1. It’s time again for the annual Getaway Gang Outing. To date we have had golf outings in Nevada and California. I figured it was time to broaden our horizons and travel to a new state. So how about venturing out to sunny New Mexico, known as The Land of Enchantment? We will be traveling to the Santa Fe area. To be a little more precise, we are going to celebrate our 8 th annual golf outing just north of Sante Fe in the Pojoaque Pueblo region. Just a short 12 minute drive north of the Santa Fe Airport is this exceptional golfing area. Within a small radius of each other are five golfing establishments and an Indian Resort Casino as well. It was tough choosing only two, but as in the past, I believe you will find the two selected will be both scenic and challenging. Golf Date: Monday – April (TBD)Tuesday – April (TBD) Place: Black Mesa Golf ClubTowa Golf Club First Tee Time: 10:00 AM10:00 AM Black Mesa and Towa are recently built golf clubs which have opened in a string of compelling New Mexico public-access courses which have been bringing praise to this friendly, culturally-rich and affordable golf destination. The beauty of the "Land of Enchantment" is just as awesome as desert layouts in Arizona and with a much lower price tag. In fact, for those of you who joined us for the Mesquite, NV trip a few years back, the Black Mesa Golf Course has been compared in golfing articles to Wolf Creek, and absolutely awesome course we played during that outing. A sign at Black Mesa Golf Club sums up this 7,307-yard course on the Santa Clara Pueblo, 20 miles north of Santa Fe: big course, big medicine -- it will kick your butt. Completed in April, 2003, Baxter Spann's design skirts desert brush and is framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the plateau called Black Mesa. Players must shape shots suited to the land's contours. At the 216-yard 15th, a small hill fronting the green kicks clever approaches to front hole locations otherwise impossible to find. The 16th hole, 536 yards uphill, bears the taunting name "Stairway to Seven." But the real struggle here is on the greens. By the time you find an old ranch windmill creaking in the breeze behind the 18th green, you may suspect the course is having a laugh at your expense. Some visitors complain about the blind shots at Black Mesa, but that's part of the experience. Just ask anyone who has played Ireland's Royal County Down. If this track were in Ireland, those same quirks would be considered charms. Situated in beautiful Northern New Mexico and complimented by splendid southwestern terrain and stunning desert sunsets, the Towa Golf Resort caters to those who are looking for an outstanding golf experience. Designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, the course utilizes the natural topography and unique natural rock and piñon trees indigenous to the area. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a high handicapper looking to sharpen your skills, the Towa Golf Resort offers golfing excitement for everyone. Located in the Pojoaque Valley, a short drive north of Santa Fe, Towa Golf Resort is an 18-hole championship course. Open for play September 2001, Towa is a mountain-desert style course, with rolling, open fairways surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Southwest. The large greens are subtly undulated, and roll quite fast. Hole #4 on the "Boulder" nine has an 8,200 square foot island green – the only island green in New Mexico. This course plays from 4,662 to 7,068-yards and offers 5 sets of tees to challenge all skill levels.

