We sent out the directions to get to Kimberley and even gave people two routes to choose from, but we didn’t think to get directions once in Kimberley to get to the Lodge. Kristy and I had stopped at the Blairmore Golf Course for lunch where we met Cindy and Linda. We arrived in Kimberly and put on our GPS to direct us to the Lodge. After many twists and turns we end up at a walking trail which lead upwards an then a cycling path. What the h….and then we discovered we somehow had it in walking mode no wonder we got so twisted around. Needless to say Cindy, Linda and Florence were there much ahead of us and wonder where we were.
Seventeen of us arrived Thursday night and had a wonderful round at the Kimberley golf course on Friday, a great track, with undulating greens and huge ponderosa pines towering along the fairways, we started with a true mountain golf experience. There were great views of the Rocky Mountains and the St Mary river canyon as we made our way round the course. The 2 nines are completely different. The front, the old course, large ponderosa pines and Douglas Fir trees. Mostly flat, with some short par 4’s. But the back 9 is newer and completely different. Carved out of the forest and lots of ups and downs. It could really beat you up.
Following our round we enjoyed the large deck where we watched the golfers teeing off the cliff top at #1 or coming in at #9. Simon, the head golf pro came out and chatted making us feel very welcome. The rest of the group joined us that evening for a hospitality gathering in room 301, it was a little crowded but no one seemed to mind. It was great to see new faces and always great to see old friends. 
Saturday we played Trickle Creek Golf Course another mountain golf experience, wide fairways but many unexpected hazards, even with the cart you needed to be a mountain goat. The course was in great shape and the staff were wonderful. This course is a thinking women’s course and I don’t think there is an even lie to be found so it is very challenging. The scenery is outstanding and we saw many deer tripping around. Our round was followed with a wonderful meal on the deck and then back to the Lodge where some of us enjoyed the pool and hot tub. Others went to town to try out Taste of Kimberley or to watch the Bocce ball tournament, it was July Fest and there was lots to do and see.
Sunday another great golf game at Bootleg Gap. This golf course has some magnificent vistas just off the cart paths and is a beautiful course with lots of undulation and picturesque points overlooking the St Mary river. We played the Championship course which is highlighted by an serene run of holes routed on lower terrain near the banks of the pristine St. Mary River. 
The 12th is a dramatic par-3 that plunges down the hoodoo-lined hillside and is one of the most scenic par-3s in the region. A great day was enjoyed by all. A few of us stayed Sunday night and I think twelve of us enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Old Bauerhaus, The building is a destination in itself. It has a lovely story and original décor and the food was fresh and delicious, it was a wonderful way to finish a fabulous get-a-way. We are thinking this is a do over and we plan to do it again next year.