This was my first pipe show and I must say, it was a great day. I drove from Columbus, Indiana and made my way over smoking some Early Morning Pipe. This was a fitting choice for the day because I was up by 5:00 a.m. on the road by 6:00. I couldn't have been more satisfied with the selection, information (I'm still a novice), and unforgettable atmosphere. Thanks to all the guys who helped me out. As of this morning, I am also a proud member to the NASPC brethren.
I got some great tins, the annual t-shirt, and the Ranger show tobacco. Couldn't pull the trigger on a pipe, but enjoyed perusing the aisles (a multitude of times) and seeing a variety of pipes to fit any budget. This English teacher ain't got too much money.
I even got to meet Brian Levine. I spoke with him very briefly, but could tell he was as genuine as the great pipe podcast he puts out every week. I tried not to nerd out, but it was kind of hard. I started listening to the podcasts a few months ago and the one I listened to on the way home was with Father Dave- episode number 15. Completely coincidental, he spoke about Columbus, Cincinnati, and the Carousel pipe shop where I bought my first churchwarden. I was driving home on that exact route and even drove past the Oldenburg exit where the father serves with the other Franciscans. Fr. Dave ended the interview with a blessing for all pipers. I realize making reference to that podcast is fairly obscure, but it was the perfect end to an almost-perfect day. I suppose next time I'll get either twelve raffle tickets or fourteen. Those thirteen didn't win me a damn thing...