Last Hurrah!

Another sleep-in day at the Fredericton Inn in New Brunswick until 9:00 am.   Then we were off down the road to our last round of golf on the trip. 




Mactaquac Golf Course

  Mactaquac Golf Course is 10 miles west of Fredericton.  The course was in great shape and consistently had the largest greens and the biggest sand traps of any course I have ever played.  It was a fair course with wide fairways and generous layups.   I shot 84 while Gary shot 97.  This golf course would be considered an ugly sister to all the other golf we have played, but it was still a great golf experience. We hooked up with Ted from Manitoba, a 55 year old, who could drive the ball 30 yards past me.  The rest of his game had more holes in it than the Titanic.  Nice guy!

After golf we headed down the road to McAdams where there is a backwoods US/Canada customs crossing.  The US officials gave us the minor - I'm really doing my job - interrogation.  Then on we went.

We got to Bangor, ME about 7:00 pm found a Comfort Inn then proceeded to an Olive Garden.  We sat at the bar and ate.  It was thirty year old Kassa the bartender's last day.  She had worked there ten years, so there was a cake and a little misty-eyed drama with all workers.  Good old spaghetti and meatballs was the fare - excellent!  We said our goodbyes to Kassa and wished her well in her cross-country trip to California with her boyfriend. 

I feel asleep writing half this blog last night.  Woke up rested and ready to go.  Need to wash the rental car or they may not take it back.  It was an outstanding golf trip - Gary was a great traveling partner. 

NEXT STOP ON THEGOLFROAD???

Prince Edward Island

Day 8, Monday, August 29

I slept in until nine, and it felt damn good.  By the time I was showered and ready for a late breakfast, Gary had already milked the cows and fed the chickens – actually he did the laundry, swam and few laps and relaxed in the hot tub.   The Delta Hotel included a full breakfast in the night’s stay.  Lobster Eggs Benedict is a tasty dish – it’s an English muffin with a poached egg on top smothered in hollandaise sauce mixed with big chunks of lobster.  Not bad. 



Ed at Green Gables Golf Course



Hurricane Irene missed PEI – sort of.  There was no rain today.  In fact the the day was sunny, but the winds were 40 to 50 miles per hour gusting to 60 to 65.   A GREAT DAY FOR GOLF????              We thought so.  After driving around the island for an hour taking in the sights, we stopped in a Glasgow Hills Golf Course which is on one of the highest pieces of land in P.E.I.   Standing outside the clubhouse we almost blew away from the unprotected links course.  The good sport in the pro shop suggested we try the Green Gables course which has a lot of trees where we might stand a chance.  He then followed with, “Blimey!  Only a fool would play golf today!”  I shot 91 and Gary 96 (at the Gables)



Green Gables House at Cavendish, PEI



About five years ago, Green Gables Golf Course did a six million dollar restoration project redesigning holes, replacing greens, adding sand traps, and other necessary face lifts which certainly turned the 18 holes into a first rate golfing experience.    The house in which Lucy Maud Montgomery spent her summers in Cavendish, PEI and thus inspired the book Anne of Green Gables is located on the 11^th hole.  And yes the house has green gables.  It is a popular tourist attraction for many international visitors especially the Japanese who have had it in their school curriculum since 1952.  



Gary Playing in the Sandbox



Let’s get back to the 60 mph wind and the almost unplayable course.  On the second green I hear Gary in laughing like a little girl when he was unable to maintain his balance over his putt.   He whacked a 3 iron into the wind caught it for a nice 130 yard shot – he again broke into laughter of amazement.  The sand would blow from the traps stinging our bare legs and face.  The conditions were so bad it was comical.  We cracked up for most of the round as expectations of scoring were shattered in the early going.  

