"TNT - Tope Novena Tarn" read the invitation that host Rick Trimbach sent to a bunch of AYMFers. He originally said figuring out the meaning was a requisite for making the trip, but he finally relented and explained when nobody guessed. Tope - to drink excessively. Novena - nine day religious session. Tarn - a mountain lake. TNT, therefore, was a nine-day session of religiously drinking too much on a mountain lake; specifically, Norris Lake, where his parents had a cabin and some nice boats.
For several years in the 1980s, thanks to the generosity of Rick and his family, a group of us were able to enjoy the cabin and lake for a TNT session around the 4th of July (duly celebrated with fireworks). When I was rummaging through shoeboxes full of old pictures, looking for something besides horses to add to this site, I found a batch of TNT pictures. I'm not absolutely certain, but I think they're all from the same year. And judging from Laura's age here, I'm going to guess 1986. (Laura's baptism in Norris Lake apparently had a good effect; in true AYMF style, she has since participated in outings such as canoeing/kayaking and skiing.)
The days were filled with activities like lounging in the water, ogling the neighbors, water skiing, and tubing. And, of course, the nights were filled with the game of 99.
