Archive for October, 2014
Death Valley National Park
Departing Santa Barbara in the morning we arrived in Death Valley in time to do a bit of exploring before nightfall. We drove the famous Artist’s Drive in the wonderful afternoon sunlight and took a few minutes to admire the stunning, star-filled sky before collapsing into bed. ⇒photos
Hwy 190 west of Death Valley
Channel Islands National Park
We spent a lovely afternoon cruising out to the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara. On the outward trip we were accompanied by a great number of dolphins who entertained us with their spectacular leaps out of the water. I wonder if they are having as much fun as it seems to us. Then there was a brief spotting of an enormous whale. Here’s a selection of photos (20).
East Anacapa Island
Santa Barbara Golf – Glen Annie
Glen Annie GC. Waiting to tee of on the tantalizing 286 yard par 4 12th hole.
Today was an unexpected treat. Just last night I noticed that the Glen Annie course was designed by one of my favorite architects, Robert Muir Graves. I associate Graves’ layouts with wonderful integration of holes into the existing landscape, plans that allow for different strategies on many holes, and challenging but fair placement of bunkers and doglegged fairways. His courses are never boring or repetitious neither visually nor mentally. Your mind and eyes are constantly engaged. With a 125 slope rating, I was pleased to get around in 87. Would love to play this one again.
Santa Barbara beach
After our round of golf, Bill led me on a walk along the beach on an absolutely beautiful afternoon. ⇒ 11 photos
Santa Barbara Golf – Sandpiper
Today I played Sandpiper Golf Club with our Santa Barbara host, Bill Mandigo. Sandpiper features five picturesque holes overlooking the ocean that make for a very pleasant track. I shot a lackluster 94 due to 3-4 pesky holes including one quadruple bogey 8. ⇒handful of photos of the course.
Sandpiper GC, 18th tee and green.
Off to California
We’re on our way to California today. First, to Santa Barbara to visit Trisha’s friend/colleague, Jean Schultz; then on to Death Valley National Park. I got this quick snap of Mt. St. Helen’s from the airplane.
Back to Gamble Sands
With another stretch of beautiful weather I decided to make another trip to Gamble Sands before the course closes at the end of October. Conditions were perfect again and although I didn’t play as well as on the previous trip (87, 91) it was still a fun couple of days. I did manage a tap-in birdie on the 500-yard 18th hole after just missing a 48-foot eagle putt; a most exciting way to end the trip. ⇒photos
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