On our way back from the Amethyst mine, we decided to make a stop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, located just west of Thunder Bay. I actually had this one confused with the middle falls on the Pigeon River, which is a much smaller, less dramatic falls. Kakabeka was very scenic and well worth the short drive out of our way back to the border. Plus the road to Kakabeka passes a Tim Hortons…
The PGA Champions Tour 3M Championship begins this week at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Here is the daily schedule:
Monday: Ameriprise Pro-Am
Tuesday: Practice Rounds, Junior Skills Challenge, Junior Pro-Am, Pro Skills Challenge
Wednesday: Coldwell Banker Burnet Pro-Am
Thursday: Coldwell Banker Burnet Pro-Am, Old Dutch Foods Short Game Clinic and Contest
Friday: Championship First Round
Saturday: Greats of Golf Challenge, Championship Second Round
Sunday: Greats of Golf Challenge, Championship Final Round
Daily tickets are available starting at $15 (practice rounds) and can be purchased in advance at participating Twin City Co-Ops Federal Credit Union locations.
I always thought this was the very northeast tip of Minnesota, but Google seems to say otherwise…
On Friday, the girls and I drove to Canada to visit Amethyst Mine Panorama, located about 30 miles east of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
I visited this mine when I was a little boy and should have gone back sooner–it was a blast! The mine has a large open pit area with water hoses that you can use to create your own little mining sluice. Amethyst was everywhere, but it was like a little treasure hunt searching for that “perfect” find. After almost forty pounds of rock and tiny cuts on all my finger-tips, we headed back towards Thunder Bay.
Pictures available in both the private and the North Shore albums.
The 83rd Annual Birchmont Golf Tournament finished yesterday at Bemidji Town and Country Club. Here are the winners from the various divisions:
Men’s Champion: Johnny Larson, Clements, MN
Ladies Champion: Kristi Lucken, Fosston, MN
Executive Men’s Champion: Todd Schaefer, Grand Forks, ND
Senior Men’s Champion: Jack Seiberlich, Rush City, MN
Super Senior Men’s Champion: Blaine Grone, Clearbrook, MN
Junior Champion: Sam Mathew, Roseville, MN
Next year’s tournament will be held Monday-Saturday, July 28-August 2, 2008.
For additional information on the Birchmont, visit their wonderful data-rich website, designed by golf pro and web designer Paul Grovum.
Professional Kane Hanson from Detroit Country Club in Detroit Lakes won the 2007 Minnesota State Open today at Bunker Hills. His 71-66-69-206 (-10) was two shots better than Minneapolis Golf Club pro Joe O’Brien and earned Kane $9,000.
Top five finishers:
1, Kane Hanson (p), Detroit CC, 71-66-69-206 (-10)
2, Joe O’Brien (p), Minneapolis GC, 71-68-69-208 (-8)
3, Clayton Rask (a), Monticello CC, 71-68-70-209 (-7)
T4, Neil Johnson (p), Troy Burne GC, 69-68-73-210 (-6)
T4, David Tentis (p), Troy Burne GC, 72-66-72-210 (-6)
Other Notables: Don Berry (T9), Mike Barge (T11)
Last week I made a return visit to Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights. Thanks go out to Mendakota member Phil Keeney for hosting our foursome.
Mendakota is a club that always seems to be tweaking things on the course. Not much had changed since my last round there, but plans are being made for several new modifications, including changes to the par-5 thirteenth and the par-4 sixteenth holes. Fairway bunkers will be added to the former, while the latter will see a new green that will bring the lake more into play.
We played on a very hot and humid day and it was one of the rare times I was happy to have a power cart. The course was in good condition and the greens were very fast. The layout and design of this course present many interesting challenges, although it would be nice to lose the power lines that criss-cross several holes. The freeway and road noise are a little distracting also, but not much can be done about that.
I played well on the front nine, but got thrown off my game on the short 312 yard par-4 tenth hole. I think that mentally impacted the rest of the back nine, which is very scenic and should be relaxing. The par-3 seventeenth hole may be the prettiest on the course, although it is a stern test near the end of a round.
Looking forward to a return visit soon…
Meadowbrook Golf Course in Hopkins may have a more famous neighbor next door (Edina’s Interlachen Country Club is just beyond the fence behind the clubhouse), but it holds it’s own against the other Minneapolis city-owned courses.
