Badminton

What do people at a remote field station do for fun? String up a badminton net in the "loader tent" and get out the rackets and shuttle-cock. The rules are followed faithfully, and I'm curious if they actually are the rules for the rest of the world. If the birdie lands on the floor, its in. If it hits the wall, bench, or ceiling, its out. You serve underhand and diagonally and there are no double hits. Simple enough. There are usually enough people to play teams, so there are four people on the court. The rest of the spectators are tucked on the work-bench and against the walls, chatting, drinking beer, and laughing at the goings-on. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to play. Usually somebody will bring an mp3-player and get some tunes going.

I had no idea the game could get so fast! Ping! Ping! Ping! Anya, a little lady originally from Germany, can really make you feel slow. Jesse the giant plays without moving his hiking boots. Justin bounces all over the place and gets a sweat triangle on the front of his t-shirt.

Usually we play to 12 points, then the losing team will offer the rackets to another two people. When I want to play I say, "Does anyone want a short game? I'd like to play." Folks are generally willing to play with the athletically challenged.