

Nice :D It is nice to see people feeling like they are making progress with a hobby.
I personally feel i will always be learning something new.

I get the same thing with playing guitar and music. Always something that makes you stop and take a second look.

 

[baronsamedi]

I know that feeling well! I had my big "This Is It!" moment with Magnum Opus I barely had my toe in the water with this hobby and wasn't even considering doing a review of a blend.
Then BOOM! It was that smoke that turned me from just another n00b into the Baron Samedi you all know. I love it when another piper has that moment.

 

[mick]

sixmpo - I guess my thread title is a bit presumptuous/misleading. I know there are still lots of things to learn, but that initial phase of frustration is gone at least and now the moments of learning/difficulties are enjoyable (if that makes sense).
Baron - that's cool. What was it exactly? The flavours or the mechanics of smoking or was it just that both were in harmony and everything went smoothly?