With multiple blind tee shots with water and sharp drop-offs on the shorter par 3s, this course is perhaps the most challenging among those city courses as well.
The day we visited, the women’s league was having a shotgun tournament later in the morning that we weren’t told about when making reservations. The pro shop managed to get our round in around them, though, without us getting in the way.
Get your rounds in at Meadowbrook this year–it will likely be used as a parking lot for the Women’s U.S. Open next year at Interlachen…
Took a quick drive up to Grand Marais after returning from the west coast. The girls have been staying with my mom and dad at the cabin on the big lake while I was away, so it’s been great to see them.
Today we got in some mini golf after the rain moved through (which washed out our Lutsen Alpine Slide and bonfire plans). Tonight we won first place in the Sven and Ole’s trivia contest. The “Gooneybirds Love Donuts” team won a $75 gift certificate for our efforts.
Not sure what the rest of the week will bring–maybe Canada, maybe Lutsen, maybe the Wolf Center near Ely.
Some pictures are up in the private area of the photo gallery. More posts and pics as I can get online…
Play begins today at the 2007 Minnesota State Open at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids, with the first groups starting at 7:30am.
Defending champion Mike Barge of Hazeltine returns to defend his title, teeing off Friday at 2pm.
This tournament has one of the strongest fields in Minnesota golf–come out to Bunker Hills the next three days and watch some excellent golf!
Official State Open Tournament Site | Leaderboard
UPDATE 2:
Day 2 Leaders
T1, Kane Hanson (p), Detroit CC, 137 (-7)
T1, Neil Johnson (p), Troy Burne GC, 137 (-7)
3, David Tentis (p), Troy Burne GC, 138 (-6)
T4, Clayton Rask (a), Monticello CC, 139 (-5)
T4, Joe O’Brien (p), Minneapolis GC, 139 (-5)
T6, Don Berry (p), Edinburgh USA, 140 (-4)
T6, Noah Lawson (a), Forest Hills GC, 140 (-4)
Cut Line: +5
UPDATE:
Day 1 Leaders
T1, Neil Johnson (p), Troy Burne GC, 69 (-3)
T1, Dan Croonquist (a), Manitou Ridge GC, 69 (-3)
T3, Thomas Campbell (a), University GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Chris Borgen (p), Hiawatha GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Noah Lawson (a), Forest Hills GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Andy Jacobson (a), Eagle Creek GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Bill Thompson (a), Windsong Farm GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Adam Wynia (p), Prairie Green GC, 70 (-2)
T3, Derek Holmes (a), Rum River Hills GC, 70 (-2)
I’m not sure if we just hit it on the right day, but it appears the days of six-hour rounds at Keller may be over. Our round went very fast and we never waited all day–even between the second and third holes that have always had a big back-up.
This time I played the blue tees for the first time, which makes the course a par-72 instead of a par 71 (the 16th hole plays as a par-five from the blues). It really made for a different experience on many of the holes.
Keller just exudes history and I love taking visitors into the clubhouse after a round to look at all the pictures and awards.
The course was in good condition, but several greens were a little rough. For the price, however, Keller remains one of the best values in town.
FORE! Minnesota, on Saturday, July 28, 2007 (9 am on KSTC-45):
Last week we paid a visit to Island View Golf Club in Waconia. The course was undergoing some course renovations, but remains open while the work is being completed. Several bunkers were being re-built on the 486-yard par 5 first hole and the entire area surrounding the 161-yard par 3 fourth hole was being re-worked. The rest of the course was in great shape, however, and the construction didn’t really impact our round.
Coming later this week: updates on Keller, Meadowbrook, Mendakota and Superior National.
Arrived back from LA yesterday on Sun Country. Flight was fine, but the airport experience was not pleasant. In addition to very long lines, I got the dreaded “SSSS” designation on my ticket (extra special screening). I’m sure it was because I was traveling alone on a one-way ticket, but don’t you think the system could be a little more intelligent?
The week finished up OK, although there are still a ton of things that need to be completed out there before school starts. I’ll likely return in mid-August for a few days to complete the roll-out. The wiring and construction contractors should be finished by then and I’ll have more practice with imaging machines here that can be replicated out there.
