Vancouver Pipeclub - January 2007 - An Afternoon of Relaxation: A Plantation in the Making

This past Wednesday, a group of "senior" members of the Vancouver Pipe Club gathered in Mission, BC, for some refreshments and an afternoon of stimulating conversation. There was Henk, the Dutchman, the sailor, the photographer, the hunter, the teacher. There was Charles, the tobacco blender, the military historian, the teacher. There was August, the sailor, the composer, the philosopher, the logger, the voyageur. And then there was me, Bas, the soldier, the athlete, the fisherman, the negotiator, the photographer. As varied as our backgrounds may be, the common thread that has woven us together is the love of the pipe and the baccy that is smoked in it. Our thoughts were taken through the trials and tribulations of the many wars that our world has experienced; through some of the finest Tobacco Shops long closed; and through some of August's most recent compositions for the organ. Then, we finally found time to discuss the real reason for our gathering - the cultivation of that weed that is enjoyed by so many, tobacco. It is hoped that a small quantity will be grown in the hills overlooking the mighty Fraser River, within sight of the bell tower of a Benedictine Monastery. If our endeavor is successful, the spoils will be shared with the members of VPC. Though this photographer was unable to convince the others to take the time, from mad puffing, to include his image, here are those of the others.