The wife will be away, so I must play. What better excuse for a pipe party? What better way for pipe smokers to meet their fellow aficionados or for those who want to try the pipe to learn some of the art and science of smoking from those who have already mastered it?

You are cordially invited to come join me on Saturday, August 9 at 5:00pm for a good old-fashioned campfire here in the woods on the banks of the Skykomish River. In the tradition of outdoorsmen past we shall build fond memories as our tobacco smoke reaches for the sky, there to mingle with the smoke of our fire.

I’ll promise you food, fellowship, and fun. You need only bring yourself and your libation of choice.

Of course I’ll be doing the cooking so can’t promise that the food will actually be good, but it’ll be free and that can’t be beat!

We will eat around 6:00pm, and light the fire shortly thereafter.

For you brothers of the briar, I offer you a simply amazing view to contemplate as you enjoy a bowl of your favorite tobacco. For you future brothers of the briar, I offer you loaner pipes and a selection of the worlds finest tobacco’s to try.

All of that my friends is the good news.

Now for the bad news.

I’m having this little event at my house, and lemme tell you, my house is a long way from civilization. I’m about 40 minutes east of Monroe, off Highway 2, near the tiny town of Index. If that isn’t enough to scare you off, my ‘driveway’ is a primitive gravel road, my house about 4 miles in. The road is good enough for any car to pass; indeed one of my friends has visited in his Corvette. That said, were I to own such a car I would not drive it here, and would advise my guests that they might feel much more comfortable if they were to arrive in a more rugged vehicle. One small consolation is that it is easy to find, no one is likely to become lost looking for my home provided that they remember to bring directions.

Weather presents two minor obstacles to these plans, but will be unable to derail them. If it does not rain soon the Burning Ban will remain in effect stopping the enjoyment of a campfire. If it does rain, we shall be fine, we shall simply move inside the studio where smoking is always welcome.

Please RSVP to bailey.cameron.m AT gmail.com by Thursday, August 7 so that I may ensure enough food for everyone. When you RSVP please let me know where you will be coming from so that I might send you directions via the quickest possible route.