Once again, everything has been packed up, and we are on the road. Where, you might ask? Fans of a particular genre may have figured it out by the title of the trip, and those looking at a calendar will have narrowed it down. However in this case, our previous location has been left behind, and we are embarking on a multi-leg trip. There are a few lessons learned.
First, we've figured out, for the most part, what we materialistically do and don't need. As is typical with just about anything in life, it comes with practice. We had received a tip about this from another full-time RVing couple that didn't take enough with them when they started. However, we went to almost the complete polar opposite and took too much with us. Looking around at the time this is being written, which is near the beginning of this trip, there's still quite a bit, but much of it being consumable and should be able to be whittled down easily.
Large amounts of consumables brings us to the second lesson learned: the torment of the terrace. Yes, during trip 9, we must admit it: We cheated a bit and stayed in a stationary fixture. It was offered as part of the workamping deal, so it's not like an apartment was rented. However, some of those habits started to return, such as buying in bulk and using amenities that aren't exactly portable. Some packing nightmares may have returned, but we weren't in as much of a mess as when we started this whole thing. Not to mention, their next crew has been set up for success, at least as much in terms of what we were able to offer them.
The third, but probably the most important lesson learned, was figuring out what's important to us. Anyone who seeks to enjoy this lifestyle should know that the only way you're ever getting rich is if someone who recognizes you from social media happens to buy you a winning lottery ticket. Full hook up and salary isn't worth it if you're going to end up with the same problems that drove you to start doing this in the first place. Obviously you'll need some income flowing if you're young full-timers with many remote work outlets requiring stationary living to suit their "reliable internet" needs, though answering a want ad with seasonal work for wage, despite all the signs everywhere, is more complex because you're then beholden to that particular state's tax situation, and there's only seven in the lower 48 at the time of writing this that don't charge state income taxes (there is an 8th that charges it on unearned income, which you'll probably have). At the end of the day, things should work out.
With all of those lessons learned, we're now better prepared to Follow our Internal Compass to the next land.
On today's adventure through Texas, we take you to... ...a convenience store chain. However this place isn't your run-of-the-mill off-the-highway gas station.
Welcome to Buc-ee's, one of the most beloved brands in Texas. Bu-cee's first started by Arch Aplin in 1982 as a modest convenience store in Lake Jackson, about an hour south of Houston. Since the turn of the century, the company has seen a significant growth increase, both in terms of locations and physical size of the stores. It is not uncommon today to see a Buc-ee's with dozens, or even hundreds, of gas pumps, as they also boast of having the cleanest restrooms, according to a Cintas study. As of the time this was written, the chain holds two world records: Largest convenience store at its New Braunfels location, and Longest car wash at its Katy location. Locations today are found not only in Texas, but other places in the south and midwest.
As you walk into Buc-ee's with its beaver logo, you see a massive amount of retail space with rows upon rows of product. Alongside the traditional offerings you'd see on the shelves of a convenience store, be on the lookout for the wall of jerky. Dozens of flavors adorn both the wall and the display islands around the store, ensuring everyone has something they enjoy. As you head towards the coffee and prepared foods stations, you may hear the staffers yelling, "Brisket on the board!" The center station has several workers preparing fresh barbecue brisket sandwiches for you to enjoy. Be sure to grab a bag of "Beaver Chips" on the side. In fact, you'll see several "Beaver" products in the store, as a tribute to the founder's childhood nickname, "Beaver".
As with any pit stop, a restroom break may be needed. As you walk towards these facilities, check out the legitimate artwork on the wall from local artists. As everything seems to be bigger at Buc-ee's, the restroom is large with individualized stalls. Once out, you'll find that Buc-ee's is much more than a convenience store, as they have all sorts of different odds and ends, from camping and grilling supplies, to branded home decor merchandise. Who knows? Maybe you'll be able to upgrade your small camp stove to a portable wood smoker.