On Sunday I drove straight east from my hotel to Buena Park and Knott’s Berry Farm. The classic chicken dinner at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is worth the always-constant one hour wait in line.
The rest of the day didn’t go great–I dropped my doggie bag in the dirt and the crappy internet access in the hotel was broken all day. The wireless provider for the hotel, “Zoxzones,” was pathetic. Not only did they charge for the service, I had to call every single day to have them reset the access point so I could login. Never again.
Today was IKEA day for me and the new office. People know me as an IKEA freak, but you just can’t beat the pricing and style–especially for small business and school offices. $1.50 for a hot dog and glass of lingonberry juice is pretty awesome too…
While Minnesota only has one IKEA, California has eight. I decided the Carson location was the closest and went over lunch. It was really different from the Bloomington store–smaller, one additional floor, not as much selection and no full buffet restaurant.
My ugly rental car came in handy, as I managed to get three tables, six chairs, a locking cabinet, two desk lamps, six light bulbs, two power cords and a small love seat in that thing. I got most everything put together today, despite cutting a finger open with the scissors, getting a blister in the palm of my hand and dropping the love seat box on my foot. Also got to drive back to the store again after I received mixed table legs for one of the tables. Everything should be good to go by lunchtime tomorrow, though.
When I got back, I rested for a bit in the room, then walked down the PCH to Pier Avenue and over to the Hermosa Beach Pier. The weather was gray and grim, but it was still fun to see the big waves and watch people attempt to surf.
I had a quick dinner of fish and chips at the Hermosa Fish Market Cafe, located at 20 Pier Avenue (right by the start of the pier). Always great to sit outside and eat anywhere, but this atmosphere was especially fun.
I walked back to the hotel by following the Strand and was knocked out by the cool beach-side houses. Zillow says $1 million to $7 million for that stretch. Sheesh again.
Alexandria High School graduate and Colorado State golfer Bryce Hanstad won the 104th MGA Amateur Championship Thursday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska. He held off Gopher and first-round leader Clayton Rask, who finished four shots back.
Here are the top five finishers:
Today I got to visit the new Studio 4 SoCal accommodations for the coming school year–the Sea Spray Apartments in Redondo Beach. A steal at only $2K per month. Shesh.
The technology infrastructure project for HSRA-LA is coming along nicely. Today I finished configuring the network security cameras, but found one of them appears to have a dead network port. The wiring in the server closet isn’t finished yet, but it’s taking shape. Had to order two 19-inch server rack shelves after I found out the new Intel Xserve doesn’t have a two-post option.
Tomorrow I need to stop at Home Depot to pick up some stronger ant poison (they just love the stuff I bought at Target). I also plan to visit the local IKEA to get some items for the new Studio 4 office.
Tonight I had dinner with Dan O’Donnell of the Rand Corporation. We went to a new Thai restaurant in Santa Monica called The Orchid. I had some chicken satay as a starter, the braised short rib (very tender boneless ribs braised in Syrah wine served with garlic mashed potato) and an awesome pyramid chocolate mousse desert. It was great meeting Dan–one of the many people I know online, but had never met in person until today.
Last night, I met former HSRA Minnesota staff member Jared Barbick and his wife Talia for dinner at a restaurant in Torrance, Restaurant Christine. I had this wonderful selection: Prosciutto Wrapped Filet Mignon Medallions, Sage Bread Pudding, Baby Vegetables and Red Onion Butter.
Special thanks to Jared and Talia for treating me to dinner.
FORE! Minnesota, on Saturday, July 21, 2007 (9 am on KSTC-45):
The “original” Star Wars was on HBO Family tonight and I couldn’t help but watch it.
I so want to watch the version that I watched as an eight-year-old kid in 1977. Countless Star Wars nerds have described the changes made to the new version that make me so mad, so I won’t go over all that. Let’s just say that I hope I never meet George Lucas in person.
Maybe it’s time to get a replacement laser disc player on eBay…
The August 2007 issue of Golf Digest has a ranking of teaching professionals by state, as selected by their peers.
Mike Barge of Hazeltine National takes the top spot, followed by Peter Krause of Windsong Farm. None of the selected Minnesota teachers made it into the list of top 50 instructors in the country, which was led by Butch Harmon (Butch Harmon School of Golf at Rio Secco, Henderson, Nevada).
