As I have posted previously, this summer I have been staying within a shortish drive of Oakville, the hometown of my niece who is getting married September 10th. I was figuring there would be a number of events leading up to the wedding that I would want to attend, so being relatively nearby would make doing so less arduous.
This past weekend, August 24 - 27th was one such case.
My neice and her future husband were being called up in synagogue to recite a blessing over the Torah during the Saturday morning service, followed by a luncheon at what is called an Aufruf.
In order to make the most of the trip, I scheduled a few other events during that time frame.
I booked myself into the Bronte Creek Provincial Park, in Burlington for 3 nights. I hadn't stayed there before, but seeing as I was not very happy at Milton Heights, and it is quite close to Oakville, I though I would give it a try. I had to rally a couple of other campers to help me get backed into my site, because it required backing up on the "blind side," something my instructor said was unwise to ever do. Other than that issue, I enjoyed the park and will plan on staying there again in a couple of weeks for the actual wedding. I did scout out other large sites where backing in from the other side is possible.
Once the trailer was situated, I drove into Toronto and visited my cousin Judi to see if she might have had an outfit I could borrow for the wedding. We came up with something, but it isn't exactly what I had in mind, so I may or may not wear it, time will tell. As my schedule permits, I may look for something else. After "shopping" her closet and doing a load of laundry, the two of us and her husband went to a nearby Middle Eastern restaurant for a bite of dinner and a good visit. It was a very enjoyable time. I look forward to seeing them again at the wedding.
Early Friday morning I dropped the bicycle I had purchased at Rock and Road Cycle in Burlington off for a little check up that they had offered when I purchased it. I then drove to Scarborough to have a massage with my registered massage therapist Janice. She had helped me tremendously with the last massage, relieving most of the pain I was having in my right knee and a few other spots. After the massage I treated myself to a Chinese buffet for lunch. After that I went to several shops looking for a different wedding outfit, but left each one discouraged. On the way back I picked up the bicycle, which passed its check up with flying colors.
Saturday I attended the Aufruf followed by lunch. I was given the honor of opening the arc in order for the others to take the Torah out. My brother Peter got to carry the Torah around, I then undressed it in order for it to be read. My brother Stanley and his wife Shirley were honored with re-dressing and putting the Torah back. The lunch, catered by Pickle Barrel, was very nice and gave a good chance to visit with cousins Larry and Marleen and my brother Peter.
Later in the afternoon/early evening I played a round of golf at Millcroft Golf Course, a course in Burlington I hadn't played before. I played with a friend. After golf, we went for a bite of dinner at Ricky's All Day Grill.
Sunday, I packed up the trailer and got to play Heron's Point Golf Links with a different friend. The course was a real challenge, (I didn't score very well) with several blind shots, lots of strategically placed bunkers, fescue grass and challenging greens. There were players walking, which would take good conditioning as the course is very hilly, up, down and sideways. I was glad we were riding, otherwise I would have been too tired to drive back to Appin. I would like to have the opportunity to play the course again.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
60th North South for Senior Women at Pinehurst, North Carolina
I made a quick trip to North Carolina from Appin, Ontario in order to attend my 2nd Senior Women's North South Tournament at Pinehurst from August 10th - 18th. The main draw for attending this year was that the famous course No. 2
was part of our rotation, along with No. 5 & No.6. No. 2 is the course that has hosted US Open's for both Men and Women over the years. The most recent was in 2014, when they hosted both on back to back weeks, the first time that was ever done. I think they found it to be a little hard on the course.
was part of our rotation, along with No. 5 & No.6. No. 2 is the course that has hosted US Open's for both Men and Women over the years. The most recent was in 2014, when they hosted both on back to back weeks, the first time that was ever done. I think they found it to be a little hard on the course.
The evening before I departed was a fun night and dinner for the Wardsville Ladies' league. My partner (selected at the last minute) and I were fortunate enough to win the event, for which our picture appeared in the local newspaper. We enjoyed a nice dinner of Ceaser salad, garlic bread and meat lasagna after the round.
At registration we were presented with two lovely gifts:
I had played No. 5 in last years event, so chose to play No. 6 for my practice round on Sunday. For that I only had to pay a cart fee, whereas if I wanted to practice on No. 2 it was going to be an additional $200. I though that was a bit too much, seeing as we aren't playing to win anything but trophies. I had a nice group for the round and really liked that course. Following the round was the welcome cocktail party and buffet dinner. Both were as I remembered from last year, very nice.
The trip is about 14 hours each way, driving, which is too much for me to do in two days with the trailer, so I broke it up over 3 days. On the way down I arrived at PInehurst early enough in the day to get some practice in the day prior to the official practice round day. On the way back I headed out directly from the golf course, rather than having to go back to where I was camping to pick up the trailer. I spent the night before and after the tournament at Jomeokee Campground, which had a great view of Pilot Mountain (too bad the weather wasn't clearer.)
