Arg's Travel Log

[caniac6]

1 hour ago, ThinkingPlus said:

Austin is known for their tradition of "keeping Austin weird". I have never thought that was something that required much effort for them.

If you have to try, it’s not weird. It’s just acting.

[TexasTurf]

6 hours ago, ThinkingPlus said:

Austin is known for their tradition of "keeping Austin weird". I have never thought that was something that required much effort for them.

Grew up there, and sadly the weird has died. If in Texas you can still find plenty of weird in Dallas and Houston though. Maybe SA. Fort worth is pretty much the new Austin and has been flushed of the weird as well. 

 

I like to laugh at the "Don't Dallas my Austin" movement because we have our issues here for sure, but the change here has been in the suburbs not the city itself. Unlike the new version of that place.

Edited January 19 by TexasTurf

[Argonne69]

Wow, it's chilly. Woke up in the middle of the night because the strong north winds were flapping the topper on the living room slide. Having just repaired the thing, I didn't want to risk damaging it again, so I retracted the slide. The winds are currently 20 mph with gusts close to 40 mph.

 

I don't want to use too much propane, so I have the furnace set low so that it only kicks in periodically to pump some head into the "basement". Don't think it's going to be cold enough today to freeze water lines, but tonight it's going to be very cold. With two 1500W space heaters and the electric fireplace running it's 57 degrees inside. Layered up to keep warm.

 

Going to take care of a few chores today. Bedding needs to be washed. The floor needs sweeping and mopping. I have paperwork that's cluttering up the table that needs to be filed. 

 

I booked San Antonio for Tuesday . Forecast calls for snow and sleet in the afternoon, so I'll try o head out early. The RV park has a 1 pm check-in time, but hopefully they'll allow me to arrive at 11 am. Looks like I might get in a round on Wednesday after a lengthy frost delay. Thursday and Friday look better.

 

[ThinkingPlus]

8 hours ago, TexasTurf said:

Grew up there, and sadly the weird has died. If in Texas you can still find plenty of weird in Dallas and Houston though. Maybe SA. Fort worth is pretty much the new Austin and has been flushed of the weird as well. 

 

I like to laugh at the "Don't Dallas my Austin" movement because we have our issues here for sure, but the change here has been in the suburbs not the city itself. Unlike the new version of that place.

It's still weird enough for me. Partly one of the consequences of being old.

[ThinkingPlus]

1 hour ago, Argonne69 said:

Wow, it's chilly. Woke up in the middle of the night because the strong north winds were flapping the topper on the living room slide. Having just repaired the thing, I didn't want to risk damaging it again, so I retracted the slide. The winds are currently 20 mph with gusts close to 40 mph.

 

I don't want to use too much propane, so I have the furnace set low so that it only kicks in periodically to pump some head into the "basement". Don't think it's going to be cold enough today to freeze water lines, but tonight it's going to be very cold. With two 1500W space heaters and the electric fireplace running it's 57 degrees inside. Layered up to keep warm.

 

Going to take care of a few chores today. Bedding needs to be washed. The floor needs sweeping and mopping. I have paperwork that's cluttering up the table that needs to be filed. 

 

I booked San Antonio for Tuesday . Forecast calls for snow and sleet in the afternoon, so I'll try o head out early. The RV park has a 1 pm check-in time, but hopefully they'll allow me to arrive at 11 am. Looks like I might get in a round on Wednesday after a lengthy frost delay. Thursday and Friday look better.

 

Be really, really careful driving. That area of TX is notorious for black ice on the freeways when these Northers roll in. You've probably driven on worse in Chicago, but moving 10 tons of Bessie on an ice rink will not be easy. Inertia, in this case, is not your friend.

[ATXGolferGuy]

Fonda San Miguel

 

For the best interior mexican food in the city, you can't beat Fonda San Miguel.  It has been an Austin icon since before I was born.  However they are closed on Sundays.  The mole is excellent. 

