Established September 26, 1999 and dedicated to the game invented by Roman soldiers who spent leisure time throwing rocks at rocks.

[July 13, 2008] They came, they saw, and they definitely conquered in competition, in minds, and in spirits! These gorgeous people - now friends - from New Zealand put on quite a show, the 23 of them beating Oakhurst 81 to 34 in a full - and hot - day of play here in the dead of Summer with smoke-filled air from all of California's forest fires, and with several Kiwis packing around colds gained, we think, from their 17 hours on an air conditioned airplane.

But never mind the impediments to the game, we got to host these new friends in our homes, got to see just how amazingly talented they are on the courts, to dine with them, and to very likely call them friends forever. We would not be surprised if OPC members turn up in New Zealand.

We did, however, miss our Kiwi Heroine, Gwen Hill, who was the first international person to write and congratulate us in 1999 upon starting our petanque club; and hers was the first condolence letter we received in regard to the World Trade Center destruction, received on September 13, 2001. Unfortunately Gwen couldn't make this trip, but that's all the more reason for us to visit New Zealand. She is a key member of Kapiti Petanque Club in beautiful Paraparaumu, New Zealand - about 45 minutes north of Wellington on the west coast.

Competition began at 8:30 a.m. with the visitors singing, in both Maori and English, the New Zealand National Anthem (shown at left) which was beautiful, wafting through the creeks and trees of our club's site. And it was the perfect opening for what proved to be a spectacular day as the Kiwis showed their stuff. Fortunately, Oakhurst can feel good about the fact that many of the games were quite close in score and now we know we have a lot of work ahead of us if we intend to beat New Zealand the next time we meet.

There were morning and afternoon triples and doubles events, a lunch served in between, and plenty of good cheer. One thing that seems to run through all Kiwis is good humor, intelligence and a friendly attitude. We were thrilled to sample all of that and hope we've made some lifelong friends.

In the end, however, there was no question as to the New Zealanders' superiority. "They were simply incredible," said one spectator, "so confident in their play, so well oiled in their teamwork, and so ready to play the game properly."

All true. Through and through, the Kiwis enjoy their game immensely. As can be told by the photo at left of Trevor Neilson (left) receiving the winning trophy from Oakhurst president, Manny Sanz (right).

We hate to see our friends go. The lyrics to New Zealand's multi-million-selling song, "Now is the Hour" ring in our ears.

Club Championship August 9th

Oakhurst Petanque Club's annual Club Championship is an opportunity for all members to enter an event as individuals, rather than teams.

Do You Petanque?

If you have withheld your participation in petanque, perhaps you feel it's a game only for experts. And you'd be wrong! All levels of players can enjoy Petanque - and do! Come join us in the fun, healthy, and historical game (which dates back to the ancient Romans!)

Membership is $25 per calendar year and you can participate in the many gatherings - both gaming and social - and show off your cooking prowess as the club has many "potluck" social events throughout the year. But most important comes the healthful aspect of light exercise, laughing a lot, and being out in the fresh air year 'round! To join, just click here.

Join Team Blue!

This is Freddie the cochonnet thief. Guard your cochonnets with your life! He's our newest club resident, a Stellers Jay...and News Flash: Freddie appears to be in love. He's been getting the attention of a potential wife (the little tart!). They both seem to enjoy unsalted whole peanuts as treats, so if you want to bring them a gift, feel free. It keeps their minds off the cochonnets!

Below is Digger. This ground squirrel "owns" our terrains and has very little fear of people. He, too, enjoys the peanuts, and always appreciates any handouts from club members.

Rare Plant at Petanque Club

According to www.calflora.org this plant has never been officially observed in Madera County, much less at Oakhurst's elevation.

The rare Orobanche.vallicola arose, literally, beneath a wild elderberry bush. Several local wildflower enthusiasts were astounded by the occurrence since Orobanche (Broomrape) is a parasite and, apparently, grows only from the roots of the elderberry, from which they obtain their nourishment.

These experts were further amazed that we have not one, but six of the plants growing around the base of the elderberry! Sometimes Orobanche main feeder roots extend up to six feet down into the soil to tap the host's root. The plant above-ground is a fuzzy, brownish plant with blossoms that change color with each day they are showing (see picture above right).

We're hoping it reappears this Spring. Further info: here, here, and and here.