So the next time you're driving around Texas, Follow your Internal Compass right on over to Buc-ee's.
Trip eleven saw yet another campground visit. About an hour north of Houston just outside the city of Livingston lies Rainbow's End Park, a sponsored private campground where a four-night stay was had.
Grounds: Rainbow's End is a few miles outside the city of Livingston as a rural community. The term "community" is used because, along with the campsites, there are a number of privately owned "deeded lots" interspersed across the grounds that look to be owned by RVers and are part of a homeowner's association of sorts. If you're looking to use a boat, Lake Livingston is about 15-20 minutes away.
Sites: The park has over 175 sites able to be rented by travelers to the area. Online reservations were found to be difficult, and we had to call in the reservation. The majority of the sites are back-in, though there are some that are pull-thru. Nearly all of the sites have full hook-up, varying between 30 or 50 amp maximum electric depending on the site, with a couple of "dry" spots. The pads are sand and fine pebbles, while being reasonably level when dry. Our site was located in the wooded area, though there are some that are more open. The sites in this part of the campground are tightly packed without much room outside.
Staff: Of the staff seen, most were fairly friendly, although the check-in person seemed a bit hurried. Some of the signage they placed around the park bordered between being comical and being over the top. We had no issues that needed to be rectified, so no information on maintenance quality.
Amenities: Rainbow's End is unique for its amenities in that not only are they shared between campers and homeowners, but in that most are geared towards the park's sponsor, whose national headquarters is at this place. The bath houses have squeegees inside the showers with expectations for the women (but not the men) to "squeezee" the walls, however the laundry facilities nearby have some of the cheapest prices ever. The pool was closed during our visit despite warm temperatures, but the dog parks are spacious and well kept.
Atmosphere: The other campers were relatively friendly for the most part. The park is geared towards an older clientele, with amenities and activities planned in accordance. Hardly any families were seen, and no playgrounds exist.
Overall, Rainbow's End Park receives a 7 rating out of a possible 10. The price paid is dependent on membership, and although it is competitive with parks in other parts of the country, it isn't the best value for the young full-time RVer. If you're a member of the sponsoring club, this is a great spot for a couple nights, if only just to take care of administrative business.
Trip 11 is a bit of an odd duck for us, as we're considering several locations within the same state for this one. However, what was originally going to be two locations is now three, and potentially more.
Needless to say, we have had some really terrible luck once again with a workamping job at a campground. There was another change in direct reporting almost immediately after we arrived, and although this time we tried to stick it out for a safe place in the winter, it just wasn't meant to be. We won't go into details about what happened in order to protect the innocent, but at least there weren't any dramatics required. However just like trip 7, or any future trip involving workamping for that matter, we won't mention nor review the specific location, not only to protect the interests of those who utilize our services, but for the fact that a good review would be conceited, while a bad review would mean we didn't do well at our jobs.
On the bright side, and this is probably why we'll continue to consider campground jobs in the future, there are many wonderful people we met during our relatively short time at this location. They were very friendly and welcoming to all three of us with the Freedom Rolling crew. This has always been a great reward for us not only at the campgrounds, but at the other long-term workamping job that we had during trip 9. There are too many to mention by name, both human and canine, but we do sincerely hope that they are well, and that they are continuing to follow us by either the blog or one of our several social media outlets.
In the meantime, we are trying to stick around the same area because of local arrangements, albeit at a different spot or spots. The internal compass definitely wants to be here, but we'll see how long it lasts because it is a popular destination. At least once the months begin to pass, options open up as to where else to go, and we're already planning for the summer location. We'll find out together what happens in the future.
Do you want to keep driving south along the coast of Texas until you run out of this country? You're about to find a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.
Welcome to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, or "RGV" as it is known locally. The RGV is one of the southernmost points in the Continental United States, second only to Florida. This section borders both the Rio Grande itself, which separates Texas from Mexico, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Metropolitan areas on the United States side include Brownsville and McAllen, connected by the lowest highway number on the Interstate Highway System, Interstate 2. The RGV is accessible by several US highways, one of which is in the process of being upgraded to Interstate 69E, as part of the "NAFTA Superhighway".