We finished the round then decided to drive the stretch of PEI National Park on the north shore from Breckley to Delay on our way to check out another course named Crowbush Cove.  There were a lot of beaches and sand dunes, but the highlights weren’t the views – it was the foxes.   Along the side of the park road runs a bike/walking path – very nice.  Up ahead on this path was a fox then another fox and then another.    Two of them were jumping on each other as a pair of puppies would when rough-housing or is it ruff-housing.  With the window rolled down we pulled up beside them not ten feet away.  We expected them to dart for cover, but they could give a care.  As they played and moved down the path we followed in the car at the same pace snapping pictures and wondering when fox hunting season begins.  One fox picked up an old flip flop he found on the side of the road then they disappeared evidently he decided he needed to protect his kill.  It was fascinating to watch them for a good 5 minutes.



We got to Crowbush Cove about 4:00 pm, went to the clubhouse and watched as other fools played in what was now a lowly 30-40 mph wind.  Crowbush was in perfect condition – not blade of grass out of place.  We made a tee time for Tuesday then headed back to Charlottetown for R&R and of course food.




Dave and Gary at the Bar - Delta Hotel

 

Gary forced me into a drink at the Delta Hotel bar.  Who was there – Dave our pal from yesterday.  We had a few drinks, got a couple of dinner recommendations then wound up at Sims two blocks away.  Dave insisted on picking up the bar tab at the Delta so we invited him to come along.  Did you know that Sims has six different kinds of Oysters each grown in different bays around the island?  We tasted them all.  After the oysters and two bottles of fine Spanish Rioja we ordered small.  Everything at Sims was excellent.  They know how to prepare food.

We said goodnight to Dave in the lobby of the Delta Hotel knowing that he had a little more appreciation for Americans and we for Canada.  

Day 9 – Tuesday, August 30



Lee, Ed, Gary, and Tom



Breakfast at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel is spelled ‘LOBSTER EGGS BENEDICT’.  Two days in a row and I can never tire from the taste.  We checked out, had breakfast, and headed to Crowbush Cove Golf Course by 10:00 am.   At the course we hooked up with a member, Tom, and couple from Regina, Saskatchewan.  Lee was playing and his wife Kalynn was just riding.  It was a quite foursome when we started, but very friendly and noisy when it finished.  We all took a lot of pictures agreeing to email them to each other.   They were good company at a premier golf course.  At times we all hit the ball quite well.  I had my best round (77) of the trip on a difficult track so I felt almost accomplished. 

Did I mention foxes?  On the par five number five green, a fox came to visit our fivesome.  It evidently it is very comfortable with people because it followed us from green to tee eyeballing our carts for ???  This must be the same fox that fell in love with Lloyd about 5 years ago.



After golf it was off to Bangor, Maine.  Gary drove for four hours until we settled on Fredericton, New Brunswick to spend the night.  Our intention is to get in one more round before finally staying near the Maine airport on Wednesday evening.  We had an OK meal at Boston Pizza and now I am currently creating and sending this post from the Fredericton Inn.

It was another fine day on thegolfroad.

Newfoundlander for a Weekend

Saturday – August 27



We rose this morning with a plan.  We had a 3:00 p.m. tee time at Humber Valley Golf course so after breakfast we would go play the local nine hole course at Humber River.  An early nine would be a nice way to warm up before the afternoon tee.  Humber River appeared to be a well-designed and interesting course, but we couldn’t get on due to the club championship being held that morning.  We were told our next best bet would be Blomindin G.C. in Corner Brooke 40 km southwest.  Again they tossed us out the door saying that due to yesterday’s rain their tee sheet was completely filled up.  We were beginning to feel unloved.  So what do many discouraged people do when they can’t have their way?  They shop.  Off to the local mall to find a bookstore.  The mall was actually very nice – no different than back home. 



Dining at Humber Valley



We kill the necessary time to get to the afternoon course early enough to have lunch and down not too many beers. 







#10 at Humber Valley - 400 ft. drop

 Humber Valley Golf Course near Deer Lake, Newfoundland evokes two words – Play It!  Next time you’re passing by Newfoundland with your sticks in the car, put this course on top of your ‘must play’ list.   A five star world class golf course is hard to find.  I don’t know how many stars Golf Digest would dole out, but Humber Valley gets a solid five star rating from me.  The course is very well manicured; greens demand attention to uphill, side hill, and downhill reads.   The elevation changes can be dramatic such as hole #10 which is a par four that has a 400 foot drop from tee to fairway.  The first four holes play to the greens that are back dropped by Deer Lake.  Other holes were aptly designed with the Humber River in play visually or off the tee.  Every hole is easy on the eyes – no snoozers here. 



