As dawn broke across the Midwestern sky, my sleepy self along with my better half were already working our way southward. She to fulfill her gainfully employed obligations; me to gain one more footstep toward my vocationally determined destination. One more footstep to myself one day gaining gainful employ at the end of my preparatory journey. I would be traveling much further that day. And while my day would include painfully dreary and boring moments, others could never be considered such.
If I were to choose an hour to wipe the sleep out of my eyes, it would be the very same one in which I pulled into the parking lot of Seymour Smith Park in Omaha, over one hundred miles from where my day began. Dew still fresh upon the ground, this is not the typical time for those of our ilk to ply our trade. We are an afternoon-ish folk who would rather rest than experience the earlier parts of the solar cycle. Yet here I was. And I was not alone. Jiggs and his firstborn would be my companions.
I had not practiced the art of the disc at Seymour in nearly a year. I had first played the course in 2002 with the venerable SCDGA member Harky and the person who introduced us to disc golf who some here will know as the BBD. It was the second course I had ever played. It was the closest and most familiar course to me during my time in Omaha. And I would now be able to play with the person I had introduced to the game at the course where I taught him the trade.
It was wet. The fresh rain upon the ground recalling the Granite Ridge deluge of the first Cold Lampin' Weekend. I fondly remembered it as I played with one who joined me in the experience, feet sloshing through wet shoes as we worked our way hurriedly around the course. Unfortunately, schedules and responsibilities called us away to other things. Things devoid of discs. But we would have this experience. We needed it. Not because we required it for survival, but because life should be about more than survival. And not because it was disc golf. Though our compulsion to play our mutually beloved pastime is real, I would not have gone to the trouble for just another round. But because in the act of playing with Jiggs, we were sharing all the experiences of the past year we were unable to share due to distance. Because in that time that year was made manifest. It is a means of reconnecting; it is empathy; it is sharing life.
I would be lying to you if I said that eighteen holes were played that day. The clock and the schedule called to us, and divergent ways led on to ways as Frost well knows. And telling you this with a sigh, I hope to impart that despite the imperfect throws, the incomplete round and the unfortunate weather conditions, the round was perfect. It was perfect because we were able to play together. And it is a perfection I wish to share with all you Cold Lampers again.
Ad Fontes!
~Diggs
Showing posts with label Seymour Smith Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seymour Smith Park. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
From East to (mid)West
Alright ya'll, with yet another finals season finished, a new time of the year begins (preferably with more disc golf than the last). My summer will be markedly different than the previous few. For instance, my PDGA account has not been renewed this year. With so much uncertainty and busyness and travel in the last couple months and with so much more of the same in the next couple months, I didn't think I would find the time or resources to make renewal worthwhile. We hope that next year will be different, but it just didn't make sense this year. Further, the annual disc golf weekend of the SCDGA will be sans Diggs. I hope the rest of ya'll are still able to get together for a trip, but for similar reasons, the timing and the finances just didn't make it possible.
What I am looking at, however, is a Midwest cameo for about a month or so before returning to the east coast. During that month, I hope to connect with anyone who might be around the SCDGA birthplace during the rest of May through a fair amount of June. I would like to see you gentlemen if possible. I will be without reliable transportation during that time, and with my competition bag staying put out east, I'll be struggling through a meager disc schedule on backup discs. Such is life. But after I get back out here, things should open up a bit, allowing a more regular disc fix.
Here's what we're looking at through August:
What I am looking at, however, is a Midwest cameo for about a month or so before returning to the east coast. During that month, I hope to connect with anyone who might be around the SCDGA birthplace during the rest of May through a fair amount of June. I would like to see you gentlemen if possible. I will be without reliable transportation during that time, and with my competition bag staying put out east, I'll be struggling through a meager disc schedule on backup discs. Such is life. But after I get back out here, things should open up a bit, allowing a more regular disc fix.
Here's what we're looking at through August:
- MRK has already mentioned a possible trip down to throw a round or two. This needs to happen.
- I have a couple business trips during the Midwest trip. One of these takes me to Jiggs' hometown. We're going to try to get together and play a round at our old stomping grounds
- Another trip takes me to Kansas City for a couple days. I have not played a course in Kansas or Missouri. I'm hoping to make both happen
- I haven't spoken with URBWes in awhile, but if he wants to spike some more burritos, he should visit his sister during early June. URBWes, you want a burrito
- Harky I know is more limited in coming back (that's what you get for living in the Big Cheesy), but I wish him the best in working out a disc weekend!
