Last Saturday, an unusual pétanque experience took place in Marin County. Unlike our regular tournaments, this one had fewer participants and emphasized the “bon enfant” atmosphere of this event.
If my memory serves me well, there were about 20 participants, including the freshly inducted Melody and Brett. Welcome to the trenches, comrades.
I have been told that this unusual skill clinic was the brainchild of Mark Toepfer, and was expertly orchestrated by Captain Mike O’Leary, whose guidance transformed the session into an enriching learning experience for all attendees.
I failed to mention that Shama, an indispensable part of our machine, was there as usual to tally and keep track of what was happening.
The sunny weather added a layer of warmth but highly hindered my picture-taking operation. Bright sun creates high contrast and makes it extremely difficult to have balanced images. Mais c’est la vie!
Since my tournament-playing days are over, I still come to the field to meet friends and take pictures. Yesterday, I was glad to see Louis Toulon, who is about 2 months older than I, and is still in great shape. Great guy and great career!
I am also always happy to meet compatriots like Jean-Claude Bunand, Alain Marchand, François Moser, Jean-Michel Poulnot, and Bernard Passemar, to share gossip and pass judgments on people and events, a unique prerogative to French-born people.
Yesterday, there were fewer women than men, but they are often more skilled than their counterparts. Yesterday, I also noticed Sara Danielson, who has become an excellent player and understands French pretty well. I will have to watch my tongue when she is around.
My adopted sister Ann Krilanovich, whose ballerina-style pétanque is a delight for the eyes, was also there to grace us with her presence.
By 4:00 pm, it was all over, and the winners emerged.
1st place: Jim Morisson & Nicolas Bunand
2nd place: Sara Danielson & Fabian Assie
3rd place: Eddy Pay & Steven Payette
Alain