While in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, one of the highlights of the trip will be a drive along Texas Highway 4 towards Boca Chica Beach. Along the route, catch a view of the Palmito Hill Battlefield. Fought during the War Between the States, this battle was unique in that it was fought after the southern generals had already surrendered in Virginia, yet their forces were able to claim victory. Head further down the road to see one of the newest and awe-inspiring developments: Starbase, Texas. Starbase is used to develop the SpaceX company's newest rocket at the time of writing, Starship. Although the road is closed during tests and launches, drivers will actually be able to drive right next to the development warehouses, the stacking high bays, the launch tower with test stands, and even see some of the rockets both retired from flight and presently in development.
If the rural life isn't your cup of tea and want something a little more bustling, head east from the highway to South Padre Island. Right along the Gulf of Mexico, this island community has built up to quite the resort destination, with high-rise condominiums and Winter Texans abound. See a dolphin or two as you take the bridge from the mainland, and park at one of the free day-use public accesses to spend time at the beach. On a clear day either on the island or along the Texas Highway 48 connector on the mainland, you may even be able to see the aforementioned Starbase and some of its activity from a safe distance.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you southbound, consider making a stop at the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Get ready to take your taste buds south of the border.
Scattered throughout south Texas is a regional chain of restaurants called Taco Palenque. Taco Palenque started as one humble restaurant in Laredo, TX in 1987 by Juan Francisco Ochoa. Armed with several authentic Mexican recipes, Ochoa sought to bring his fast food concept to the people of Texas. The several entrées at Taco Palenque are made to order, each coming with an endless side of tortilla chips and salsa. As of the time of writing, over 30 locations are spread throughout south Texas, including one Mexican location should you wish to enjoy this food while south of the border.
Thus far, our visits have brought us to several locations during the lunch, dinner, and late night dining services, as some of the Taco Palenque locations run for 24 hours. The bilingual counter service is quite friendly and easy to understand, while the menu is easy enough to follow. One of their most popular offerings is the Matamoros combo, although the fajitas, quesadillas, and chicken flautas are also great choices. Although you could use their drive-thru option to pick up your meal on the way home, take some time to stop inside for either a dine-in or to-go order, and while you wait, enjoy the endless chips with their avocado-based salsa, a medium-spiced salsa that will make you addicted to this restaurant for many months. If the avocado doesn't speak to you, there are a multitude of other salsa, pico de gallo, and vegetable options available at the chips station.
Taco Palenque has been voted as the Best Fast Food in Texas by Food & Wine Magazine, and this is no fluke. When you have their offerings, you wouldn't think you were in a fast food joint. Be prepared to spend a little more than you would at similar locations, but the quality of what you receive will be well worth the cost. This quality doesn't seem to diminish as you head to different locations whether near or further north from the border, either.
The more time your Internal Compass sends you to south Texas, the more you'll likely be seeking out Taco Palenque.
Once again, we are on the move, and what was originally two, and then three locations, is now four.
This move was a bit of a planned one, as our third location could not guarantee how long we would be able to stay. However, because we found a new soul, it was a blessing in disguise, as it gave us the chance for sort of a "mini shakedown". We were able to hook up the rig, take it to the next spot, and ended up getting there in one piece. We're still crunching numbers on fuel usage, and will probably need a bit longer on "heavy travel" to know what we actually use, but so far we're looking decent.
Yes, local obligations are still a thing. However, plans have definitely shaped up for the summer, assuming all goes well. You'll see more when it comes time to start yet another trip. In the meantime, be sure to Follow Your Internal Compass as you move forward.
If you're headed to south Texas, you might not be to help but take a visit to one of the area's largest cities.
