To the Tat loving brothers

[jwintosh]

thanks! my daughter's will be out soon, "The rock band before the cigar band: Pete Johnson, the rocker!" tis a great look into his former life!

 

[Hendy]

He's still a rocker!

 

[marccote]

BTW, Jeff, I'm re--reading your interview with him! Great job. Now I've gotta try his smokes.

he is such a literary giant, here is a piece that we would have never published but thought you liked his reading so much why not !! The best literary piece is when he falls donw and gets hurt and dont remember ,, some real literary exploits there.

Spring Break 2008

Wow! What a vacation!! Started it out with a bang!! On Saturday (3/15), I drove a few hours up into the LA area, Thousand Oaks to be exact. I met up with several of my brothers from my home cigar site (www.BOTL.org) for the first of many So Cal Herfs. We had a blast with the stories, cigars, fine booze…. What a great time!! For the ride up, I smoked an Arturo Fuente 858 Sungrown, my first! What a great smoke!! I picked up a brother along the way and nursed that 858 for about 2 hours. Once we hit the shop, I lit up a HdM RE Colossal. WOW!! Glad I got a couple more of those, since they are very hard to come by. Next in line was a Montecristo #2, always a fantastic smoke,,, and for the ride home, a big fat Tatuaje VI East Coast Veracu. By the time I got home, around 2am Sunday morning, I was spent! The rest of that day I used getting ready for stage two of spring break: 10 days on a Caribbean island with my beautiful lady, Jerelyn!!
We flew out of San Diego on a Monday afternoon (3/17) with a planned overnight in Dallas. We were set to arrive at Belize International around 11:00 am, then to the island of Ambergris Caye by noon! At least that was the plan….
We’ve been planning this trip for quite a while! This is our third trip to the island, each of them coming during spring break! Tickets this time around were around $800 per! So, instead of using our frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first/business class, we used them to purchase our tickets, around $40 per!! Our friends, Newell and Cheryl, have a beautiful condo and, as always, our lodging was taken care of. Their condo is located just north of the cut.
[shown here is the cut, just north of San Pedro. You were pulled across the San Pedro river via rope. Last year, they replaced the ferry with a bridge, only accessible by pedestrian, bicycle, or golf cart!]
I bought 2 32-count travel humidors from Ron at Cigarsolutions (www.cigarsolutions.com). Newell is an avid cigar smoker, so I gave one to him for all the hospitality shown to us. As for mine, I stocked it with as many cigars as I could.
I began the day in the Jacuzzi, smoking a mighty nice EMDR Choix Supreme. Our flight into Dallas got in late, and by the time we were in our rental car, and found our, uh, motel (Quality Inn, 4100 W. John Carpenter Way, Irving Texas), it was 2 am. Old, dingy, unkempt, etc. etc. Fortuantely, we were only staying for a few hours, yet it still prompted a letter of, uh, disgust from Jerelyn.
Woke up at 6 to a decent continental breakfast, including biscuits and gravy! Then we drove to Richardson, and visited with Jereyln’s Aunt Nida and Uncle Ray! Great Visit! Great Folk!! We had a noon flight to Belize International, so we were standing in line at DFW by 10:00. We had hit some incredible rain as we drove to the airport, like 5” in 30 minutes. I was still quite optimistic we would make our flight. We were about 30th in line, and, within a half hour, there were a thousand people behind us.
Then it happened… over the intercom we here tornados have been spotted to the west and north of us. “…Stay away from all windows.” Yeah, right! That’s all there was around us… windows! And we’re not about to get out of line, since there are now 2000 people behind us. They even evacuated the air controller towers! Around noon, we learned we were not going to make our flight. And we had yet to move in line. What a mess!! By 2pm, we finally confirmed our flight had been cancelled and had to be rebooked on a 6am flight through Miami. We found a motel north of the airport (on our dime, of course!) and were soon enroute….
The ride to the motel was quite exhilarating, since the van did not have functioning wipers – well, at least the driver’s side. And it was really raining! Our driver was hanging over his seat, looking through the passenger side of the windshield. Holy Crap! By the time we got to the motel, I was just a bit tweaked!! Well, at least this room was nice and clean! And, there was a Mexican restaurant, The Mexican Inn Café, about 200 yards from our motel, which allowed smoking!! Woohoo!!!
