Showdown at Shelton is over but NOT forgotten

Well, we have made it back to the other side of the country again.   "HELLO WASHINGTON"

We came to play in the Showdown at Shelton, and had the chance to arrive early. After speaking to the tournament director, Chris Gilberts, he let us know that camping will take place at Mason Lake. Let me tell you that we are so glad we arrived early. Take a look at some of the pictures below:

 What a beautiful place to call home for a few days. It was truly hard to say goodbye to this amazing piece of property. I would highly suggest a visit here if you are in the area. It's peaceful, beautiful and just simply amazing.

Not only did we get to stay at Mason Lake for a few days but we also met up with a friend of ours that moved from Florida out this direction. Dan, it was so nice to see you again. We enjoyed our visit and look forward to seeing you soon. Tim (Skelly) it was awesome getting to know you! I look forward to hanging out in Portland real soon.

We weren't the only ones to arrive early. Of course the TD of the event was here and working extremely hard to get the Showdown at Shelton completely ready to host 144 players. From what he told us, without the help from everyone and co-director Morgan Rothrock, this tournament would not run as smoothly as it did. From the flight schedule being on time to the incredible Salmon lunch and of course the player's party at the campsite...this is a very well ran event. Hats off to all that had any part of running this event. I will try my hardest to get back here next year.

This was such a treat for us. Thank you for having us. I would also like to thank all the competitors that played in this event and welcomed us into your community. Last BUT not least, I would like to say congrats to Paul Ulibarri for his win. It was a very fierce competition.

 Thank you Mason County Disc Golf Association 

Wisoncin trip was awesome for the It's About Time Tour"

The Silver Cup XIV tournament has come to an end. I would like to personally say congrats to my close friend Garrett Gurthie on his victory.

"GG" you played a great tournament and we are very proud of you! Love you Bro

"GG"

 

Along the adventure at Rollin Ridge Disc Golf Course "GG" picked up the Rollin Ridge Golf Cart. These carts come in many different colors. The cart seemed to be well thought out. Plenty of room in the storage area and a seat on the top as well. Breaks down very easy  and is compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car.

 

 

The Rollin Ridge Course is something to remember. From the clubhouse to the end of the course is such a treat. This picture below is of hole number two's tee pad. Just look at the work that was put into it.

It will be hard to get a two on this course for sure. The holes can be extremely tough and challenging. If you are ever in the area I would highly suggest playing this course. It's only $ 5.00 to play and well worth every penny.

 

 

To end our trip to Wisconsin, we decided to take a couple days off for family fun time. The "Gus Bus" has taken us to Wisconsin Dells. We are actually parked right on the Wisconsin River. There is so much to do here, way too much for me to even get into. I am attaching this a link so you can see everything Wisconsin Dells has to offer. Wisconsin Dells attractions

 

As always, we appreciate you following our adventure across country in the Gus Bus. Please visit us at www.johnemccraytour.com 

We have some exciting Member's Only signature series discs coming in August. To get first dibs please join our Membership found under the JohnE tab on the website and as always, our online Store has fundraiser tour discs and shirts available to help this tour continue.

 

 









It's About Time Tour arrives in Wisconsin

JohnE McCray and family arrive in Manitowoc, Wisconsin for the Silver Cup XIV Pro/Adv event presented by Rollin' Ridge.

For more information about the event please visit Silver Cup XIV Disc Golf Pro/Adv Tournament

This event will be played at three different courses:

Lower Cato Falls

Rollin Ridge Discgolf Course

Silver Creek Disc Golf Park

Upon our arrival, the Gus Bus lead us to Silver Creek Disc Golf Course. JohnE was able to get a practice round in on 27 of the 28 hole layout. Watching the fog roll in towards the end of practice, he decided to call it a day and get the family to our next destination. 

Next stop for our arrival day, we're heading to our parking destination at The Lighthouse Inn. Tournament director and operator of the Lighthouse Inn, James Van Lanen JR, welcomed us with open arms. Originally we were going to just park and stay in the RV for the duration of our stay but after seeing the incredible view of Lake Michigan, we decided to stay in a room over looking Lake Michigan. The hospitality from Mr. Van Lanen has just been amazing. His enthusiasm to run a stellar event has made us very excited to be here. We sat down with Mr. Van Lanen at breakfast and listened to him telling us about the way disc golf has evolved here in Wisconsin and the future plans for the Rollin' Ridge Disc Golf Course. This has made us even more excited to come back to this event next year!

