Ten-pin bowling leagues returned to Hood River’s venerable Orchard Lanes last week after being shut down six months ago pursuant to orders from Gov. Kate Brown because of the coronavirus pandemic. We could not see the smiles on their faces because everyone wore a mask as required, but it was easy to tell there were a lot of happy bowlers who missed league action and were glad to be back! We were doubly excited to see everyone. Real bowling is a big-time game that is both recreation and sport. Leagues add to that because a little friendly team and head-to-head competition makes everyone try harder. It really helps to do better when a little something is on the line. It sure feels good to win those battles and doing better is always more fun. 

Jeff Miller, Bill Pullum and Bernie Keys starred last week. They are a formidable trio of talented bowlers who are charter members of the elite in local bowling. All have been long-time regulars on the lanes. You want to see a bowling ball hook, come on up and catch Jeff and Bill in a pin spilling session. These two powerful right-handers roll the rock using nearly the entire lane from way on the left side out to the right side and back left into the pins. They hook the ball at least two feet! It is awe inspiring watching them use their big hook balls to literally demolish those poor three-pound, six-ounce pins. Clearly, they are darn good at what they do as together they have resumes that include 15-20 perfect 300 games each! Jeff just nosed out Bill for top scoring honors last week.