I telephoned a good friend from the BOTL, CWS, and informed him of our delays. Within an hour, I received a phone call from one of my brothers, Altercall and soon after, Altercall and I were smoking some mighty fine cigars at our Mexican joint! A half hour later, another brother, Electric Sheep joins us!! I learned CWS posted on the board to “help a brother out!” and, sure enough, two of the best braved the elements to get to me, and we had an awesome time!! In fact, a lady from the bar came over to see what all the fun was about. She said, “You all (ya’ll in Texas terms) look like kids in a candy store,” as she marveled at all the cigars that were on the table! And that’s exactly how I felt! I smoke a H. Upmann Magnum #46 and my first Sancho Panza #2 while drinking Dos Equis lager and shots of Cabo Wabo tequila. We closed the place down! In fact, they kept open for almost an hour just for us! Fortunately for me, Altercall gave me a ride back to my motel! And, to my dismay, I left with more cigars than I came in with! Go figure!! Love them Dallas boys!!!
Our flight was due to leave at 6am which meant we had to cab it over there around 4 and we were #3 in line by 5. Of course, you guessed it… our flight to Miami was delayed 4 hours, which meant we would miss our connection to Belize International. What luck, an open Starbucks!! And we waited…. Upon arrival to Miami International, we quickly secured the next (and the last) flight to Belize, leaving at 2:30! Then we waited for that flight! I had a great book with me, James Patterson’s ‘The Jester!’
Our arrival into Belize International was uneventful (no, really!). We visited Jet’s bar and started with a rum punch. I chased mine with a Beliken beer! Before long, we were on an 8 passenger puddle jumper to the island! Fifteen minutes later, I lit up a SLR Churchill, while we were whist away to BC’s on the beach! Woohoo!! We made it!!! About 36 hours later than we expected…. Many Beliken’s later, we pulled our golf cart up to the condo! We had dinner at Sweet Basil. Great “pricey” restaurant on the lagoon side of the island with a gorgeous view!!
We sat up top, outside on the patio! I had a fantastic stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon served on a linguini with lemon and capers! Paired with a Chilean Zinfandel, I was in heaven!! I was out by 9pm!!
My first morning on the island, and I wasted no time getting out to my fishing hole. About 200 yards from the condo, on the northeast side of the cut, there’s a hole, actually a cave that goes under the island and comes up on the lagoon side. At low tide, nutrients from the lagoon are pulled through the cave and come up on the ocean side. Smaller fish eat the nutrients. The bigger fish come in from the Caribbean Barrier
Reef (about ¼ mile off shore) and eat the little fish. I fished this spot every day, usually twice a day! I was able to walk around the hole in about calf-deep water. To the south of the hole was a rock line that separates the cut from the ocean. My rig: 7’ Albright medium travel rod with an Abu Garcia Cardinal spinning reel. I started off with a #4 hook, 20” steel leader, and a 3/0 split shot weight. Bait: ha!! Couldn’t find any sardine, so I bought a bag of 40ct shrimp! I figured, if I didn’t catch any fish, I’d at least make a mean scampi!! Pinch off a piece of shrimp, hook it, and cast toward the rock line.
My first time out was trial and error. Every cast, I was either robbed, or I caught a blue crab! They would hang on it wouldn’t let go, even when he was hoisted out of the water. Just didn’t want to let go…. I quickly learned that the leader was too heavy and the bait was dragging the bottom. Once I removed the leader and the weight, it was on! I would be hit within seconds of casting, catching mostly yellowtail snapper, about the size of my hand. Nothing huge, but lots of fun! I’d go out with 8 or 6 shrimp stuffed in my fanny pack, fish for a couple hours, then head on back to the condo! I’d catch 2-3 dozen fish each excursion! Way too much fun!! Of course, no one believed me, so one morning Jerelyn went out with me. Within 10 minutes, I caught 12 fish. Ha! Told you so!! My best catch was a 2’ barracuda!! Strung me twice, and jumped four times!! What a hoot!!!
My daily routine consisted of fishing in the morning, followed by a cigar and several Belikens! First morning (already Thursday!! Sheeezee), I arrived back at the condo and was met with a fresh fruit platter (pineapple, mango, papaya!), and bloody mary’s! yeah buddy!! Sparked up a HdM Epi #2 and I was set!! After a few drinks, we hopped in the golf cart and headed into San Pedro for breakfast at Estelle’s! With our feet literally in the sand, we had a few more bloody mary’s and ate like royalty!
(View from Estelle’s!)

