We did it again! We gathered at the Camp on Cedar River with the earliest arrivals appearing on Thursday, September 9, 2021, to be part of Pig Snout 31. It was a different feeling as we recognized that one of our founding members would not be joining us, but there was no doubt that Uncle Jim, aka Dad Jim, was with us in spirit. Pig Snout was also missing John Santmann and Uncle Ray, who did not make the trip due to COVID issues. The balance of our crew, Dan, Gerard, John, Mike, Pat, and I, braved the rigors of life in the wilderness in the tradition that is Pig Snout.
It was determined that we would refrain from hiking this year and focus on canoeing and kayaking. Only one person had a mishap that resulted in a soaking that chilled me for a while. No harm done; just tripped up getting out of the canoe. Another episode was more concerning. It involved two of our members getting lost in the weeds of the Cedar River Flow. It’s hard to comprehend how this could ever happen, but it did. I am open to suggestions to prevent a recurrence, possibly some type of distress signals to locate the disoriented and for the rescuers to indicate their location; possibly flags on tall poles or some smoke generators. I think flare guns would be overkill and might be a fire hazard as well.
There was a discussion regarding Pig Snout 2.0, which includes the next generation of Snouters. Obviously, these recruits would have to pass demanding trials to qualify for the title of “Pig Snouter”. Also, learning all of the traditions we share, including our official tagline “You can’t teach a pig to sing, you’ll only irritate the pig” and our action word “snoutin,” as established at Pig Snout 25 in 2016, would be required. The concept included camping on the grounds of the Cedar River Camp as well as a side trip to tent at a remote location. One option discussed was Cheney Pond, which features a lean-to and a sandy beach. This will obviously be the subject of discussion in the coming months. I have confirmed with our hosts Ed and Linda that additional campers are welcome.
Another aspect of every Pig Snout – the tasting – was carried out with a precision that can only be attributed to the teamwork of our (can I use the term?) judges Pat and Gerard. A deadlock on the final vote was broken by relabeling the 2 finalists before the vote, resulting in a record-setting third consecutive win for Dan with his entry, Thousand Island Riesling. Dan has declared that the tasting for Pig Snout 31, to be held from September 8 to 11, 2022, will be an IPA tasting.
This tome would not be complete without recognizing the amazing food we enjoyed, starting with John M’s breakfasts, Gerard’s lunches, Mike’s hors d’oeuvres, Dan’s Salads, Pat’s Clam Chowder, and of course the standard at every Pig Snout, Aunt Margie’s delicious Spaghetti, meatballs, and sausage. It was all amazing!
Well, I’ve done it again – filled a page with great memories of Pig Snout 30 and looking forward to Pig Snout 31! So let me close with mine and Louise’s wishes for you and yours – Merry Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy New Year
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