Melanie and I started the day with a great breakfast, while admiring the mountainous views, here at Mammoth Lakes. We were excited not only because it was a beautiful day - crisp, clean air, not a cloud in the sky, and abundant sunshine...but we were going to take golf lessons. We jumped in our Subaru, drove to Sierra Star Golf Club and were ready to hit the green!

Sierra Star is California's highest 18-hole course, at 8,000 feet. (No wonder all of my make-up exploded!) We met Dave Schacht, who is the PGA Head Golf Professional at Sierra, and our instructor for the day. He had the patience of a saint and many a kind word for the novice golfers. He taught us about G.A.P.S. (Grip, Alignment, Posture & Stance) and how they are the basic fundamentals of golfing.

From there, I picked up Mel in the golf cart and we headed to the putting green, where Dave taught us the art of putting.

After mastering the putting green, Dave felt that we graduated, so we headed on down to drive some balls. The views were spectacular, but nothing could compare to the feeling we felt when our club connected with the ball and it soared.

Next, it was time to get down and dirty...Dave pitted us against each other for a mini golf tournament. Melanie and I were getting along so well....until now!!!!

I'm sure you're all dying to know who won; and the winner is...

We had so much fun today and have Dave to thank! We're both eager to get back out on the golf course as soon as we get home.

We were told by everyone at Sierra Golf that before we left town, we had to check out the Mammoth Lakes Basin area. Boy - was it worth it!

Sitting on the dock of the bay

See you tomorrow when Suzanne and Mel's journey continues with a 10-hour drive to Park City, Utah!