 

Matts Famous El Rancho

No Mole here, but another Austin institution that dates back to 1952.  The cold might keep some people away, but the Bob Armstrong queso and a dot margarita (frozen marg with a dot of strawberry marg on top) will keep you warm. The asadero tacos on flour are outstanding, and you can't go wrong with the Crenshaw steak....who visits often. The center room is the place to eat, as you may see anyone from the Governer, to Masters Champions, to Texas Football legends, to movie stars that like to play bongos naked.

 

Juan in a Million - Don Juan Taco

 

For a huge breakfast taco and some extremely good/spicy salsa, Juan in a Million on east cesar chavez is a great pic. The Don Juan Taco is about as big as a dinner plate and is really four tacos in one....Man vs. Food came here but this place has been around for a long long time. The chorizo egg & cheese breakfast tacos are great too. Parking is free too!

 

Stay warm!

[Argonne69]

Looking ahead to Houston next week, there doesn't appear to be many quality courses that I haven't played on my 3 previous visits. I've played 

 

Redstone Tournament, Blackhorse North, Blackhorse South, The Woodlands Panther Trail, The Woodlands Oaks, Highland Pines, Panorama, Cypresswood Cypress, Cypresswood Tradition, Augusta Pines, Hermann Park, Tour 18 Houston, High Meadow Ranch, Eagle Pointe, Timber Creek, Wildcat GC Highlands, The Wilderness at Lake Jackson, Quail Valley, Houston National, Gus Wortham, and Memorial Park. 

 

Looks like Wildcat Lakes, Meadowbrook Farms, and Bay Oaks are the only holdouts.

 

Anything I'm missing? 

 

[ATXGolferGuy]

Bay Forest in La Porte TX  It's been at least 17-18 years since I played it, but I remember the finishing holes to be a beast with a south wind. 

[Argonne69]

Trying to stay warm sitting inside watching the Amex. The Bourbon County Cask Finish imperial stout is sure helping. Lol. 

 

[SnowbirdTom]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Looking ahead to Houston next week, there doesn't appear to be many quality courses that I haven't played on my 3 previous visits. I've played 

 

Redstone Tournament, Blackhorse North, Blackhorse South, The Woodlands Panther Trail, The Woodlands Oaks, Highland Pines, Panorama, Cypresswood Cypress, Cypresswood Tradition, Augusta Pines, Hermann Park, Tour 18 Houston, High Meadow Ranch, Eagle Pointe, Timber Creek, Wildcat GC Highlands, The Wilderness at Lake Jackson, Quail Valley, Houston National, Gus Wortham, and Memorial Park. 

 

Looks like Wildcat Lakes, Meadowbrook Farms, and Bay Oaks are the only holdouts.

 

Anything I'm missing? 

 

Sharpstown, Pecan Grove Plantation, but both are meh. Both are continuously soggy.

 

Forgot Atascocita out in Humble.

Edited January 19 by SnowbirdTom
Add

[cjblake09]

5 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Looking ahead to Houston next week, there doesn't appear to be many quality courses that I haven't played on my 3 previous visits. I've played 

 

Redstone Tournament, Blackhorse North, Blackhorse South, The Woodlands Panther Trail, The Woodlands Oaks, Highland Pines, Panorama, Cypresswood Cypress, Cypresswood Tradition, Augusta Pines, Hermann Park, Tour 18 Houston, High Meadow Ranch, Eagle Pointe, Timber Creek, Wildcat GC Highlands, The Wilderness at Lake Jackson, Quail Valley, Houston National, Gus Wortham, and Memorial Park. 

 

Looks like Wildcat Lakes, Meadowbrook Farms, and Bay Oaks are the only holdouts.

 

Anything I'm missing? 

 

Moody Garden in Galveston? 

Gleannloch Pines

 

Did you play Memorial after the redo?

[Argonne69]

13 minutes ago, cjblake09 said:

Moody Garden in Galveston? 