2. Here is the plan. There has been another shift in the golf days. When we first started on these outings we used to play on Saturday & Sunday. The two most expensive days to play golf. So, to cut down the costs, I shifted our golf outings to play golf on Sunday and Monday. I have now found it to be significantly cheaper to play on Monday and Tuesday. In the case of this trip, each course is $40 less on Monday-Thursday. Lodging is $50 less (if you don’t stay on a Saturday night). So, we are going to try the following: Sunday most likely will be utilized as a travel day. The first day of golf has been scheduled for the Black Mesa Golf Course, on Monday, with our second day of golf taking place at the Towa Golf Club on Tuesday. Finally, Wednesday will probably be the return day for most of you. This year as in the past, group dinners are planned. I have selected two options, The first dinner social will be at Gabriel's Restaurant on Monday evening and the second at Steakhouse in Santa Fe on Tuesday evening If you have any questions, feel free to inquire, Lad Meairs Email: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work)meairs2@comcast.netladdin.d.meairs@lmco.com Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) – (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) – (925) 813-2465 (cell) If you are playing both courses, the total will be $182.00 As was the case last year, if you have a PayPal account, you can send funds directly to my account. See the “Links” page (bottom right corner) on the Getaway Gang Website http://getawaygang.yolasite.com/links.php If you are paying via check, please mail them to: Lad Meairs 1254 Mokelumne Court Antioch, CA 94531 Towa Golf Course 47 Towa Golf Road Santa Fe, NM 87506 Phone: (505) 455-9000 Black Mesa Golf Club 115 State Road 399 La Mesilla, NM 87532-3169 Phone: (505) 747-8946

3. Website: Place: Santa Clara Canyons Date: Monday – April (TBD) Course: Black Mesa Golf Club Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group) Location: La Mesilla, NM Price $92.00 At every turn on the Black Mesa golf course, a 7,307-yard course just north of Santa Fe, mental strategy is paramount. After several months of play in the first year, the course record was still 71, just 1-under par. That's a testament to the fact that there are no opportunities to let your mind wander - just being in the fairway isn't enough. While Black Mesa Golf Club is walk able, GPS carts will help with the strategic moves you will need on your first round. But more than likely you will be eye-balling the scenery. Black Mesa, held sacred by the tribe, is framed perfectly down the 10th fairway. Sandstone spires rise from the green fairways, deep bunkers tantalize you, native arroyos funnel your ball to their depths, and the nature of the land is the layout's best feature. It's a vast landscape with views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance. The elevation is 5,400 feet with changes of 125 feet and 12 of the holes play slightly downhill. "I have been designing courses for more than 20 years," said Baxter Spann. "More than any other project, I eagerly anticipated every trip I made to this course, always knowing I would find something new to experience." Spann says one recurring theme is the increase in difficulty of the angle of approach to the fairway as you progress from the forward to the back tees. "The second hole, a 404-yard par-4, illustrates this concept," Spann said. "The tee shot from the back tees points to a landing area on a diagonal line, while the forward tees approach it more straight on. No. 16 is an uphill par- 5 of 536 yards with an ominous tag - Stairway to Seven. The back tee is positioned on a high point with a substantial carry over an arroyo to the uphill fairway. From here hang on, keep it in the narrow neck of the fairway and deal with the deep bunker on the left. "The green itself is probably the most severely contoured of any on the course,” Spann said. Find yourself in the wrong spot and it's an easy three-putt. "Our design concept was to create as wide a variety of holes as possible, with each having its own memorable features," Spann said. One thing is certain when you play Black Mesa. You won't be bored. Your senses will perk up admiring the beauty and the Wild West ruggedness. But if you want to avoid a butt-kicking you must pay attention to golf first and scenery second http://www.blackmesagolfclub.com/

4. Place: Buffalo Thunder ResortDate: Tuesday – April (TBD) Course: Towa Golf Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group) Location: Santa Fe, NMPrice $90.00 Website: Located on the Pueblo of Pojoaque only 12 miles north of the Santa Fe plaza, Towa Golf Resort offers quality golf at an affordable price. PGA Tour Champion Hale Irwin and architect Bill Phillips of Tempe, AZ co-designed Towa. They utilized the natural topography and unique natural rock and indigenous piñon trees to create a magnificent, high desert golf course surrounded by the majestic Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. Towa offers twenty-seven spectacular holes of golf. The Boulder nine, so named because of the amazing rock formations that frame it, also features the only island green in New Mexico (hole #4, 186 yard par 3). The first hole of the Pinon nine is a breathtaking, 631 yard, par 5. At 3,332 yards, the Butterfly nine is the shortest of the three nines, but offers challenges for beginner and experienced players alike. Towa offers professional instruction, rental golf clubs, a beautiful clubhouse and restaurant and fully stocked golf shop. Located 12 scenic miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 84/285, Towa already has become one of the top public golf courses in the Southwest. Play Towa and experience golf’s newest legend! Designed by Hale Irwin and William Phillips, the course utilizes the natural topography and unique natural rock and piñon trees indigenous to the area. