Monday was golf day for the guys, all former or current residents of Hot Springs Village. We played at the Golf Club at Johnson Ranch in San Tan Valley, AZ. It features two very distinct nines. The  Mountain nine rises and falls in and around the San Tan Mountains and provides the golfer with exciting elevated tee and approach shots. The stunning views and environment found on the Mountain nine reflect Arizona desert golf at its best.  The back nine, or Valley nine, cuts a route of generous fairways (their definition of generous is not the same as ours), rolling hills and longer holes on the floor of the San Tan foothills.

Meanwhile, Kay continued practicing and playing pickleball, making steady improvements, particularly in her ability to execute good serves. If she succeeds at pickleball like she has at golf, I’m in trouble!

Tuesday was just another day at the resort, with an emphasis on pickleball as I played 14 games.

Wednesday was another pickleball day for the both of us. After playing in the men’s 3.0 Royal Court Ladder and returning to the RV, I noticed an ache/pain on the left side of my back, and remembered twisting while jumping for a high ball (old, fat men can jump, just not too high). It continued to worsen to such a point that I could hardly move, cough, or sneeze without intense pain, even to the touch—obviously a muscle strain!

After ice packs, heating pads, bed rest, and reading that walking was good for back strains, Kay and I drove to the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona, on Thursday to relax and search for the allusive Broad-billed Hummingbird. This time, I made sure the camera settings were proper for the long lens, and came away with a few decent photos. Kay opted to visit a couple of small shopping areas in Gilbert and Chandler while I walked around the Riparian Preserve. Back at the RV, the muscle strain worsened so it was more ice packs, heating pads, and bed rest.