Tag Disc Golf

Travels With Martin Etsy Shop Disc Golf

Adding Disc Golf Shirts to My Shop

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I’m excited to share that I’m adding new disc golf shirts to my Etsy shop! As a passionate disc golfer, I’ve had the chance to play over 300 courses while traveling around the U.S. and Canada in my van. I love the sport’s community, the challenges of each course, and the chance to explore new places. These shirts reflect my love for the game and the adventure of discovering new courses. Check out the designs below, and head over to my Etsy shop to grab one for yourself!

Love the disc golf designs but not looking for a t-shirt? No problem! These designs can be customized on a variety of products, including coffee mugs, sweatshirts, hoodies, women’s cut tees, and more. If you see something you like and want it on a different item, just reach out to me—I’m happy to help make it happen!

Kearney Lincoln Omaha To Missoula and Back Disc Golf Nebraska

Driving from Omaha, NE to Kearney, NE

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I had the weekend to get from Omaha, NE (G on the map) to Denver, CO (B).  While planning the trip, I decided I’d stop in Kearney, NE (A) for the night.  Lake Hastings Park, one of the top disc golf courses in Nebraska, was near there and just off the route (I).  Kearney (pronounced Car-Knee) also had a course and some live music spots.  It is about half way across Nebraska and would a perfect place to stop for the night.  This turned into a fun, full day of the trip.

Played a quick 9 holes at  my local course in Omaha before heading out to Lincoln, NE.  Lincoln was not originally on my itinerary, but it was on the way and would be a good place to stop for my coffee. I ended up wandering around the capitol building which turned into it’s own little adventure that deserved a separate post! It was an excellent excursion!
Played a round of disc golf at Lake Hasting Park in Hastings, NE.  This was one of my favorite courses on the trip.  It had some a good mix of shots through trees and over/around water.  It was set in a beautiful park.  It was quite hot out that day and I was able to take a dip in the lake to cool off!
Saw this stretched across the highway as I approached Kearney. I had to go see what it was.  The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is a rest area, monument and museum that houses a historical experience that tells the story of Nebraska and the Platte River Valley in the development of America.  Unfortunately, the museum itself was closed.  I did find the rest area full of history and historical stories.  I enjoyed walking around, reading the plaques and learning more.
Kearney, NE is the sandhill crane capital of the world! Every year between March and April, over 600,000 Sandhill Cranes make a stop in Kearney on their way north.  Unfortunately, I was there after this event but I heard stories about it.  They say the sound itself is pretty amazing.  Maybe I’ll pass this way again during this migration event some day.
 
Made it into Kearney later in the day and explored downtown a bit.


Everyone was very into the
University of Nebraska volleyball game
Explored Yanney Park and enjoyed the sunset from there.  The park had a little lake, a bunch of waling trails and a lookout tower.  The new “Gardens of Yanney Park” was under construction and should be a beautiful place to walk around when it’s done.
Went to Cunningham’s Journal for some live music before calling it a night.
Disc Golf Nebraska

The Many States of Disc Golf – Nebraska

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According to the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) website, there are approximately 107 disc golf courses in Nebraska.  These are the 5 disc golf courses I have played in Nebraska.  

Cottonmill Disc Golf, Kearney, NE
Aug 29, 2021
Centennial Park, Kearney, NE
Aug 29, 2021
Lake Hastings, Hastings, NE
Aug 28, 2021
Hanscolm Park DGC, Omaha, NE
Aug 26, 2021

Yes… that’s an ace on the scorecard!!

