Loading ...While we continue to make our plans for attending the Chicago Pipe Show as a member of the UPCA, (United Pipe Clubs of America) the buzz around the event builds. We look forward to representing Habana Premium Cigar Shoppes, and mingling with other pipe clubs from across the globe.
As we read about other clubs International Pipe Smoking Day celebrations, we’re learning about their club members and events. For instance, the Pocono Intermountain Pipe Smoking Enclave (or PIPE), may have just learned about International Pipe Smoking Day, but their President, Mike “Doc” Garr is a proficient “Slow Smoke” contest winner.
With two matches, 5 grams of tobacco and a pipe, the Wilkes University sociology professor can light a pipe in about two minutes and smoke it for more than an hour and a half.
Though an hour and half might not sound long, Garr cannot relight the pipe and usually eggs it on with a drawl every few minutes. Many of the competitors’ pipes extinguish after five minutes. His interesting talents even earned him a trophy as the Northeast Regional slow pipe-smoking champion of 2008.
The “ritual” of pipe smoking has been a recurrent theme in recent pipe tobacco buzz. As stated in the article referenced above, “It is really the ritual that makes pipe smoking, pipe smoking,” said Garr, 57, of Wilkes-Barre. “It is a lot more elaborate. Because of these rituals, it leads to more relaxation.” In these turbulent times, the importance of relaxation is becoming more coveted, and more celebrated.
Pipe smoking not only brings a sense of relaxation to enthusiasts, but for many, it also brings back fond memories otherwise forgotten. How many times have you heard someone comment on the aroma of pipe smoke, and reminiscing about how it brought back fond memories of an older relative?
Remembering those old-time pipe dreams is a great read for those of you that enjoy smoking your pipe outdoors, and the occasional trip down memory lane. You may even find yourself chuckling at points. I particularly enjoyed reading about the difference in eras, and a particularly interesting way of blending your tobacco. 
Recent Comments