Memories from the weekend;

Attendees:

Nob, Leo, Harps, Mowbs, Freud, Coney, Potsy and Beaups .

Absent:

Rod, Deano, Scuiser, Guy, Halley, Cookie, and Mel

Voting:

Rob 6;

Leo 2 (for spending too much time texting the wife)

Harps's play by play of the weekend;

Gananoque Thousand Islands was the setting for AOTW 2015.

Eight assholes were able to tear themselves away from various duties and obligations: our organizer Floyd, Rob, Mowbs, Beaups, Daryl, Gary, Leo, and Harps

Our base for the weekend was the Manse Lane Bed & Breakfast which we had to ourselves. Our Inn keeper, Debra, was very excited to see us. Not just for the revenue stream, but also there was a hopeful look in her eye, like maybe her odds with eight guys might spawn a bedding opportunity–And knowing one way to a man’s heart was through food, She spoiled us with never-ending food, pretty much right from the moment we arrived. Gary was quickly singled out as the man best suited to earning his plumbing licence and lay some pipe. Did it ever happen, Gary…some of us went to bed a bit early both nights.

Early Friday arrivals made a reconnaissance trip to Gananoque Brewing Company, knowing we should make sure it was safe for our brothers prior to the Saturday official tour. As it turned out, there was no issues. A few large Growlers were secured and brought back to home base.

Time was spent gathered around the pool, waiting for the second wave of assholes to arrive, which is when the first wave of food made its appearance.

Mowbs expressed early disappointment with sleeping arrangements. His “tissue pillow” was apparently not up to the 5 star rating accommodation that he’s used to. But this was really a rookie mistake, for we all know that you got to show up early if you want the best digs.

It’s always revealing to see what has changed in the past 12 months. Medical issues (aches, pains, a new slew of meds) are always expected as we’re now playing the “Back 9” of life. But this year it was more pronounced as two of the crew (Leo and Beaups), were in the hospital a few days before and almost didn’t make it. But fortunately the magnetic pull of other assholes lifted them out of their funk and dragged their wrinkly old asses to the event.

The other development was the excessive fixation with smart phones: wifely texting and checking on sports – especially Blue jays. I guess the latter is understandable (playoff run), but hourly check ins family….whatever happened to the idea of being in the moment?

We eventually headed out for dinner and less than stellar red wine from Prince Edward County (sorry, but should have asked me first before ordering). Daryl and our future AOTW Chairman (hint: he’s a pilot) showed up at this point, after which we all headed for some evening cocktails elsewhere.

The evening concluded at the pool, but it was to bed early (midnight) for some of us which foreshadowed how it would go. A look of disappointment – or possibly disgust – could be readily seen on Mr. Mowbray’s face. Or was it more of an unhappy puppy look, being left alone with no one to play with? In any event, little did he know it wouldn’t be much better the next night. But then let’s remember that at a least a few of us are getting close to that time of life when the first senior’s discounts start kicking in.

Saturday morning Debra had our mega, custom-ordered breakfast feast on the boil, and so it was time to prep for our main event – an outing with Thousand Island kayaking. However, the rain – plus maybe some concerns triggered by the onerous medical form – had a number of us thinking we should cancel. Out Chairman did make an enquiry as to the implications of such a decision.

But after considering the financial penalty, it was decided we’d go for it. Plus there was also the old, “We are men after all, are we not?”

It was a 10 minute walk over to the kayak company’s headquarters where we were given the necessary gear (some wet weather + life jacket) and partnered up with the appropriate kayak based on weight.

After extensive briefing on technique and safety our guide, Barry, and we all entered the water, amid some rain showers.

After some initial fumbling about, learning and experimenting how to become one with kayak, everyone settled in nicely to a paddling groove, and the rain seemed less a factor. The two rules that were in effect were: staying together and yielding to motor boats.

And so an enjoyable time was had, as we were given a tour of the islands, residences, sunken boats, etc. At the half way point it was time for a stretch and some lunch, which was had on Thousand Island National Park Island.

From there we continued our journey, and wrapped up our 8km adventure back at headquarters. All told, it was a tiring but very enjoyable outing with no damage done, no obvious fouls that might be worthy of a vote (or more accurately lessen Rob’s ascension to the job)

After a return to the Inn to change into something dry, it was off to Gananoque Brewing Company for a tour with the master brewer, who explained the making of craft beer, and of course the all important sampling session at the end. Who thought water, hops and barley could come in so many forms?

Dinner that Saturday night was at Stonewater Gastro Pub. Our waitress Morgan and her camel toe were initially a little cold toward us, causing some tense moments where she was no doubt wondering what she did to deserve our table. But then things settled down.

Some of us (yours truly) who were fatigued from all that paddling (plus drinks + smoke) snuck off to bed early. So I have no stories to tell from 10:30pm onwards, although I do know that Debra left her door unlocked in case Gary felt some stirring, and felt the need to go “Downtown”. Gary, can you confirm?

I also suspect that Paul was ultra pissed at the drop out rate that night and had thoughts of never coming to another AOTW unless new rules (of his making) were put in place.

Sunday morning we awoke to another big honking breakfast, but also rain. It was decided two days of rain activity wasn’t desirable, so the planned golf game was cancelled. Instead, we had a second coffee, and got down to the all important voting.

Like the previous year, there was no surprise, as it seemed that the “winner” was already known – or in this case Rob acknowledged on Saturday that he was overdue. And so it was with the voting: Rob 6; Leo 2 (for spending too much time texting the wife)

And so here endith another weekend in a remarkable tradition of coming together to share shit, trade barbs, out fart each other, and in general act like assholes. Thanks to Floyd for keeping the standards high, and over to you Rob.

Photos of the weekend: