There is apparently much debate over the precise origins of golf. Theories abound that place its beginnings in either ancient Rome, China, Persia or Europe. The prevailing theory places its birth on the British Isles in the country of Scotland around the 12th century. Wherever its inception, golf has been a great contribution to mankind, providing us with hours of entertainment.
For instance, where else would one get to laugh at old men dressed in ridiculous patterns of plaid? In addition to its intrinsic humor, it has the added effect of becoming a powerful anesthesia when shown on television. Hence its airing on Sunday afternoons while everyone is taking their nap. I actually sat and attempted to watch it once, I did not wake up until late the next day.
Perhaps though, one of golf's greatest gifts is the water hazard (not to be confused with the Dukes of Hazzard). These littles jewels dot the landscape of any well designed golf course, beckoning would-be golfers to send their ball off into oblivion. Golfers may try to avoid the wiles of these ball traps; however, many will succumb to their siren song. Leaving a plethora of little, white treasures in a watery grave.
Enter golf ball diving.
Golf course water hazards make the perfect late night excursion, as long as you do not get caught. During the summer months, there is nothing quite like a nocturnal goodwill mission to rescue water-logged golf balls. In a good night, you can pull several hundred old balls out of these little ponds. Bring a bucket, but leave your flashlight at home.
Rarely are these makeshift pools deeper than 4-6 feet, so they provide the perfect place for a few night-time laps, or a good game of Marco Polo. The added benefit is walking away with more golf balls than you can carry, providing you with an activity for the next night... trying to lose all of those golf balls.
Golf courses abound in the Jackson area, there are three right in town. Some are easier to access than others, so exercise common sense. Oh, and do not destroy anything. Golf courses can get picky if you mess up their manicured lawn.
Showing posts with label summertime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summertime. Show all posts
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Forked Deer River
The Forked (pronounced fork-ed) Deer River is perhaps one of Jackson's greatest unsung treasures. Once one looks past the murky water, the slimy mud bottoms, the unusually large amount of trash that accumulates along its bank, and the inconvenient fact that a waste water treatment facility dumps there exhaust water into it; then he or she will find a jewel of outdoor entertainment.
The Forked Deer River actually has three branches, the South, Middle, and North as they are called. The two branches of concern to the Jacksonian however, are the south and middle as Jackson sits conveniently between the two of them. You can find access points to the south branch in south Jackson and access points to the middle branch just north of town as you head towards Three Way or Medina.
If you are wondering why on earth you would even care about accessing this river, then let me tell you. During my time in Jackson, my cronies and I found many an adventure around the slowly moving, and faintly smelly waters, of the Forked Deer. For instance, if you travel down the 45 Bypass to Airways Blvd and hang a left, you will very shortly cross a bridge and see a little turn off to your right. The old path leads back almost a mile to a small clearing in the woods. Here is a great place for a campfire or to set up some tents for the night right next to the waters edge. It is a wonderful spot due to its proximity. It is only minutes from north or south Jackson, but feels like you are out in God's country.
An idea that is even more daring is the use of the river for water sports. The Ocoee has nothing on the tubing adventure you can experience on the middle fork (the one north of Jackson) of the river. There are two road access points to this branch of the river. One of them is directly up the bypass headed towards Three Way. You will see the bridge as it goes over the river. You can park one car here and then take everyone to the beginning of the trip. The second access point is on Old Medina Road north of the intersection with Ashport. There is a railroad bridge to the right and a large access to the river on the left. Park your second car here and unload people and tubes and float to the first car. It will take you about 2-3 hours depending how fast the water is moving. This makes a great after class activity to wind down after a long day of lectures.
The water level varies greatly on the Forked Deer. Spring and the early months of summer are the best time to attempt this feat. Any later and the river is too low to float your tube and you will find yourself on a two mile hike through mud back to the other car. Also, when it rains for several days, the water level can get terribly high and fast. In these conditions, tubers beware. Oh, and watch out for snakes.
The Forked Deer River actually has three branches, the South, Middle, and North as they are called. The two branches of concern to the Jacksonian however, are the south and middle as Jackson sits conveniently between the two of them. You can find access points to the south branch in south Jackson and access points to the middle branch just north of town as you head towards Three Way or Medina.
If you are wondering why on earth you would even care about accessing this river, then let me tell you. During my time in Jackson, my cronies and I found many an adventure around the slowly moving, and faintly smelly waters, of the Forked Deer. For instance, if you travel down the 45 Bypass to Airways Blvd and hang a left, you will very shortly cross a bridge and see a little turn off to your right. The old path leads back almost a mile to a small clearing in the woods. Here is a great place for a campfire or to set up some tents for the night right next to the waters edge. It is a wonderful spot due to its proximity. It is only minutes from north or south Jackson, but feels like you are out in God's country.
An idea that is even more daring is the use of the river for water sports. The Ocoee has nothing on the tubing adventure you can experience on the middle fork (the one north of Jackson) of the river. There are two road access points to this branch of the river. One of them is directly up the bypass headed towards Three Way. You will see the bridge as it goes over the river. You can park one car here and then take everyone to the beginning of the trip. The second access point is on Old Medina Road north of the intersection with Ashport. There is a railroad bridge to the right and a large access to the river on the left. Park your second car here and unload people and tubes and float to the first car. It will take you about 2-3 hours depending how fast the water is moving. This makes a great after class activity to wind down after a long day of lectures.
The water level varies greatly on the Forked Deer. Spring and the early months of summer are the best time to attempt this feat. Any later and the river is too low to float your tube and you will find yourself on a two mile hike through mud back to the other car. Also, when it rains for several days, the water level can get terribly high and fast. In these conditions, tubers beware. Oh, and watch out for snakes.
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