After a job change that had me take on Management duties I have suddenly found myself with a lot less time. I was able to take a quick overnighter away from American Fork with the family. We got away on Sunday, the day before Labor Day and headed down through Price towards Moab. Destination: Goblin Valley with a detour over to Dead Horse Point. We had a blast and the kids especially enjoyed running around the hoodoos at Goblin Valley. By the time we got to Capitol Reef National Park it was getting late so we found a motel on the west side and ate a spicy meal down the road.
The next day we went around Capitol Reef, stopping at the Visitors' Center and going on the scenic drive down past Capitol Wash. It was fun, but we spent a lot of time in the car. And we had to be back home that evening so we were watching the clock; when we had used up our time we grabbed a bite to eat and headed out, through Loa and then up US50 to Scipio and back home.
It was a fun, short, roadtrip; we need to do more of these!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Palisade Golf Course
Just a simple trip down to Sterling, Utah, and another hidden gem of a golf course: Palisade Golf Course at the state park of the same name. Only an hour and half away from work; worth the trip as the course has some really cool features and some of the hardest greens in the state.
I only took a few photos but here they are.
I only took a few photos but here they are.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Clark Planetarium
Saturday's without ABA scheduled means go do something and that's what we did. Luckily for me the kids love planetariums! And a new attraction at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City is Newston's Daydream, a kinetic ball structure with bells, gongs, ramps, spirals, knobs, and lots of balls rolling all over the place making noise and going down the ramps and up conveyors. I also really enjoyed it! Whenever we were in the area the kids gravitated to it and we had to drag them away to our movies.
Space, the Final Frontier. Wish there was a way to get me up there!
Space, the Final Frontier. Wish there was a way to get me up there!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Antelope Island July 2010
"So what do you want to do today? I don't know; what do you want to do today? Maybe we should go somewhere and have a picnic. Yes, but where? "
Normally we think to go east into the mountains or south towards redrock country for a picnic, but this time we decided to go to Antelope Island. The island is one of several in Utah's Great Salt Lake, reachable by way of a causeway from Syracuse. As you drive north on I-15 past Farmington and Layton you can see the island off to the west; it appears to be a barren, brown ridge.
The island is pretty dry, but the main reason for visiting the island is wildlife. A lot of birds stop off near the island during migrations, plus there is a herd ofbuffalo bison (the ranger told us that the animals on the island are not buffalo) numbering between 500 and 700. And if you hike to the upper areas of the island there are the namesake antelope, plus some bighorn sheep.
After letting the kids get their junior ranger badges by answering questions and getting quizzed by the ranger, we went to Bridger Bay and found an empty picnic table that had a very nice roof over it. I was expecting it to be hot and dry, but it was very comfortable at the table. We had a nice view over the beach and the lake, northwest towards the horizon. It was very clear and actually quite scenic. It was dry; but overall I was pleasantly surprised. Nearby there were bathrooms and showers and even an Island Grill.
We stopped briefly at Buffalo Point overlooking White Rock Bay (good views south towards Tooele) and even saw one of the bison. Every year in November they do a roundup of all the bison on the island; that would be quite a sight.
I would recommend Antelope Island as a day trip; I found the campground to be to exposed and barren to make we want to stay there. But the day use areas were very nice.
Normally we think to go east into the mountains or south towards redrock country for a picnic, but this time we decided to go to Antelope Island. The island is one of several in Utah's Great Salt Lake, reachable by way of a causeway from Syracuse. As you drive north on I-15 past Farmington and Layton you can see the island off to the west; it appears to be a barren, brown ridge.
The island is pretty dry, but the main reason for visiting the island is wildlife. A lot of birds stop off near the island during migrations, plus there is a herd of
After letting the kids get their junior ranger badges by answering questions and getting quizzed by the ranger, we went to Bridger Bay and found an empty picnic table that had a very nice roof over it. I was expecting it to be hot and dry, but it was very comfortable at the table. We had a nice view over the beach and the lake, northwest towards the horizon. It was very clear and actually quite scenic. It was dry; but overall I was pleasantly surprised. Nearby there were bathrooms and showers and even an Island Grill.
We stopped briefly at Buffalo Point overlooking White Rock Bay (good views south towards Tooele) and even saw one of the bison. Every year in November they do a roundup of all the bison on the island; that would be quite a sight.
I would recommend Antelope Island as a day trip; I found the campground to be to exposed and barren to make we want to stay there. But the day use areas were very nice.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 9: Final Thoughts
When we lived in Petaluma my grandparents were living in Heber City, Utah, so we would make the trek across northern Nevada every year or so. When I left Petaluma this time for home I followed that same route, via Lakeville Highway past Sear's Point to Vallejo and I-80. From the there the drive was monotonous, except for crossing the Sierra's at Donner Pass. Construction on I-80 caused about an hour delay, in multiple spots, so when I arrived in Reno an hour later than I thought I would I was ready for a break.
Reno is a dump. During the day there is nothing to do downtown, and at night the city is filled with middle-aged and elderly Americans pretending that they are high-rollers in Las Vegas. The casino scene didn't excite me at all and I ended up getting out of there the next day without dropping one cent into any of the gambling venues. Next time I stop it'll be farther on, say Lovelock or Winnemucca. Still won't be anything to do, but at least I'll have traveled farther.
The drive from Reno on Tuesday the 22nd was uneventful. Even the Check-Engine light coming on between Lovelock and Winnemucca didn't excite me at all; the car was running smooth and I continued. Finally got home at 1710, skirting rush hour around Salt Lake, and had a happy reunion with the wife and kids.
Working the golf tournament was fun, but it would be so much more fun if there was someone I could share it with. In 5 years the US Open will be in Washington State, and in 2019 it will be back at Pebble Beach. Maybe one of the boys will want to work it with me then; that would be awesome!
Reno is a dump. During the day there is nothing to do downtown, and at night the city is filled with middle-aged and elderly Americans pretending that they are high-rollers in Las Vegas. The casino scene didn't excite me at all and I ended up getting out of there the next day without dropping one cent into any of the gambling venues. Next time I stop it'll be farther on, say Lovelock or Winnemucca. Still won't be anything to do, but at least I'll have traveled farther.
The drive from Reno on Tuesday the 22nd was uneventful. Even the Check-Engine light coming on between Lovelock and Winnemucca didn't excite me at all; the car was running smooth and I continued. Finally got home at 1710, skirting rush hour around Salt Lake, and had a happy reunion with the wife and kids.
Working the golf tournament was fun, but it would be so much more fun if there was someone I could share it with. In 5 years the US Open will be in Washington State, and in 2019 it will be back at Pebble Beach. Maybe one of the boys will want to work it with me then; that would be awesome!
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 8B: The Voyage Home
That was enough driving around for awhile; I went to Walnut Park and left car and, camera in hand, went into the downtown area. Downtown Petaluma is not as big as I remember and I was able to easily navigate through much of the old area. Went by the old library (now a museum), by Carrithers (now a furniture store), up to St. Vincents and back by where the smorgasbord used to be, found the place where I got my first glasses back in 1973 (it smells the same!) and went by where Tuttle's used to be. Walked up past the old theater where I saw Jaws with the entire baseball league, then back down to the Boulevard. Found the deli where I had great ham sandwiches growing up, but sadly it was closed (Mondays). But McNear's Saloon & Dining House was open so I had lunch.
The feeling of walking around town was intense, but sad. I really would like to live in Petaluma, but I haven't figured out how to answer the how and why questions yet. Since leaving in 1979 I've visited maybe 4 times, twice in 1986 when I was stationed in Sacramento, once in 1998 for my 20th high school reunion, and this time. I know that I need to get back there more often than every 12 years; that is way too long. Maybe I'll take the whole family to the area; there are plenty of things to see and do in the area.
