What a kind offer! I can't wait for Keith to wake up and read this thread. I know it will warm his heart, as it has mine.
We are definitely looking into the logistics of this trip and hope to make it doable. The fact that this hotel is dog-friendly is a big plus for us. Our 3-year-old lab has never been alone, without us.
Our last lab, we put him in a boarding kennel when we went to the Open. We were gone for 8 days. When we returned, he had a horrible hotspot on his neck, which he has never had skin problems before. We had to take him to the vet immediately. Though it cost $350 for the vet, I was more upset that this boarding kennel did not take better care of him. We paid extra for him to have extra walks, et cetera. Anyway, never again will we leave our dog at a boarding kennel, so Mickey goes with us now.
The 40th anniversary is going to be a special one. I know the field will fill up. There's something really cool about having a pool tournament in the same place where you are staying. It's really comfy to be able to go up to your room between matches, taking breaks, inviting friends in to hang out and laugh. I miss those times. There is a camaraderie in our pool world that is quite unique between shooters of all caliber. We are all members of the Tribal Nation of Pool. No other sports affords this kind of closeness. Whether a railbird or a competitor, this Open will be one that will go down in the history books, I think, as one of the best ever. Man, right on the beach too. I can feel that warm ocean breeze blowing through my hair now. Yes!
Thanks again, Jason, for your very kind offer. As the date draws near, I will keep you posted. I know Keith would love to see his buddies. If you've never been ot the Open in Virginia, you're missing it. The people in Virginia are very warm and friendly. I've been to Vegas, to Florida, to Upstate New York, to Ohio, and to the Carolinas, but there's nothing better than a pool tournament in Virginia. It really is the best.