Sports

Central Coast Follies

Posted by golfkat on July 15, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
For those of you who already love the central coast, the great wines and weather, I need not say or write more.  For those of you unfamiliar, here is a short but sweet laundry list of things to do.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park (for thank sinking feeling)
Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary (for the adventurous)
Whale watching (Have you read Melville?)
Hearst Castle (for Julia Morgan fans)
The Missions- six different missions on the El Camino Real (not the position!)
Pinnacles National Park-the newest national park (Thank you, Mr. President!!!)
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (a plethora of nature)
Solvang-a bit of Denmark in California (home of tennis great, Rocket Rod Laver)
Natural Bridges State Beach (no dentists allowed!)
Ember-our favorite restaurant on the central coast
Firestone-Walker Brewery in San Luis Obispo (with outdoor patio for Lexi)
The California Market in Pismo-lots of good natural and organic food choices
The Beach-Lexi loves it!!!
Cool weather!!!
Most of these attractions are outdoor activities.  I have already covered wine tasting, hanging out at the beach, cycling the coast, or playing a few rounds of golf.  We are going mostly to relax, and dine at our new favorite restaurant in the entire world, Ember, in Arroyo Grande.  When you are in the area, please eat here, you will not regret it!!!  In fact, we are meeting dear friends here on Sunday eve.
I may also see some friends, like the old “Bagman” from college.  He was not a bagman in the traditional sense, no drugs involved!  He was known to wear only a paper bag over his head, no other clothing, other than sneakers and socks, and make a midnight circuit around a huge, one block area consisting of a women’s only dormitory!!!!
NOTE:  There are some wineries, like Laetitia in Arroyo Grande on the Central Coast making sparkling wines, mostly all chardonnay based, but not too bad.  But just in case, I have my favorite Veuve du Vernay from Loire, France, just in case!!!!  See you there!
It is cool, man, cool!

Pimm’s Cup No. 1 at Wimbledon

Posted by golfkat on July 8, 2019
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From my trip to Wimbledon in 2009.  Today is day one of the tournament.  It might be a little too warm for me there, right now!
I had a very refreshing and intoxicating drink at Wimbledon last week, and again today.  Here is more about it.  I may start drinking it when I get back home.

With Wimbledon kicking off this week it seems like the whole world has tennis fever. Even if you don’t know your backhands from your forehands, the tournament is a good reason to sample one of Britain’s tastiest exports: the Pimm’s Cup. Traditionally made from Pimm’s Cup No. 1, lemon juice, a soda like ginger ale or 7-Up (or sometimes lemonade and soda) and garnished with a cucumber, the cocktail first made its mark in the mid-19th century as a British summer favorite. London bar owner James Pimm began serving the concoction as a digestif, and it became so popular that he bottled his own gin-based liquor, Pimm’s Cup No. 1, for sale.

What started as hand candy for British socialites is now the official drink of Wimbledon. Several London restaurants are rolling out their own versions of the classic drink: Mixed Doubles (Pimm’s, strawberries and Lanson Champagne) at Bluebird, for example. And stateside, the New York branch of London’s Soho House is serving up the Wimbledon Pitcher. This party-sized Pimm’s-with-a-twist-includes strawberries, oranges, and some Hendrick’s Gin for an extra kick. Not a member? We’ve got the classic and the Soho House version after the jump so you can make them at home. Just don’t attempt hit the courts afterward.

I was able to get to the famous Court #1 to see Ivo Parlevic, a 6’8″ Serb pound millions of aces against Fernando Verdasco in a spirited match with 3 tie breakers.  Then the highlight was getting to see the remaining American male, Andy Roddick, the 6th seed, against a fellow named Tomas Berych, the 20th seeded Czech I think.  Andy’s serves register easily in the 130 mph+ range.  Andy won in three straight sets.  He is a fan favorite here as well, perhaps more than the local boy, Andy Murray.

It was my last day at Wimbledon, as I need tomorrow to run some errands, and rest up for the long flight home on Wednesday.  Those of you who noticed my reportage regarding bikini tops and halters, should know that today was bare chested day.  I think the females were arrested, but the males were left to run unfettered.  I think the streakers were camped out overnight, and wanted to go to the nearby jail for a shower.

Also, no big scandals here this week.  With Jacko and Farah getting all the press, this City is relatively calm with the dirt and slander.

But I did meet two nice people in my 3 hour queue.  One, a local Indi-Brit lady who runs her own consulting company.  The other an Aussie lass with her Mum, who is taking two years off to travel the world.  It really helps pass the time in the queue to have interesting people to talk to.