It’s interesting to see how this compares to the recent list compiled by Minnesota Golfer magazine that we mentioned last week (which admittedly didn’t include female instructors).
Here’s the complete list:
Made it to Los Angeles today from Seattle, courtesy of Alaska Airlines. They had the lowest price and for the most part, it was an OK experience. I was ticked off, though, that I had to waste time in a line called “bag check” that wouldn’t let me check my bags until I stood in a different line to get a printed boarding pass. Oh well, at least they got the bags off the plane and into the baggage claim quickly.
I’m here to help set up the technology infrastructure at the new High School for Recording Arts Los Angeles. I stopped there on the way to the hotel and was amazed at the progress in the big space.
Tomorrow will mostly be a planning day–creating network maps, gathering ISP info, taking inventory, deciding on security camera placement and updating the work plan.
This time I’m staying at the Hotel Hermosa in Hermosa Beach. My first impression was not great, but I think it’s growing on me. It does have a Fatburger across the street, so it can’t be all bad.
The internet connection didn’t work when I got here (and it costs extra), but it seems to be good now…
Former Gopher standout Bronson La’Cassie received a sponsor’s exemption into last week’s John Deere Classic, played at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.
He made the most of it, making the cut by shooting a second-round 66. His 71-66-74-70-281 (-3) was good enough for a T62 and a paycheck of $8,692.
This was not his first pro start, however. In June, he fired a 23-under-par 265 at the Buffalo Run Casino Classic on the Hooters Tour, where he tied for second and earned $13,762.
It took me about four trips, but I finally found a hotel near the Seattle airport that I liked. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites SeaTac Aiport at 19621 International Boulevard (just down the street from the airport) was easy to find, clean, relatively inexpensive and had nice “mini-suites” with high speed internet that was actually plug-and-play.
There are several things I usually dislike with hotel internet access. Charging extra for it is at the top of the list, followed closely by overly-aggressive firewall port settings and login pages that plant cookies and/or require a pass-code from the front desk. None of that here–even video chat worked smoothly.
My room had a small living room in front with a couch, coffee table, desk and TV. Then came a kitchenette with sink, refrigerator and microwave, a full bathroom and a bedroom with king-sized bed and another TV. All very clean, quiet and priced under $140/night.
The bed was comfortable and I loved that the pillows had “soft” and “firm” stitched on the sides. The bathroom was stocked with their own line of toiletries and high quality, soft linens. There was a Seattle newspaper outside my door in the morning and they include a free breakfast buffet that was like my dream meal: hot cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, bacon, milk and apple juice.
Oh, and one final thing. When I checked in, they knew I was a Priority Club member and gave me a free bag of microwave popcorn and bottle of water. Similar to the Wyndham hotel I stayed at in Arizona, this little token gift that cost them practically nothing got me to write this and will probably get me to stay there again in the future. Nice.
On the advice of the ever-helpful Chuck Goolsbee of Digital Forest (a great ISP and co-location facility, by the way), I headed up I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge and over to Harbor Avenue to check out Salty’s on Alki Beach. Chuck also recommended Ray’s Boathouse, but I’ve gone there the last two times I was in town. Not to say I don’t like Ray’s–quite the contrary. Just wanted to try something new.
Salty’s bills themselves as the “Best View of Seattle in Seattle®” and I have to say, it was pretty awesome. The weather was almost hot and way too sunny for rainy Seattle, so sunglasses were the name of the game on the outdoor patio today (they even would bring you some if you wanted).
I always feel stupid not ordering seafood in a coastal town, but Walleye is the only fish I really love and I get pretty damn good Walleye in Minnesota. This menu item caught my eye, however:
“Land and Sea”
4-ounce Filet, Red Wine Demi-Glace, Crispy Fried Onions, 4-ounce Salmon or Halibut, Champagne Beurre Blanc, Lemon Caper Relish, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, House Vegetables
Expensive, but I worked right through lunch installing servers, so it was totally worth it in my mind. If I hadn’t been so hot sitting in the sun, I would have tried one of their signature desserts too–the white chocolate mousse cake sounded especially good.
Good excuse to go back again, though, right?
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