Savannah, Georgia
August 1 – 4, 2002
SWEET, SWEET SAVANNAH – PART 1
Sorry for the delay in getting this report to everyone. Upon my return from Savannah, I discovered that the Westbank Gamers website was no longer functional and, due to the system change at the Board Game Geek site, it could no longer be updated and uploaded in the same manner I had used for the past seven years. Scott Alden graciously devised a new system in which to upload the site, so I’ve spent the last seven weeks or so re-formatting everything and transferring it to the new site. Well, that job is now finished (well, almost), so I can now catch-up on my other tasks.
After nearly 2 months to reflect on Gulf Games 10, my appreciation for the event hasn’t dimmed one iota. It really is incredible. After each Gulf Games, I think, “It can’t get any better than this!” Yet, somehow, it does. Things run smoother, the people seem friendlier, the atmosphere more magical. I had worries about this one since it was going to be our largest group ever — at one point we had over 100 people registered, counting spouses & children. The final number settled in at around 92 or so. Plus, we had a large contingent of children, which presented a whole host of potential problems.
Fortunately, my worries were for naught as things went spectacularly. The large meeting room (2400 square feet, PLUS a nice kitchen and storage area) never felt crowded. The children were incredibly well behaved, a testament to them and their parents. It certainly helped that we had enough alternative children’s activities to help keep them from getting bored.
The folks were once again fantastic. There is a palpable atmosphere of friendship, camaraderie and, dare I say, love that permeates the room. One just knows that folks are on their best behavior and bend over backwards to keep the spirit alive and flowing. To me, this is the way God intends us to be — treating others with kindness, respect, civility and love. If only the spirit that is alive at Gulf Games would continue in our lives throughout the year. That would be my one wish.
Getting together and socializing with my wonderful friends from past Gulf Games is an experience I treasure deeply. I’d like to say it is like family … but, to me, it is even better than family. I often, much to my discredit, simply tolerate my extended family members. Not so with my friends at Gulf Games. I treasure their presence, friendship and companionship. I revel in the time we spend together and am deeply saddened when we are forced to depart. The experience, for me, is incredibly intense.
I also eagerly look forward to meeting the folks who are new to the Gulf Games experience. Often, I’ve corresponded with them via the internet and have developed a relationship in that manner, but had never met them face-to-face. So, there is a certain excitement level in getting to finally meet them. I can’t tell you the joy I felt in finally getting to meet Steve Kurzban and his family. K-ban was one of the first folks I “met” over the internet and I’ve had on-going conversations with him for nearly 8 years. Was I worried? Sure. K-ban often comes across as a brash, outspoken guy from New York, while I’m one of those “good ole Southern boys!” Would we get along as well in person as we do over the net? But you know what? We did … and better! He and his entire family are wonderful people and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together. I somehow feel that another missing piece in my life has now been found. I get this feeling whenever I finally get to meet someone I’ve been longing to meet for years.
I also got to finally meet several other folks who I had previously only corresponded with, including Kevin Whitmore and the Rozmariek clan. Again, what super people! Neither of them had met ANY of the folks who attend Gulf Games, so I can imagine the trepidation they felt when they first stepped into the room. They never showed it, however, and were immediately swept-up in the spirit of the event. In no time at all, I felt as if I’d known them my entire life. I tell you, there is something very, very magical about Gulf Games.
Then there was Joy Mills. Joy’s brother Dennis is a Gulf Games regular and a member of Mark Jackson’s gaming group in Nashville. I’ve known Dennis for several years and no one can deny that Dennis is often rather shy and quiet. Takes awhile to get to know him, but once you do, you’ll find a deeply spiritual, gentle and kind person. Dennis had asked if he could bring his sister to Gulf Games and we, of course, agreed. I guess I — and most others — were expecting a mirror-image of Dennis – a quiet, shy girl. Nope. Joy is an excitable, outgoing, “life of the party” gal. Her name couldn’t be more appropriate, as she is a true joy to be with.
Joe Huber and Al Newman were also both new to Gulf Games and are a great addition to the Gulf Games family. I have had the great privilege of previously meeting and socializing with both of them. They are simply fantastic folks. I was thrilled when they both registered for Gulf Games, knowing they would have a wonderful time. Indeed, they both seemed to have a superb time and departed vowing, like General McArthur, to return!
I’ve mentioned the ‘atmosphere’ of Gulf Games many times. What helps develop this is the myriad of decorations, themes and little touches that we do. More and more folks are getting involved in these projects and it shows. From the giant game pieces hanging from the ceiling to the wacky tabloid covers featuring members of our Gulf Games family, the atmosphere is enriched and one gets a magical feeling when entering the room. I cannot begin to thank Tim & Vickie Watson enough for all of their hard work, dedication and professional touches. If it wasn’t for this dynamic duo, the Gulf Games experience wouldn’t be nearly what it is. I can scarcely think of an aspect of Gulf Games that doesn’t have their touch upon it.
So many others are involved in the operation of Gulf Games, which is helping make it easier and easier on the organizers. There’s far too many to mention here (mainly due to my horrible memory!), but I offer a GREAT BIG “THANK YOU!” to everyone. Each and everyone who attends contributes to making Gulf Games the special event that it has become.
Although logically I know it isn’t possible, I would swear that time during the four days of Gulf Games flies by much quicker than a normal day. Before you know it, it is Sunday morning, Gulf Games is coming to an end and we are beginning the task of tearing everything down, packing it away till next time. I guess time always flies when you are having so much fun and are in the midst of such joy and friendship. Fortunately, even though the actual event lasts for four days, the memories and friendships last forever.
Was this the best Gulf Games ever? Hard to say, as it is all certainly a matter of perspective and opinion. I’d give it my vote, but, you know … there’s another one just around the corner – Gulf Games 11 in Birmingham, Alabama!!