Florence, Oregon | Golf at Sandpines

Tuesday – 30 May 2006: Florence, Oregon - The perfect weather continues (though the newspaper reports it will rain tomorrow). It was a perfect day to golf at Sandpines! They are in a bit of a mess, due to the construction of their new clubhouse, but once we were on the course, we did not see another golfer and it was like we were the only two people on the planet.

Nearly-completed clubhouse at Sandpines

We didn’t play very well, but we did have fun. It was sunny all day, we did not need our sweaters and it was not windy. (This could possibly be the first time anyone has ever written this sentence while writing about Sandpines.) We had to take a cart - and I was happy because most holes are very far apart.

The course is very beautiful. Half of the holes are in the trees and the other half snake-out across the dunes, with many ponds and those awful pot bunkers. We didn't see much wildlife, but did have to chase away a crow - the clever guy went inside our cart while we were putting and snagged DT's bag-o-stuff (tees, ball markers, divot tools, car keys, etc.) and scattered it all along the cart path! I guess he was looking for food, but maybe he was trying to steal our car... or trying to convince DT to just give up the game?

View from the new and future clubhouse at Sandpines in Florence, Oregon

I out-drove DT twice and I made one par. That was it for my big day. But it was good we had a full-day of exercise, because we dined on very unhealthy (but delicious) foods at Mo's Clam Chowder - an Oregon institution and a must-try when you are near one of Mo's restaurants in Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Otter Rock, Newport or Florence. Since around 1946 Mo's has been famous for their clam chowder and they sell it by the gallons daily.

Mo's clam chowder

Just in case our cholesterol level was low after chowder and fried fish, DT determined a scoop of BJ's Ice Cream would hit the spot. BJ serves up 48 flavors and he makes it all himself. His best-selling flavor is Oregon Trail - chocolate ice cream with blackberries and hazelnuts. It is really a great combination and the chocolate flavor does not overpower the ample berries and (whole!) hazelnuts.

Oregon, in a cup! 

RV Park: Heceta Beach RV Park