I had a blast at the show yesterday and got to see a lot of familiar faces and some new ones! I didn't find a pipe but managed to win another GBD 9438 (from Steve Fallon!) on the way home, thanks Ebay phone app!
I never seem to be able to remember to take many pictures, but here's a few.
I've been emailing "Ralph from NJ" for over year now and learned we have many mutual interests beside pipes. Ralph is a frequent contributor to the The Pipe Collector and I always enjoy his humorous stories. Ralph threatened to show up last year, but didn't make the event. The NASPC guys said he was "A ghost" and probably didn't really exist. Well, he came yesterday and here's a picture with him. I'm opening a new restaurant location near Ralph in May, so I hope to be able to spend some more time with him. That is Woodsroad (Dan) behind him.
Dan from Gabrielle pipes and at the P&C table is seen shaking hands. Jon Guss is on he right.
Jon Guss with my first Barlings. It is always fascinating to speak with Jon and learn more about his industry research.
The Chesapeake club in the foreground.
Brian Levine had one of the busiest tables, but I was able to catch a few moments with him.
I had PM'd and even spoke via phone with Simon aka "Condorlover" who lives in NYC. I didn't know what he looked like and it didn't really register when he said hello to me and good-bye as I was leaving. On the four hour drive home, it dawned on me who he was. So, here is our picture...... DANG! Perhaps next year.