Phisherman joins us in Tampa

[Professor Twain]

The Tampa crew (it latest version, minus our founding leader, Tampa1257) got together with Phisherman last night at King Corona Cigars in the Ybor City area of Tampa. Dave was in town from the Boston area to visit with family and to be a part of a wedding, which will happen today. Besides myself, Sir Diggamus (Benjamin) and Kilroy (Andy) were able to attend. We try to get together every Thursday, but it worked for everyone to move to Friday.

No surprise, Dave brought some superb '98 ERDM cigars (forget the vitola) to share with everyone. I smoked mine last night, great cigar. I also smoked a great '99 Upmann Con #1, a tasty but semi plugged '01 Cohiba Exquisito (I think due to humidity issues in my cooler), and a tasteless disappointing young VR Famoso (I wish they would get good again). There were lots of other great cigars being smoked, including Andy smoking a young Lancero, and Benjamin and Dave hitting some '98 Punch Coronas.

We sat outside at King Corona, always a pleasant way to spend an evening. On our last trip to KC there was a lot more eye candy, this weekend was a special event in Ybor, GaYbor, and maybe there were also lots of parties keeping people away. We didn't stay too late though, and some of the people in more outlandish outfits were just starting to arrive. Andy knew about some sort of major lesbian dance party that was going on but wouldn't divulge the location.

Dave kept us spellbound with his stories of the bachelor party he had attended Thursday night at one of Tampa's famous strip clubs. I will let him provide details if he chooses, but one highlight was that when the strippers discovered they had a groom among them, they brought him up on stage and made him part of the show... of course Dave was merely a bystander to all of this chicanery.

OK, here are some shots of the guys. First our guest of honor:

Now Sir Diggamus:

Kilroy had been out golfing during a very hot day, he was red as a beet and wore a red shirt to show it off:

And yours truly, standing out as the old geezer in the crowd (nice of the young guys to tolerate me):

It's always a pleasure to have guests visit us. If you are coming to the Tampa Bay area, give a holler. If you live in the area send me a message and I will add you to our email list. Next week some of us are going to a Rays game and then meeting up in St. Pete at Central cigars. There is such a wealth of great places to enjoy cigars in our area.

[sounddust]

It's always great to see BOTLs enjoying themselves in an environment which welcomes this wonderful hobby of ours.

[Tampa1257]

Professor, It is truly an honor to have you and the rest of the Tampa Crew continuing the tradition of welcoming guests in style when they visit the Tampa Bay area.

Once again, you are a great Friend of Habanos and to many around the world.

Have fun at the game and Go Rays!

[kilroy]

... Andy knew about some sort of major lesbian dance party that was going on but wouldn't divulge the location...

Where do you think I snuck off to so quickly at 9:30?

Kilroy had been out golfing during a very hot day, he was red as a beet and wore a red shirt to show it off:

Yes, but despite the oppressive heat, soaked greens and lousy playing partners I still pulled out a 75 with 2 birdies.

[Professor Twain]

Where do you think I snuck off to so quickly at 9:30?

Yes, but despite the oppressive heat, soaked greens and lousy playing partners I still pulled out a 75 with 2 birdies.

Andy we need to do a cigar and golf day so I can see what a 75 looks like, at least one without mulligans.

[El Presidente]

great to see you guys again. The photo's bring back some wonderful memories

[asmith]

Looks like a good afternoon and some fine cigars.