The feeling of walking around town was intense, but sad. I really would like to live in Petaluma, but I haven't figured out how to answer the how and why questions yet. Since leaving in 1979 I've visited maybe 4 times, twice in 1986 when I was stationed in Sacramento, once in 1998 for my 20th high school reunion, and this time. I know that I need to get back there more often than every 12 years; that is way too long. Maybe I'll take the whole family to the area; there are plenty of things to see and do in the area.
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 8A: The Voyage Home
Because the Final Round ended with a clear-cut winner I was able to leave on Monday the 21st and start for home. Destination: Reno, making the drive the next day only 8.5 hours instead of over 12. However, I decided to make a little detour on my out of the Bay Area.
I got up early and was checked out and on the road by 0730; sadly right in the middle of rush hour, both for San Jose and for Oakland. But there weren't any wrecks (that I know of) and I was able to join with I-80 coming from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge. But instead of heading for Vallejo I hung a left and headed for the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and Marin County. There in San Rafael I picked up 101 again and headed north, past the old stake center, past Marinwood where I worked one summer at a gas station, past Novato and the pizza stops coming home from church dances and finally into Sonoma County.
The first city north of Marin County on US 101 is Petaluma, the place that I still claim as my home town, even though I haven't lived there since 1979. But I spent half of my youth in that city, including 3 years of elementary school and all of junior high and high school. That's 1967 to 1979 (except for '70 to '72 when we were in New Jersey) and then my parents moved to Orem, Utah.
Arriving in Petaluma I took the Boulevard exit and turned left on I Street. I took a quick detour onto 7th street to see the house where we lived for a few years at the end before heading back up I Street to Sunnyslope Avenue and number 621. A gorgeous old two-story square farm house; my favorite house of all time. I parked the car in front of McNear Elementary (just 2 doors down) and walked around the neighborhood and the school. Looked at Cordon's old house across the street and the little and big fields where we used to play, and wandered through the school to McNear park and the playground and baseball fields.
Everything looked different but it felt like home; even the smells at the park were familiar. I then drove to the high school and wandered; an old alumni who graduated 3 years before I did (so we were there at the same time) let me in and I wandered the halls as well. Familiar again but changed. Lots of memories. From there I drove by the junior high and then by the chapel and soaked up memories.
I got up early and was checked out and on the road by 0730; sadly right in the middle of rush hour, both for San Jose and for Oakland. But there weren't any wrecks (that I know of) and I was able to join with I-80 coming from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge. But instead of heading for Vallejo I hung a left and headed for the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and Marin County. There in San Rafael I picked up 101 again and headed north, past the old stake center, past Marinwood where I worked one summer at a gas station, past Novato and the pizza stops coming home from church dances and finally into Sonoma County.
The first city north of Marin County on US 101 is Petaluma, the place that I still claim as my home town, even though I haven't lived there since 1979. But I spent half of my youth in that city, including 3 years of elementary school and all of junior high and high school. That's 1967 to 1979 (except for '70 to '72 when we were in New Jersey) and then my parents moved to Orem, Utah.
Arriving in Petaluma I took the Boulevard exit and turned left on I Street. I took a quick detour onto 7th street to see the house where we lived for a few years at the end before heading back up I Street to Sunnyslope Avenue and number 621. A gorgeous old two-story square farm house; my favorite house of all time. I parked the car in front of McNear Elementary (just 2 doors down) and walked around the neighborhood and the school. Looked at Cordon's old house across the street and the little and big fields where we used to play, and wandered through the school to McNear park and the playground and baseball fields.
Everything looked different but it felt like home; even the smells at the park were familiar. I then drove to the high school and wandered; an old alumni who graduated 3 years before I did (so we were there at the same time) let me in and I wandered the halls as well. Familiar again but changed. Lots of memories. From there I drove by the junior high and then by the chapel and soaked up memories.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 Part 7 - Final Round
The final round of the 2010 US Open today and my last day on Pebble Beach, unless the day ended with a tie. I was prepared for a tie; had the hotel booked for an extra night, had my name in as a available worker for Monday, but it was decided! Graeme McDowell pulled out the victory by outlasting everyone else and won with a final score of EVEN after 4 rounds. It went right down to the wire, with him finally having 2 putts to win. He missed the first but left it really close and tapped it in for the win!
I worked the 3rd hole, this time in the landing area on the left side inside bend, in the rough. And the balls fell; Tiger, Kelly, and at the end Dustin Johnson put it to the left. Dustin's ball actually went into the shrubs across the cart path and we (the marshals) and the caddie hunted for it, but didn't find it until after the 5 minutes allowed had expired. So he had to go back to the tee and re-hit. He ended up double-bogeying the hole; combined with a triple bogey on 2 and a bogey on 4 he lost all 6 strokes that he had under par in just 3 holes!
I tore my pants coming out of the shrubs after looking for the ball, so after a snack and watching for a minute on #17 I decided to head back here to the hotel. Made it right before Graeme's final putts and promptly booked a night in Reno and canceled my Monday stay here in Morgan Hill. Tomorrow it is off to Reno, via Petaluma (only 51 miles out of the way) just for a quick peek. Then Tuesday it is the return haul across Northern Nevada; hopefully without the Check Engine light this time!
I worked the 3rd hole, this time in the landing area on the left side inside bend, in the rough. And the balls fell; Tiger, Kelly, and at the end Dustin Johnson put it to the left. Dustin's ball actually went into the shrubs across the cart path and we (the marshals) and the caddie hunted for it, but didn't find it until after the 5 minutes allowed had expired. So he had to go back to the tee and re-hit. He ended up double-bogeying the hole; combined with a triple bogey on 2 and a bogey on 4 he lost all 6 strokes that he had under par in just 3 holes!
I tore my pants coming out of the shrubs after looking for the ball, so after a snack and watching for a minute on #17 I decided to head back here to the hotel. Made it right before Graeme's final putts and promptly booked a night in Reno and canceled my Monday stay here in Morgan Hill. Tomorrow it is off to Reno, via Petaluma (only 51 miles out of the way) just for a quick peek. Then Tuesday it is the return haul across Northern Nevada; hopefully without the Check Engine light this time!
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 6: A Mass of Humanity
After watching the morning groups from the side of the fairway (and helping clear out the public around Mike Weir's ball that landed to the left of the ropes) I reported to the tee box at 1100 and got my assignment for the day: working the gate that leads from the green on #2 to the 3rd tee. At first it was pretty easy: close it down as the players putted on #2, then wait until they hit off of #3. But when Tiger's amoeba came the crowd was so packed between the holes that people were unable to move. And while still in that state the following groups needed to cross to the tee. We finally had to just force a path open for them, but people were crossing the ropes and going nuts. The exit gate off of #2 was knocked over and we finally were able to set it up to continue for the rest of the players, but man, what a mess!
After the last group went by the 3rd tee (about 1630) I grabbed me a snack and watched at the 16th green, before heading down to the 17th green for the rest of the day's golf. Once the last group (Johnson & McDowell) finished on 17 I hightailed it to the bus, and finally got back here to the hotel at 2215. That was a long day!
After the last group went by the 3rd tee (about 1630) I grabbed me a snack and watched at the 16th green, before heading down to the 17th green for the rest of the day's golf. Once the last group (Johnson & McDowell) finished on 17 I hightailed it to the bus, and finally got back here to the hotel at 2215. That was a long day!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 5: Paddle Time!
Wasn't sure what I was going to be doing today as I wasn't supposed to be on the schedule. Don was going to have me wait to see where I was needed when I saw my name on his list (an old one perhaps, as I was originally supposed to work Friday). I broached the fact that I was on his list and my assignment was the tee box, and they needed someone to do the paddles. I jumped at that; that is the job that I have wanted to do ever since I got here.