Gleannloch Pines

 

Did you play Memorial after the redo?

 

Played Moody in January 23. Memorial in February 22. 

 

Gleannloch looks promising. Thanks. 

 

[cjblake09]

6 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Played Moody in January 23. Memorial in February 22. 

 

Gleannloch looks promising. Thanks. 

 

Gleannloch is a typical parkland layout for Texas.  It is a sister course to Augusta Pines and Highland Pines. 

[tw422]

19 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Trying to stay warm sitting inside watching the Amex. The Bourbon County Cask Finish imperial stout is sure helping. Lol. 

 

hey arg - have you thought about adding some bourbon's to your rotation?  if you like that beer I have to imagine you would love bourbon?  not sure if the brew pubs you are hitting are solely beer but if not there are so many bourbons out there that could scratch your "itch".  would be really interesting to see what you could find as you traverse the country.  

[Argonne69]

57 minutes ago, tw422 said:

hey arg - have you thought about adding some bourbon's to your rotation?  if you like that beer I have to imagine you would love bourbon?  not sure if the brew pubs you are hitting are solely beer but if not there are so many bourbons out there that could scratch your "itch".  would be really interesting to see what you could find as you traverse the country.  

 

Lol. I haven't had an ounce of dark spirits in 45 years since I had a near death experience with a bottle of Jack Daniels when I was 16 years old. For years simply smelling whisky, bourbon, or scotch would trigger a gag reflect. 'No idea how I'm able to enjoy a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout.

 

I've been joking about picking up a pint of bourbon to add to low ABV imperial stouts. Maybe after all these years my brain has rewired itself to not consider it poison.

 

[Argonne69]

Slight change of plans today. Instead of staying in Austin for one more night trying to stay warm I packed up and drove to San Antonio a day early. The goal for today will still be trying to stay warm. Lol. 

 

I didn't pay close enough attention to the weather forecast for tomorrow. In addition to snow and sleet in the early afternoon, there will also be snow and sleet before sunrise. Even though it would be clear during the morning drive I didn't want to be driving on wet and/or icy roads. Didn't really make a difference where I sat today, so I opted to get out of Dodge. Bit of a bummer because I was looking forward to another round of BBQ if I could find a place that was open on this holiday.

 

Traffic was very light. I assume it was because of the holiday. Good thing because I once again hit a long construction zone on I-35 heading into San Antonio. Wouldn't have been much fun driving through it on icy roads. 

 

Decent RV park 5 miles east of downtown. The RV park I stayed at last year is a mile down the road. I'll be running off my fresh water tanks for a couple of days until the overnight lows get above freezing and I can pull out my water hose. 

 

 

No plans today. Too cold. I'm wearing two pairs of socks for the first time. Lol. Makes me consider upgrading to a big diesel pusher with heated floors. 

 

[Argonne69]

Any recommendations for golf in SATX? I've been here twice before, and have played Cedar Creek, Brackenridge Park, The Bandit, Canyon Springs, Vaaler Creek, Olmos Basin, Silverhorn, Hill Country GC (Lakes Oaks), Olympia Hills, Willow Springs, TPC San Antonio Oaks, TPC San Antonio Canyons, La Cantera Palmer, La Cantera Resort, and The Quarry. 

 

Looking at Golf Club of Texas - San Antonio, Riverside, TPC Oaks and Canyons, Northern Hills, Landa Park, and Gateway Hills. 

 

I was thinking about another visit to TPC, but unfortunately it's stay and play only. 

 

Edited January 20 by Argonne69

[ATXGolferGuy]

Landa Park is fun, short but fun and it's in New Braunfels and near Gruene TX (home of Gruene Hall the oldest dance hall in TX). 

 

If you're willing to drive an hour or 90minutes you've got. Tapatio Springs Resort, which has been revamped in the last few years. Buckhorn Golf Course in Comfort TX, is by the same group that manages The Bandit. 