For the duration of the tournament I stayed with a nice couple, who I met via the Boondocker's Welcome website, more than a year ago. They weren't going to be home during last years tournament, but were willing to let me stay at their place anyway. Not knowing what it was like I declined, but was excited about meeting them and staying at their place this year as they were going to be home. It turns out their home is in a country setting with lots of space around it. They had a full hook up for me along side of their home. I was able to get in and out quite easily. We had several good conversations about our respective travels. Knowing well in advance where I was going to be staying, and with their permission I was able to order a few items for the trailer to be delivered to their place. I was happy to pick up my outdoor mat and a suction cup toilet paper dispenser.
At registration we were presented with two lovely gifts:
I had played No. 5 in last years event, so chose to play No. 6 for my practice round on Sunday. For that I only had to pay a cart fee, whereas if I wanted to practice on No. 2 it was going to be an additional $200. I though that was a bit too much, seeing as we aren't playing to win anything but trophies. I had a nice group for the round and really liked that course. Following the round was the welcome cocktail party and buffet dinner. Both were as I remembered from last year, very nice.
Day 1 we played No. 6. I'm not that good at playing first thing in the morning, so the 7:30 tee time didn't please me. I wasn't totally on my game, I shot 87. Day 2 we played course No. 2 following a 60 minute fog delay, Canadian Geese were at the tee to greet us.
I shot 86, which I thought was pretty good for my first time on the very difficult course playing without the benefit of a caddy (and additional $100). On day 3 we played No. 5, the course I was most familiar with and shot 80. I finished 19th out of 37, last year I was tied for 20th. Two of my Canadian friends finished tied for the lead, with Mary Ann Hayward in her first appearance, defeating the twice defending champion Judith Krynis on the first hole of the sudden death playoff.
I shot 86, which I thought was pretty good for my first time on the very difficult course playing without the benefit of a caddy (and additional $100). On day 3 we played No. 5, the course I was most familiar with and shot 80. I finished 19th out of 37, last year I was tied for 20th. Two of my Canadian friends finished tied for the lead, with Mary Ann Hayward in her first appearance, defeating the twice defending champion Judith Krynis on the first hole of the sudden death playoff.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Short Trip East
In late June, I travelled from Appin as far east as Kingston. On the way to Kingston I stopped in London for a couple of hours of driver training at the Ontario Truck Driving School. I was hoping specifically to improve my skills at backing up the trailer into a simulated campsite. I had a very patient instructor and during the two hour session, I had many opportunities to drive up and back into a designated spot. Based on his instruction, I had previously been over-steering the rig. He introduced me to an easier way and also showed me how to properly set the rig up to begin backing up. It was time quite well spent. After that I ventured onto Toronto where I stayed at Glen Rouge Campground, a place I have stayed a few times before. It is very convenient for being in the east end of Toronto. I collected some items from my storage locker to sell at the upcoming Canada Day at Silver Dove Estates. I also had great visits with friends from the area. I also visited my family doctor, podiatrist and massage therapist.
From Toronto I headed to Kingston to play the Field Day at Cataraqui, a tournament I have played quite regularly over the last number of years. Several usual participants were skipping this event because the Provincial Senior started right afterwards. I wanted to do both, especially because Cataraqui was celebrating their 100th Anniversary. I stayed at the same campground near the golf course I had last year, Rideau Acres.
I had booked a back in site, but my new skills eluded me and weren't really necessary as that part of the campground was quite empty, which allowed me to pull through instead of backing in. I hadn't felt that I played well in the Field Day, but I guess the course was playing tough for everyone given the rather soggy conditions, the result of a very rainy spring throughout Ontario. I placed 7th, which got me seeded in the Eastern Provinces Match Play Tournament. I won my first match easily 5 & 4. The second match was closer 3 and 1. Winning twice on Sunday meant I had to play Monday, which was practice round day at the Senior. I lost Monday morning in a close match 1 down. The gal I lost to lost in the final, so I basically came 4th, the furthest I had advanced in all my previous efforts in this event. I was pleased with this accomplishment, even though it wasn't the strongest ever field.
Before the morning match, I had packed up the trailer and driven it to the golf course, so as soon as the round was over, I spent my winnings in the pro shop, grabbed my voucher paid lunch from the half way house and headed towards Wild Fire. On the way there I spoke to the owners of the campground I was intending to stay at for the tournament and they were O.K. with me shortening my stay by a night. I contacted the golf course and they were O.K. with me staying in the trailer on their property for one night, so seeing as I was arriving latish in the day and had an early tee time for the first round I changed my plans and stayed at the course. When I arrived they were off the course due to lightning in the area so many players were disadvantaged by a reduced or no practice round. I was able to preview Wild Fire last summer as it was on the GTA Amateur league schedule. We played from shorter tees at the Senior than I did playing the A flight on the GTA Amateur tour. I had also played the course as a stop on the GAO Member Days tour, so I knew it pretty well.