San Antonio, Texas is the third largest metropolitan area in the state at the crossroads of Interstate Highways 10 and 35. Named after Saint Anthony of Padua, San Antonio first started as a colonial outpost for the Spanish over 300 years ago. Since the annexation of Texas in 1845, San Antonio has been steadily growing at every census into a place with over 1.5 million people.
While in Downtown San Antonio, take a stroll along the River Walk. The San Antonio River runs through the heart of the city, and its banks have been developed into a park-like setting for locals and tourists alike. Walk down the stairs at almost every cross street to find a peaceful and serene environment below all the hustle and bustle of city at the surface. Once you reach Market and Commerce streets, the river splits off to create a commercial loop where many flock. This is where you can find the Go Rio cruise line, which provides guided tours along the river. You may also want to head to Cafe Olé, a fajita bar which offers a Texas-sized 60-ounce margarita containing 13 shots of tequila!
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without a visit to arguably its most famous landmark: The Alamo. The Alamo was a missionary site and fort throughout Spanish and Mexican occupation in the early days of the Americas. At the start of the Texas Revolution, Mexico had lost the fort and the Texas army chose to fortify the location, until the Mexican army attempted to re-take San Antonio in 1836, resulting in the fall of the Alamo, claiming the lives of William Travis, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and other notable names in Texas history. Today, this historic landmark offers tours of the grounds, restored cannons, and the original chapel for moments of prayer. It is also the inspiration for the name behind many points in the city, including the nearby football arena: The Alamodome.
Other landmarks that may pique your interest include the Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot high needle-style observation tower built for the 1968 World's Fair; The San Antonio Zoo on the north side, with over 750 species of animals; and the arena on the east side for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs: The AT&T Center.
So the next time you go to south Texas, perhaps consider Following your Internal Compass all the way to San Antonio.
Once again near some courses, it's time to hit the park!
Welcome to the Waldron Park Disc Golf Course, located just off the Gulf coast in Corpus Christi, Texas. This is a free access park, albeit tucked deep within a sizable residential area. Waldron Park is a nine-hole course, with two tee pads marked to emulate a total of eighteen holes. Most of the course is fairly straight-forward, although hole eight is very difficult if you don't have good distance because of the water hazard. A billboard with a map of the course is available near hole one.
Our session around noon found us only playing the front nine, seeing how there's no real difference other than angle of tee shot. No pup, same handicap as always with discs. Who took this match?
Course Result:
His Holes: 5
Halved: 2
Her Holes: 2
Course Record: Him 3 - 1 - 2 Her
Holes Record: Him 17 - 13 Her
He started off with a hole lead, and basically ran away with it, including a lucky long putt on hole 5. She started to catch up on holes 8 and 9, but by then, it was too little, too late. The shot count ended in his favor at 43-48 on a Par 27, but we must give her a special commendation on hole 9 for achieving the first "par" in our disc golf series.
He may now be up in both course and holes, but that ending may leave her some room for momentum. Can she cash in on it and even things up? We'll see when we Follow our Internal Compass to the next course.
Nestled deep within southeast Texas is a vacation spot where many flock to visit: Port Aransas.
Port Aransas is found on the north side of Mustang Island, about 20 miles east, as the crow flies across the bay, from the center of the port city of Corpus Christi. There are only two ways to access Port Aransas by vehicle: Either from the highways of Corpus Christi and through Padre Island, or by a ferry northeast of the city near the resupply and financially-friendly small city of Aransas Pass, funded entirely by the Texas DOT and taking 15 minutes or longer to cross depending on traffic; check here for updates on travel times. The ferry is able to carry RVs or trucks at no charge to the driver, assuming the tide isn't low enough to weigh down the boats too much. Speaking of boats, taking the ferry not only gives the rider a chance to view dolphins frolicking in the water, but to also watch a number of ocean liners pass through this canal from the Gulf of Mexico to Corpus Christi Bay. Once on the island, Port Aransas is a golf cart community, but be sure to stay within the lower speed limit areas of the old town and the driveable beach, while avoiding the major State Highway 361, which would include crossing.