Working the paddles involves signaling the marshal down fairway that the players are ready to hit and then signaling where the ball goes. Since #3 at Pebble Beach has a blind dogleg to the left, the down fairway marshal signals to the tee box when the fairway is clear. And you have to tell the players if the fairway is not clear. And finally, you have to signal to the crossing guards to stop letting people across.
Sometimes when a player has a long routine that he goes through before hitting those paddles can start to get pretty heavy, especially holding them up as high as you can. I learned to alternate between the two: one paddle up = players ready, quiet down. 2 paddles up = player ready to hit. shut up everyone!
Ended up leaving the course at about the same time, right after the last group had hit off the 3rd tee. But instead of fighting traffic on the way home I went to Salinas and got something to eat there before jumping on 101 for the quick drive back here to Morgan Hills.
Working the paddles involves signaling the marshal down fairway that the players are ready to hit and then signaling where the ball goes. Since #3 at Pebble Beach has a blind dogleg to the left, the down fairway marshal signals to the tee box when the fairway is clear. And you have to tell the players if the fairway is not clear. And finally, you have to signal to the crossing guards to stop letting people across.
Sometimes when a player has a long routine that he goes through before hitting those paddles can start to get pretty heavy, especially holding them up as high as you can. I learned to alternate between the two: one paddle up = players ready, quiet down. 2 paddles up = player ready to hit. shut up everyone!
Ended up leaving the course at about the same time, right after the last group had hit off the 3rd tee. But instead of fighting traffic on the way home I went to Salinas and got something to eat there before jumping on 101 for the quick drive back here to Morgan Hills.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 4: Freelancing
Today was technically my day off, but instead of staying away or just taking it easy I decided to suit up and go in and see if there was work to do. Was by the fairway when Mickelson hit it left and helped do crowd control for that. Also was there when Nick Watney's ball went and landed on a media guy's cart and got wedged between his bag and the seat. Both of them were able to hit right up onto the green and had birdie attempts. If it had been me I would have probably had to take a snowman.
Got to work the fairway in the crook for a while, until Tiger, Ernie, and Lee Westwood had passed, along with the big gallery following them. Pretty cool, all three of them ended up landing just in front of me. It is much better to be inside the ropes, especially when the big galleries are around.
Ended up working the cart gate behind the left bunkers; sadly nothing ended up in the bunkers there. But since I was freelancing today (not scheduled to work) I took what I was offered. I'm still hoping for a tee job, either Saturday or Sunday. I will mention that to Noreen (the hole captain) tomorrow.
Got to work the fairway in the crook for a while, until Tiger, Ernie, and Lee Westwood had passed, along with the big gallery following them. Pretty cool, all three of them ended up landing just in front of me. It is much better to be inside the ropes, especially when the big galleries are around.
Ended up working the cart gate behind the left bunkers; sadly nothing ended up in the bunkers there. But since I was freelancing today (not scheduled to work) I took what I was offered. I'm still hoping for a tee job, either Saturday or Sunday. I will mention that to Noreen (the hole captain) tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 3: Learning the Ropes
Tuesday the 15th of June was my first PM shift; I was hoping to be on the tee box but instead I was sent greenside again. But given the opportunity to work the gate to #4 I jumped at the chance and spent the rest of the day telling people to please clear the zone between the red lines. We didn't have the big crowds that'll show up starting Thursday, but it was good work and kept us busy. Timing is everything. You've got to be one jump ahead of the players and get that gate opened and the public back behind the ropes before they start towards you. I thought I did pretty well and it is actually easier during the normal golf days as they don't just delay up on the green, practicing. When you sink your putt, you're ready to go to the next hole!
Wednesday was my day off, but that doesn't mean not going to the golf course; it means one final day of taking pictures and doing shopping at the merchandise tent. It was a sunny and bright day; perfect for another round of pictures. Now I'm ready for four days of the Championship. I'm not scheduled to work until Saturday, but the plan is to show up in uniform and see if I can be used. If not, then I'll watch some golf somewhere.
Wednesday was my day off, but that doesn't mean not going to the golf course; it means one final day of taking pictures and doing shopping at the merchandise tent. It was a sunny and bright day; perfect for another round of pictures. Now I'm ready for four days of the Championship. I'm not scheduled to work until Saturday, but the plan is to show up in uniform and see if I can be used. If not, then I'll watch some golf somewhere.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 2: Morning Shift
I had my only morning shift today; and the only reason I had a morning shift at all was originally I was scheduled to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and I thought Corwyn was going to be around to take onto the course Friday. So I switched from Friday PM to Monday AM. And 5 minutes later (seriously, 5 minutes) I found out that the family was not going to make it.
So my shift started at 0700 this morning. Backtracking that meant I needed to be at the front gate no later than 0630, I needed to catch the bus from the volunteer lot no later than 0545, and I needed to leave Morgan Hill no later than 0500. But with 1st day gremlins I gave myself an extra 25 minutes, getting up at 0345, getting away by 0435, getting to the lot at 0530, but not getting into the course until 0630 as the buses were running slow. I made it to the hole right on time and was assigned to work the fairway, left side. The 3rd hole has a blind shot so there is an extra signaler to indicate when the coast is clear and to the marshals when the ball is coming. Every 3rd ball though seemed to be heading my way as I was near the hidden bunkers/gully. I ended up fishing out Angel Cabrera's ball and should have fished out Jim Furyk's ball, but it vanished into the grass.
After 3 hours of ducking and covering up every time the paddle pointed my way it was time to rotate; clockwise sending me and the 2 other guys on my side up to the green. And then it got really slow. My job at the green was to keep the greenside crowd quiet, keep the paying customers off the hole, and spot stray balls. Sadly not one of those things happened. Well, at least I had a good view of the shots down #4 and also the golfers hitting perpendicular to #17.
Finally the shift was done and I resolved to walk from #1 to #18. That took 3 hours and wore me out. After surviving that (it was gorgeous and I took a lot of pictures) it was time to head back to the volunteer lot and then drive the 45 minutes to Morgan Hill. And here I am; tired but ready for another go at it tomorrow. It'll be the afternoon shift, so I can sleep in just a bit.
So my shift started at 0700 this morning. Backtracking that meant I needed to be at the front gate no later than 0630, I needed to catch the bus from the volunteer lot no later than 0545, and I needed to leave Morgan Hill no later than 0500. But with 1st day gremlins I gave myself an extra 25 minutes, getting up at 0345, getting away by 0435, getting to the lot at 0530, but not getting into the course until 0630 as the buses were running slow. I made it to the hole right on time and was assigned to work the fairway, left side. The 3rd hole has a blind shot so there is an extra signaler to indicate when the coast is clear and to the marshals when the ball is coming. Every 3rd ball though seemed to be heading my way as I was near the hidden bunkers/gully. I ended up fishing out Angel Cabrera's ball and should have fished out Jim Furyk's ball, but it vanished into the grass.
After 3 hours of ducking and covering up every time the paddle pointed my way it was time to rotate; clockwise sending me and the 2 other guys on my side up to the green. And then it got really slow. My job at the green was to keep the greenside crowd quiet, keep the paying customers off the hole, and spot stray balls. Sadly not one of those things happened. Well, at least I had a good view of the shots down #4 and also the golfers hitting perpendicular to #17.
Finally the shift was done and I resolved to walk from #1 to #18. That took 3 hours and wore me out. After surviving that (it was gorgeous and I took a lot of pictures) it was time to head back to the volunteer lot and then drive the 45 minutes to Morgan Hill. And here I am; tired but ready for another go at it tomorrow. It'll be the afternoon shift, so I can sleep in just a bit.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 Part 1 - The Long Haul
Finally after 2 days of traveling I'm in place; although in place for me means in Morgan Hill, California, which is about 50 miles away from Pebble Beach. So each day will have its own trip to make. 7 days in a row of 100 miles; hope the car holds out. But I actually digress...