Ed at Humber Valley



Gary and I were partnered up with two guys from Grand Falls, Newfoundland – Bart and Dennis.  They both certainly were great company having good humor and full of conversation.  We laughed our way around a very beautiful, yet challenging 18 holes.  My advice – play it.

Our foursome stopped for a few beers in the clubhouse as tradition dictates.  We told the usual jokes and golf stories then moved on down the road – Bart and Dennis back to the Comfort Inn to their wives and Gary and me to the best dinner recommendation the Marble Inn 5 miles away.

Finally a gourmet meal that didn’t disappoint – Jungle Jim’s be damned.  Gary and I ordered the same dish.  The dinner started with a glass of Italian red then followed by superb seafood chowder served with mussels then homemade pasta and lamb meatballs.  Dessert was a homemade ice-cream – banana, walnut, and chocolate.  This was truly a first class eatery.   We had a long discussion with Jim, an Englishman from Lancastershire, regarding the world economy and how the UK and Europe are really screwed whereas the US is large enough to recovery on its own (so says Jim). 

We contently waddled away from dinner waving goodbye to clinical psychology grad student Stacy who served us dinner.   Another fine day on ‘The Golf Road’.

Note:  A special thanks to Jackie at Humber Valley Golf Course for the great service and restaurant recommendation.

Day 7 – Sunday, August 28

It’s hard to believe it was I who pried Trapani out of the sack at 5:00 am to drive the 2 ½ to Port Aux Basque to catch the ferry to Nova Scotia.  We figured it was smart to get out of ‘Dodge’ while the getting’ was good just in case hurricane Irene changed its tune and float up this way.  Although getting stuck in Newfoundland actually isn’t a bad prospect once you’ve seen it.



The cabin we rented for the 7 hour ferry crossing to North Sydney was worth the extra $50.  After the 5:00 am wake up, napping in an actual bed for three hours was heaven.  The last few hours on the boat were spent enjoying the music of Bugs and Debbie Green.  They are a husband wife song team who perform comedy, instrumental music,  and local folk songs for passengers.  They were a lot of fun.  (No pics due to tired camera.)



Schooner dock at Baddock

The drive down from Sydney to the P.E.I. ferry at Caribou was much quicker than expected.  We did stop for directions in a beautiful resort town of Baddock.  Gary insisted on looking at a few boats in the harbor then we both agreed to have lunch at 'The Yellow Cello Cafe'.  Gary was like a kid in a toy store with all the prime choice boats in the small harbor.  Lunch was a good topper to this stop.  Baddock rivals Harbor Springs in charm and prosperity. 



Yes there really is a Yellow Cello!



We made the ferry on time, and as most of this trip we had no plans until on the advice from Kim, a fery service worker, we called the Prince Delta Hotel in Charlottetown, NS.   It is a first class hotel with a fair price when you include parking and breakfast on the house (sort of).  We had a drink and a light dinner before closing.  Dave, a customer at the bar, talked about the fishing industry and the frustration of the professional family fisherman with the big foreign outfits that are just overfishing certain species.

Colby the bartender gave us a taste of an expensive Autralian wine after Gary used his charm (or con) on the guy.  Good job Gary as Koocooberry merlot is outstanding. 

It is 12:30 am Atlantic time.  We shall sleep well at the Delta Prince Hotel.







Newfoundland

Day 5 - Friday, August 26

Note:  My camera is misbehaving therefore new pictures will be sparse for the next few days.  I have plenty from the past week and will use some of these until I'm back in photos business.
 



Fiddle Night at Follies

 Gary and I caught the ferry to Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland at 1:00 am last night, but not before we spent several hours at a restaurant called Follies.  Thursday is 'Fiddle Night'  which invites all the locals to come to the bar to play as a group.  At one time there were 16 fiddles going at once.  Great music! 

