By Jim Hansen

As I slid the tee tops away from the roof of my classic Firebird GTA, I looked skyward and realized there was a great adventure in my immediate future. Instantaneously, I felt a powerful sensation urging me to journey into the foothills. As my excitement grew I rapidly packed the garment bags, grabbed my golf clubs, loaded them into the car then paused for a moment to think, - something is missing? Oops - forgot the wife (Just kidding).

However, I did have to persuade her that I would take her to a lovely setting where she could find a perfect respite from her adrenaline-filled days. The minute I mentioned Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis her frown turned to a smile. So with the panels off and the compact disc player cranking out some timeless Kenny Loggins, tunes we were on our way to becoming footloose.

The Firebird seemed energized as we hit the open road; the clouds began to run in the opposite direction splitting on either side of our perspective path revealing a bright indigo sky and exposing a colorful spring day filled with daffodils, tulips and California poppies.

As we motored up Highway 4 we marveled at the hand stacked rock walls that littered the landscape while imagining the labor that it took to construct those monuments of yesteryear. We found inspiration in those accomplishments and decided to explore more artifacts of the area before we arrived at our destination.

Upon our arrival at the Saddle Creek Resort we checked in, and then proceeded to the intimate bungalow that we would call home for a couple of days. Our particular unit known as ‘Pebble Beach’ is located adjacent to the ninth-hole featuring a patio with a westerly view of the lake, rolling hills and just a short walk to the lodge. Our comfortable abode is perfectly positioned to view a golfer’s impressive shot to the green or witness the spectacular sunset event that is commonplace here. If you have never lived or vacationed on a golf course then this is an opportunity for you to become part of a living breathing ecological wonder that man has created to showcase nature at her best.

Each Bungalow offers a master suite with its own bath, plus a second bedroom & bath. The kitchen and great room boast a fireplace and media center, (DVD’s are available for check out from the concierge) with a lofted ceiling adding to the sense of spaciousness. French doors open to the patio and the views.

A convenience that I found particularly user friendly was the combination mini-bar and refrigerator. These were stocked with familiar items found in up-scale hotels but also a bit of the unusual. For example, pressed Italian Vila di Oro bed linens; Voss, a premier-brand of bottled water; Maker’s Mark bourbon a bottle of wine from a local winery; and even a gourmet pizza ready to prepare for a late night snack.

If that is not enough in the bathroom you will find all types of appurtenances to enhance your bath and body experience. When you awake in the morning just outside your door look for another bonus - you will find a morning newspaper placed in a door hanger upon your door. With all I‘ve spoke of you may want to book right now and I would be remiss if I did not bring to your attention that you may reserve the full 2-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow, or the master suite with the kitchen and great room. If you’re like me, with these comforts and attention to detail you may not want to leave.

Now let’s talk things to do!

I will begin with the Sports Club. The Sports Club overlooks its own lake just a short distance away from the lodge. Large glass windows let the beautiful views flow from the hillsides into the room offering an inspirational place to workout. In addition to fitness equipment, you can take advantage of yoga classes. There is a massage therapist on site Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays offering everything from a customized ‘Saddle Creek massage’ to foot reflexology and eye zone treatment. Just adjacent is the game room with a large screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen making it perfect for social events. The junior Olympic–sized swimming pool is ideal for laps and regularly scheduled water aerobic classes. Also available are a spa, wading pool, two tennis courts, two bocce and two horseshoe courts. As a guest in the bungalows, you have full access to the Sports Club.

Another activity is found at “The Quail Trail” that offers over seven miles of well-groomed hiking or biking trails and five miles of improved walks. Fitness is just one of the many benefits of the trails, where incredible views await you around every bend. Last but certainly not least there is the golfing. This pristine setting here at Saddle Creek is home to the course that was named California’s #8 course in Golfweek’s 10th state-by-state ranking of “America’s Best Courses.” And I can attest it is wonderful! (See the golf article in this edition.)

Now after all that exercise you can comfortably go enjoy cocktails, breakfast, lunch or dinner in the lodge. (See the dining article in this edition for more information.) Then perhaps make time for shopping or exploring the nearby historic sites as we did. Whatever you choose you will have a great time.

The best way to immerse yourself in the unmatched golf experience at Saddle Creek is through their Stay & Play packages. Enjoy a day of unlimited golf on a highly ranked championship course. And your accommodations in the spacious lodge bungalows put you within steps of the golf shop and the Copper Grille restaurant at the Lodge. Two night packages for two with golf begin at $315. Come visit Saddle Creek Resort and get footloose in the foothills. You won’t regret it! Saddle Creek is located at 1001 Saddle Creek Drive, Copperopolis, CA. 800-611-7722 or 209-785-7410. Please see www.saddlecreek.com for additional information.