I left the family around 0830 Saturday the 12th of June, 2010, there in American Fork, Utah. Originally we were all going to drive down to LA on Friday and then on Sunday I would drive up to Morgan Hill. And then on Thursday everyone else would join me here at the wonderful ExtendedStay America. But there were some health issues and Leslie and the boys ended up having to stay in A.F., so this trip turned into a solo run. I am so looking forward to being able to do this with someone else; in 2015 the US Open will be in Washington; maybe Corwyn will want to do it with me then! Anyway, the trip for Saturday is a simple 543 mile jaunt across Northern Nevada, courtesy of I-80, to Reno for the night. Should be pretty straightforward. Well in Elko the "Check Engine" light comes on. What that means to a 1992 BMW 325is is that something is going on and you should take it in to get diagnosed. The dealerships in Utah were closed, the one in Reno wouldn't answer their phone, finally the one in Sacramento tells me this. And since the car is running reasonably well (it is 18 years old, but with only 145,000 miles) maybe I can survive. So I roll the dice and manage to make it okay into Reno.
This morning (Sunday, 13 June) I can't sleep and am awake at 0630 so I get up, get ready, and get going. After a good breakfast at the hotel (John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, actually) I head for Donner and the long coast downhill. On the way my trip computer is telling me I'm going to get into Morgan Hill about 1230; much too early so I decide to take a little side trip as I go through Sacramento and visit what used to be Mather AFB and is now Mather Field. Ouch. The place is nothing like I remember it. The base closed in 1993, 7 years after I left there, but that means it has been a total of 24 years. Ouch.
Continued on through Vacaville and then south via San Ramon and Pleasanton (both places I have run cross country invitationals at), turned onto 101 in San Jose and finally pulled into Morgan Hill, still too early. I had to drive around for an hour before I could check in. And then I wanted to time the trip to the volunteer lot so I drove southwest to Marina and Seaside (53 minutes, but there was a lot of traffic) and then to Pebble Beach for the merchandise presale. And now I am ready!
I left the family around 0830 Saturday the 12th of June, 2010, there in American Fork, Utah. Originally we were all going to drive down to LA on Friday and then on Sunday I would drive up to Morgan Hill. And then on Thursday everyone else would join me here at the wonderful ExtendedStay America. But there were some health issues and Leslie and the boys ended up having to stay in A.F., so this trip turned into a solo run. I am so looking forward to being able to do this with someone else; in 2015 the US Open will be in Washington; maybe Corwyn will want to do it with me then! Anyway, the trip for Saturday is a simple 543 mile jaunt across Northern Nevada, courtesy of I-80, to Reno for the night. Should be pretty straightforward. Well in Elko the "Check Engine" light comes on. What that means to a 1992 BMW 325is is that something is going on and you should take it in to get diagnosed. The dealerships in Utah were closed, the one in Reno wouldn't answer their phone, finally the one in Sacramento tells me this. And since the car is running reasonably well (it is 18 years old, but with only 145,000 miles) maybe I can survive. So I roll the dice and manage to make it okay into Reno.
This morning (Sunday, 13 June) I can't sleep and am awake at 0630 so I get up, get ready, and get going. After a good breakfast at the hotel (John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, actually) I head for Donner and the long coast downhill. On the way my trip computer is telling me I'm going to get into Morgan Hill about 1230; much too early so I decide to take a little side trip as I go through Sacramento and visit what used to be Mather AFB and is now Mather Field. Ouch. The place is nothing like I remember it. The base closed in 1993, 7 years after I left there, but that means it has been a total of 24 years. Ouch.
Continued on through Vacaville and then south via San Ramon and Pleasanton (both places I have run cross country invitationals at), turned onto 101 in San Jose and finally pulled into Morgan Hill, still too early. I had to drive around for an hour before I could check in. And then I wanted to time the trip to the volunteer lot so I drove southwest to Marina and Seaside (53 minutes, but there was a lot of traffic) and then to Pebble Beach for the merchandise presale. And now I am ready!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 23, 2010: Homeward Bound
The hotel shuttle drove us the 10 minutes to the train station where we bought our tickets and got on a train for the 20 minute trip to the airport. The volcano was cooperating so there were no problems with the flight, although it took a long time to get through baggage drop-off as there was a back-up. But once through security and onto the plane the 10 hour flight went. Slowly. Excruciatingly. Into Portland and finally though security and got the bag re-checked and then a quick flight to Salt Lake City. Dropped Lex off and got home at 1730. Only about 19 hours travel time today compared with the 25 hours last week.
The next trip is my trip to Monterey for the US Open, June 11-22. Before that there is the end of school and a family reunion, so it will be busy.
The next trip is my trip to Monterey for the US Open, June 11-22. Before that there is the end of school and a family reunion, so it will be busy.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 22, 2010: Free Day
It was cheaper to keep us in Amsterdam for an extra day than to send us home on Saturday, so we had a day to ourselves. Travis, Lex, and I decided to go to the Rijksmuseum and then to the Anne Frank house; Alex had lived in the Netherlands before and had seen them all; besides he had a test online to take. So we left him and toured the museum and saw a lot of Rembrandt. Quite a good collection there; well worth the time spent.
We then walked to the Anne Frank house as the tram we wanted to take must have been decommissioned; it was shown on the maps but not at the tracks. Oh, well, so we have sore feet. The tour was sombering; not much left there after the Nazi's cleaned out the place after they were discovered. But you could imagine what they had to go through.
We met Alex outside after the house and went looking for some lunch. We eventually found some subpar schoarma; not quite what Alex remembered but still good. Then it was time for some souvenir shopping and we ended up around the Dam. My souvenirs consisted of a hat as I was getting sunburned and some french fries (the best in Amsterdam so the sign said). Pretty good, but I like the ones I had in Dusseldorf 2 years ago much better.
After a quick stop at the hotel we set out in search of dinner, eventually ending up at an Italian place near the Renaissance. Alex and I had the sole; it was good but there wasn't very much. So after wards he and I went searching for a real schoarma and finally found one, much to the amusement of the others. That one was really good. After getting that down we made it back to the hotel and prepared for leaving the next day.
We then walked to the Anne Frank house as the tram we wanted to take must have been decommissioned; it was shown on the maps but not at the tracks. Oh, well, so we have sore feet. The tour was sombering; not much left there after the Nazi's cleaned out the place after they were discovered. But you could imagine what they had to go through.
We met Alex outside after the house and went looking for some lunch. We eventually found some subpar schoarma; not quite what Alex remembered but still good. Then it was time for some souvenir shopping and we ended up around the Dam. My souvenirs consisted of a hat as I was getting sunburned and some french fries (the best in Amsterdam so the sign said). Pretty good, but I like the ones I had in Dusseldorf 2 years ago much better.
After a quick stop at the hotel we set out in search of dinner, eventually ending up at an Italian place near the Renaissance. Alex and I had the sole; it was good but there wasn't very much. So after wards he and I went searching for a real schoarma and finally found one, much to the amusement of the others. That one was really good. After getting that down we made it back to the hotel and prepared for leaving the next day.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 21, 2010: Last Sessions and Show Close
Two sessions, the closing keynote, and teardown during the day. Both sessions went well, although that stupid demo was even slower than the day before. Got to figure that out; response time for the demos was really nasty and Alex and I had to do a lot of improvisation. When the tech lab was done I uninstalled all of the software I had put on the machines and then got ready for the last session. Once it was done the lab was gone, people were leaving, and the show was over. It went well, though; a lot of excitement.
We went out for dinner with the group to a french place called d'TheeBoom (The Tea Tree). The food was good, the service was lousy and slow, but I was in relax mode so it didn't matter. On the way home Alex and Richard took us on a route that bisected the Red Light District and we eventually parted company; several of us making for the hotel and the others vanished into the narrow streets and alleys in that neighborhood.