Aug 27, 2021

Aug 28, 2021
Seymour Smith Park, La Vista, NE
Aug 26, 2021
Omaha Runza To Missoula and Back Disc Golf Nebraska

Exploring Omaha – Day 1 – Aug 2021

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Pretty cool that I find myself in Omaha, Nebraska!
I grabbed some coffee at a neighborhood coffee shop and spent my morning working from my AirBnB.
I had a recommendation from my brother to eat a Runza while here.  The original Runza location is no longer around so I went to the closest one I could find for lunch.  Runza started in 1949 by Sally Everett in Lincoln, NE.  The operations were expanded by her son and are still run by her grandchildren.  The Runza Sandwich features bread that is baked fresh daily stuffed with ground beef, onions, spices, and cabbage.  I added mushrooms, onions and cheese to mine.  It’s kind of like a Nebraskan cheese steak.  I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one.
Went back to the AirBnB to work through the afternoon then headed out for some disc golf.  I played two courses.  The first one was a short nine hole course at Hanscom Park Disc Golf Course about a quarter mile from my home.  I really enjoyed having this nearby as I did go back a few more times during my stay.  It was close and I could get through a round in about 30 minutes.  AND…. I SHOT MY FIRST ACE so why not go back!

Shot my ace on hole 4 at Hanscom Park Disc Golf Course.
It was a short hole of only 135 feet but I had to wind it around numerous trees.
From here I headed to Seymour Smith Disc Golf Course which was about 30 minutes away in La Vista, NE.  It is one of the better rated courses in the area and is a more challenging 18 basket course.  Loved that I was disc golfing in Nebraska!

I had decided, while in the planning process of this trip, that I’d treat myself to a steak dinner in Omaha.  After golfing, I went home, cleaned up and headed to The Drover.   Certainly not a high end joint.  The inside was very dark with cowboy motif. There was a salad bar.  The steak was OK.  I’ll go elsewhere the next time.

Went by Pageturners Lounge per Michael’s recommendation.  Excellent little venue.  There was a duet playing which ended with Pink Floyd’s “If”.  Always enjoy live music!
Disc Golf Iowa

The Many States of Disc Golf – Iowa

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According to the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) website, there are approximately 300 disc golf courses in Iowa.  These are the 4 disc golf courses I have played in Iowa.

Pickard Park Disc Golf, Indianola, IA
Aug 24, 2021

Ewing Park, Des Moines, IA
Aug 23, 2021

Westside Park, Dyersville, IA
Aug 21, 2021

Toledo Community Disc Golf, Toledo, IA
Aug 21, 2021
Des Moines Disc Golf To Missoula and Back Iowa Food

Exploring Des Moines – Day two – Aug 2021

Martin 1 Comment
I spent most of the day in my AirBnB working, however, I did have two excursions.
My first outing was to Mullets Restaurant.  Mullets was recommended to me as a great place to eat breakfast.  This recommendation came from the bartender at the Meskwaki Casino where I stayed the night before arriving in Des Moines.  I have found that most recommendations that I’ve been gotten along the way have been spot on and my breakfast didn’t disappoint.
I loved the pictures covering the walls of people with mullets!  There were pictures of some of my favorite Phillies from the 80’s as well as an area for patrons to send in their own pictures.  I’m thinking of pulling my old mullet picture out and sending it in!
The staff was very friendly and the food was served quickly.  I had the breakfast rarebit and it was rich and delicious.  I was also able to get WiFi here so enjoyed a leisurely meal and spent some time getting work done.
My other outing was after work to Pickard Disc Golf Course.  I was looking forward to this course as it had recently been used on the Disc Golf Pro Tour.

An elevated tee pad platform

It was another brutally hot day and I did get a little frustrated when I arrived.  Due to the recent tournament, the baskets were not in the normal positions.  I found myself wandering around in the heat trying to figure things out.  This is a pet peeve of mine.  I hate when I get to a course and the signage is so bad that I spend half my time just trying to find the correct basket.  I did, after some time, manage to figure things out using my UDisc app. Otherwise… five star.

Deer on the course.
Up the hill to an island green

From the platform over the water.

My drive rolled back into the water.
I really enjoyed this course.  It was beautifully maintained and challenging with rolling hills, some wooded shots and water that was in play.  Although I feel I played well, I did manage to land two disc in water but easily retrievable. I hope to play this course again some day.

This was one of my drives.  I nailed the shot from here!  One of my best birdies on the trip.