- When I get back here, I'll have about three guys to play with around here. They aren't my Cold Lampin' Crew, but they'll do. We'll be regulars at the Mercer course, which has gotten much better this season
- I'm also hopeful we are able to make a trip to Tyler State Park and maybe even Warwick up north. These are two well-regarded courses and the best around here
- Most of you will know to whom I refer when I mention the Halo name Reepicheep. There's a possibility I'll be able to head up to see him this summer. If so, I'm not sure I could pass on all the quality disc around Rochester
I leave tomorrow morning for a place that was 40 degrees colder than it was here today. I hope you are all doing well. Catch ya'll 'round the Lamp.
~Diggs
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
The Elusive Eluders
We take a break from the Highbridge review to bring you this update...
THE SEASON HAS BEGUN!
That is right, ladies and gentlemen, the 2012 disc golfing season is under way. Not only has the Memorial Classic been played, but the light winter has made it possible for disc to become more recreational activity and less survival adventure. We had 70 degrees today. Jealous, northmen?
Jiggs and I had the good fortune to knock some rust off last Friday, doing a little throwing at some soccer fields. It was an abysmal and windy experience... and sore, and sore. Today, we recovered enough to hit the local rec course for an actual round. I would be lying if I said I wasn't having the grandest ol' time out there. I would also be lying if I said I didn't have one of the more consistent rounds in my career... on the first day back. I have had better rounds with better numbers and prettier throws, but the fact that a great round happened on a day that I was expected multiple ugly numbers is significant.
I pulled 5 birdies while leaving 3 very make-able putts out on the range, compared to just one bogey. As I said, not super flashy numbers, but consistent! And consistency is ultimately what we are going for. I wasn't pressing or forcing shots. I was calm and collected. I let the shots glide out and I had confidence in my putting (for some strange reason). It all came together.
I even hit chains on my hole 3 drive, though the bounce out robbed me of my first ace. That's right, still without an ace over here. It yet eludes me.
Yet more significantly, the consistency which has ultimately eluded me throughout my career found me today. Let us hope that I remain consistently consistent throughout the season.
Good luck with your snow, everyone.
~Diggs
THE SEASON HAS BEGUN!
That is right, ladies and gentlemen, the 2012 disc golfing season is under way. Not only has the Memorial Classic been played, but the light winter has made it possible for disc to become more recreational activity and less survival adventure. We had 70 degrees today. Jealous, northmen?
Jiggs and I had the good fortune to knock some rust off last Friday, doing a little throwing at some soccer fields. It was an abysmal and windy experience... and sore, and sore. Today, we recovered enough to hit the local rec course for an actual round. I would be lying if I said I wasn't having the grandest ol' time out there. I would also be lying if I said I didn't have one of the more consistent rounds in my career... on the first day back. I have had better rounds with better numbers and prettier throws, but the fact that a great round happened on a day that I was expected multiple ugly numbers is significant.
I pulled 5 birdies while leaving 3 very make-able putts out on the range, compared to just one bogey. As I said, not super flashy numbers, but consistent! And consistency is ultimately what we are going for. I wasn't pressing or forcing shots. I was calm and collected. I let the shots glide out and I had confidence in my putting (for some strange reason). It all came together.
I even hit chains on my hole 3 drive, though the bounce out robbed me of my first ace. That's right, still without an ace over here. It yet eludes me.
Yet more significantly, the consistency which has ultimately eluded me throughout my career found me today. Let us hope that I remain consistently consistent throughout the season.
Good luck with your snow, everyone.
~Diggs
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Double Dipping
I just got back from throwing 36 holes with my man, Jiggs. What with the departure for the ultimate bachelor discing experience a mere week away, we needed to put in some work. And since neither of us had put in a double yet this season, we needed to get going on that.
My first round was pretty solid. I wasn't coming away with the birdies I needed, but I wasn't dropping fours either. It was a nice steady round, necessary for building up the confidence. We rested for about 10 min before starting in again. Apparently upon our return, my muscles decided to take a nap and my accuracy went out the window. We did finish strong however, making me feel pretty good about the trip. Obviously, Highbridge is another beast altogether, with nothing around here comparable in distance or difficulty, yet I think it'll be a great time, all I was hoping for. My DX Wraith is rocking Amadeus, and I can't wait for my arm to get accustomed to the Nuke. All very promising!
I have another round with Jiggs on Monday and I might throw in some putt practice before we go, but other than that, we're ready for the trip! See ya'll soon!
~Diggs
Oh yeah, and I get married in 60 days. Boom!
My first round was pretty solid. I wasn't coming away with the birdies I needed, but I wasn't dropping fours either. It was a nice steady round, necessary for building up the confidence. We rested for about 10 min before starting in again. Apparently upon our return, my muscles decided to take a nap and my accuracy went out the window. We did finish strong however, making me feel pretty good about the trip. Obviously, Highbridge is another beast altogether, with nothing around here comparable in distance or difficulty, yet I think it'll be a great time, all I was hoping for. My DX Wraith is rocking Amadeus, and I can't wait for my arm to get accustomed to the Nuke. All very promising!