Saturday evening there will be a bon fire and live music at The Lighthouse Inn Beach area. 

We are very excited about that. 

Thank you Mr. Van Lanen and the Lighthouse Inn for a wonderful place to call home for the week.

If you are ever in this area of Wisconsin, I would highly suggest a stay here. Everything from the views to the indoor pool and restaurant have been just amazing. For more information about the hotel please visit The Lighthouse Inn 

I look forward to our visit here in Wisconsin. Follow the event page at

 The Silver Cup Disc Golf Tournament

Thanks for following us on the It's About Time Tour. Please visit us at www.johnemccraytour.com

To help us along the way we have It's About Time Tour discs and shirts on the store page in the website. All proceeds go to the It's About Time Tour fund. Please visit the website link above and click on the STORE page.

$ 25.00 shipped

JohnE McCray would like to say....

I would like to take a moment to say a few thank yous:

Without the help of my sponsors, this tour would not be happening.

www.gdstour.com

I have thrown Gateway products since 1999. What  I like about their discs is the consistency in every disc I throw. In my bag I carry the following discs: Apache, Illusion, Rage, Element X, Spirit, Warrior, Wizard. Of course there are times that I change it up depending on the course I am playing but the above discs are what I use. Thanks Gateway Disc Sports and Dave McCormack for believing in me! www.gdstour.com

www.dyenamitediscs.com

Dye-Na-Mite Discs are bar none one of the best at designing logos and disc dyes. If you are looking for one of a kind disc golf artwork, please contact Allen or Erin...you will not be disappointed. Thanks Dye-Na-Mite Discs for all the cool artwork you have to offer us. www.dyenamitediscs.com

www.discgolfcenter.com

Disc Golf Center has one of the largest disc golf inventories you could ask for. You can choose your color and weight as well as FREE shipping. Please visit Disc Golf Center online and view their massive inventory. Thanks Disc Golf Center. www.discgolfcenter.com

www.paragondiscgolf.com

Paragon Disc Golf offers all a club or a tournament would need. From bag tags to clothing, they can get it for you. Paragon Disc Golf sponsors a lot of players, I am happy to be on Team Paragon. Visit Paragon Disc Golf online and view their catalog...you won't be disappointed. www.paragondiscgolf.com

Information coming soon

Dr. Charlie Booras

What can I say about Circle 1 Productions and Dr. Charlie "Bubba" Booras except for I love that guy. Dr. Charlie is such am amazing friend and one awesome dude. Dr. Charlie filmed my In the Bag Segment at The Canyon in Brooksville, Florida and has helped me out along this tour as well. Both Jen and I have enjoyed everything about the friendship with Dr. Charlie...Much Love from the McCray family!

I would also like to say thank you to Bob Hunt who helped create our website www.johnemccraytour.com and also helped create a lot of our videos and inspiration for our website. Thanks Bob for all of your knowledge and expertise.

We are so grateful for all of you who donated to this tour whether it was financial or spiritual...you're the best

Please as always, check back often and follow our adventures. 

Also visit our website at www.johnemccraytour.com

Apache Trading Post and The McCray family

My last post left you visiting underground with us at The Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  Just outside the Caverns is The Apache Trading Post. There used to be about half dozen or so trading posts along this stretch but it appears as if The Apache Canyon Trading Post is the only one still open for business. The owner's sell items from several American Indian tribes and other local residents.

Let me show you a few pictures of the outside:

JohnE outside the trading post

Unfortunately when we arrived, it was closed. We would really have liked to see all the souvenirs...BUT...we had just as much fun hanging around outside.  

JohnE checking for snakes

JohnE and Jen

Ashley

Ashley in Jail

JohnE in Jail

Ashley teasing JohnE w/the keys

While JohnE and Ashley are stuck in jail Jen decided to visit the Saloon 

Jen@the Saloon

We really enjoyed this days. The caverns were awesome and this little stop afterwards was a lot of fun. The picture you see below was taken on our way up to the Caverns. We also saw mountain goats on the way back down...PRETTY COOL STUFF!

