Making the most of a lousy weekend

What happened to summer? Lousy weather over the weekend didn't stop a diehard group of enthusiasts from getting together on Sunday.

Thanks to Albert and Yokoyama san for coming down from Aoyama and MPC regulars Charlie and Kato san.

Several good games from under the trees and later from the warmth of the "clubhouse."

Bob's posh umbrella is apparently a reincarnation of Albert's beloved Loius Vitton that sadly was lifted in a brazen attack last year. There have been several rumors of sightings among the faithful at the Stadium of Light ...

The famed Aoyama Petanque clubhouse?

A few years back when I first started hurling the rock, the experienced players from Aoyama Petanque would often come down to Myoshoji and with their fine play, personalized towels, state of the art measuring devices and regular reference to "World Championships," I had thoughts of Aoyama Petanque being like the Wimbledon of the Tokyo boules scene.

Visions of personalized lockers, showers, and a clubhouse serving the freshest croissants and vintage Bordeaux poured through my mind and I looked forward to one day making my debut at the sacred club.

Of these grand expectations, only the warm hospitality, generous food and drink spread, and purist approach to the game proved true.

The "clubhouse" is in the shape of a collapsible table, and a few makeshift chairs. Shelter from the elements is provided by the overhanging trees and for those "extreme" weather conditions, a scrub bunker protects players from heavy downpours.

In other words, not that different to our beloved Myoshoji Park.





Thanks for a great day on Saturday Aoyama. Some fine play and a lot of laughs.

Greg

44 beers and a 4 kilo steak for Steve's 44th birthday!

A great day down the park on Sunday with plenty of beers sunk to celebrate Steve's 44th birthday. Some competitive games too that stretched well into the balmy night.

The four-day party ended on Monday night with a family feast fit for the whole team, a certified Prime Angus Cow!

Hope the next year's a cracker, Steve!