I thoroughly enjoy your channel! Am very glad you're back! At 67, have been a pipe smokers for years. In retirement, I can now truly enjoy this passion and channel's like yours... Dan

Truth!! Shortcuts in pipe smoking typically leads to quitting the hobby. It's a hobby that is different for everyone and takes time to perfect. Remember, it's not the destination, it's the journey.

Listening to this with a churchwarden full of apricots and cream, you sir remind me of the many common sense wisdom discussions I've had between my father and myself. One of our shared quotes applies here. " A shortcut is the long way in disguise." God bless and safe travels

Old ex-trucker here. Came off the road after almost 1.5 million miles having NEVER used nothing but a Rand-McNally Road Atlas. I dont even know nor want to know how to use a cell phone or GPS for directions. If/when it all goes black, a lot of people aint gonna be able to go to the dang store.

Thanks Alan for the taking the time to share this with us! This was a very timely message that I needed to hear!

If I was of age I’d come say hello, but it’ll take another year before I’m able to. However, I’d like for you to know that your channel has been a fount of wisdom for me, and I appreciate it greatly. I hope you have a safe trip down here, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time with the folks at the Squire.

That'll preach! It was so good spending time with you and getting to know you a bit better in person this weekend at the Country Squire 500th Episode event. I hope to see you again soon!

A lot of truth in this! It's not always about the end result or final accomplishment, but about the journey it took you to get there.

One of my favorite trails out here in Colorado has a sign at the trailhead that says “Shortcuts cause erosion”. Such true words on multiple levels. Thanks for a great episode sir

genius level advice; truly. And thank you

Enjoy your trip. Something to remember in case you’re not aware, The Briary is closed on Saturday-Monday. They’re only open Tuesday-Friday.

Hello. From a fellow pipe smoker and bluegrass picker, I have to inquire: What instrument(s) do you play? I'm in Missouri, and just wish I were closer to you to sit down and pick and puff an afternoon away with you. In addition, I do go by my middle name of ALLEN, so I guess we have yet one more thing in common. Thanks to you for all of your enlightening videos. You are a true renaissance man in my book.

I work at The Briary with Skip, and we are awaiting your arrival. I watch your channel and love your content, particularly your video on Shelby Foote.

I used to frequent The Country Squire 40 plus years ago when it was owned by the Reeves family, still have fond memories of it. Also have been to the Briary in B'ham on more than one occasion, hope you enjoy both.

Good advice! Your a credit to your profession.

As I have been fond of saying lately (mostly to myself), you do the reps, you get the muscle. Great video as always, fine sir.

You short change yourself when you take shortcuts. Life is too short to always take the quickest routes. As for me my friends, I’ll take the scenic route! On a side note…I picked myself up a couple tins of Carolina Red Flake this evening. Mighty fine! See you in Jackson proper, Alan. Appreciate the video as always. Evening, gents.

Awesome…I’m new to pipe smoking..and I have learnt so much through your channel and others alike…enjoying a bowel has become a daily tradition

I have traversed the US from coast to coast, with nothing but a Rand McNally Road Atlas, as a guide.

Great video. I hate I'm going to miss the country squire should be lots of fun. I purchase a lot of my pipes and tobacco there. Great video have a great day

i find that the fast route surely leaves out the details that can make a beautiful memory

Good words of advice Dr. If you are going to do something, do it right. Don’t take shortcuts. If it’s worth doing then take the time and effort to produce a quality experience or product. Cheers

Hi Allen. Are you planning on being at the Briarworks pipe show in Franklin, TN in March? You and I enjoyed a glorious evening in Columbus this past year talking pipes, theology, bourbon, and more. Would love visit with you again, sir!

Happy smokes and safe travels. I live in Starkville. You should stop by Spring Street Cigars in downtown. Plenty of stogies and some pipes and tobacco. They even carry Squire tobaccos and have their own blend made for them, called Spring Street. Nice place. Wish i could make it to the Squire but im currently in ND, ( im a truck driver) and probably wont be home for a few more weeks.

What I have found is to choose pipes and blends that appeal to me. Not just, "oh the name of that blend sounds neat," or, "i like the color of that pipe." Go to a shop, or go online to a pipe store, and really take your time because nothing is fast about pipe smoking. Look at all the pipes, look at 20-30 different blends, read their descriptions until you find the ones that really jump out at you and speak to you. If you do that, plenty of times you will be happy with what you bought. However, if you happen to not like a blend or a pipe, keep it and try something else. Pipe smoking is a journey and you may return to that pipe or blend you didn't like in the future and find your tastes have changed. Enjoy the smoke everyone, and have a good time on your trip Alan.

Back in the day, the library was our source of research and the index wheels was our google. Despite the length of time spent in the library, I never even came close to handing in a paper late.