We went out for dinner with the group to a french place called d'TheeBoom (The Tea Tree). The food was good, the service was lousy and slow, but I was in relax mode so it didn't matter. On the way home Alex and Richard took us on a route that bisected the Red Light District and we eventually parted company; several of us making for the hotel and the others vanished into the narrow streets and alleys in that neighborhood.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 20, 2010: Session Time
For a while I thought I was not going to even step out of the hotel today. The hotel is connected by passageways to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) so when you are going to sessions (held in the hotel conference rooms) from the tech lab (in the PTA) you simply cut down this corridor. Lunch is in the PTA, although there has been some serious mis-communication between the lunch staff and the show staff about lunch for the workers as neither side really understands what the other side is doing. But we managed to grab something to eat before they completely shut down the food line.
The first of my three sessions was today and it went well. The demo was a little slow but that is a combination of my crappy laptop and the network. Everything worked and everyone was excited about the Android emulator that I showed. I think they are more excited about getting the emulator for testing than for seeing the demo.
After the sessions it was time for Tech Talk (or what used to be called Meet (Beat) the Experts). 3 more hours of work in the lab, trying to get the staff to bring a plate or two of food or drinks by as that was dinner. We didn't get a lot of bug questions, mostly queries about new products which was good. And we got some food.
GWAVA had their conference party right after Tech Talk and we met at the boat dock next to the PTA and took 2 canal boats from there to a dock more downtown as their party was at a place called Royalty! Travis, Lex, and I went, and Travis managed to get access to the VIP lounge where we hung out, had some Dutch appetizers and a few Pepsi Lights, waiting for some of the Novell brass to arrive. We had heard that Ken and possibly Ron were going to come, but we got tired of waiting and shortly before midnight we departed for the walk/ride back. Made it partly back but Robin really needed to get back quick so we flagged a taxi and got him back quick!
The first of my three sessions was today and it went well. The demo was a little slow but that is a combination of my crappy laptop and the network. Everything worked and everyone was excited about the Android emulator that I showed. I think they are more excited about getting the emulator for testing than for seeing the demo.
After the sessions it was time for Tech Talk (or what used to be called Meet (Beat) the Experts). 3 more hours of work in the lab, trying to get the staff to bring a plate or two of food or drinks by as that was dinner. We didn't get a lot of bug questions, mostly queries about new products which was good. And we got some food.
GWAVA had their conference party right after Tech Talk and we met at the boat dock next to the PTA and took 2 canal boats from there to a dock more downtown as their party was at a place called Royalty! Travis, Lex, and I went, and Travis managed to get access to the VIP lounge where we hung out, had some Dutch appetizers and a few Pepsi Lights, waiting for some of the Novell brass to arrive. We had heard that Ken and possibly Ron were going to come, but we got tired of waiting and shortly before midnight we departed for the walk/ride back. Made it partly back but Robin really needed to get back quick so we flagged a taxi and got him back quick!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 19, 2010: The Show Begins
BrainShare always starts with the Keynote; in Amsterdam it was no exception. The problem was that the keynote room and the tech lab are really part of the same larger room; so trying to finish getting the lab ready for the lab start of 1100 during the keynote was difficult. But I persevered and got everything working, even a local demo of an Apple iPod Touch syncing with the virtual system on my laptop.
IDM 4 had their big launch that evening. What they did was park a party boat that was like a floating disco next to the Passenger Terminal and everyone got on board and partied for an hour. Really; a bunch of geeks all together in a disco? There was Dutch appetizers, drinks, music, and even a dance floor (ratio of 100 to 1 is my guess). After an hour of getting people lubed up the boat cruised around the harbor for an hour before docking again by the show. By then some brave souls were dancing; not that they should have been dancing but I guess they felt they had to!
Each evening I tried to stay up until about midnight so that I would be good and tired and sleep mostly through the night and it worked! Standing around all day also helped; tiring. Only lab this day; sessions the other 2 days.
IDM 4 had their big launch that evening. What they did was park a party boat that was like a floating disco next to the Passenger Terminal and everyone got on board and partied for an hour. Really; a bunch of geeks all together in a disco? There was Dutch appetizers, drinks, music, and even a dance floor (ratio of 100 to 1 is my guess). After an hour of getting people lubed up the boat cruised around the harbor for an hour before docking again by the show. By then some brave souls were dancing; not that they should have been dancing but I guess they felt they had to!
Each evening I tried to stay up until about midnight so that I would be good and tired and sleep mostly through the night and it worked! Standing around all day also helped; tiring. Only lab this day; sessions the other 2 days.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 18, 2010: BrainShare Setup
I stayed up late enough the night before so that I would sleep through; it worked! After a Dutch/Swiss breakfast (the Mövenpick is a Swiss hotel) it was to the lab to get everything setup. Once the computers were in place on the tables we had to install the demo system, the clients on each machine to access the demo system. Throw in some TSS training about the Data Synchronizer and a built-from-scratch virtual sync box and you have a long day. Almost got it completed by the time we were going out for dinner: Italian and quite good. Someone else paid so there was no problem with the tip and we walked back, skirting the red-light district.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 16-17, 2010: The Journey Begins
What should have been a 19 hour trip including a layover in Portland turned into a trip lasting more than 24 hours. While north of Iceland a new destination showed up on the moving map display; instead of Amsterdam the target circle was around Frankfurt, Germany. About 20 minutes later the captain came on the intercom and informed us that due to ash from the Icelandic volcano we would have to land in Frankfurt as the airport in Amsterdam was closed.
In Frankfurt there was a left package, a huge crowd of people trying to get re-routed to Amsterdam, a huge crowd at the Delta desk, and the four of us (Alex, Travis, Lex, and myself) just wanting to get in that evening. Train or car? Train was 130 Euros each 2nd class, car was 250 Euros total. Made sense.
The car was barely large enough for 4 people and their luggage, not to mention that at only 1.5 liters we would not be able to use the Autobahn as it is intended. No matter. With Alex and Travis switching off we made it in 5 hours, counting a quick lunch break in Köln.
Finally to the hotel at 1630; checked in and went looking for dinner. Indonesian, very good, but I forgot about tipping rules in Europe and gave the guy quite a large tip; he was very happy, though!
In Frankfurt there was a left package, a huge crowd of people trying to get re-routed to Amsterdam, a huge crowd at the Delta desk, and the four of us (Alex, Travis, Lex, and myself) just wanting to get in that evening. Train or car? Train was 130 Euros each 2nd class, car was 250 Euros total. Made sense.
The car was barely large enough for 4 people and their luggage, not to mention that at only 1.5 liters we would not be able to use the Autobahn as it is intended. No matter. With Alex and Travis switching off we made it in 5 hours, counting a quick lunch break in Köln.
Finally to the hotel at 1630; checked in and went looking for dinner. Indonesian, very good, but I forgot about tipping rules in Europe and gave the guy quite a large tip; he was very happy, though!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Upcoming Trips
From May 23rd to May 30th I'll be in Amsterdam attending BrainShare EMEA 2010
From June 11 to June 22 I'll be working the US Open @ Pebble Beach.
From June 11 to June 22 I'll be working the US Open @ Pebble Beach.
US Open 2008: Travel Back home and the Real Last Day (June 16)
Luckily we found a radio station from LA while we were out on the road near Barstow and were able to listen to the playoff commentary hole-by-hole. Part of my thinking about not staying was that instead of crowds being scattered around the course watching everyone and slowly congregating back at #18 I figured that everyone would either follow Tiger and Rocco around (the all-powerful amoeba devouring everything in its path) or everyone would camp at #18 like the previous day. The big difference is that there was only one group. So I decided against the crowds. I sure didn't expect the outcome of that 18 hole playoff to be a tie!
The tee for #7 is right next to the green at #18, and the tee for #8 is next to the green for #7. Once off of #8 the tee for #18 is right there, so that is why those 3 holes were chosen for the sudden-death holes. But as you know Tiger won it on the first hole; I felt sorry for Rocco. So close, so far. Might not get another chance. Tiger definetely will. We listened to that final hole on the road from Las Vegas to Mesquite.