 

[marccote]

We decided to hang out in town for a while, so bummed a smoke from Newell. He hooked me up with a nice HdM Excaliber Churchill! Mighty nice!! Once back at the condo, I went fishing again, and, upon return, settled up to the swim-up bar at Coco Loco’s. This bar is about 15 yards from our lanai! Too cool!! Time for an East Coast Tatuaje Veracu and a pina coleda topped with freshly roasted coconut! Hands down, the best rum I’ve ever tasted!! Dinner was at the Sunset Grill, a palapa located at the end of pier on the lagoon side! I had another fabulous shrimp dinner with another great bottle of Chilean Zinfandel. We got back to the condo and I was back at Coco Loco’s drinking Beliken as I finished my tat!! Woohoo! I get to go to bed, wake up, and go fishing!!
I was fishing my usual spot by 7am. Around 9:30, I come strolling back, happy as a clam! Ha!! Newell had just finished making breakfast: eggs, bacon, hash browns, fresh fruit, and fresh tortillas (the thick kind) with a papaya/mango jam! Oh man, this just keeps getting better!! Between fishing sessions, I smoked a fantastic Party Short, followed by a well-aged H. Upmann Longsdale, and, of course, Belikens were on the menu! Another couple had joined us on the island, and we all went to Calientes for dinner; another great restaurant on the beach of San Pedro! I had the shrimp fajitas – absolutely delicious!! Their margaritas were a bit weak, which they rectified quickly! Nothing but a couple shots on the side!! After dinner, Newell and I sparked up… I gave Newell a La Aurora 100 Anos Churchill, and I, well, it was time for the Sig VI! Before long, we were back at Coco Loco’s, enjoying the rest of our smoke and a few more beers finishing our evening!
Saturday morning (3/22), I started the day, you guessed it, fishing! I’d fish till I ran out of bait! Poor fish never had a chance. I actually had to put fresh hooks on cuz they’d get too dull. Today, we went to Maruba Resort Jungle Spa, located in the heart of the Belizean tropical rain forest http://marubaspa1.rtrk.com/?scid=405280). I grabbed a PSD4 for the ride into town and we settled in at BC’s for a few beers before our plane left. Great smoke!! We landed at Belize International and was met by our driver, Nickie! Nickie stopped at a local store so we could get some beer for the drive – about an hour’s worth – straight up into the. Upon arrival, we were greeted with the spa’s famous rum punch! Yep! I gonna get lit!! After we settled in to our exotic bungalow’s, we went to lunch! Situated atop the trees, this patio was awesome! Had an awesome bbq chicken lunch, followed up with an awesome Boli PC! I love this smoke!! Short. Sweet. To the point!!
After lunch, we went to a mineral hot tub, getting ready for Maruba’s speciality: Mud Therapy!! This was a couple’s thing, so, Jer and I, side by side, masseuse for each of us, thoroughly enjoyed a head-to-toe hot mud massage! I fell asleep just moments into it! I remember a very pleasant whisper, “Please turn over sir.” Okay!! BAM, sound asleep!! Once they finished we stood up and photos were taken. Why? We were completely painted up like some kind of Mayan warrior! You wouldn’t even know that we were naked, but, since we were, I have been duly warned not to post them (sorry!). Moments later we were back into the hot, HOT mineral water as we were each washed off. Then, back to the tables for round two! I chose the Aroma Therapy massage, and Jer had a complete facial. Once again, I was out within minutes. I felt soooo goooooood at the completion of two complete massages! We went back to our bungalow and had a couple hours before dinner. We didn’t leave our hut till the dinner bell rang!!

 

[marccote]

It was Cheryl’s birthday, and they set up our table in traditional birthday fare, hats, blowers, confetti, and “Happy Birthday” lights hanging behind our table. We were definitely the highlight of the night! I had a marvelous Creole shrimp over linguini paired with an outstanding Napa Valley Merlot. The staff brought out a wonderful two-layer banana spice cake! Unbelizeable!! Newell and Cheryl retired, and Jer and I danced and danced and danced some more, as we polished off another bottle of wine. We were the last two left in this exotic open-air restaurant when we decided to turn in. What a fabulous night!!
We met our companions for a fantastic breakfast, including fresh breads, fruits, banana/guava smoothies, and phenomenal coffee! I had the huevos rancheros with bacon! Once again, outstanding!! The ladies went for the pedicure, as Newell and I settled in the hookah lounge and caught up on sports via ESPN. Woohoo! USD won their first game in the March Madness!! I lit up a fantastic Cohiba Maduro Secretos with some more of that delicious coffee! The ladies went back to the room and packed up, as Newell and I settled up on the bill. Of course, we needed a couple more Belikens so our eyes could adjust! Before long, our bags were loaded up, and Nickie was driving us back to the airport! He went a little out of the way, and gave us and awesome history tour of Belize City. What a trip! Very romantic!! Very erotic!!!
By 2pm, we were back at BC’s for their famous BC BBQ. We actually had to order our food before we left to Maruba because they always run out! We stayed for several hours, eating bbq chicken, sausage, ribs, and fresh fish! Then, the band started: The Usual Suspects. So we danced and danced and danced some more! I got in a couple great smokes: Monte #2 and an HdM Dark Sumatra! We got back to the condo just before sunset! Perfect, as I got in another hour’s worth of fishing!! Around 9 that night, our pizza arrived!!

