Thursday, October 13, 2005

AGLOW conference in full swing The first-ever Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers golf tournament was held yesterday at Arrowwood Resort's 18-hole course in a light rain that began about 10:00 a.m. and lasted through the day. AGLOW golfers are tough characters, however, and no one even complained. When we got back to the resort, though, a number of non-golfing members were incredulous that we had played for five hours in the rain. (These are the same guys who would think nothing of sitting that long in a duck blind or bass boat under the same conditions!) Without divulging everyone's score, suffice it to report that new member Bill Hilts, Jr., of Sanborn, NY, won handily in stroke play with an honest 83. Everyone else broke 100, which ain't bad, considering the conditions and the fact that some of the golfers had not played in over a month. The conference continues through Saturday here in Alexandria. Today's events included several excellent "Learn-it, Do-it" sessions, consisting of mini seminars on hearing protection, goose calling, scent control, pointing dog training and more. We enjoyed an evening of wine tasting at Carlos Creek Winery, followed by our Excellence in Craft Awards presentations. The blind pig worked overtime for yours truly tonight, as I managed to come away with nine awards in all - three firsts, two seconds and four thirds. That's the best I've ever done by 50%. Other multiple winners included Tony Dean, Paul Lepisto, Darrell Taylor, P.J. Perea, Paul Smith, Chris Young and I'm sure one or two others I am forgetting. Tomorrow, more Learn-it sessions are followed by lunch at Long Lake Lodge, hosted by Pheasants Forever and catered by Big Al's Gourmet Pies, served up by Al himself. If you're a regular visitor here, you're likely familiar with Al's products. AGLOW members who haven't tried them yet are in for a treat! After lunch, it's more seminars and then Shooting Day at Long Lake Lodge, where we'll get a chance to try out some new shotguns and ammo. I'll try to sharpen my eye for those South Dakota pheasnats and sharptails I'll be huting next week. Later... 11:40:22 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2005 Dan Small. Last update: 10/22/05; 10:48:02 PM.