I also got to see the new American female phenom, Melanie Oudin, from Marietta, GA.  She almost beat the Polish 11th seed, Agnes Radwanska.  Mel is only 17, and had to enter through qualifying.  She needs some work on her mobility and her serve.  Last week, she beat the former top ranked women, Jelena Jankovic .  But she will be at Wimbledon for years to come.  Another highlight was watching the U.S. pair, the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike, the number one ranked team in the world.  Bob, the lefty is better than Mike, but together, they are just about unbeatable.  They move about like gazelles in heat.

Speaking of heat, it is quite warm here, though they finally closed the 100 million British pound roof today when it sprinkled for about two minutes.  I will be coming home looking more like I spent 11 days at the beach.

Pimm’s Cup
1 1/2 oz Pimm’s Cup No. 1
1 dash lemon juice
7-Up or ginger ale, chilled
1 peeled cucumber wheel
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Pimms and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Stir in the 7-Up and garnish with the cucumber wheel. The actual Wimbledon version has ice in the GLASS for obvious reasons.

Wimbledon Pitcher (serves 4)
5 mint leaves
4 cucumber slices
2 strawberries, chopped (rough chop)
3 lemon wedges
3 orange wedges
8 oz Pimm’s Cup No. 1
Sprite
2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
Chop all the fruit and put it in a pitcher. Then, add some ice and the Pimm’s. Top with Sprite, finish with Hendrick’s Gin, and stir gently with a big spoon or ladle.

Maybe next year, we will have a Wimbledon party with lots of Pimm’s.wimb10s osakaamanda

U.S. Open Double

Posted by golfkat on July 2, 2019
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Here is a good question:  how many of you have been to the U.S. Open?  By that, I mean both the tennis in Flushing Meadow, and the golf at rotating venues around the country.
I was able to attend the tennis Open in 1982, courtesy of the Northern California Tennis Association.  They gave me both a day pass to all venues, and box seats to the stadium for the evening matches.
I have attended the golf Open at both Pebble Beach (3 times), and the Olympic Club.  Great venues!
Which one is better?  Well, both have changed considerably since I last attended.  Both have become major marketing, media, and merchandise phantasmagorias.  If I had to choose which one to attend once more, I think I would choose the tennis.  Why?
The excitement of new young players, like Naomi Osaka from Japan, and the younger American female players, along with the vets like Fed, Rafa, and Serena, of course.  While I have also been to Wimbledon, this is, after all, our national championship.
Tiger at Pebble, or Serena at Flushing?  Which one is better?  You decide!

Southern France Vino and Cycle

Posted by golfkat on May 1, 2019
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So, this is the basic description of the cycling portion of my trip:

The name Entre Deux Mers refers to the triangle of land that sits between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, to the east of Bordeaux. The land here on the right bank of Bordeaux produces a variety of vintages, from the soft Merlot’s of St Emilion to the sweet whites of Sauternes. The tour takes you through this verdant landscape from south to north, stopping in our pick of the best 3 and 4-star hotels in the region.

Of many highlights, here are three:

  • The chateaux of Roquetaillade and Villandraut for a glimpse into the regions past.
  • The world-class red wines of Pomerol and St Emilion.
  • The sweet and dry white wines of Sauternes and Cadillac.
Here is the itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive at Bordeaux by plane or TGV and transfer to your hotel in St Macaire, by taxi. Take some time to stroll around this quaint Bordelais village, before a delicious dinner and a good nights sleep (haha!) ahead of your first days cycling.

Day 2 Optional Round Trip to La Reole | Distance 26 miles (43 km)

After a hearty continental breakfast in our boutique hotel, a ride to the river port town of La Reole is on the cards. You’ll follow the Garonne valley to Castets-en-Dorthe before following a canal side cycle path to La Reole itself. La Reole was once the second city of the region but these days is a charming small town that sits perched above the Garonne on a hillside. The ride back to St Macaire winds through backroads and passes through the town of Langon.

Day 3 Cycle to Sauternes | Distance 23 miles (38 km)

Today you will cross the River Garonne and cycle south to the village of Sauternes in a loop through an area of forest and vineyards. The route passes the villages of Roaillan, Ozeste and Villandraut, all delightful stops for lunch. We also suggest a visit to the Chateau de Roquetaillade and the ruined castle of Chateau de Villandraut.

Day 4 Optional Round Trip Through Sauternes Vineyards | Distance 18 miles (28 km)

Sauternes is an appellation famous for its sweet wine produced by the regions rare white grapes, possibly the best in the world. The round trip route will offer you the chance to cycle through this vineyard covered area until you reach the Chateau de Malle near Preignac, a magnificent Renaissance building with beautiful gardens. Back in Sauternes, we recommend a guided wine tour and tasting at either Chateau Sauternes or Chateau Guiraud.