The seven hour ferry crossing was quiet during the late hours as most people were trying to catch some ZZZZZ's - us included.  We didn't have a cabin or a bed.  A bad imitation of a lazyboy chair was the sleep arrangement for the evening.  It almost worked.  I have to say there is nothing as good as your own lazyboy in which to snooze. 

A gray wet foggy morning provided us with a typical Newfoundland greeting.  The day remained overcast and rainy so the loss of camera use wasn't a total disappointment.  However, even this gray mask could only attempt to hide the rugged beauty of Newfoundland.   Ocean, rocks, bays, rivers, mountains, and trees all fell into an artistic order like a seaside painting.  We drove north to the town of Deer Lake set on and near, what else, a huge lake.  After checking in at the Deer Lake Motel, we drove to tomorrow's golf course to make a tee time.  Humble Valley Golf Course appears to be an outstanding layout.  There will be more to come tomorrow - 3:00 p.m. tee.

Jungle Jim's restaurant was the recommendation from several locals.  It's a cute place with a jungle theme and goofy drink suggestions.  The seafood platter was as good as 'fried everything' could possibly be.  Not a highlight today.   

We are currently at the Deer Lake Motel where Gary is trying to dump his pics from his camera phone to his computer.  Not working!  He is ready to dump his computer and phone into the lake. 

His last declaration - "We need a beer!"

Antigonish to New Foundland Ferry

Day 3 - Wednesday, August 24

Antigonish to Ingonish

“Oh I have slipped the surely bounds of earth and danced the skies on laughter silver wings.”  Oh, sorry that was another generation of signing off TV at night.  We (Trapani and I) have had the perfect day if you don’t count the TIGERS  winning the world series.  



Par 3 at Cabot Links



We endured an outstanding drive this morning in our Cadillac STS of sun, sea, and sky as we made our way to a seaside golf course called Cabot Links.  It is truly a diamond in the rough.  It currently has growing pains but will soon become a premier course in North America.  This ocean side true links course is only half finished.  They are currently offering only 10 holes to play as the other 8 are under construction.   As said in many coaching circles – we have given you the talent don’t f- - k it up.  History proves that good manage-ment usually makes good products.  Lets hope this establishment has the management to carry it through.

Cabot Links golf is an overdose of seaside golf.  Every hole provides a skill challenge and a surf side wave.  Aesthetically you would rather shoot pictures than par.  My advice - put this course in your list as places to play, but monitor the conditions to make sure you will get a good value for the round.



Southern look on the Cabot Trail, NS



From Inverness we continue north to the Cabot Trail and some of the most incredible scenery in seaside drives (Big Sur with a lot less people).   Not much to say - just close your mouth (if possible) and appreciate.

We continued for several hours to the small town of Ingonish where we checked into the Glenghorm Hotel/Motel Beach Resort.  Gary and I walked the 200 yards from our room to the bay which again wowed us with the view. 

Cyril MacPhee - Thank you for a fun night!

After an abbreviated dinner and several beers in the hotel pub, we returned two hours later to hear a great entertainer - Cyril MacPhee (Scottish).  He played many local songs, Celtic ballads, and folk music from the 60's and 70's.  He even threw in the Eagles' - Hotel California.  Not only did he sing well, but he also knew how to work a crowd - and he filled the pub.  We sat at the bar and got tremendously good service from bartender Alison.  How did she put up with us and with a smile?   



Bartender and Therapist Alison


I retired at midnight to post this blog, but due to technical difficulties I had to wait until today.

It certainly was a perfect close to a perfect day!











Day 4 -Thursday, August 25 (Ingonish)



Par 3 at Highland Links

 Eggs Benedict at the upscaled Keltic Lodge was good day starter.  The Lodge is located at today's scheduled golf course or vice-versa.  Located on a pennisula overlooking Ingonish Bay, the Keltic Lodge provides first class accomdations, dining, views, and whatever else you heart desires.   Gary and I saved a hundred bucks staying down the road and that wasn't cheap.  But, the main attaction today was Highland Links - it's rated as one of the top courses in Canada.  IT IS ALL THEY SAY!   We spent four hours in golf heaven and didn't even have to die.

