Sherman Cup

At the end of August we decided to take a few days off work and head up to Tionesta for a long weekend getaway. My parents were already there due to moving my sister into CMU, but to make it even better, my high school friends Ed and Amanda were also coming in. By the time we rolled into town everybody was already there, and after a late dinner we all went to bed after long days of work/driving.

We ended up golfing every morning, but afternoons were filled with hanging out at the pool before dinner. We created floating bottle koozies out of noodles which would keep our bottles afloat. We also discovered that an empty bottle will lay on it's side and slowly fill up with water. Once it gets to a certain fullness, it'll flip right side up and just float there like a buoy. It was a funny site seeing all the bottles floating around the pool.

Hanging out at the pool

In the pool with our floating koozies

One of the great things about Mimi's house is there is a natural driving range in the back yard. Hitting across the river is not an easy feat. Depending on the river conditions its just under 300 yards across, so you need a really good shot to get it across the river. Ed was the first to get it over, and after a lot of effort I was able to match him (Though I was using my cousin Shane's driver). I think the rest of the family got a nice kick out of the guys, in their swim trunks trying to hit across the river. After a while, we got the girls to come down and hit some balls too!

Me hitting a ball across the river

Hitting balls across the river

While the guys were out golfing Saturday morning the girls went into town, and met up with the Hall family to watch the Indian Festival Parade. Shane was in the parade with the fire department, and from what I heard there were some interesting sites. It's been so long since I've been to the parade myself, I'll have to make my way up to it sometime.

At the Indian Festival Parade

The main event was on Sunday, The Sherman Cup. We had heard all week that the tournament format was a little different than most golf tournaments, but nobody seemed to have a description of the actual rules. We found out how the tournament would go when we showed up, and boy was it unusual! Each person would tee off. Then both people would switch balls and hit the other persons drive. From that point you picked one ball to alternate shots on. After a moment of initial skepticism about the rules, the format made it fun and unique.

As for the results? We played pretty horribly, but had a great time. Ed was my partner, and we were paired with my Dad and his brother Larry who came up from Pittsburgh for the day. Most of the family was participating which made it that much better. The rain held off just long enough for everybody to get back to the clubhouse for dinner. Fun day! I think this may become a regular thing for us.

The Guy's before the Sherman Cup

Me and Ed "The Arborist" ready for the Sherman Cup

Before everybody had to leave we were able to squeeze in a quick round of golf in the morning. The girls joined us about half way through to take pictures and I was able to coax Lisa out to play at least one hole. She had been to the driving range with me before, but this was her first time on a real golf course, and having to actually put the ball in the hole. Other than some understandable putting issues, she did so well! I'll have to get her back out there again soon so we can start playing together.

Lisa's first time on a real golf course

The last day we were there, most everybody had already left, so we went up to my Aunt's since Lisa hadn't seen the longhorns up close yet. Luckily they were up by the house so she could see them as close as possible. She was quite surprised to see how big they really were. Especially foster.

Foster!

Overall it was a great long weekend! It was great to see everybody, and everybody had a good time. Now that we aren't so far away I can see this being a regular thing for the future. I believe Ed is already planning next years Sherman Cup trip.