 

Knowing that you like hiking and golf, give some consideration to traveling up to Fredericksburg TX to play Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course  Then after you're done playing you could make a short drive to Enchanted Rock State Park  Think, HalfDome without the "half" and mountains, but it's a good hike and a great view.

 

For beer there is Fredericksburg Brewing Company, Altstadt Brewing and then more wineries this side of Napa Valley.  There is also National Museum of the Pacific War since Fredericksburg was the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz.

 

Or book a "discovery visit" at Boot Ranch Golf Club ranked 6th in the state.

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Slight change of plans today. Instead of staying in Austin for one more night trying to stay warm I packed up and drove to San Antonio a day early. The goal for today will still be trying to stay warm. Lol. 

 

I didn't pay close enough attention to the weather forecast for tomorrow. In addition to snow and sleet in the early afternoon, there will also be snow and sleet before sunrise. Even though it would be clear during the morning drive I didn't want to be driving on wet and/or icy roads. Didn't really make a difference where I sat today, so I opted to get out of Dodge. Bit of a bummer because I was looking forward to another round of BBQ if I could find a place that was open on this holiday.

 

Traffic was very light. I assume it was because of the holiday. Good thing because I once again hit a long construction zone on I-35 heading into San Antonio. Wouldn't have been much fun driving through it on icy roads. 

 

Decent RV park 5 miles east of downtown. The RV park I stayed at last year is a mile down the road. I'll be running off my fresh water tanks for a couple of days until the overnight lows get above freezing and I can pull out my water hose. 

 

 

No plans today. Too cold. I'm wearing two pairs of socks for the first time. Lol. Makes me consider upgrading to a big diesel pusher with heated floors. 

 

Good choice.

[CMCSGolf]

I second Landa and Buckhorn.  

 

Landa is a very pleasant walk on a solid muni.  Very similar in my mind to Glencoe in Chicago, to put in terms you have experience with.  The TPC courses are very good and worth the money for a one time play in my opinion.

 

I played Northern Hills in 2020 and it was a complete goat track.  I'd be surprised if that changed, but I could be wrong.  Golf Club of Texas SA was also in rough shape in years past.  Mission del Lago on the south side would both be preferable to these tracks if I had to choose.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Do you have to run the engine to get heat? It was 4 degrees (without windchill) when I left for work today! 

[Argonne69]

21 minutes ago, BEND OF THE RIVER GC said:

Do you have to run the engine to get heat? It was 4 degrees (without windchill) when I left for work today! 

 

No. My primary sources of heat are the electric fireplace (1400W), and two ceramic space heaters (1400W). If the outside temperature drops below freezing I'll turn on the propane furnace. It has heat ducts below the floor ("basement") to keep the water lines from freezing. Bessie also has an "arctic package" that includes insulation and heaters for the black and grey holding tanks. I turn it on when it gets near freezing.

 

My living room air conditioner also has a heat pump, but it automatically switches to the furnace if the temperature is below 50F, so it doesn't get much use during the winter. I'd rather save the wear and tear on the unit by using my cheap space heaters.

 

On cold nights the inside stays around 60F. Plenty warm for sleeping under several blankets.

 

[Argonne69]

Looks like I made the right call yesterday heading to SATX. Wouldn't really want to be driving in this. 

 

 

I was planning to go grocery shopping, but it can wait until tomorrow after the ice has melted. Don't need to wreck the Honda driving on icy roads for a carton of orange juice. 

 

[tw422]

21 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Lol. I haven't had an ounce of dark spirits in 45 years since I had a near death experience with a bottle of Jack Daniels when I was 16 years old. For years simply smelling whisky, bourbon, or scotch would trigger a gag reflect. 'No idea how I'm able to enjoy a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout.

 

I've been joking about picking up a pint of bourbon to add to low ABV imperial stouts. Maybe after all these years my brain has rewired itself to not consider it poison.

