Close encounter with a fox

[Nickajack Angler]

Today Augie and I went golfing at my new country club where I've re-entered the work force after two years of being on sabatical..... uh, er fishing exercise. I went to work at Shiloh Falls Country Club last week and love it. I grew up golfing but seriously haven't golfed in the 16 mos since moving to TN until the past month.
So today we were sitting on the 15th tee, overlooking Pickwick lake. I was watching Augie on the tee box to my right and for some reason I turned to my left and there was a small adolescent fox within 4 ft of me! He had his head low and was trying to sniff me. It was apparent that he was looking for a handout. Maybe the members here feed him. Augie ran to the cart for I was unsure if it was rabid or not and didn't want to take the chance. They really don't like people in my experience and won't usually come that close. So, I snapped a few pictures as he sat there and scratched and looked at us as we looked at him. Really cool experience for Augie to see a fox. He's one of those kids that always missed the action due to playing games in the back seat of the car..... today he was front and center. We saw deer up close, this fox, a cottonmouth (yikes!!!), beautiful woodpeckers, and then came home to see hummingbirds buzzing like fighter pilots. Pretty cool day with Augie. He's 11 and growing up so fast..... lovin' every minute of it!!!!

 

[Guest]

NA, are you mowing the fairways or what?

 

[mshipman]

Good looking boy and red fox. It is strange that one would hang that close.

 

[ole blue]

Good to here from you NA hows Jace ? Augie looks tired in the last pic

 

[SpurHunter]

WORK!!! Oh God help us..... DOnt tell EricM about this, he would have a heart-attack!
Thanks for the interesting post.

 

[craazyboutbass]

Awesome!!

 

[Nickajack Angler]

Yes Doc, I had to spend a week on the greens keeping staff. Mowing and changing holes. Had to get to know the course intimately. Start as Golf Pro on Tues. Can't wait!
BBY, Jace is now out of the HQ tent and now out running missions as a squad leader. Haven't gotten to talk to him very often... he fired off a few very short emails that said he's only getting about three hours of sleep and really runnin' and gunnin'. Can't tell us squat about what they are doing or what types of missions they are running, which one might expect due to the nature of his MOS. He and his Battalion sure appreciate your periodic gifts of Little Debbie snacks!!!! He has made sure to tell me each time he got a box and the overwhelming response from the troops. From what I hear, they are in a very remote Foward operating base and do not have the Burger Kings, Pizza Huts or Popeyes that they have at some of the larger bases, so your treats are what they relish most. Thanks BBY... a parent of a soldier couldn't be happier with your time, generosity, and thoughtfulness. And I do know those soldiers squeal when they get a pkg from you.
And yes, Augie was dead tired.... we hit balls, practice putting and after 7 holes, he was asking to go home. I shot 2 over.....for those of you who were wondering.

 

[tyler ware]

NA your a golf pro and an angler, what are your a renaissance man. Golf Pro why did you not play here in Chatt town? Sounds like the Lord is working in your life. Funny how when we look back it is always good, but when we look forward we get nervous.

 

[Guest]

NA, let us know when the sauger start biting. They might bite all year long over there and not just in the cold months. BR and i would like to come over for a few days when the biting is good. I talked to Jon Hardin, tel. number 731-925-0693 over that way last year, he is over the sauger tournament I think, he can fill you in on the fish.

 

[Nickajack Angler]

tyler ware - 8/31/2008 10:22 PM

NA your a golf pro and an angler, what are your a renaissance man. Golf Pro why did you not play here in Chatt town? Sounds like the Lord is working in your life. Funny how when we look back it is always good, but when we look forward we get nervous.

Well, I played since I was three with my Dad. He was a great father and took me golfing in the morning and fishing the rest of the day until dark as long as I can remember. I played on Western Carolina golf team and UNC Asheville's golf team. Even made a run at the Texas Tour in Houston as a younger man.... but Dad taught me everything I know about golf..... except how to PUTT!!!!! He said it was his only advantage to ensure a $2 bet went to his pocket instead of mine.
I NEVER wanted to work in a pro shop and WATCH others play golf. But I was offered a unique opportunity to come in and help reestablish a Country Club that was mismanaged until last June when the new Superintendent came in. He has made this golf club a gem in the year he's been there and restored the HIGH quality golf course that was designed by Fred Couples and Jerry Pate. It's oh so sweet..... So, I figured that being I no longer have four stocked ponds, Riverpark in my backyard, Chick right around the corner, I might as well go work when the boys went back to school. I told you all that I live in a REMOTE county 10 mi north of Mississippi line and in the middle of nowhere. So, free golf for the family and my opportunity to get my PGA card, and possibly another run at playing on one of the tours is within my grasp. I fished for the entire 16 mos I lived in the Chatt area and never ONCE thought of playing golf. I'd rather fish for a living.... But after I saw Churly put a whoopin' on me, I knew I had a long way to get there. Anytime you boys from CFF want to come out, bring your boat and take me fishing. Golf and personal lessons are free to all members that meet this criteria. I miss you guys a TON! And the fishing over there more. And yes, the Lord has challenged me like never before. We also have been attending a great church here Chawalle Baptist that has an absolutely fabulous men's Sunday school that is quite challenging and enriching. I also FINALLY got the book that FA and DK have been screaming at me to read for the past year, "The Shack". If you haven't read it, go buy it tonight. I've referenced it a dozen times in the past week. Not to overlook quoted it many, many times since I first picked it up. For those of you that yearn for some understanding and closure on some questions you've had as an adult man, go get this book. It certainly lives up to it's billing.

 

[fishinvol]

I ran into a family of foxes on Eagle Bluff golf course, they had a den right under one of the cart paths. One of the kits, ran out on the fairway and stole one of my golf balls I had hit down there. Really cool!

 

[tyler ware]

NA I like books a lot, grew up a math guy, heck i'm officially "an engineer" but reading has changed my life, you cannot learn and change any better way, a book is one of those things you cannot argue with, you are forced to shut up and listen when you read. If you need some more, check out any book by Steve Farrar, Anchor Man and Point Man are two great ones. Also "The Life You Always Wanted" John Ortberg. Life changers, i'm serious about that, that goes for anyone else out there that feels life can be very confusing. I think its great you are working on a golf course.

 

[Fat Albert]

<font face="comic sans ms,sand" color="#ff0033" size="3">NA, good to hear from you and prayerfully, things are on a positive note.....loved the pictures....Oh, BTW, I can't putt either... He is especially fond of us.....FA</font>

 

[bent rod]

Cool post and pics Spencer! Man, that sounds like a tough job emoPoke I do hope everything goes well for you. Please keep us informed on the fishing over there. The sauger should bite when the weather is too crappy to golf. Are you also in charge of ball washing? emoScratch

 

[Nickajack Angler]

Hey, BR, I'm one of the best ball washers on the planet!!!! emoLaugh Yeah, today was real tough. My boss asked me to take a man and his 24yr old son golfing for 18 holes and show them the course and sell a membership. I shot 2 over on 18 without a birdie!
Saw a bunch of deer today. They seem to be active with the winds we have had come into the area today with Gustav. Saw no snakes, which made my day right there....

And FA, he is a she.... remember? African Garb and all!!!!