MEMBER, FEDERATION OF PÉTANQUE USA AND F.I.P.J.P. - INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PÉTANQUE AND THE PROVENÇAL GAME.
F.I.P.J.P. GOVERNS THE SPORT OF PÉTANQUE IN 79 COUNTRIES.

Note: Click pics in this article to enlarge.

A big "Thank You" goes out to everyone who helped put together our Carnival event, and to those who expressed their appreciation of a day well spent. This appreciation wasn't solely in the form of direct verbal praise, (although we did get lots of that, and such comments are always nice to hear). It also came in the form of the smiles and laughter expressed by the participants, and that was the best sign of all that we had a successful day. On behalf of the whole crew, it was a pleasure making it happen. For those who missed it, we'll do it again next year so you'll get another chance.

The events of the day included both a panache tournament, as well as 14 scattered Carnival Games. Anyone who wasn't playing panache was free to roam through the Carnival and test their skills. These events ranged from simple pointing and shooting exercises, to more unusual games like playing "Skee-Ball" with cochonnets, and trying to point with a set of square boules. Color-coded targets and obstacles added to the festive appearance all around.

Other games, seen here, involved trying to throw boules into tires (getting them to *stay* in the tires was of course, the trick) or through mouse holes, and hitting targets with the faces of OPC board members.

This was our miniature golf hole played with boules, and the Skee-Ball ramp just to the left of it. Below is one of the unique "obstacle pointing" games, where obstructing boules are placed in front of and to the side of the target rings. Players can take their choice of whether to try and precision point through the gap in the middle, or carom off the boules to the side, or throw curved shots around the boules in front, or porté over the top. All of the various approaches were tried by different players during the day, reinforcing the concept that there are many ways to solve any given situation in petanque!

Even the "unsuccessful" dollar bill toss seemed to be enjoyed by everyone, despite no one landing on, and thus winning any of the bills. But after it was over, I realized how the event could have been designed much better. Next time, all of the bills will be in a single cluster. The 10 will be in the middle, with four 5s clustered around like a '+' sign. Then we'll scatter ones around that, so that the whole formation looks and acts like a "bulls-eye" target. This way, everyone gets to aim for the 10 in the center, and near misses will still have chances to land on one of the surrounding bills. I'll see if I can sneak that revised game into one of our other events later this year.

If anyone has any comments about games they specifically liked or didn't like, or if you have suggestions for improvements of any kind, I'd love to hear from you. Together, we can make the event even better next year.

When it was all over, the winners of the competition were:

3rd Place: John Harris (the primary organizer and designer of the events) 2nd Place: Jim Elliott (the primary builder of the events) 1st Place: Manny Sanz (the guy who tabulated all of the scores)

Needless to say, the friendly accusations of collusion flew fast and furious. But somehow, it only seemed to add to the day's fun.

We also raised almost $200 for our club's treasury after expenses, which is a nice step towards some of the improvements we've recently been discussing for our club.

Do You Petanque?

If you have withheld your participation in petanque, perhaps you feel it's a game only for experts. And you'd be wrong! All levels of players can enjoy Petanque - and do! Come join us in the fun, healthy, and historical game (which dates back to the ancient Romans!)

Membership is $25 per calendar year and you can participate in the many gatherings - both gaming and social - and show off your cooking prowess as the club has many "potluck" social events throughout the year. But most important comes the healthful aspect of light exercise, laughing a lot, and being out in the fresh air year 'round!

Join Team Blue! Click Here for membership application

This is Freddie the cochonnet thief. Guard your cochonnets with your life! He's our newest club resident, a Stellers Jay...and News Flash: Freddie appears to be in love. He's been getting the attention of a potential wife (the little tart!). They both seem to enjoy unsalted whole peanuts as treats, so if you want to bring them a gift, feel free. It keeps their minds off the cochonnets!

Below is Digger. This ground squirrel "owns" our terrains and has very little fear of people. He, too, enjoys the peanuts, and always appreciates any handouts from club members.

Rare Plant at Petanque Club

According to www.calflora.org this plant has never been officially observed in Madera County, much less at Oakhurst's elevation.

The rare Orobanche.vallicola arose, literally, beneath a wild elderberry bush. Several local wildflower enthusiasts were astounded by the occurrence since Orobanche (Broomrape) is a parasite and, apparently, grows only from the roots of the elderberry, from which they obtain their nourishment.

These experts were further amazed that we have not one, but six of the plants growing around the base of the elderberry! Sometimes Orobanche main feeder roots extend up to six feet down into the soil to tap the host's root. The plant above-ground is a fuzzy, brownish plant with blossoms that change color with each day they are showing (see picture above right).

We're hoping it reappears this Spring. Further info: here, here, and and here.