Thursday, April 2, 2015

Where Has This Winter Season Gone?

Posted from Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort at Casa Grande, AZ (Click on pics to enlarge)

Wow!  Our time here in Casa Grande has truly flown by this winter.  We've been here since October 15th and we'll be moving on on April 15th.  The mass exit of the "snowbirds" has really gotten underway since April 1st.

Palm Creek had a record year for filling spaces this winter and all of these now empty spaces you see in this picture were filled with RVs not too long ago.  It's sad really as we've seen many of our friends leave, but console ourselves with the knowledge that we'll see them again next winter.

It also means that the pickleball tournament season is winding down in this area as well.  I had the opportunity to play in several tournaments this season with my two partners Ken Hague and Bill Pitzl.  Thank you to both of you guys for putting up with me.  Aside from the one medal Ken and I won in our resident tournament, Bill and I were  only able to say that we gained valuable tournament experience for the future.  (I guess that's a nice way of saying that we lost!)

The largest tournament that we played in was hosted by our own Palm Creek Pickleball Club.  The tournament was held in the first part of March and it called "The Duel in the Desert".  For comparison sake, it is the third largest tournament in the United States (behind The Nationals and the Huntsman Games) and it is the largest tournament put on by a club.  This year's tournament drew 479 players who competed in 672 matches.


These tournaments not only showcase some of the very best pickleball players around, but we had many vendors selling everything from paddles to jewelry to ice cream.

More vendors over on the adjoining outfield of the softball field.








(Photo Courtesy of Palm Creek FB Page)
This past Saturday the park held a farewell party and called it the "Aloha Party".  It was another beautiful day here and was well attended.

A group of Polynesian dancers performed, a fire dancer gave a demonstration, food was available, and a good time seemed to be had by those in attendance.

We will certainly miss all of our friends, both old and new, here in Palm Creek, but look forward to good times together again next winter season.

We've had some great times during the past six months and the sunsets never disappoint.

Thanks for dropping by to take a look!


11 comments:

  1. VERY nicely done!! ... Virginians enjoying WINTER.

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  2. Some of our Gulf Waters are spending time at Palm Creek next winter, we're looking forward to wintering in the desert sun.

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    1. Come on down! There's plenty of sunny days for everyone! LOL

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  3. I really enjoyed this Blog! I know you all will be traveling again soon.

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  4. Happy and safe travels ... it looks like you had a great winter stay.

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  5. They say when you get old, time seems to go faster. If the shoe fits... :cD

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    1. The shoe seems to be fitter more all of the time. LOL

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  6. Sounds like a good winter and while you only gained tournament experience, you seem to have made it without major injuries and that's always good. Looking forward to reading about your summer travels.

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    1. You are absolutely correct. No major injuries this season. Just routine daily aches and pains. LOL
      Hopefully, once we begin moving again I'll be updating the blog on a regular basis once again.

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  7. We see why you like the park, there is certainly plenty to keep you busy and make the time fly. In fact we plan to book a spot for the month of November this year. We will probably see you there!! Travel safe.

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    1. That's great news. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to visit more while you were here. If you haven't already, I'd book your November stay. The "Nationals" Pickleball Tournament is the first part of November and I'm sure there will be a lot more folks here early in the season than usual.

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