I have another round with Jiggs on Monday and I might throw in some putt practice before we go, but other than that, we're ready for the trip! See ya'll soon!
~Diggs
Oh yeah, and I get married in 60 days. Boom!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Surprising Days
Ever have those rounds that just come out of nowhere? The type of round that reminds you of why you enjoy the game, erasing memory of all those throws that make you wish you played another sport. I had one of those this Tuesday.
It really was shaping up to be a bit of a downer. My usual partner had just informed me that he wouldn't be able to join me at our standing Tuesday tee time. Still at home, I milled around for awhile until I decided that while it was too late for a full round, I could at least get in some putt practice or some driving. I was even going to stop by the local field to throw since it was the first windless day in recent memory. Instead, kids were still playing baseball, denying me access to the field. Bummer. I continued on towards the course where I find the conditions perfect... except all the other people who thought the same thing. Even the practice putting area was full. Literally, a dozen people! Double bummer.
Well, I had come all the way out there, I might as well play a few holes. Approaching the first tee, I see that it was indeed late in starting a round. So late that while the course was absolutely packed, only one group stood ahead of me. As I waited for them to clear out, another group came up to the waiting area. Figuring I might as well not play alone, I asked to join them. I figured that since one of them had a Hawkeyes shirt on, I was probably in good company.
One thing I really enjoy about our sport is its capacity to allow you to meet new and interesting people (someday I'll have to tell you about Ron... but he wouldn't like that). These guys were decent. They were on their second round of the day, and at least one was on his second six-pack. Coming over from Council Bluffs, they were going to make the most of their time in Omaha. They played well. But it was just fun to be in their company. I enjoyed my round quite a bit.
It also didn't hurt that I put together my first decent round of the year. Though I wasn't converting my birdie shots, I was the epitome of consistency. I forget who it was, but there was a fullback about whom it was said, "If you needed two yards, he'd get you three; If you needed four yards, he'd get you three." That was my day. I had good drives, good approaches, and I didn't even really need to putt all that much. Aside from one brick on my birdie try at hole 6, all my other putts were misses from outside the 10m mark and generally on line. In all, while I still haven't been able to convert my birdies, I made par on everything. Not spectacular, but when you're still shaking off the cobwebs and adjusting your throw, I was very satisfied that throws were going where I wanted them to go. Oh sweet bliss!
All in all, I had a great day on the course! I hope ya'lls seasons are going well. I hope to see you soon. Keep on rockin' in a free world.
~Diggs
postscript. I was able to get a slice of Cunningham Lake DGC, and I shall have a review up at some point.
second postscript. I also haven't forgotten about the tourney schedule, but that'll have to wait at least a week. Sorry. If you see something in Iowa (Des Moines area) you could make, let me know. Maybe we could hit it up together!
It really was shaping up to be a bit of a downer. My usual partner had just informed me that he wouldn't be able to join me at our standing Tuesday tee time. Still at home, I milled around for awhile until I decided that while it was too late for a full round, I could at least get in some putt practice or some driving. I was even going to stop by the local field to throw since it was the first windless day in recent memory. Instead, kids were still playing baseball, denying me access to the field. Bummer. I continued on towards the course where I find the conditions perfect... except all the other people who thought the same thing. Even the practice putting area was full. Literally, a dozen people! Double bummer.
Well, I had come all the way out there, I might as well play a few holes. Approaching the first tee, I see that it was indeed late in starting a round. So late that while the course was absolutely packed, only one group stood ahead of me. As I waited for them to clear out, another group came up to the waiting area. Figuring I might as well not play alone, I asked to join them. I figured that since one of them had a Hawkeyes shirt on, I was probably in good company.
One thing I really enjoy about our sport is its capacity to allow you to meet new and interesting people (someday I'll have to tell you about Ron... but he wouldn't like that). These guys were decent. They were on their second round of the day, and at least one was on his second six-pack. Coming over from Council Bluffs, they were going to make the most of their time in Omaha. They played well. But it was just fun to be in their company. I enjoyed my round quite a bit.
It also didn't hurt that I put together my first decent round of the year. Though I wasn't converting my birdie shots, I was the epitome of consistency. I forget who it was, but there was a fullback about whom it was said, "If you needed two yards, he'd get you three; If you needed four yards, he'd get you three." That was my day. I had good drives, good approaches, and I didn't even really need to putt all that much. Aside from one brick on my birdie try at hole 6, all my other putts were misses from outside the 10m mark and generally on line. In all, while I still haven't been able to convert my birdies, I made par on everything. Not spectacular, but when you're still shaking off the cobwebs and adjusting your throw, I was very satisfied that throws were going where I wanted them to go. Oh sweet bliss!