 

Totally get it...I have that PTSD and reaction to tequila...I think you would really enjoy bourbon tasting.  It becomes addictive especially when you get into bourbon hunting.  You are in some many different places you have the opportunity to find some great bottles.  

[StoutKing]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Looks like I made the right call yesterday heading to SATX. Wouldn't really want to be driving in this. 

 

 

I was planning to go grocery shopping, but it can wait until tomorrow after the ice has melted. Don't need to wreck the Honda driving on icy roads for a carton of orange juice. 

 

What's crazy is the last time we were at the Alamo it snowed.  It has to be pretty rare in SA.

[SnowbirdTom]

My sister in Pensacola just posted this. Looks like a nice Michigan scene.

 

 

[Double Mocha Man]

1 minute ago, SnowbirdTom said:

My sister in Pensacola just posted this. Looks like a nice Michigan scene.

 

 

 

My landlord in Miami once woke me up at 6:30AM to show me a thin layer of ice on his birdbath.  Geez, I had just arrived from St. Louis a month earlier.

[vernon]

17 hours ago, SnowbirdTom said:

My sister in Pensacola just posted this. Looks like a nice Michigan scene.

 

 

GOOD!  Misery really does love company!

[StoutKing]

40 minutes ago, vernon said:

GOOD!  Misery really does love company!

I would take that over a Florida day with high humidity at 95 degrees no cap.

[Argonne69]

Lol. Well, it was better than sitting inside for the 4th day in a row. It was in the mid 20s at sunrise, but it looked like it would get above freezing at 10 am. With the cold and wind, I didn't want to venture too far from the city, so I headed over to Mission del Lago. Couldn't have timed it better. Walked into the pro shop 10 minutes before the first tee time of the day, and was able to join a twosome who were playing nine holes. While the sun was nice, the wind was rough. Don't recall a quicker round walking in recent memory. It was 35 degrees on the first tee, and 42 when I pulled out of the parking lot. 

 

MdL is one of the Alamo City Golf Trail munis. The prairie style layout routes through a mundane housing development. The cookie cutter homes aren't much to look at, but at least they're set back a ways. First thing that struck me was that the course played long. Seemed like every par 4 was 400 yds. Lol. Actually it was the cold and the wind. Fairway bunkering was very light. Greenside wasn't a lot better. Water in play on six holes, but four of those had dry ponds. Five holes with gentle left/right movement. 

 

Easy off the tee with light bunkering and generous fairways. Minor misses would catch the light rough. The course plays clockwise, so big misses right might find an adjacent fairway. Left was OB. Approaches were also fairly easy. A couple of pins tucked behind bunkers, but the fairly large greens were big targets. Greens had gentle slope and contouring. Can't say putting was easy, but they had zero fear factor. Up and downs were straightforward for the most part. Plenty of room to miss the greens and still have an easy chip or Texas wedge. 

 

Par 3s were decent. A little more trouble than the other holes. Variety was lacking. Needed a short and long one. Par 5s were OK. Two were reachable (on a warm day), but not much risk. The dogleg 9th and 11th were very similar with ponds on the inside corner pinching the layup. No short 4s. 

 

Conditions were pretty good. Dormant fairways were tight, but in good shape. Rough was low, but produced some iffy lies. Bunkers were better than expected. Greens looked good, but were rolling a bit slow. No surprise. Probably 9. 

 

Played the White tees at 6378 yds (71.0/128). The rating and slope both seem a tad high. Solid day with the driver, but distance was lacking with the cold and wind. Don't think I hit more than 4 irons. The trusty ol 9 wood got a real workout, and earned it's spot in the bag. Five bogies. Highlight was simply getting out of the RV and back on to a course for a little exercise. 

 

Being generous with 4 cows. Playable, but oh so forgettable. Needs the usual Arg treatment. The $28 weekday walking rate was perfect for a cold January morning. Easily skipped.