So many golf courses and so little time;-)  Travels will take us to out-of-the-way places when ‘rumor has it’ there might be a great course to play.  So – off to Logan, UT and it’s Birch Creek Golf Course.  Only to be rained off the course – –

 

OK – so, let’s keep moving and try Quail Hollow in Boise, ID.  Blown off the course there;-)   Well then – let’s just head to Bend.  And – how beautiful could it be!?!  Found a wonderful campground in Sisters – Bend Sisters Garden RV Resort.  In our top 10 parks – –

 

The good weather and happy camping make for good days on the course.  Found another great course with incredible views of The Three Sisters – Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

 

Tetherow Golf Course is a typical links course on the southwest side of Bend.  It was calling us for a round to get us ready for ‘the golf mecca – Bandon Dunes’.  We even got to try out the golf board as our caddie managed our clubs;-)

 

 

There is life outside of golf – so, we were off for a little hike at Smith Rock just north of Bend.  Interesting topography and a major climbing area.

 

One more stop before Bandon Dunes.  Off to see Priscilla and Steve at their Saltmarsh Ranch in Jacksonville, OR – and to check on all the sheep and associated animals.  It always amazes that after a year of absence, we always pick up just where we left off as though our last visit was last week;-)

 

 

The Ranch keeps Priscilla and Steve fairly busy, but they always have time for OSF – the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  So much so that they acquired a cute little condo in Ashland to avoid the treacherous drive home to the Ranch for those late nights at the theater.  Of course, we always benefit from this love of theirs by joining them at morning Coffees with producers, directors and cast members of current productions AND sometimes even get to a play.  This Saturday was a full day of a Coffee, a quick lunch and a fabulous, thought provoking play – VietGone (a must see if in your area).

 

 

This was a wonderful couple of days – and we thank Priscilla and Steve for all their efforts to include us in the activities.  We hope to spend a few more days here next year and take in more plays, as next years line-up looks great.

Now – off to Bandon Dunes to play Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails with friends Rebecca and Jim.  We are all sooooo excited as this is a golfer’s Disneyland – the only downer is the weather forecast;-(!  But – as they say – the round must go on (ugh!)  So, layer up and get out there – –

 

 

One day down and ready for day 2 at Bandon Dunes.  More clouds, but this is to be the BEST day as far as weather.  Layer up again and hope for the best.

 

YEAH!  We survived day 2 and are now on to day 3 at Bandon Trails.  What will the weather bring today??

 

Brandon Trails was one of the original courses, wanders a little more inland and contains the highest points on the property.  Including the spot below where Keiser stood and determined ‘this was the place’ where he would build his golfing mecca.  Thank you Mr. Keiser;-)

 

It was another great year at Bandon.  The weather was much better than expected (Yes, that windstopper sweater that E wore EVERY day DID stop the wind and kept her quite warm), the caddies made the rounds fun, the company was perfect AND that new knee that G has performed admirably as we walked 18 holes 3 consecutive days.  Thank you Rebecca and Jim for a special few days – see you same time next year!

LIFE IS TRULY GRAND:-)!!!!

On the road home – E & G