Day 5 Cycle to Cadillac | Distance 26 miles (43 km)

Your cycle now heads North into the River Garonne valley through several villages en route to the small town of Cadillac, which bequeathed its name to the car. The day starts by crossing the Ciron valley to Cerons and then Podensac with the opportunity to visit the Lillet distillery and see how the popular apéritif is produced. In the Garonne valley, you can visit the intriguing Chateau Mongenan in Portets before crossing the river at Langoiran and cycling to Cadillac. Enjoy the view of the Ducal Chateau from the hotel gardens with a glass of the local wine in hand.

Day 6 Optional Round Trip to St Croix du Mont | Distance 13 miles (22 km) I may double it!

Today’s optional round trip takes you out of Cadillac through some more prime Bordeaux vineyards such as Montprimblanc before reaching St Croix de Mont, a superb but less well-known appellation located on a panoramic plateau made up of vast fossilised oyster beds. Then heading back to Cadillac, you’ll pass through Loupiac, where wines have been produced since Roman times.

Day 7 Cycle to St Emilion | Distance 25 miles (40 km)

Your final day in the saddle will take you through a valley towards Targon and the Entre Deux Mers (the land in between the Rivers Dordogne and Garonne). A picnic lunch is recommended next to the remains of a Knights Templar Commanderie before continuing onto Branne, crossing the Dordogne river and cycling into Saint Emilion. Arriving at your last hotel situated at the top of the town, relax with a dip in the pool or drinks in the garden before a final well-deserved delicious dinner.

Day 8 We say Au Revoir before transferring you by taxi to Bordeaux airport or TGV station.

Should be a great trip!

A Monument(al) Valley

Posted by golfkat on April 17, 2019
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, National Parks, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment

Perhaps no more iconic scenic landscape exists in the American west than Monument Valley, Utah.  It appears in auto commercials, travel advertisements, and most notably, the Forrest Gump movie.  I think it is the most “American” of all American scenes.

Besides an iconic symbol of the American west, Monument Valley is the “sacred heart” of the Navajo Nation.  Is it the pure beauty, the ruggedness, or the Navajo spirits that draw us here?  Yet, it looks so familiar since we have seen it so many times on TV, and the internet.

And those who know say it looks the same, whether 300 or 3000 years ago.  The sky might be a different shade of blue, since we are ruining the environment, but the canyons are as deep and the sandstone buttes as towering.  The magic of wind and water has created a great work of art.  The buttes reach over a thousand feet high.  The Utah Arizona border is nearby, as are the famous Four Corners (where four states meet).  We are in the heart of the Navajo Nation.  The Navajo name for the valley is Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii, and covers nearly 92,000 acres.

Even the valley floor sits at 5000 to 6000 feet above sea level.  The sand was deposited by the meandering rivers that carved this great valley about 50 million years ago.  The bright red color comes from iron oxide, like many other famous places in the American southwest.  The blue dray rocks get their color from manganese oxide.

The buttes consist of three layers:  a lower layer of Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly sandstone, and the top is the Moenkopi Formation, topped with Shinarump Conglomerate.  All I know is looking at the formations is as breathtaking as any sight I have ever seen in the world.  Between 1945 and 1967, uranium (vanadium and copper) was mined here.

The park has their own seventeen mile drive, much different than our Seventeen Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula.  The Monument Valley has been featured in Hollywood films since 1946, the year I was born.  It was John Ford’s, My Darling Clementine.  Wasn’t there a song, too??  What about Stagecoach in 1938?

The most notable features in the park:  Three Sisters, Mitten Butte, North Window, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and Yei-bi-Chai.  The Wildcat Trail is a short four mile hike for almost anyone.  A guided jeep tour might be the best way to navigate the sandy, and rocky roads.

Many suggest getting there for either sunrise or sunset.  While I may not be able to do that, just seeing the great Monument Valley is a treasure in itself.  It might even become “the photo I did not take.”  Ponder that for a moment!!!!

But I will make it over to Goulding’s Lodge, for a quick look, some food, maybe a Native American craft or fridge magnet, and a quick look around the museum.  And if I look very carefully, I will find a Navajo medicine man.

Speaking of Native Americans, did you see this from NPR?

Just over half of Native Americans living on American Indian reservations or other tribal lands with a computer have access to high-speed internet service, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The low rate of subscription to a high-speed internet service — 53 percent — in these often rugged, rural areas underscores the depth of the digital divide between Indian Country and the rest of the U.S. Between 2013 and 2017, 82 percent of households nationally with a computer reported having a subscription to a broadband internet service.

monument1monumentmonument2navajo

Rather disturbing!

