TRAVEL THERE: GOLF IN ARIZONA
Bill loves to play golf – especially when the weather is nice and Scottsdale in February is very nice! However, rates at Scottsdale Golf Courses caused a severe case of sticker shock. He wanted to play, but there was a limit to what he was willing to pay. He did a little research and found exactly what he was looking for.
Just a Little Way Up the Road
Though I provided him with brochures, websites and other tools, I left it up to Bill to find where he wanted to play golf. Left on my own, I would have either booked him something at our resort or over at the Phoenician. He looked a little further afield and what he found made for a delightful day.
I love to ride along when Bill plays – not every time, but when I do it, I love it. Bill chose a golf course about 45 minutes north of the resort. The drive took us through some lovely desert landscape so we thoroughly enjoyed the commute.
Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club is a public golf course in Cave Creek AZ. For a public course, it was very accommodating. Everyone was very nice and eager to be sure you were going to enjoy your game – and the course itself is gorgeous.
We were assigned to a threesome that seemed to play together often, but they didn’t resent being stuck with this Texan and his ride along wife. There was a lot of friendly chatter and no one seemed to be much worse or better than their companions.
The New Camera
My 2019 Christmas present was my own Canon Rebel camera. Phone cameras just don’t cut if for me, primarily because I enjoy
using an old-fashioned viewfinder, rather than trying to see an LED screen. Bill, of course, has some fancy, expensive, heavy camera for his professional pursuits, but I wanted a camera of my very own. I’d taken it for a test drive or two since I’d gotten it, but this Arizona Adventure had been its first bit of travel.
Bill and his golf buddies did their golfing thing, while I drove the cart and took pictures – both of which I enjoyed immensely. The course, as I have said, was lovely. Bill was having a good day of golf. I was thrilled with the beautiful blue sky and all the amazing flora and fauna.
I’ve said it before, I love the desert. It has a calming and soothing effect on me, but at the same time it just makes me happy. To me, cactus is both regal and funny. I think about how long it takes it to grow and wonder at how little water it takes to keep it healthy. Then I look at the odd shapes it chooses to grow in and I just want to laugh.
As far as fauna is concerned, there was plenty – rabbits, chaparrals, quail and ground squirrels, just to name a few of the animals we saw. Instead of raving about it all, I’m just going to show you some of the gorgeous pictures I took.
After the golf game, we made a visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. More gorgeous desert scenery, so be sure to come back next week. In the meantime, enjoy this gallery.
jane sadek 