Hardeehardeehar, you shower of reprobates.
Well, we are back in the auld sod (about 4 hours now!) despite Continental's best attempts at scuppering what had been the smoothest of trans-atlantic trips.
First, thanks to the V's for outstanding hospitality (and unending supplies of Merlot, Tanqueray and Bruichladdich). Cheers, Big Bruv, see ya soon.
Thanks also to our PV host who I shall refrain from naming. He knows who he is! What a magnificent place to be a member of. Mind-bogglingly difficult, eye-wateringly beatiful in the flesh and wonderfully welcoming. Just a great, great place to play golf. I have tried to compare it with CP, but have failed totally, choosing eventually to simply place them both at the top of their respective trees.
As a mad exercise, trying to identify the 'WORST' hole at PV (can there be such a thing?), I could only come up with the trees to the left of 12 which should not only be utterly cryit doon, but utterly choppit doon! Doing so, in my opinion, would quickly return it to its former magnificence.
Thanks to Mayday for RG too. Fiendishly difficult greens some of which may be verging on 'impossible'? Thoughts, Mike? Lovely place though and another great experience.
Thanks also to the 'Aronimink Gang'. Too many to name, suffice to say a very splendid evening of fun and architectural discussion lubricated with some fine Vin Rouge ensued. Special thanks to Dan for hosting.
Amongst the golf and associated frivolity, trips to NY, Philly and Wash were also on the agenda. Obvious highlights: Empire State, Chrysler, Guggenheim (despite thursday closure and Scaffolding!!!), FDR memorial in Wash which I just thought was some of the finest landscape architectural design I have ever seen. GO SEE IT!, Fallingwater, which exceeded my 30 year wait expectations by miles..GO SEE IT! and the entire Mall Site in Wash which as a piece of Urban design is wonderful in concept and ALSO contains those impossibly fantastic museums. GO SEE IT!!!
Two weeks passed in a blur. Great meeting with so many GCAers. I'll try to post some pics later if there's anything worthwhile in the camera.
Phew!
cheers,
FBD.