I am certain two full days plus here, sandwiched around some long bike rides are not enough.  But certainly enough to feed my soul until the next time!

Meander to Moab

Posted by golfkat on April 15, 2019
Posted in: Action, Cultures, National Parks, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
We are off to Moab, Utah to see more for our nation’s natural wonders, specifically in the beautiful state of Utah.  Moab boasts both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks within easy reach.  Did you know Moab got its name from the Biblical name for a land that is just short of the Promised Land?  It was the Mormon settler’s in the 1800’s that gave this beautiful area its name.  There are 137 Bible verses where Moab is named.

Arches National Park has over 2000 natural sandstone arches.  The most famous is Delicate Arch, seen in countless photos and advertisements.  The forces of nature for millions of years creates a unique and breathtaking scene. But no evidence of dwellings in Arches has ever been found.  The first reliable date for Arches is June 9, 1844, by a Denis Julien, a French American trapper who had a habit of chiseling his name and date onto rocks in the Southwest.  Before that, various Native American tribes inhabited the region, followed by the Spaniards.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch

Arches were formed by the combination of nature and time, with rock layers that reveal millions of years of erosion, deposition, and other geologic events.  Arches is located in the high desert, with elevations that range from 4000 to 5600 feet.  Hot in the summer, cold in the winter, very little rainfall, temperatures can fluctuate over 50 degrees in a day.

Much like most desert areas, the land appears harsh and unchanging.  But the desert ecosystem is constantly evolving with weather, climate shifts, and geologic activity.  Pollution has made an impact on natural resources, and introduced new species.

Sand Dune Arch
Sand Dune Arch

The arches are the park’s most outstanding natural feature.  Of the over 2000 catalogued arches, they vary in size from a 3 foot (minimum to be considered an arch) opening to 306 feet for Landscape Arch.

Canyonlands National Park area has been visited for over 10,000 years.  Many different people have moved in and out of the area, depending on the availability of natural resources.  Canyonlands is one of the last undisturbed areas of the Colorado plateau.  The area is high desert, similar to the weather and rainfall in Arches National Park.

Two unusual natural features are common here.  Biological soil crust is a living groundcover that forms the foundation of high desert plant life.  And ephemeral potholes are naturally occurring basins in sandstone that collect rain and sediment.  The potholes  foster the growth of organisms that can survive long periods of dehydration.  It becomes the breeding ground for many high desert amphibians and insects.

photo: Ephemeral pools (potholes) in the Needles District
Ephemeral Pools

Over time, Canyonlands was flooded by oceans, covered by rivers, and mudflats, and eventually covered with sand.  Layer upon layer of sedimentary rock formed as buried materials became encased by the precipitates in ground water.  Each layers reveals a different environment.  Equally surprising is that each layer was flat when deposited.

photo: View from Green River Overlook

Green River Overlook

Naturally, Moab itself offers plenty to do as well.  It touts itself as the home of the greatest mountain biking on the planet.  Jet boat rides are also available.  Hiking, ATV riding and back packing are major activities in Moab.  We intend to find out everything we can about this little town, located so close to these national treasures.

We are staying at the Red Cliffs Lodge after spending our first night in Salt Lake City.  Red Cliffs sits on the banks of the Colorado River, and is surrounded by 2000 foot high red cliffs.
It should provide a good base for us to reach both Arches and Canyonlands, as well as have some time to rest and recharge.

Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge

We may do a combo tour with a jet boat and a 4×4, if I can talk Sheri into it.  Or an hour flight over everything, leaving time for some hikes. The other option is to just drive around, stop whenever the mood or scenery strikes, and walk some of the trails.  Both sound pretty good to me.  It may even reach the 80s later today or tomorrow.

We arrived safely in SLC on Monday, checked in, and scoped out the Mormon Temple and Temple Square.  It is a pretty impressive sight, no matter how many wives you have.  Actually, a funnyline occurred several years ago, when golfer Johnny Miller, a Mormon, first became a TV golf announcer.   One of the players he criticized, Paul Azinger, called him the “biggest moron I know”.  When asked about his quote by the reporters, he said he was misquoted, that Johnny was “the biggest Mormon I know”.

We had a nice dinner last night at PF Chang’s in SLC.  Jesse, the manager, told us to make sure to stop at Goblin Valley on the way to Moab.  We plan to hit the road early today.  We will keep you posted.

Fast forward:  This was a great trip.  I only hope to replicate i on this trip.  If you have not been to Arches, or Canyonlands, you must go!!!  One of the best places I have ever been!!!!