The rest of the trip was keeping the kids from killing each other and us from falling asleep. I do think that I want to do this again; maybe in 2 years at Pebble Beach both Leslie and I can volunteer together!
The tee for #7 is right next to the green at #18, and the tee for #8 is next to the green for #7. Once off of #8 the tee for #18 is right there, so that is why those 3 holes were chosen for the sudden-death holes. But as you know Tiger won it on the first hole; I felt sorry for Rocco. So close, so far. Might not get another chance. Tiger definetely will. We listened to that final hole on the road from Las Vegas to Mesquite.
The rest of the trip was keeping the kids from killing each other and us from falling asleep. I do think that I want to do this again; maybe in 2 years at Pebble Beach both Leslie and I can volunteer together!
US Open 2008: Last Day (So I Thought) (June 15)
Final day and I didn't have to work! Perfect. The plan for today was simple: get there early and get a good seat in the stands at #18. Execution: almost perfect. I was on one of the 1st buses leaving Qualcomm and arrived at the main gate at 0600. Quick stepped it across the course to # 18 and found only two rows in the grandstand already filled: the top row that lets you watch them tee off on #1, and the front row above the exit gate where the players go out and the fans can get balls thrown to them. I was orignally hoping for one of those top row seats, but quickly chose another one directly west of the old hole position that had a good view of the slope down into the water and a reasonable view down the fairway to where they would be hitting.
Of course they moved the hole to the far side of the green, but still completely abeam the chosen seat location. I was in my seat at 0630, near 2 guys at the stairs out, front row. Shortly thereafter a guy came and reserved 3 seats for him, his girlfriend, and his brother on one side of me, and another guy, also a volunteer, came and sat between me and the 2 guys who had beat me to the seats. So there were 7 of us on that front row, and there we stayed and protected our investment for the rest of the day. Of course it took almost 4 hours for the 1st group to come in, as the 1st tee time for the day was 0700.
Once the groups started through it was great. We got to watch them either lay up or go for it; and there were plenty of both. Because of the hole position there were only a couple of splashes today; most either made it on or put it in the bunkers over on the East side of the green. One player put it in the stands down a bit from us, though. He politely requested his ball and when the fan passed it down via the marshals he signed a ball and had them pass it up. Very nice.
Once the final groups started coming in the attempts by the general public to get into the stands became more frenzied. People were getting upset that they couldn't get in, and those of us who had seats and were just leaving for a quick run to the john or to get some food were met with suspicion and sometimes open hostitlity back at the entrance to the stands. There was a system: when you left the marshal told you a password which would get you back in. For a lot of people even that was no guarantee that you'd get your seat back as people were squeezing into where-ever they could. Since we had our seats blocked out with portable bleacher cushions it was easier to turn people down when they wanted to sit in our row; even so they still gave us dirty looks.
There were several people who were pushing and fighting to get seats and the cops came and escorted them out. And many times the fire marshal came through and cleared off the stairs and walkways. I'd say that all of the seats were locked up about 1330. The last couple of groups didn't roll in until after 1630, so there was lots of tension.
The entire stand would groan, cheer, or sigh whenever the score changed on the big scoreboard. Finally Rocco came in with a stroke lead and wasn't able to hit his bird, so both Tiger and Lee Westwood had a great opportunity for a playoff. The rest is history. Tiger drove into the sand on the left, hit out into the rough on the left, which meant he had to hit it perfectly onto the green to even attempt a birdie, but this is Tiger we're talking about and he did just that. Once on the green I knew he'd make it, so I was ticked off in that I either had to check back into the hotel and make arrangements to delay a day or I would have to somehow tune into the match on the way home to Utah the next day. When Westwood missed his birdie I decided that I needed to get back, and after Tiger made his and tied up the score I had already made the decision. Not that I didn't rethink it several times on the way back to Qualcomm and my car. But no; I drove back up to LA and helped get Leslie and the kids packed.
Of course they moved the hole to the far side of the green, but still completely abeam the chosen seat location. I was in my seat at 0630, near 2 guys at the stairs out, front row. Shortly thereafter a guy came and reserved 3 seats for him, his girlfriend, and his brother on one side of me, and another guy, also a volunteer, came and sat between me and the 2 guys who had beat me to the seats. So there were 7 of us on that front row, and there we stayed and protected our investment for the rest of the day. Of course it took almost 4 hours for the 1st group to come in, as the 1st tee time for the day was 0700.
Once the groups started through it was great. We got to watch them either lay up or go for it; and there were plenty of both. Because of the hole position there were only a couple of splashes today; most either made it on or put it in the bunkers over on the East side of the green. One player put it in the stands down a bit from us, though. He politely requested his ball and when the fan passed it down via the marshals he signed a ball and had them pass it up. Very nice.
Once the final groups started coming in the attempts by the general public to get into the stands became more frenzied. People were getting upset that they couldn't get in, and those of us who had seats and were just leaving for a quick run to the john or to get some food were met with suspicion and sometimes open hostitlity back at the entrance to the stands. There was a system: when you left the marshal told you a password which would get you back in. For a lot of people even that was no guarantee that you'd get your seat back as people were squeezing into where-ever they could. Since we had our seats blocked out with portable bleacher cushions it was easier to turn people down when they wanted to sit in our row; even so they still gave us dirty looks.
There were several people who were pushing and fighting to get seats and the cops came and escorted them out. And many times the fire marshal came through and cleared off the stairs and walkways. I'd say that all of the seats were locked up about 1330. The last couple of groups didn't roll in until after 1630, so there was lots of tension.
The entire stand would groan, cheer, or sigh whenever the score changed on the big scoreboard. Finally Rocco came in with a stroke lead and wasn't able to hit his bird, so both Tiger and Lee Westwood had a great opportunity for a playoff. The rest is history. Tiger drove into the sand on the left, hit out into the rough on the left, which meant he had to hit it perfectly onto the green to even attempt a birdie, but this is Tiger we're talking about and he did just that. Once on the green I knew he'd make it, so I was ticked off in that I either had to check back into the hotel and make arrangements to delay a day or I would have to somehow tune into the match on the way home to Utah the next day. When Westwood missed his birdie I decided that I needed to get back, and after Tiger made his and tied up the score I had already made the decision. Not that I didn't rethink it several times on the way back to Qualcomm and my car. But no; I drove back up to LA and helped get Leslie and the kids packed.
US Open 2008: Last Day of Work and Tiger's Big Run (June 14)
My last day of work; hurray! Tomorrow is the last day of the Championship (hopefully) and I don't have to work.
Today was slower than the last; which was nice. Still, we had our spurts and when my shift was done my back was killing me! Anyway, the 1st tee-time was at 0830, which meant that I only had a couple of hours before I needed to go get ready and checked in. So I couldn't got too far away, so I decided to sit in the 1st green bleachers. Then after my shift I took one look at the crowds waiting to get into the 18th grandstand then decided to go elsewhere. I only made it halfway down the 18th and decided to watch the action there.
Yesterday on the 3rd I ended up sitting with some guys from Utah valley, believe it or not, and today I was standing with some guys from SLC. Small world, eh?
Heard the roar when Tiger birdied @ 17, then couldn't believe it when he eagled at 18; his 2nd eagle of the day. Hopefully there will be lots of action there and that it won't end in a playoff; as I'd have to quickly juggle plans so that I could be there for the final play. Otherwise tomorrow after the final group I'll be driving up to LA and then back up to Utah on Monday.
Today was slower than the last; which was nice. Still, we had our spurts and when my shift was done my back was killing me! Anyway, the 1st tee-time was at 0830, which meant that I only had a couple of hours before I needed to go get ready and checked in. So I couldn't got too far away, so I decided to sit in the 1st green bleachers. Then after my shift I took one look at the crowds waiting to get into the 18th grandstand then decided to go elsewhere. I only made it halfway down the 18th and decided to watch the action there.