While in Port Aransas, take some time to check out the west side of the city: the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, specifically "Charlie's Pasture". This is a tribute to Charlie Bujan, a rancher whose father first settled on Mustang Island in the late 1800's and leased much of the land in what is now Port Aransas. Today, his land has become a nature preserve, which is a sanctuary for many species of wildlife, including the endangered whooping crane. Enjoy a lovely trail walk from a couple miles outside the "Old Town" near a compendium of apartments, hotels, and RV resorts, while stopping at the lookout tower to either spot the many animals, or for a similar moment of reflection. If you prefer to take your golf cart to this preserve, you may access it from either the Community Park or the Birding Center.
Along with the various commercial, dense residential, and hospitality outlets that seem to come with any sort of coastal city that is a destination for "Winter Texans", spring break party-goers, and summer visitors, no coastal city would be a coastal city without the beach. Port Aransas, and Mustang Island itself, boasts many miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Much of this beach is driveable with public and private access roads and piers to help patrons reach the waters. The majority only allows parking by yearly-paid permit with a three-day maximum stay in one place for any RVers looking to brave the salty air. However, those looking for a simple day use may head up to the free-to-access area on the north side, from the fishing pier near Lantana Street to the jetty. Take a long walk along the beach, get out some fishing poles and try your luck, or just go along the jetty to view the ocean liners as they come in to Corpus Christi.
So the next time your Internal Compass leads you to South Texas, perhaps make your way to the resort destination of Port Aransas.
Time to go back to the links!
We're coming to you from beautiful Mustang Island, at the Community Park in Port Aransas, Texas. Today's course lies within a free-to-access municipal park along a walking trail near the Nature Preserve. Port Aransas Community Park is unique in that although it is a nine-hole course, there are three bonus holes offered along the vehicle right of way, which means this will be a twelve hole match. Although no map exists outside the course, here is a map of the first 9 holes. The tees are well marked, although there are no concrete tees.
This match in the late morning consisted of 12 holes, using the red markers for the front 9, and the only markers available (blue) for the bonus holes. No pup, same handicap for the discs. Because of the limited discs and the corresponding inability to throw over a marsh, the participants agreed to play hole 3 starting from the location of hole 2, as opposed to the tee. How'd this one go?
Course Result:
Front Nine:
His Holes: 2
Halved: 5
Her Holes: 2
Bonus Holes:
His Holes: 0
Halved: 3
Her Holes: 0
Total:
His Holes: 2
Halved: 8
Her Holes: 2
Course Record: Him 3 - 2 - 2 Her
Holes Record: Him 19 - 15 Her
This match went back and forth. He took hole one, but she immediately answered back with hole two. After a few halves, he was able to clinch hole seven, but she answered right back with a par of hole eight. However, hole nine saw both players achieving par, him for the first time, as the match ended not only halved, but a draw in terms of stroke count: 39-39 on the front nine par 27, and 16-16 on the bonus holes as a par 9.
With a draw this time around, she's able to keep pace, but he maintains the one course lead. Who will take the next course? Stay tuned as we Follow our Internal Compass to another match.
Trip 11 takes us, after a workamping excursion, to another campground. Nestled on Mustang Island in South Texas is Pioneer Beach Resort, a private campground that saw one of our first extended park stays of just over two months.
Grounds: Pioneer is outside the small island city of Port Aransas on the main Mustang Island highway, a few miles in the other direction from Corpus Christi. The resort is on the beach side of the highway with a private access point.
Sites: The park has nearly 400 sites, all of which fill up for the busy seasons of Spring Break in March, as well as the summer. We were able to get a spot, along with an extension up until just before spring break, on short notice. All of the sites are full hook-up, with some pull-thru and some back-in. There are also a few cabins able to be rented for those without a rig. The pads are concrete, although our site has a small paved patio area. Some are more cramped than others. The park also elects to practice dog breed discrimination.