Driving up to Carlsbad Caverns

To learn more about our travels please visit us at www.johnemccraytour.com

Going underground with The McCrays at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The It's About Time Tour is mostly about playing disc golf year round except for a few stops along the way. This post will give you a little insight to just one of our little stops...hope you enjoy it.

As we were leaving Arizona after "The Memorial", we found ourselves with a little extra time to explore somewhere. Yes, we are heading back into Texas, but we wanted so badly to try something a little bit different. This amazing place we decided to visit came with extremely high recommendations from one of our new friends Simone and let me tell you that I am so glad we listened to her.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

 Upon our arrival we entered into the lobby to inquire about visiting the Caverns. We paid our entry fee of $ 10.00 per person and waited our turn to enter. It's our turn now to go inside the cavern. To get into the cavern you hop into a small elevator and travel 756 ft down into the earth in about one minute and 20 seconds. The elevator doors open and pure amazement is in front of us. We're doing the self guided tour which is about an hour trip around by foot. The atmosphere is cold, dark,damp and very quiet but ABSOLUTELY amazing.

JohnE

I know the pictures do not do any justice to this amazing cavern but I had to share it with you somehow.

Being from Florida, we did not even know what to expect here. I do wish we had an entire day to spend here.

                                           LOOK UP

Water in the cavern...I wanted to see how cold it was but you're not allowed to touch anything in the cavern.

We enjoyed our adventure at Carlsbad Caverns...taking a little rest on the stone benches and taking selfies

This was the final destination of our walk around the caverns...if you get the chance to visit Carlsbad Caverns please DO IT!

For more information about Carlsbad Caverns please visit Carlsbad Caverns

To learn more about the JohnE McCray "It's About Time Tour" please visit www.johnemccraytour.com

Stay tuned next week for what we found outside of Carlsbad Caverns...we acted like total tourists and has a blast doing it.

Hello Arizona and The Memorial NT Event

As we said goodbye to Texas (well for a little while) we say hello to Arizona.  What can you say about the beauty of Arizona...I will tell you in one word, WOW!  

We took a day off and drove up to Sedona from Tempe and enjoyed the most beautiful views on Main street. Sharing this with my wife and daughter was just an amazing experience.

Red Rocks Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona

                   

 Being from Florida, we see beautiful sunsets but nothing like the view you see above. The vivid colors and clear skyline is something everyone should see. I highly suggest it.

We were welcomed to Arizona from our new friends Billy and Sen. The hospitality in Arizona is just as great as the hospitality we received in Texas. Billy and Sen and their dog Levi opened up there home to us with a warm shower, bed and great company. Thank you Billy and Sen for hosting our stay in Arizona and Sen, thank you for spending your 30th birthday with us in the freezing rain at The Memorial and Billy, thank you so much for showing me the courses and carrying my bag as well. 

JohnE and Billy @ Vista

Let's fast forward to The Memorial now. This is my first time playing in this event. I have watched in years past and wished so much to have been playing instead of watching online.  In 2014, I am able to say that I competed in one of the best events in my disc golf career. What a great event and what awesome venues at Fountain Hills and Vista del Camino. 

Fountain Hills Veteran's Memorial
Thank you to ALL military personal for your service to our Country

I am happy with the way I played. I did have a few hop-outs and a few bogies but that's ok. Competing against a field of extremely talented players, I will say that I am very happy with my 2nd place finish. I would like to say congrats to Paul McBeth for his first place finish.  To learn more about the placements of all players that attended The Memorial please visit PDGA 

There is a man by the name of Stan Hubbard from Florida who happened to be playing in the same event as me. Once Stan's rounds were completed he came to walk with me. On the last day of the tournament, Stan was just amazing. As you probably know it was raining extremely hard and freezing. On every shot, Stan was by my side with an umbrella keeping my discs as dry as possible. Stan would take my wet towels and do his best to ring them out so I could use them on the next shot. I want to thank Stan for being there for me. I told Jen after the round was over that Stan is THE MAN!

We're heading back to Texas for three weeks. I am looking forward to more events and new courses. Our friend Matt Siri already has a place for us to park the RV...can't wait to meet our new friends. Thanks Matt for hooking us up (literally) with Chad and Laura.

Check back often for more updates on the It's About Time Tour and how we're doing. You can also visit us at www.johnemccraytour.com