Yesterday on the 3rd I ended up sitting with some guys from Utah valley, believe it or not, and today I was standing with some guys from SLC. Small world, eh?
Heard the roar when Tiger birdied @ 17, then couldn't believe it when he eagled at 18; his 2nd eagle of the day. Hopefully there will be lots of action there and that it won't end in a playoff; as I'd have to quickly juggle plans so that I could be there for the final play. Otherwise tomorrow after the final group I'll be driving up to LA and then back up to Utah on Monday.
US Open 2008: Day 2 of the Championship and Work (June 13)
Day 2 - Before the Cut: A work day, so I had to wear my uniform, but I got to ride the volunteer shuttle. Immediately on arriving I went down to the 3rd green and got a great seat up in the bleachers. One of the first groups through had Streelman in it, who was leading the event after the 1st day at three under par. He came away from #3 with a triple bogey. Those greens are brutal; there were players mis-reading putts all day long.
Right after Sergio and his crowd rolled through I had to head for the merchandise tent and my 5 hour shift. And it was busy! Barely had time to catch my breath.
Right before our replacements came Tiger and Phil hit off the 1st tee; right outside the tent, causing massive crowds. Luckily they had gone down to the green when I came out, so i was able to cross the 1st easily and head for the 8th, which is also a par 3 with a nice grandstand. I barely made it in; shortly thereafter it was declared full and that no-one was allowed to go for beer runs anymore, which nearly caused a rebellion, but the marshals weren't going to take any crap. After a hour or so Tiger and Phil and Adam Scott came through; Scott had the hot of the hole, though, as his tee shot hit the stick and ended up about 3 inches from the hole. We thought we were going to see a hole in one there for a second!
And then the crowds quickly left, running up to the 9th to see them finish their round. Tomorrow it is about half of the players and doesn't start until 0730 or so. I think I will be watching at the 13th; it looks like some good viewing there. Of course I will have to work, but it will be my last shift!
Right after Sergio and his crowd rolled through I had to head for the merchandise tent and my 5 hour shift. And it was busy! Barely had time to catch my breath.
Right before our replacements came Tiger and Phil hit off the 1st tee; right outside the tent, causing massive crowds. Luckily they had gone down to the green when I came out, so i was able to cross the 1st easily and head for the 8th, which is also a par 3 with a nice grandstand. I barely made it in; shortly thereafter it was declared full and that no-one was allowed to go for beer runs anymore, which nearly caused a rebellion, but the marshals weren't going to take any crap. After a hour or so Tiger and Phil and Adam Scott came through; Scott had the hot of the hole, though, as his tee shot hit the stick and ended up about 3 inches from the hole. We thought we were going to see a hole in one there for a second!
And then the crowds quickly left, running up to the 9th to see them finish their round. Tomorrow it is about half of the players and doesn't start until 0730 or so. I think I will be watching at the 13th; it looks like some good viewing there. Of course I will have to work, but it will be my last shift!
US Open 2008: Day 1 of the Championship (June 12)
Sorry; no photos today. But a full day of golf!
After waking up at 0430 I hopped in the jeep @ 0500 and made it to the stadium parking lot 20 minutes later. I was worried that I might be getting there too early; wrong! There was already a line. But right at 0530 the buses started to move and I made it thru the main gate right at 0600. The 1st tee time was at 7, so i headed for the 1st tee, thinking about getting a stool so I could sit out on the side of a fairway. The store was closed, but I noticed that there was good standing spots right at the 1st tee across from the bleachers. Prime viewing space! So I stood there for almost 2 hours as the 1st 6 groups went off, and then it was the big group: Mickelson, Scott, and Woods at 0806. By then the people standing behind me were 4 or 5 deep. But once they tee-ed off (Tiger went way left and ended up getting a double bogey) and headed away from the tee the entire crowd went with them and then there was plenty of space.
After getting my stool I headed for the 17th, to the spot I had scoped out earlier. By then the 1/4 of the field that had started on #10 was approaching, so I only had to wait 20 minutes for the 1st group showed up. I basically stayed put for the entire AM group, including Tiger and Phil's group. I was right at the corner to the players passage from the 17th green to the 18th tee, and got a close look at all the players as they passed. It was pretty funny watching everyone jockeying for position, especially once Tiger and Phil's group neared. There were about 3 of us that pretty much anchored that corner, with me in the pivot point.
After a short break as the AM group finished and the PM group started, I was back in my spot, until Mike Weir and Sergio's groups had passed. As it was about 1800 and I was sunburned and tired I decided to head out. Saw a lot of groups on my way back as I had to basically walk backwards from the 17th to get to the 11th where the main gate is.
Tomorrow I'm working again so I'll be taking the volunteer bus and wearing my uniform again. But there will be time both before and after my shift to see lots of great golf!
After waking up at 0430 I hopped in the jeep @ 0500 and made it to the stadium parking lot 20 minutes later. I was worried that I might be getting there too early; wrong! There was already a line. But right at 0530 the buses started to move and I made it thru the main gate right at 0600. The 1st tee time was at 7, so i headed for the 1st tee, thinking about getting a stool so I could sit out on the side of a fairway. The store was closed, but I noticed that there was good standing spots right at the 1st tee across from the bleachers. Prime viewing space! So I stood there for almost 2 hours as the 1st 6 groups went off, and then it was the big group: Mickelson, Scott, and Woods at 0806. By then the people standing behind me were 4 or 5 deep. But once they tee-ed off (Tiger went way left and ended up getting a double bogey) and headed away from the tee the entire crowd went with them and then there was plenty of space.
After getting my stool I headed for the 17th, to the spot I had scoped out earlier. By then the 1/4 of the field that had started on #10 was approaching, so I only had to wait 20 minutes for the 1st group showed up. I basically stayed put for the entire AM group, including Tiger and Phil's group. I was right at the corner to the players passage from the 17th green to the 18th tee, and got a close look at all the players as they passed. It was pretty funny watching everyone jockeying for position, especially once Tiger and Phil's group neared. There were about 3 of us that pretty much anchored that corner, with me in the pivot point.
After a short break as the AM group finished and the PM group started, I was back in my spot, until Mike Weir and Sergio's groups had passed. As it was about 1800 and I was sunburned and tired I decided to head out. Saw a lot of groups on my way back as I had to basically walk backwards from the 17th to get to the 11th where the main gate is.
Tomorrow I'm working again so I'll be taking the volunteer bus and wearing my uniform again. But there will be time both before and after my shift to see lots of great golf!
US Open 2008: June 11, 2008 - 1st Day Off
Didn't have to work today! Could just do whatever I wanted to do, so I went to Torrey Pines and walked around again. This time I had to park at Qualcomm Stadium and then take a shuttle bus back to the course. So it took an extra hour to get to the course. Tomorrow and Sunday (my other 2 days off) I'll be getting up really early to get over there before the event starts.
I'm uploading more pictures to the Photo Album; this will be the last day for pictures from the course, though, as cameras are not allowed the 4 days of the Championship.
As I was wandering though the practice area towards the putting greens I noticed that it was jammed tight around the fence. Tiger must be in there, I thought, and so he was. There are huge crowds following him and Lefty and Sergio around the course; it will be crazy tomorrow and Friday with Tiger, Lefty, and Adam Scott all in the same group. I'm still debating my strategy for watching this the next 4 days (of course for 2 of those I'll be stuck in the tent from 1130 to 1600). Should I:
1. Wander
2. Stay put and watch lots of groups
3. Follow a specific group or two around
That is still TBD...
I'm uploading more pictures to the Photo Album; this will be the last day for pictures from the course, though, as cameras are not allowed the 4 days of the Championship.