Staff: Although the staff does the best they can, they seem to be hampered by a lack of organizational helpers. The office workers do not have computer access. Greeters do help you back into the tight sites. However, all of the staff seems to suffer from Jekyll-and-Hyde syndrome depending on the season, with things seeming "on edge" as Spring Break approached. They also seem to become more asinine when you are neither from their state nor of their preferred age group.
Amenities: Along with the beach access, where the wash faucets along their private boardwalk don't work, Pioneer has a rec room chalked full of activities. However, there is a cost associated with most of the activities that isn't disclosed until you're already there; it isn't on the calendar. Bathhouses with decently sized showers exist, although the hot water does take some time to get running. A hot tub exists along with unheated pools. Laundry exists, although the price doubled during our stay along with new yet dirty appliances; we found it better to go to the downtown laundromat. Don't even try using Park Wifi, because it doesn't work most of the time. There is a dog park, but is severely restricted to one dog and 15 minutes; you're better off going to the city park in Port Aransas.
Atmosphere: As we were there during the "Winter Texan" season, there were many visitors from the northern midwest who seem to have been coming for many years. As is typical with RV resorts, it is an older clientele, yet the other campers are quite welcoming and overly friendly. Once in a while, you'd see families come by.
Overall, Pioneer Beach Resort receives a 7 rating out of a possible 10. The price is one of the better ones for the island, although the mainland is much less expensive if you can stand the ferry waits. If our Internal Compass told us that we had to stay on the island again, we would be happy to return to this place.
The next disc golf match is upon us.
Welcome to Ingleside, Texas, and Live Oak Park for the site of this match. Live Oak Park is a free-to-access municipal park and is home to two disc golf courses, and we are playing the easier Red course. Although the concrete tees and holes are numbered, some of the signs have since faded making it difficult to know where to go. Thankfully, along with an online map, we were joined by two somewhat experienced gentlemen on our trip through the front nine; we'd like to thank Eric and Matthew for playing along with us.
Our session saw the four of us playing the front nine. No pup, handicap still in play, and thanks to our guests for allowing us to sample some of the other discs that are available to the discerning disc golf player. Some of the holes were a little tricky, but we were able to get through them with only a couple of discs in the trees, this time choosing to drop without penalty. How did the scores go?
Course Result:
Front Nine:
His Holes: 3
Halved: 2
Her Holes: 4
Course Record: Him 3 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 22 - 19 Her
This match found him having a dreadful start, hitting tree after tree by allowing her to take an early two hole lead. He started to pull it back in hole 3, but some awful putt luck (dinged off the hole, similar to a lip-out on the ball-and-club counterpart) meant a trade back in hole 4. He brought it back to even in the next two holes, while seven and eight were halved, leaving the lunch prize to the ninth hole. A choke on the tee, followed by yet even more bad putt luck gave her the win in the match play. He was able to win the strokes 54-55, but it's the match play that counts for the record books.
This brings us to a tie in course record, with him having an edge on holes. Who will take the edge on the next course? We'll find out next time, but until then, Follow your Internal Compass.
For the final leg of Trip 11, time to head over to the mainland to Aransas Bay RV Resort, or "ABRV", in Aransas Pass, Texas. This one saw a one month stay.
Grounds: ABRV is found within an otherwise developing outskirt of Aransas Pass, almost immediately off a highway bypass under construction at the time of our stay. Access to the business route version of the highway for resupply, along with a way to get to the island, is short and easy.
Sites: This park has about 80 full hook-up sites, all back-in and pointed in the same direction on both sides of the street, some being marked as "premium" based on pad width. Each pad is concrete with some of the best paved "patio" areas seen from a site since our adventure began, room enough to set up a full outdoor kitchen. The fairly wide separation between rigs is a combination of grass and gravel, so the lawn maintenance contractors aren't potentially damaging the hook-ups while keeping a sound appearance. We were happy to be able to get a site on relatively short notice during Spring Break, as it seems most vacationers will choose the island. The asphalt streets could probably use a re-paving, along with painting the location of the speed bumps whose position could already make backing in a rig slightly difficult.