The first day I didn't play my best (90), I was likely a bit tired from the 4 rounds in 3 days in Kingston. Day 2 I played a bit better (84) and made the cut. I improved a further one stroke on Day 3 (83). Once again the course was playing extra long due to the wet conditions, that got worse as the event went along. Most of my third round was played in the rain. At one point play was suspended for about 30 minutes as the greens were flooded and needed some time to dry out. I finished 18th, which was a ways from my goal of top 10 in order to make the Ada McKenzie team, but such is life. I'm not that disappointed, because there is a chance that I will be a long way from Ontario in the spring of 2018 when that event will be played.
It as nice of Wild Fire to host us, but the prices for carts, food and drink are quite high, and the head chef seems to have free reign with the menu and prepares things that are quite out of the ordinary. Many of the players didn't appreciate his creativity with the banquet offering.
Being in the Lakefield area will give me a chance to visit my high school friend Keith McIntyre and his family, as I did last year. I had dinner there my last night in the area. The menu was pretty much the same as last year, BBQ steaks, baked potatoes, grilled veggies, mushrooms, etc. very yummy.
On the way back to Appin I stopped in Toronto for another massage, managing to find a place on a side street near my RMT's office to park the truck and trailer combo. My right knee had been bothering me quite a bit since early March in New Orleans. I had an MRI done on it in Sarnia in late May. My family doctor had given me the report on it (arthritics), which I shared with the RMT. Armed with that information she worked some magic and it has been much better for about 5 weeks so far. Well enough for me to commit to playing the North South in Pinehurst in mid August, which will be my next trip.
When I arrived back at Silver Dove Estates, one of my neighbours offered a little guidance while I back the trailer into my site, quite expertly, with my new skills.
From Toronto I headed to Kingston to play the Field Day at Cataraqui, a tournament I have played quite regularly over the last number of years. Several usual participants were skipping this event because the Provincial Senior started right afterwards. I wanted to do both, especially because Cataraqui was celebrating their 100th Anniversary. I stayed at the same campground near the golf course I had last year, Rideau Acres.
I had booked a back in site, but my new skills eluded me and weren't really necessary as that part of the campground was quite empty, which allowed me to pull through instead of backing in. I hadn't felt that I played well in the Field Day, but I guess the course was playing tough for everyone given the rather soggy conditions, the result of a very rainy spring throughout Ontario. I placed 7th, which got me seeded in the Eastern Provinces Match Play Tournament. I won my first match easily 5 & 4. The second match was closer 3 and 1. Winning twice on Sunday meant I had to play Monday, which was practice round day at the Senior. I lost Monday morning in a close match 1 down. The gal I lost to lost in the final, so I basically came 4th, the furthest I had advanced in all my previous efforts in this event. I was pleased with this accomplishment, even though it wasn't the strongest ever field.
Before the morning match, I had packed up the trailer and driven it to the golf course, so as soon as the round was over, I spent my winnings in the pro shop, grabbed my voucher paid lunch from the half way house and headed towards Wild Fire. On the way there I spoke to the owners of the campground I was intending to stay at for the tournament and they were O.K. with me shortening my stay by a night. I contacted the golf course and they were O.K. with me staying in the trailer on their property for one night, so seeing as I was arriving latish in the day and had an early tee time for the first round I changed my plans and stayed at the course. When I arrived they were off the course due to lightning in the area so many players were disadvantaged by a reduced or no practice round. I was able to preview Wild Fire last summer as it was on the GTA Amateur league schedule. We played from shorter tees at the Senior than I did playing the A flight on the GTA Amateur tour. I had also played the course as a stop on the GAO Member Days tour, so I knew it pretty well.
The first day I didn't play my best (90), I was likely a bit tired from the 4 rounds in 3 days in Kingston. Day 2 I played a bit better (84) and made the cut. I improved a further one stroke on Day 3 (83). Once again the course was playing extra long due to the wet conditions, that got worse as the event went along. Most of my third round was played in the rain. At one point play was suspended for about 30 minutes as the greens were flooded and needed some time to dry out. I finished 18th, which was a ways from my goal of top 10 in order to make the Ada McKenzie team, but such is life. I'm not that disappointed, because there is a chance that I will be a long way from Ontario in the spring of 2018 when that event will be played.
It as nice of Wild Fire to host us, but the prices for carts, food and drink are quite high, and the head chef seems to have free reign with the menu and prepares things that are quite out of the ordinary. Many of the players didn't appreciate his creativity with the banquet offering.
Being in the Lakefield area will give me a chance to visit my high school friend Keith McIntyre and his family, as I did last year. I had dinner there my last night in the area. The menu was pretty much the same as last year, BBQ steaks, baked potatoes, grilled veggies, mushrooms, etc. very yummy.
On the way back to Appin I stopped in Toronto for another massage, managing to find a place on a side street near my RMT's office to park the truck and trailer combo. My right knee had been bothering me quite a bit since early March in New Orleans. I had an MRI done on it in Sarnia in late May. My family doctor had given me the report on it (arthritics), which I shared with the RMT. Armed with that information she worked some magic and it has been much better for about 5 weeks so far. Well enough for me to commit to playing the North South in Pinehurst in mid August, which will be my next trip.
When I arrived back at Silver Dove Estates, one of my neighbours offered a little guidance while I back the trailer into my site, quite expertly, with my new skills.
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