Recalling a more recent cruise to River’s Rest, I couldn’t help laughing when I saw P/C Donnie Weaver, AP catching fish from his docked boat.  It was entertaining to him to fish and entertaining to me to watch.  That started me thinking about other sources of entertainment during cruise weekends.  Then last week, I heard the term “Corn Hole” on television and saw it on a web site as someone’s hobby.  To get to the bottom of what “corn holing” was, I searched the Internet for answers.

            I quickly discovered the world of tailgating games.  These are games played outdoors, typically in the parking lot prior to big sporting events.  They have names like “Corn Hole”, “Ladder Golf” and “Washer Pitcher”.  These are beanbag, bolo and washer toss games.  Now I’m thinking; why should tailgaters have all the fun?  Perhaps we could bring some games on our cruises this summer for entertainment.  While not suitable for dock play as I’m sure the washers would sink like a rock, the shore is always nearby.  For example, Constant’s Wharf has a great area for these activities.

            These games generally run from $35 to $100 each and are available from places like Sam’s Club, Target and Wal-Mart.  NCAA, NFL, MLB, NASCAR and “design your own” versions are frequently available from online stores like www.tailgategames.net, www.CornholePlus.com and www.victorytailgate.com.  I’ve even seen “waterproof” versions of these games and some with convenient carry handles.  These games do not require batteries, power or huge spaces to play.  They can also be used to entertain at home in the backyard or driveway.

            I encourage you to consider buying one of these games to bring to this summer’s cruises.  Who knows, by the end of the summer, we could have some real tournament pros in our Squadron.  (Combo set pictured.)