The 4th Annual Nest Among the Hills Badminton Tourney was held over the weekend. More than 30 competitors from seven states and two countries participated. This year's champs were C. Simpson (USA) and D. Malmquist (Canada) who laid waste to M. Lee and J. Boley (both USA) in a hard-fought finals duel. Some claimed the fix was in with the pairing of two such stellar athletes. Commissioner Malmquist denied the allegations in a pubic press conference, claiming "all teams were selected through a complex, unadulterated, random method, the details of which cannot be revealed for fear of future compromise," or something to that effect. This year's novelties included a new and larger observation deck and an Olympic-sized pool for courtside relaxation. Some pix:
Will shows Tanya his patented surfer crouch. How does he see the bird?
The Commish. Official head gear new this year.
S. Malmquist basks in the new Olympic-sized pool. Believing a pool would be the icing on the cake for the tourney, she paid for it herself at Reny's. She also provided a multi-colored plastic Octopus whose arms waved madly about squirting high pressure water jets that permanently damaged several participants' eyesight.
An exuberant Mrs. Malmquist lets go a hardy huzzah!
M.Oplinger and M. Simpson demonstrate their patented synchronized flapjack stroke.
Spectator/athletes marvel at K. Cornell's serving prowess.
D. Malmquist demos the fashionable knotted blouse look that was much in evidence poolside this year.
M. Oplinger celebrates her 53rd b-day with a cake secretly prepared and surprisingly presented by W. McDounough.
Several of the participants clown and chew on the brand new, professionally constructed, pine observation deck. Flag in background is actually a recently purchased, low-cost Chinese umbrella.
