So Many Beers, So Little Restaint

This past weekend I ventured to the Poconos to enjoy a weekend away from the city with friends (mostly from Shippensburg of the non-rugby variety). We all don't get to see each other as often as we did before there were kids, marriages and other responsibilities, so it's totally awesome when we can all come together. Steph's parents were so kind to let us use their vacation home for the weekend and it was super convienent that it was located so close to the festival. Wheee!

Mark and Bonnie picked up Susan and I on Friday evening and we left the thriving metropolis of Philadelphia and ventured into mountain country. Upon arrival ,we were greeted by a roaring fire and lots of familiar faces - Joni, Brian, Tina, Nate, Hartman, New Matt, Becky and Jeff. After cracking some ciders and catching up with everyone, Becky and I were sung "Happy Birthday!" and shared some birthday cupcakes. Thanks again everyone!

On Saturday we all packed into Jaime's Suburban and drove the mile to the Split Rock Resort, where the beer fest was happening. After waiting and waiting and waiting, and some stategic line cutting by Tina, we finally received our tasting glasses and were unleashed onto the floor. I promptly lost everyone and started tasting anything and everything I could. My highlights were the Stone's IPA and Mendecino's Red Hawk Ale. There were some iffy quaffs, but for the most part, everything was interesting and I'd like to think I broadened by palette a bit. After 3.5 hours of beer drinking *burp* we piled back in the Suburban, which now included Steph and Jeff, and headed back to the house. After all that beer, I was so glad to have some Magner's Hard Cider to drink. I also had some Dogfish Head Punkin' Ale, lovingly brought my Mark after a failed search for the elusive brew.

Mark and Bonnie brought their Wii and I played it for the first time ever. It is so addictive! Jaime brought extra controllers and I spent part of the night bowling against Scott, Candice and Damian and boxing against Candice. My arms were so sore afterwards. God that's pathetic when you think about it. Even more pathetic was my tolerance, which at 32 is all shot to hell, but I made it to 1am, wahoo!

Here's to beers, good friends, and even more beer. Cheers!