All in all, I had a great day on the course! I hope ya'lls seasons are going well. I hope to see you soon. Keep on rockin' in a free world.
~Diggs
postscript. I was able to get a slice of Cunningham Lake DGC, and I shall have a review up at some point.
second postscript. I also haven't forgotten about the tourney schedule, but that'll have to wait at least a week. Sorry. If you see something in Iowa (Des Moines area) you could make, let me know. Maybe we could hit it up together!
Friday, April 01, 2011
First Round of the Season In
Verdict... I suck!
As always, the first round is always the "show how far you've fallen" round, so this was to be expected. Add to that the seasonal winds, and oh boy!
Couple items of note:
1) I went with a friend of mine who lives down here in Omaha. He is going with us on the disc weekend, and I have invited him to be a contributor to our humble blog. Figured some fresh juice could do a body good.
2) Tried the new putt for the first time today. It was hitting during practice but fell apart on the course. I'm a bit interested to see where this will go. New drive hasn't been sighted in just yet, but we'll get there.
3) We were thrown into twice by the same group. We had some words. They didn't do it again. Yes, I am your resident BAMF!
4) The wind was so bad I straight burned my Groove without meaning to. This is too early in the season for me to be able to put that much on it just yet. I credit the wind.
5) I hear the Twin Cities is having some river cresting issues. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious.
All I have for now. Until next time, listen for the chains...
~Diggs
Ok, that tagline was HORRIBLE!
As always, the first round is always the "show how far you've fallen" round, so this was to be expected. Add to that the seasonal winds, and oh boy!
Couple items of note:
1) I went with a friend of mine who lives down here in Omaha. He is going with us on the disc weekend, and I have invited him to be a contributor to our humble blog. Figured some fresh juice could do a body good.
2) Tried the new putt for the first time today. It was hitting during practice but fell apart on the course. I'm a bit interested to see where this will go. New drive hasn't been sighted in just yet, but we'll get there.
3) We were thrown into twice by the same group. We had some words. They didn't do it again. Yes, I am your resident BAMF!
4) The wind was so bad I straight burned my Groove without meaning to. This is too early in the season for me to be able to put that much on it just yet. I credit the wind.
5) I hear the Twin Cities is having some river cresting issues. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious.
All I have for now. Until next time, listen for the chains...
~Diggs
Ok, that tagline was HORRIBLE!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Tension and the Terror
In the words of Josh Ritter, the "Snow is Gone"! I realize that those of you in Minnesota have yet to emerge from your involuntary winter slumber, but the rest of us are getting back into the "swing of life" (haha... get it?). In fact, I was up there just this last weekend, though on business that did not allow my any time for my own pleasures. I was surprised/horrified by the state of things up there.
Anyways, Tuesday seems to be the day for play 'round these parts. Therefore, I will likely be shaking lose the frozen bonds and returning to the sweet flow of life on the course. Yet, as the title suggests, this is not necessarily a full-fledged elation. Let me briefly mention why...
Because I am back at square one! As my previous post mentioned, I am in the midst of completely and irrecovably altering how I disc. I do so consciously, however, tension and terror remain. I will be forced to persevere, come what may, else I should have a bastardized non-form to my technique. I must embrace the whole of these changes. This resigns me to the consequences of my decisions. I will NOT like this initially. Firstly, the error of Stoicism (as C.S. Lewis calls it) reminds me that at some point in the past, I was able to throw with a certain precision with a certain power. I will not be able to match this, especially at first. I will be coming off a lay off that will have atrophied my capacities. Now add to this the added difficulties in changing a habit reinforced through endless repetition.
I am fated for frustration.
Kyrie Eleison,
~Diggs
Anyways, Tuesday seems to be the day for play 'round these parts. Therefore, I will likely be shaking lose the frozen bonds and returning to the sweet flow of life on the course. Yet, as the title suggests, this is not necessarily a full-fledged elation. Let me briefly mention why...
Because I am back at square one! As my previous post mentioned, I am in the midst of completely and irrecovably altering how I disc. I do so consciously, however, tension and terror remain. I will be forced to persevere, come what may, else I should have a bastardized non-form to my technique. I must embrace the whole of these changes. This resigns me to the consequences of my decisions. I will NOT like this initially. Firstly, the error of Stoicism (as C.S. Lewis calls it) reminds me that at some point in the past, I was able to throw with a certain precision with a certain power. I will not be able to match this, especially at first. I will be coming off a lay off that will have atrophied my capacities. Now add to this the added difficulties in changing a habit reinforced through endless repetition.
I am fated for frustration.
Kyrie Eleison,
~Diggs
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