Could have been the company, might have been the wine
No matter the cause we were all feeling fine
No more isolation, we can mingle again
We loved doing that and the group felt the same
Great golf and fabulous weather
So very good to be all together
Wasn’t that a party?
Arriving at Kokanee Springs we were thrilled to see familiar faces unpacking their vehicles and mulling around seeing old friends and hugging again, it had been far too long. Kokanee offered us great accommodation, great golf and a very warm welcome. We all gathered for a meet and greet at Wood’s Pumphouse and Grill and had a lovely surprise, Grand Marnier for all, on the house, they so appreciated having our group there and we very much enjoyed our stay. A do over for sure. The ferry from Crawford Bay to Balfour was very scenic, a little bit smoky from the fires but still very lovely. Arriving in Nelson we were happy to see the smoke dissipate and excited to be playing the following day. We checked into the Hume Hotel & Spa what a great place for sure and a few surprises as well. The hotel was constructed in 1898 and has been totally renovated, retaining many of the hidden treasures that were discovered during the renovation. When you walk through the doors you will feel the character and warmth of the hotel. The staff were very friendly and attentive and we all enjoyed the great hot breakfast that was included with our stay. Think Eggs Benny and a menu with the choice of four awesome breakfast meals, served hot, not buffet style, what a treat. The rooms were spacious and unique in design. Folklore has it that the Hume still retained the energy from people who have stayed there in the past and is inhabited by “caretaker ghosts”, there has been reports of guests seeing and hearing things, including a couple of our group…………….could have been the martinis, could have been the wine LOL.
Balfour golf course was one of the favorites we think, it wasn’t easy to say the least, a shot makers golf course, especially the back nine. We encountered lots of raised tees and greens and many elevation changes, sometimes we were reminded of the Kusadasi Golf Course that we played in Turkey. 
It was a fun course to play regardless of the score. Our next round at Granite Pointe was also very challenging. The course is under new management and I am sure that there will be many future improvements. The conditions were on the dry side but the greens were fair, good job because we played the Sock Game, so much fun. We raised $65.00 which Golfaround will match and donate to Enviros “a Calgary-based social services agency that delivers programming to: children and teens who require intensive short- and long-term live-in programs, young adults in need of wilderness addiction treatment, Albertans of all ages diagnosed with FASD, young adults transitioning out of “the system”, and the families and caregivers of all of these individuals.” There are some goofy holes where you need your mountain climbing gear but it was fun, and dangerous at the same time. The dry conditions added to the challenge of approaching the green off wildly kicking mounds, not always a fun shot. Nelson was a great 
destination, there were so many awesome restaurants and patios within walking distance offering all kinds of ethnic fare as well as a great menu at the Hume on their newly made patio which we made good use of for sure.
Rossland was our next spot, a tad smaller than Nelson, however our stay at the Prestige Mountain Resort was very enjoyable and the staff were accommodating making sure we were all looked after. We did not have the abundance of eating choices but Gabriella’s at the Prestige was great, awesome food, large portions and friendly staff. The prestige did not have a common meeting area but that did not stop us from gathering in Mel & Gord’s room tasting replacements for our depleted Birdie juice, Gord got way too many Birdies. How about Sheep Dog Peanut Butter wiskey or Revel Stoke toasted pecan whiskey……yummy.
Redstone Resort was the first game we played in this leg. Jeff and the staff were excellent, happy and friendly! The course was
beautiful and challenging with amazing views. Lots of elevations, what else would you expect in the middle of the Kootenays? The mountain surroundings combined with the towering trees provided a secluded feel and the rugged terrain covered with chutes, streams and ravines guaranteed a unique landscape on every hole. The greens appeared large but some of the subtle rolls made for careful maneuvering. When we talked to Jeff, previously, he bet us that we would, for sure, see more than one little black bear. We saw one on Hole #15 and he wasn’t that small and much too close for our comfort. The next day we hit the road to go to Christina Lake Golf Club.
The road is very high and there were a few times that visibility was obscured by clouds, thank goodness that did not last for too long. The views were outstanding and after a short drive we arrived at the golf course. While we were waiting to tee off we saw someone coming towards us and OMG none other than Lynn Stolarchuk, who was the coordinator in Edmonton a few years back, what a great surprise, they were on their way home. We started our play at Christina with more than one not so good shot and thought it must be because it is too flat LOL. As the game progressed the play improved and it was a nice respite from our mountain treks. The course was in great shape, we saw lots of deer and the staff were friendly and helpful. The pro shop was well stocked and had some great sales. Last but certainly in high contention for a top spot on our list was Castlegar Golf Club. The course is long with lots of steep hills but a really nice mix mountainous and parkland. It is designed to challenge but we encountered many interesting shots and scenic views during our game. The players assistants were great and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. 
The restaurant offered great food and the staff was friendly. There is a sign that says that bears have the right of way and believe me we certainly did give the cinnamon bear on hole #9 the right of way. In addition on our way, getting out of Rossland, we saw yet another bear crossing the road. All in all Castlegar was one of our favorites and a hidden gem for sure.
Looking back we had so much fun, sometimes a little too much fun and this is a trip that we would not hesitate to do again, it was great golf at affordable prices, fabulous accommodation and friendly folk, what more could you ask for?