As I was wandering though the practice area towards the putting greens I noticed that it was jammed tight around the fence. Tiger must be in there, I thought, and so he was. There are huge crowds following him and Lefty and Sergio around the course; it will be crazy tomorrow and Friday with Tiger, Lefty, and Adam Scott all in the same group. I'm still debating my strategy for watching this the next 4 days (of course for 2 of those I'll be stuck in the tent from 1130 to 1600). Should I:
1. Wander
2. Stay put and watch lots of groups
3. Follow a specific group or two around
That is still TBD...
US Open 2008: More practice and more work (June 10, 2008)
My 2nd work day and 2nd chance to look around. This time once in the gate I camped out at the convergence between the 15th green to the 18th tee and I waited. Good thing I did 'cause Tiger arrived almost immediately, followed by Parnevik, Montgomerie, Allenby, Villegas, Clark, Immelman, Verplank, Leonard, Tway, and finally Mickelson. I just anchored my self near the 17th green, right next to the players passage to the 18th tee, so got a good look at them all.
After a hot dog and a coke ($8) it was time to get to work. Slower today; but still quite a bit of sales. One of the retail guys there said they did over $700K in business the 1st day. And they were a bit disappointed. I thought I had sold at least a million myself!
After work I saw Sergio's crowd following him around, then sat in the bleachers at the 18th and watched the players put on a putting & chipping show. Ernie Els was the last player I watched, and as I was worn out I headed back along the 18th towards the volunteer tent and shuttle pickup.
Tomorrow I am in full spectator mode as I don't have to work. That means I can't use the volunteer shuttle; instead I have to park at Qualcomm Stadium and take the main shuttle and it will be crowded! More about thta tomorrow.
Tomorrow's pictures will be the last from the course as starting Thursday cameras will be verboten...
After a hot dog and a coke ($8) it was time to get to work. Slower today; but still quite a bit of sales. One of the retail guys there said they did over $700K in business the 1st day. And they were a bit disappointed. I thought I had sold at least a million myself!
After work I saw Sergio's crowd following him around, then sat in the bleachers at the 18th and watched the players put on a putting & chipping show. Ernie Els was the last player I watched, and as I was worn out I headed back along the 18th towards the volunteer tent and shuttle pickup.
Tomorrow I am in full spectator mode as I don't have to work. That means I can't use the volunteer shuttle; instead I have to park at Qualcomm Stadium and take the main shuttle and it will be crowded! More about thta tomorrow.
Tomorrow's pictures will be the last from the course as starting Thursday cameras will be verboten...
US Open 2008: 1st Day - June 9, 2008: Practice round and working sales
1st Day of the week's events: Practice rounds and my 1st day working in the Merchandise tent.
Volunteer parking is off of Via de la Valle at the Polo Grounds; from there shuttle buses to the course. Since it was the 1st day there were some mixups, like when the driver turned north up the coast away from Torrey Pines. After going thru Del Mar we turned around and made it in safely.
The volunteer shuttle drops us off at the 9th tee where there is also a volunteer hospitality tent with free sodas, coffee, and bagels and a place to relax and watch the tv screens. But too much to see, so after a quick gulp of Diet Coke I was off for the grand tour.
Walked the entire course and took lots of pictures. Saw a lot of players, including Mike Weir, VJ Singh, and others. Tiger started early and snuck off before it got too crowded, so I didn't see him, but I'll catch him either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Decided to sit in the grandstands for the 18th to eat my lunch before my shift, as getting a seat there later in the week will probably be tough.
From 1130 - 1600 we were busy ringing up sales. There were a few single items sales, but most amounts were close to $100. A wife of one of the players came through and ran up over $1000 before we directed her to customer service so she could get her spousal discount. I still can't believe all the cash flowing thru the US Open!
Uploaded a few pictures today as I bought a SD card to USB adapter after getting back here to the hotel. More tomorrow!!!
Volunteer parking is off of Via de la Valle at the Polo Grounds; from there shuttle buses to the course. Since it was the 1st day there were some mixups, like when the driver turned north up the coast away from Torrey Pines. After going thru Del Mar we turned around and made it in safely.
The volunteer shuttle drops us off at the 9th tee where there is also a volunteer hospitality tent with free sodas, coffee, and bagels and a place to relax and watch the tv screens. But too much to see, so after a quick gulp of Diet Coke I was off for the grand tour.
Walked the entire course and took lots of pictures. Saw a lot of players, including Mike Weir, VJ Singh, and others. Tiger started early and snuck off before it got too crowded, so I didn't see him, but I'll catch him either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Decided to sit in the grandstands for the 18th to eat my lunch before my shift, as getting a seat there later in the week will probably be tough.
From 1130 - 1600 we were busy ringing up sales. There were a few single items sales, but most amounts were close to $100. A wife of one of the players came through and ran up over $1000 before we directed her to customer service so she could get her spousal discount. I still can't believe all the cash flowing thru the US Open!
Uploaded a few pictures today as I bought a SD card to USB adapter after getting back here to the hotel. More tomorrow!!!
Heading to the Open: Travel Days June 7 and 8, 2008
Checked into the California Suites hotel this afternoon. An older hotel in a residential/lower income area, but the room is clean, there is a fridge and a pool, and everyone is very friendly. They even have internet access (obviously since I'm posting here).
Yesterday was the big haul; 12 hours on the road, but we made it to Leslie's parents house in San Gabriel by about 1630. No accidents that had us stopped on the interstate unlike the last couple of times down. Since I was going to spend only 1 night with the family this entire trip we all agreed to go to our favorite Mexican food place, Ernie Jr.s; we go there at least once every time in LA. Best Mexican food I've found.
As is normally the case after packing late and driving early I crashed about 2100 PDT and didn't stir until the kids were chasing each other around the house this morning about 0730. After getting them situated and visiting for a bit I abandoned Leslie and the boys there at the house and headed South, down the I-5.
After unloading my stuff I drove over to the course to check things out. Today was free entrance for anyone; especially to the merchandise tent which is huge and full of everything you can think about putting the USGA name and logo on. I looked around, bought some things for the family, and wandered back to the hotel through La Jolla and University City, with a quick detour to the San Diego Temple.
I realized I forgot my camera cable, so tomorrow after my shift I'll see about finding one so I can upload some photos!
Yesterday was the big haul; 12 hours on the road, but we made it to Leslie's parents house in San Gabriel by about 1630. No accidents that had us stopped on the interstate unlike the last couple of times down. Since I was going to spend only 1 night with the family this entire trip we all agreed to go to our favorite Mexican food place, Ernie Jr.s; we go there at least once every time in LA. Best Mexican food I've found.
As is normally the case after packing late and driving early I crashed about 2100 PDT and didn't stir until the kids were chasing each other around the house this morning about 0730. After getting them situated and visiting for a bit I abandoned Leslie and the boys there at the house and headed South, down the I-5.
After unloading my stuff I drove over to the course to check things out. Today was free entrance for anyone; especially to the merchandise tent which is huge and full of everything you can think about putting the USGA name and logo on. I looked around, bought some things for the family, and wandered back to the hotel through La Jolla and University City, with a quick detour to the San Diego Temple.
I realized I forgot my camera cable, so tomorrow after my shift I'll see about finding one so I can upload some photos!
US Open 2008
In June of 2008 I worked the US Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego, as a Merchandise Tent volunteer. I am adding my blog from Novell Teaming describing the trip.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Where do I begin?
Do others really care where you've been or what you've seen? Sometimes people ask that we keep them informed how the trip is going or to post pictures of what we've seen, but are they just being polite? For those of you who are really interested I will be posting thoughts and pictures from the various ramblings that I am fortunate enough to to on (some might even be physical displacements).
I'll also be adding some information about past trips, for my own sake. Bear with me...
I'll also be adding some information about past trips, for my own sake. Bear with me...
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