As I write this, Gary and I are in North Sydney, Nova Scotia at the Black Spoon (restaurant with wifi, good food and beer) waiting to take a 1:00 a.m. ferry to New Foundland.  The weather thus far has been outstanding.  We're due for some rain.  Perhaps we can keep dancing around the wet spots of this beautiful country.

Sussex, NB to Antigonish, NS

We spent Monday night in Sussex with extreme intent on visiting the city golf course that all the natives bragged and raved about until Gary and I felt compelled to play it this morning.  They did not exaggerate!  The Sussex Golf and Curling Club is a first rate golfing experience.  This golf course was as challenging as a blindfold, greased  apple-bob, but it was also a lot of fun.  I took two bucks from Gary in a titanic duel of hacker #1 over hacker #2.  Remembering that the journey is more important than the final score gave us comfort. 



One Hole - Two Fairways

 The 17th hole was quite a gem in terms of golf design.  It's split duel fairways with a menacing creek running 300 yard down the middle brings a Yogi-ism to mind.  "When you come to the fork in the road, take it!" 

              - or -

As a Vegas blackjack dealer once told a slow playing unresponsive friend of mine, "Sir you will have to make a decision."

So I aimed right at the creek in the middle believing  the odds were in my favor that I wouldn't hit it straight.  I was right and hooked the ball 240 down the left fairway - I was undeservingly proud.

After I boogied 17 and 18, Gary and I moved on down the road to Fundy National Park on the Bay of Fundy which has the highest tide changes in the world (40 to 50 feet).  In the small bay side town of Alma boats will literally rest on the mud when the tide is out.  Pretty weird.

Lunch at the family owned Alma Lobster Shop (in the ruff) was awesome!  Daughter Elizabeth was a one girl show as she crack the lobsters, served up our instruments of destruction (picker, fork and cracker).  For $15.00 I got a two pound lobster, drink, and a tub of coleslaw.  Fresh lobster!



The Bay of Fundy is an exceptional place in that it encompassing beauty and raw sea power.  Seeing the amazing changes in tides elevations is worth a trip to this area.

We wrapped up the day by driving the northest coast road (Hwy 6)  to the college town of Antigonish to stay the night at a Freddie's Beddies. 

Note: Apologies to Caroline at Boston Pizza.  We failed to retrieve your picture from Gary's camera.

Detroit to New Brunswick

Day 1 -

We had an easy standby flight this am non-stop to Bangor, Maine.  Our Taurus rental car was given away - evidently they are a hot commodity for rental travel.  We had to settle for a Cadillac STS - fire engine red for the same price - oh, well.  Maine and coastal New Brunswick are beautiful - like Northern Michigan with an French accent.  

Our final stop this afternoon was Sussex, NB, Cannada.  This town is an hour north of St. John and is becoming know for the murals painted on many of the downtown building.  Although the murals look like vintage works of art, the project was started only about six years ago presenting historical aspects of Sussex.  Artists from around the world were commissioned to do the work.  It beats the hell out of painted cows, pigs, or horses. 

Dinner and drinks were appreciated at McGinty's Irish Pub before crashing this evening.  Golf will be played in New Brunswick tomorrow then off to Nova Scotia.

A quick note:  We are keeping an eye on Irene hoping she takes her time coming up the eastern coastline.

 

The Adventure Continues - Oh Canada!

I have taken many golf trips in my life and usually return with an enthusiasm to share my experiences.  This time it is off to CANADA to play in the Maritime Provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, New Foundland, and Prince Edward Island. 

Blogging allows me to share as I go.  Thus I will be posting our progress as we fly to Bangor, Maine rent a car then drive the no reservation route to our desired destinations.

Gary Trapani, friend and fellow golfer, and I depart Monday, August 22nd hoping to return by September 1.  This may be optimistic, but we have to have some parameters.  We are flying standby and therefore have no firm start and end dates other than our family and friends may skin us if we're not back for certain domestic commitments.

So - soon we fly to the East Coast.  I will post pictures and comments as we proceed to new and exciting places.