Great video as usual. I have always thought successful tobacco blending requires a tremendous amount of acquired practial knowledge coupled with a God given gift which needs to be nurtured with constant practice. You are in for a treat when you meet John David Cole who is one of the very few master blenders in the country. I would love to see you in person this weekend but I am about 2000 miles away so for now it will have to be conversing electronically and on the livestream. Keep puffin.

Sir, if you ever happen to come through the great state of South Carolina, namely Greenville, I would love to have you visit Camaroons Cigar lounge. About a dozen men from my church and a few Christian men from my former place of employment meet there every other month on the 3rd Thursday of that month. We call our gathering the Churchmans Cigar Caucas (although most of us smoke tobacco pipes but that doesn't start with the letter C so we wont change it haha). We have discussions on various topics of life, sing Psalms and hymns and maybe a battle hymn or two and enjoy each other's company. Regardless if you ever come down that way or not, your channel is quite an enjoyment. Lord bless you.

Very sage advice in a world full of short cuts, thanks!

Got me some new tobacco this week, Sillem's : Blau, Rot, Grun, Schwarz.... like the room note of three as Schwarz is not my thing. It might grow on me over time or find another smoker that might want it. Thank you for this hobby I have enjoyed now for 6 months!

Old truth in your words my friend.

Safe travels fella! Hope you find some nice pipes and conversations in your journey

Good talk. I believe that you can be patient or you can be frustrated in life. Up to you

The message in this video is so spot on‼️

Thank you Alan, I always enjoy your videos. Safe travels.

I ordered some of the Arango Balkan Supreme you spoke of on the last video and it did not disappoint.

As usual, a thought provoking video. Regarding blending tobacco, don't forget about the importance of the raw material produced by American tobacco farmers who you are among in parts of The Commonwealth of Kentucky. On your trip, safe travels. I once drove the Natchez Trace from near Nashville to Natchez Mississippi. What a trip!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the growing popularity in stoicism and maybe how that philosophy might be found in the Pipe community.

When I got my first pipe the man at the tobacco shop told me "slow down and enjoy" which was some of the best advice I've received. That has yielded the best results for me, personally. Puff slowly.

Thanks Alan for this. I actually realized I didn't have plans this weekend so heading from northeast Arkansas to come see you sir! I may buy myself my first nice pipe to commemorate it. :-) Looking forward to the community and fellowship! If you need a dinner Friday night I'd be happy to buy! 😊

I've always remembered a quote from "Rev Run" (from the group Run DMC) where he stated something along the lines of "if you take short cuts in life, then you'll be cut short".

Something that not taking the shortcut also provides accomplishment and appreciation. I see more often in life things that require a lot of time / effort and work have much more value and appreciation. I see a lot in education today where accomplishment and appreciation are in short supply for the exact scenario you eloquently spoke on in this video. Take care and have a relaxing trip.

Safe travels good friend or as we say in Mexico, con cuidado. Thanks for the good chats and bowls.

If you ever get down to Florida I would be honored to shake your hand

Will you be at the Muletown Pipe Show in Columbia, TN mid March?

Brother, enjoy yourself! I’ve found guidance from your recommendations but have found not everything you have matches me. However it’s been totally worth the long haul!

Very interesting.

What are ya drinking? It looks like an Irish with club soda. One of my favorites.

Instead of Irish fiddle music you should have some American bluegrass fiddle or Flatt and Scruggs.

Well done.

Another Excellent Video.

Truth be told I see it more and more. My dad had an auto body repair shop and he said that short cuts will bite you in the ass. I also equate it to gardening which I devote more time to the older I get. I understand buying vegetable plants for the garden to a point but there is something to said about harvesting a tomato that you took the seed from the packet, started it in soil, tended to it, watched it grow and then enjoyed it. It makes the final result that much more satisfying…….

Alan, Are you going to the Columbus show this August? Mr. Pete-------> aging hippie

I live in Birmingham and hope to meet you at The Briary Friday. Would be an honor to shake your hand.

Love that porch

Alan! Any idea when you’ll be coming through The Briary in Bham?

About what time do you plan to be at the Briary Friday? I’d love to drop in while your there.

im about 4 hours from jackson in north mississippi

Where are you at in KY?

Alan, Enjoy your comments. Mr. Pete--------> aging hippie

👍

For a man, shortcuts should be reserved only for haircuts. - Advice from an old Irishman I once knew.

Perfect practice, my martial arts teacher taught me that one.

I hear that Hastings Cutoff is a good short cut! They say it’s a good level road with plenty of grass and water! 😉 😆 😂 😆 😝

Congratulations on becoming a confirmed Catholic Alan. Welcome home brother.

It’s not where your goin, it’s how you ride and if you arrive.

Taking time ≠ Wasting time

PhD student using AI for research? This is a lost generation right here.

Now hang on. Whilst I enjoy your content I believe you are overlooking the power of utilizing internet research. There are plenty of people who do not have the ability to travel like you did. And "clicking away" is is a gateway to finding that information. I mean thin about it when using physical materials you can go down rabbit holes just as often. I believe it's called moderation and self control when using both