Monday 3/24 started as usual, fishing in the AM, followed up with a great stroll up the coast! We saw at least 15 humongous lizards on the seawall! I was smoking a Dip #2 as we walked past numerous new developments being erected. We stopped at the Palapa bar, located at the end of a pier on the Caribbean side! The owner/operator was a retired firefighter from Maryland. He was cleaning his catch of the day: several tuna, a Wahoo, and a sailfish. There were numerous rays swimming around, feeding on the scraps. Our friends met us there for a late lunch, and Jer and I shared a hamburger and their famous bbq pulled pork sandwich! Yummy!! I finished the lunch with a fabulous La Aurora 100 Anos Churchill!! Later that night, we went into town, looking for an open internet bar! Score!! As I caught up on worldly events, I enjoyed a couple Belikens and an excellent Party 898V! A great ending to another great day!!
Tuesday was uneventful… ha!! Fishing, Beliken and a great Oliva series V (my first! Great smoke!!), more fishing…. That evening, we all met up at Wet Willies for Tuesday Night Tacos; another palapa at the end of a pier on the Caribbean side of San Pedro. Your choice: fish, pork, chicken, or beef. At $1 Belize (50 cents US) per, how could you go wrong? Within an hour, the Usual Suspects began their first set! Once again, the dancing commenced, and we shut the place down! I started with a SCDLH La Punta – another fantastic smoke! By the third set, I sparked up a Padilla Miami 8&11 torpedo…. That’s when the tequila shots started. It’s all the bartenders fault, as she was free pouring! We hit up the local grocery store on our way back cuz we were out of bloody mary mix.
Bummer,,, we have to go home today! I ignored the hangover and grabbed my gear for one last fishing session. As always, I had a blast!! Once back at the condo, I cleaned up, packed up, opened a Beliken, and sparked up an R&J corona. We went into town for a bit more shopping, then to BC’s for lunch: beef burrito and chicken nachos. Oh yeah, Beliken! I lit up the last smoke of my trip: an RA Exclusivo Suiza!! I wished I had picked up a few more of these! What an outstanding cigar!! I noticed my right elbow was very sore and hosted a very nice abrasion. I asked, and everyone laughed, as they did last night when I fell on the steps of the condo. I remember! I was carrying a bottle of mixer in each hand, tripped on the first step, hit, rolled, and popped up! I was quite proud of myself! No breakage!! At 1:30 we were on our way back to Belize International.
Then, the traveling gods frowned on us once again. Our flight was delayed! Like, several hours’ worth! Thank goodness Jets was open! Rum punch and Belikens kept us occupied… and the lingering thought that we were going to miss our connection in Dallas. We arrived at DFW at the same time our plane was supposed to be leaving for San Diego. We ran. We grabbed our baggage and got through customs. We ran some more. We hopped on the sky tram and rested. We ran to our flight, which was waiting for us. Sum 300 people were not happy when we got onboard. Whew. We made it! Then we sat for another 45 minutes as we waited for an oil cap of some sorts! We arrived in San Diego about 1230 am. My daughter was waiting for us at the curb. After dropping Jer off, I was finally home a little after 2, only to address numerous issues that had occurred in my absence! But that’s another story!
So, that’s my 2008 Spring Break! Aside from our traveling nightmares (American Airlines also received a letter), we had an absolute blast!! And, for those of you who may be concerned, I do not have a problem with alcohol (I can drink 36 cans of beer without barfing (inside joke)), though I am addicted to fine cigars!! Here’s to 2009!!

 

[marccote]

thanks! my daughter's will be out soon, "The rock band before the cigar band: Pete Johnson, the rocker!" tis a great look into his former life!

April 23, 2008 10:23 am E-mail

I told him about your idea, "From Rock Band to Cigar Band, an Interview with Pete Johnson." He likes it! so, i'm all over that!! i will send it to him for proof/editing prior to sending it to you! dude, it was epic!!

just so you at least some of you people that can read between the lines see this guy wasn't screwed over, he screwed me over and then cried victim. Too much on the job traingin I guess.

Sorry but people do deserve to know the truth,, and next time you come to Phoenix for a fist fight,, at least invite your opponent.

 

[marccote]

April 23, 2008 10:23 am E-mail

I told him about your idea, "From Rock Band to Cigar Band, an Interview with Pete Johnson." He likes it! so, i'm all over that!! i will send it to him for proof/editing prior to sending it to you! dude, it was epic!!

just so you at least some of you people that can read between the lines see this guy wasn't screwed over, he screwed me over and then cried victim. Too much on the job traingin I guess.

Sorry but people do deserve to know the truth,, and next time you come to Phoenix for a fist fight,, at least invite your opponent.

I know I am a bad speller but isn't this called plagersim.