What a wonderful few days we spent with The RItchies (Rob, Tânia, Gordo & Robyn) up in the beautiful mountains of Panaroma. We stayed chez Tania & Roberto in their beautiful log home overlooking the fairway of the 18th of Greywolf Golf course. Their warm hospitality was next to none as we enjoyed many fun and memorable moments between dining, wining, golfing, canoeing and more. From Tanias green juice to ignite another day (as Sabine said it made her shiver with health!) or lovely Pinot Noirs from the Margaret River to some lovely Chablis we savoured the cuisine of both Tania and Robyn (Gordo and Robyn are neighbours).

The golf was literally amazing Greywolf being a course both memorable in design and boasting incredible and unforgettable views ranking as one of my favourite courses all time. We had a number of challenges going over the week a couples challeng, a 3 day challenge between the boys and a 5 round challenge between Roberto and I: Noblese oblige that I take note and congratulate Roberto for beating me after 5 rounds by only 3 stableford points – well done Capitan ! Gordo won the 3 day challenge beating Rob by 1 stroke – literally down to the last hole ! Gordo had illusions with 4 to go of shooting #hockeysticks – these illusions came tumbling down on the Cliffhanger with a muffed tee shot that rolled into the cliff! Rob not making the most of the moment went on to 4 putt the hole! A few laughs were had around the cliff!

Will always remember our golf outings at Greywolf both for the beauty of the course and the fun moments shared with Rob & Gordo. Greywolf certainly deserves being ranked in one of the top 20 courses in Canada – it is in my top 10 for sure!

A 15km paddle down the Colombia river was another highlight of the trip – a beautiful morning , a delicious picnic by Chef Tânia and a couple of cold beers surrounded by the scenic backdrop of snow capped mountains. A day to remember! Bad timing by Capitan Rob in picking the Picnic spot meant a sprint to meet the 3pm pick up which we thankfully made! We had a tee time at 4 so sore shoulders and all we duly made our tee time! Gordo shot a solid 80 – no hockeysticks but close mate.

On a stunning Tuesday morn we headed back to Calgary – a 3 hour drive (well it depends who is driving Tania or Rob!). We golfed at the Calgary Golf and Country Club one of Canada’s oldest clubs – hilly, scenic, narrow and with greens circa 12 making for many a 3 putt. I was able to cut the difference with Rob but not enough I am afraid with The Capitan holing out for a par on the 14th and making a crucial bogey on the 17th to save his skin and win the 5 day challenge. Stewart and I handsomely defeated Rob and John in the 4 ball after a slow start -6&2

The visit to Calgary – Panorama ended with a dinner in the Club with Residents from Punta Mita – The Ritchie’s, Grads, Langille, Siebens, McGregor, McCaffery: a fun dinner indeed and many thanks Rob & Tania for hosting the dinner.

Surely missed some moments that deserved more detail such as Jens trumpet solo on the 18th, vinos at the McGregors, Green juice, Hockeysticks, Chablis becomes Sauvignon Blanc, Canoe wrecker Carl, Robyn’s 80, Sugar, and more!

Thank you Roberto and Tania – as we get in shape for a winter visit !