May 25th was not only Towel Day here in Columbus, it was also Marcon. Marcon is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Convention. So, dressed in tunic, breeches, sash and towel, I made my way to the convention site. I was pleasantly surprised that I counted 10 towels before I even got in the registration line. Many of the Marcon staff had towels, and other people were raiding hotel rooms for towels- because they remembered a bit late. Even people who didn't have towels would comment when they saw others with them. I heard "That guy really knows where his towel is..." so many times I lost count. Many filk singers and presenters commented on Douglas Adams and towels, one presenter even applauded the folks in the audience who were "toweled".

The entire day was fantastic. Towel Day and a Con... what more could you want?

But, there is a sad side to this story. Somewhere around 3:00 am Saturday morning, my towel disappeared in a room party. I'm sure it's made its way to a planet where all towels that disappear end up; a place where they can lay on the beach in the sun, or tumble in lemon-scented dryers for hours. I will miss my towel; it was a good towel.

Now, on to the future. The response has been tremendous- everyone seems to want Towel Day to be an annual observance. So, while there is nothing definite, I think that we will work with the folks who are planning "Happy Adams Day". So tentatively, get your towels ready for Feb. 11, 2002. Unless, of course, you want to be a good hitchhiker and carry one every day.

Me? I've got to go buy a new towel!