Staff: The staff is friendly and accommodating, as well as receptive to the immediate needs of the guest. There seems to be a bit of a communication breakdown, as our paperwork was "lost" at check-in time after having reserved in person a few days prior. In addition, after a security issue involving a door-coded amenity, the guests weren't notified of a change that had been made, even after allowing for time as the incident occurred when the office was closed.
Amenities: The amenities at ABRV are hit or miss. They have relatively inexpensive laundry facilities for the area, along with a small and unheated yet beautifully designed pool with deck. There is a rec room with kitchen and billiard table, but is more like an extended office building, in that it's only accessible during the office's limited hours. Pet areas are not fenced, so unleashed time for the pup will need to be done at a city dog park. The bath house with four house-like full rooms are easy to get around, although some things don't work, such as an external fan that's seen better days.
Atmosphere: This park seems like it caters more to the long-term resident. The people are friendly, but seem to keep to themselves. There are a few families with children young and very young, although no play facilities exist.
Overall, Aransas Bay RV Resort receives a 9 out of a possible 10 rating. Although the monthly price is unbeatable, they do not accept cash and charge fees to use a card, so be ready to hop into town to purchase a money order at a lower fee rate. The local staff is thankfully very understandable about patrons doing this, especially when settling electric with the office that doesn't open until after check-out time. If your Internal Compass takes you to this area and you don't want the hustle, bustle, and premium pricing of the island, this is definitely the place to go.
After a brief recess, it's back to the park!
Welcome to Hot Springs, South Dakota, and the Angostura State Recreation Area for today's match. As Angostura is located within a state park, there is an entrance fee required, whether by one day or annual pass. This is a nine-hole hilly course with one tee/basket combination set and fairly noticeable elevation increases before returning to lake level. A map is available at the beginning of the course, which will certainly be needed because some of the holes are near each other, making the course slightly confusing. Before getting into the match, we have a bit of an equipment change.
Between this and the previous match, we picked up some additional discs for our arsenal; shout-out to Parked-It Disc Golf Emporium in Corpus Christi, Texas for offering an array of new and used discs for sale at a reasonable price. He has inherited the Innova Sidewinder 9/5/-3/1 distance driver, the Discraft Hawk 0^ mid-range, and Innova Colt 3/4/-1/1 putter, along with a Dynamic Discs commemorative 7/5/0/2 fairway driver from the KDGA Food Drive annual tournament. Her selection include a Latitude Rover 7/7/-1/1 fairway driver, a Dynamic Discs Evader 7/5/0/2 fairway driver, a Clash Berry 5/5/-1/1 mid-range, and a Latitude Royal Hope Prototype 2/3/0/1 putter.
With equipment out of the way, along with the pup that remained at home, how did this match go?
Course Result:
His Holes: 3
Halved: 5
Her Holes: 1
Course Record: Him 4 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 25 - 20 Her
Needless to say, the terrain showed its face early and often on this course. After a halved hole 1, hole 2 being perched on a steep incline, combined with a couple of missed putts, gave him an awful 9-11 edge. After a couple of halves, he made up for the previous mistake with a Larry Mize-like long chip into the hole on the 5th green to take it. This was short lived, as his tee-off on the 6th green went down into the valley, adding a couple strokes as we play as it lies. She was unable to capitalize on this mistake, though, as this and the next hole were halved. She was able to bring it back to within one on the 8th, but the hole win was traded back on the 9th. The shots were more than difficult on this Par 36, with him having a 58-62 edge.
He may have been able to take the lead with the new equipment, but will she bring it back? Until the next course, remember to Follow Your Internal Compass.
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