Chico, CA September 1 - 7

On our way to Chico, California we drove past Lake Shasta.  WOW, you can really see how the lack of snow melt and rainfall has affected this once spectacular lake.

We were not in Chico long and Mark's tennis buddy, Bev Argo, had our schedule filled and we loved every minute.  Bev invited us up to their "cabin" in Butte Meadows.  It is up in the mountains, but not far from Chico.  The directions were not the normal type, especially when you use signage like this to find their home.

 

The property is just spectacular, with a stream of cool clear water running right in front.  The Argo name on the rock goes back many generations.  Frank goes out and makes sure it is repainted whenever it needs a refresh!

 

Mark is walking down the path admiring Frank and Bev's professional quality landscaping.  It is just spectacular!!

 

First Mark got in Frank's toy (I rode with Bev in the car) and headed up to their friend's home, who converted tennis courts into pickleball courts.

 

 

They had a great group of people who just show up to play.  They were so excited to get Mark on the courts so they could learn some new skills.  As always, Mark and Bev were the team to try and beat!

 

This group really has the right idea of how to enjoy the game of pickleball.  You just add a happy hour right on the courts and rotate in to play whenever it works for you!!

 

Mark and I rode back to the "cabin" with Frank for a Happy hour on the deck with local friends.  Sadly, I don't have a photo of the amazing happy hour spread, but here's the deck.
 

 

This was followed by a fun, fabulous Bev Argo dinner.  Sorry Bev, this is my only photo and I caught you blinking.

 

 

They wouldn't let us leave without some parting gifts.  Home grown tomatoes and onions - it just doesn't get any better than this!!

 

 

Bev invited Mark, quite a few times, to play tennis at the Chico Racquet Club and Resort with her great group of players.  One of the ladies owns this local restaurant, The Pour House.  I didn't have any tennis photos so this menu from her restaurant is the best I can do.

 

 

A highlight of the trip was our golf outing at Frank's golf club, Butte Creek Country Club.  Frank invited his buddy Merle (the guy in the brimmed hat) to fill out our foursome.  The amazing fact is Merle is 95 years old and he hit the ball well, saw it land every time and bent down to pick his ball out of the cup.  Merle is my hero.  Frank was a fabulous host, our money was worthless at the club.   He had a golf cart for us and treated us to lunch after our round.

 

 

 

I don't share every course we play, but this was unique.  Its not unusual to see deer on a golf course, but Bidwell Park has a record number. They just walk right up to the tee box and look you right in the eye when you get close!!

 

 

That's it for our fun visit with the Argos in Chico, CA.  Next stop Carson City, Nevada!!