Scotland Trip 2019

Golf Trip of a Lifetime

25 – Back to the Real World

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25 – Back to the Real World

The trip went smoothly, just an hour delay on our layover in Dublin, which allowed us to get in just a little more shopping before saying adieu to the islands. Goodbye Ireland – Goodbye Scotland! 

Flying Premium Economy class on Air Canada is truly a treat – good food, roomy and comfy seats. It was a pleasure knowing we would be gaining back the five hours lost on our eastbound leg weeks ago. Upon arrival in Toronto, we had a short wait in customs, and as we emerged into the public section of the terminal – there to greet us was Ron Kozak! He came to welcome Janis home, and so kindly presented each of us with a beautiful long-stemmed ROSE! Just fantastic – thanks, Ron! 

When Ron and others asked about our trip, it was hard to know where to begin or what to say. I felt like a different person with so many new experiences that were now a part of me. But most often, the short answer will have to suffice… “WE HAD A BALL!!!” 

We waved goodbye to Janis and Ron and waited for the two vehicles Erika had once again arranged to transport us back to her home. The cars that arrived were a bit smaller than the ones seventeen days ago, and we had to remove our drivers and fairway woods out of the flight bags so we could close the hatch! An hour later, back to beautiful Kingfisher Drive in Mono, Ontario.

After bringing in our luggage and catching our breath, there was a knock on the door – Yay – Erika and Milo are reunited! I wish he could tell us about his seventeen days with his besties who care for him and love him as Erika does. It is good she never worries because he is in such great hands with this family he knows well!

Val and I planned to leave early the next morning to try to beat Toronto’s rush-hour traffic on our way back to Michigan. We had one more celebration drink before heading to bed – a Guinness each for Erika and Val – and my favorite, a Stiegel Grapefruit Radler. Cheers! 

Thank you, Janis Parker, Erika Sayers, and Val Brennan for the trip of a lifetime!

Sue Ertl

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24 – Glasgow

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Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • 1 – After the Plans and Before the Journey
  • 2 – The Journey Begins
  • 3 – It’s a Small World at Dalmahoy
  • 4 – Edinburgh & North Berwick
  • 5 – Pittenweem, Crail, and onto the Home of Golf
  • 6 – The Macdonald Rusacks in St. Andrews
  • 7 – Our Practice Round and Solheim Cup Opening Ceremony
  • 8 – The Solheim Cup
  • 9 – Solheim Cup: The Venue
  • 10 – Solheim Cup: The Players / Competition
  • 11 – Solheim Cup: The Spectators and Team Fanatics
  • 12 – Solheim Cup: The Weather
  • 13 – Solheim Cup: The Defining Moment
  • 14 – Sunday in St. Andrews
  • 15 – Enjoying St. Andrews, Kittocks, and Kingsbarns
  • 16 – On to the Highlands
  • 17 – Be Our Guest
  • 18 – Royal Dornoch and Red Kite Hunting
  • 19 – Castle Stuart
  • 20 – Culloden Battlefield and the Bus Ride
  • 21 – The Great Rescue
  • 22 – Goodbye to Laurel and Golf at The Nairn Golf Club
  • 23 – Goodbye to Nairn and Onto Gleneagles
  • 24 – Glasgow
  • 25 – Back to the Real World

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