Pheasant Ridge is now the University of Northern Iowa course, which is northwest of the university. We remember the course being on the southeastern edge of campus along Main Street near College Square Mall. That is now an elevated highway. Not 100% sure our family member played Pheasant Ridge but it’s very likely.
This had to be one of the most magical mornings of our trip. It started with deep clouds, cool breeze and light rain. We put on our rain jackets determined to brave it. By the end of the first hole, where we only felt a few light sprinkles, the jacket was off. By the fourth hole the sun was starting to poke through.
Something else happened on that hole. The foursome ahead of us waited to let us play through. That’s a common courtesy among golfers but they were more than kind. We chatted a bit and discovered we were all UNI grads. One was a teacher. We shared that we were on a memory trip. They told us about a new, award winning barbecue place that opened at the mall and was owned by the grandson of Coach Starbeck. He was the football coach who our family member played football under decades ago. Small world.
It gets better. As we were getting ready to tee off on #9, a cart rolls up from the 9th fairway. The kind teacher from the foursome steps out and hands us two UNI tees and a golf ball. He said that he and his wife thought we needed souvenirs. Isn’t that the most thoughtful gesture! That golf ball will be put in a place of honor in our golf cart at home. It will be going out with us on our home course! Thank you!!!
After golf we stopped at the university book store and picked up a ball marker. Oh the memories of hours and dollars spent in that bookstore. We drove to the mall to try to locate the barbecue place. We did! We picked up meat and buns to have for dinner. The staff were so friendly and helpful. Bonus: cupcake bakery next door. We picked up dessert.
Magic wasn’t over. We had planned to meet family at a burger place on college hill. The place was near the bottom of the hill by the creek. Hum. We saw a narrow wood staircase leading to a second floor apartment. We ordered our food and when it was delivered, I asked the server/owner how old the building was. He said it had to be really old because there was a large, old coal furnace in the basement he wanted to get rid of. Our family member talked about carrying a bucket of coal up the outdoor steps to keep the cook stove going.
This seemed to be too good to be true. We showed the picture to a sibling of our family member for confirmation. They also would have lived in that apartment. Location by the creek and the appearance seemed spot on. How cool is that. We had lunch in the same building where our family member lived as a child.
It was another beautiful weather day. So much fun driving around visiting places we remembered and those we were told about. A highly successful memory-filled morning!
No comments:
Post a Comment