For the love of the sport. A place for DG enthusiasts to share their thoughts.

Posts tagged “Huntsville

3 Guys, 2 Courses and an Ascot (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by mojoe4u


A chocolate flavored Philly cigar and 45 minutes later we roll into Huntsville to discover that it is after 12 o’clock.  Sweet action.*Please see notation 1 at bottom.  We make our way out of the closest gas station laden with a 9 pack of the new pint sized Miller Lites with screw caps and a sixer of Natty.  I feel this is the right moment to include that if Bud Light Lime was willing to make the move to these awesomely futuristic, non-spill aluminum screw top bottles, disc golf would never be the same. I always manage to spill my canned beverage throughout my travels on the course with antics such as knocking it over with my foot, spilling over my hand as well as other forms of delightful inelegance.  You love it.

We pulled into Monte Sano and paid our $3 admission per person to find that the course was immediately next to the gate.  I was surprised to find that the entire course is wooded.  For those that have been reading my posts, I’m sure you know how unwavering I am in my attitude towards poison oak.  Fortunately the course was well maintained and there were only small patches throughout.*Please see notation 2 at bottom.  I found this course to be the most enjoyable wooded course I have been on yet – sorry, Trussville.  #6 is a bit difficult to find, but that’s all right.  On your roundabout walk to the tee, you can stop by the gift shop to hit up the air conditioned bathroom or chill outside and talk to the assortment of hikers, bikers and other disc golf aficionado’s.

I was a little disappointed that the front 9 went by so quickly – it seemed like it only took us 30 minutes to finish these.  Fortunately the back 9 and the scenic view overlooking the park next to #17 more than made up for this.  There are a lot of trees/obstacles to throw around but not a big deal; it seems that it gives you a bit more of a challenge than your ordinary park.  I was not thrilled with the course’s ratings from the website we had referenced; could use an elevated rating from its current status.

I would definitely come back and play another 18 at Monte Sano.

The ride back to Good Hope wasn’t bad at all considering we had a stop to Krystal’s on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville for a bite to eat.  We later had a bathroom stop at the Stuckey’s/Dairy Queen in Lacon where we somehow managed to find the exit within the overcrowded maze of knickknack filled aisles.  Helpful tip – do not venture into the bathroom stall in the Men’s Room. I’m fairly certain a small creature ventured into the toilet only to die in there weeks ago and will probably still be there to greet unsuspecting travelers in the upcoming months.

Highlights

  • The trees afforded much needed shade for a warm summer day
  • Very scenic and enjoyable hike through the woods
  • Easily navigable with painted arrows and multitude of signs
  • Low amount of poison oak
  • Gift shop/air conditioned rest room
  • There were benches throughout to take a breather and watch the wildlife – saw a lot of squirrels, birds and even a snake chilling in a ditch

Disappointments

  • The tees had carpet over them – wasn’t sure how to take this
  • No hole was less than 200’
  • Stephen did not purchase a pecan log at Stuckey’s
  • Not many trash cans throughout course

*Notation 1 – For the out of town readers on the 12 o’ clock bit – please be aware of the local ordinances within ‘wet’ cities/towns in Alabama. You typically have to wait until 12 noon before you can purchase beer or wine.  Also, some jurisdictions will not allow the consumer to purchase ANY alcohol on Sunday outside of a restaurant (notable example includes Shelby County).  Welcome to the Bible Belt.

*Notation 2 – Poison oak – Please do not be confused with a five leafed native plant that does have similar leaf margins because I assure you it is NOT poison oak.  WHY?  What is the easiest way to distinguish between this five leafed native plant and poison oak?  Poison oak has three leaves and as the old adage goes that aids in remembering this, “Leaves of three, let it be.”

– Joe


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