golf

Yeah, you read that right. Golf.  Now, really, I've got nothing to do with it, but I'm gonna write about it anyway, because I've had too many run-ins lately while out and about with Dan where it is clear folks are befuddled to hear that he has been playing golf. It somehow doesn't fit with their image of who he is, and let me tell ya, it's because it doesn't. They're thinking impeccable-green-caddy-havin'-golf-cart-drivin'-plaid-short-wearin' golf. Nothing wrong with that kind of golf (well, I could get revved up about water consumption for starters, but not here, not now), but as you can tell from my lame description, I really know nothing about that kind of golf. No, we're talking between-the-trees-through-poison-ivy-and-across-the-burn-pile golf. Mmmmhmmmm, that's right. We recently ran into Dan's graduate advisor while he was out on a jog, and he slowed down and gave Dan a perplexed look and said, "I'm trying hard to reconcile what I know of you and...golf".  Dan summed it up in one phrase: "I play Appalachian golf" as if that could explain it all...

 These shots are from the most dramatic tee - The Death Star.

Dogs and Fungus running interference

  Well, I know you think this week is all about Halloween.  We are also going through the last-minute worries over costumes and all, but really what this week is about for us is preparing for The Fourth Annual Silver Baby Cup Golf Tournament, which happens this weekend. In the woods, at what is officially known as the Assissi Threepio course. 

Approaching Snake Canyon

Fire Hazard

 Our friends-in-the-woods are a part of what used to be a motley assemblage of boat-builders, potters, artists, musicians and crazy people (and assorted family members) which now has a purpose and an annual reason to gather from all parts of the country, and often from other countries.  The winner of the annual Silver Baby Cup "brings it home", which determines the next location for the event.  It has taken place once before in Ohio, once in Tennessee, and last year's tournament was in Maine. The infamous Lizard McGee brought it back to Ohio where Team Ohio has been training since the ground dried out in late spring.  The goal? Get second place. Hosting appears to be a heck of a lot of work, and who doesn't want a fun reason to travel?

Dan, digging out of the brush at the St. Francis hole

The Don of the Assissi Threepio Course, Reigning Champion, Lizard McGee

You'll find us in the woods this weekend, costumed, camping, and competing (er, watching, rooting, keeping people fed).  May the best golfer win...