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a high handicapper looking to sharpen your skills, the Towa Golf Resort offers golfing excitement for everyone. The best hole at Towa (but not by much!), and one of the most spectacular holes in all of New Mexico, is the 631-yard first hole on the Piñon Nine. Your journey starts from an elevated teeing ground that feels like the perch of an eagle’s nest. The hole bends slightly to the right — miss the fairway by too much and you’ll provide your personal donation to the Towa golf ball supply. The marriage of striking scenery and architectural details are in full bloom here. Or maybe a players most memorable shot might come on the Boulder nine's par 3 fourth hole. This 186-yard par 3 requires a tee shot to New Mexico's only island green. The 7,143-yard par 72 course showcases championship golf with the serenity of the desert and breathtaking views. Elevated tee boxes provide panoramic views of pinon and juniper dotted landscape, boulder canyons, and the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. http://www.buffalothunderresort.com/santa-fe-golf/index.cfm

5. Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort and Spa at Buffalo Thunder Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino’s unique Santa Fe accommodations were designed with your comfort and luxury top-of-mind. Splendidly accented with Native art and features, this hotel offers more than just excellent amenities—we offer an experience. The guest rooms and suites at Buffalo Thunder Resort pamper guests with luxury, comfort and style. Vibrant hues, carved headboards and a myriad of innovative accents in Native American Pueblo style are all inspired by the Pueblo of Pojoaque's Governor George Rivera, a renowned artist in his own right. Each room features the lavish comforts of the Hilton Serenity Collection - pillow top mattresses, fluffy down pillows, high thread count linens and thick, cozy duvets. A deluxe MP3 clock radio provides a gentle awakening from a restful night's sleep. Other standard room amenities include signature resort bath and shower accessories, plush, oversized bath towels, in-room safe, multiple phones, oversized work spaces, a 37" flat screen TV with on- demand movies and games, a technology panel with high-speed Internet access, the Hilton Signature Cuisinart coffee maker and Lavazza coffee. Best of all, each room features a magnificent view of the surrounding Santa Fe Mountainside. Enjoy all the perks of Santa Fe Casinos & Gaming at Buffalo Thunder! There is a constant sound of winning echoing throughout 61,000 square feet of Vegas-style action, in all the majesty of the desert Southwest! Are you ready for this Santa Fe casino? There are: 1,200 slot machines, 18 gaming tables, a plush and friendly poker room, and weekly slot and table tournaments. From high-stakes poker to pressure-free slots, there’s a game for everyone! Tantalize your senses with the flavors of the Southwest—whether you’re looking for an intimate, luxurious experience or just want to grab a sandwich on the fly, it’s at Buffalo Thunder. Red Sage Fine Dining Restaurant: Explosive, innovative Southwest flavors in an intimate, fine-dining atmosphere. Acclaimed for its inspired Native, European and Latin cuisines, Red Sage is your destination for your next romantic night out, business dinner and drinks or group event. Fare rotates seasonally, and our extensive wine selection will wow the most distinguishing tastes Turquoise Trail Bar & Grille: Classic America meets the storied Southwest in a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. An homage to iconic Route 66 restaurants Blue Tower Lounge: The blue-hued Blue Tower Lounge offers a fabulous entertainment venue with a distinctive architectural flourish. Enjoy the huge vaulted ceiling and vast selection of beer, wine and cocktails. The Painted Parrot Buffett: Feast your eyes on bountiful buffet overflowing with international flair and fare! Asian, Mexican, Italian, American and more—enjoy a world tour of flavors that’s leave you going back for more. Pueblo Deli: For a quick meal or a tasty bite, it’s the Pueblo Deli! Enjoy deli-style sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. Open late on weekends for your convenience Pool Grille: Unwind in style at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino’s sun-kissed Pool Grille, which is situated at the resort’s sprawling outdoor pool. Enjoy light-bites and snacks, or just lie back with a refreshing cocktail. Pool Grille offers a snack menu with sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and a full-bar, just steps from the elegant pool area. Starbucks: Get your daily caffeine fix, complemented by pastries, snacks, and other grab ‘n go goodies at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & casino’s on-site Starbucks, which is located on the hotel’s main level near the Conference Center. 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 1-505-455-5555 Website: Room Rates Sunday Night - $120 Monday Night - $120 Tuesday Night - $120 http://www.buffalothunderresort.com/index.cfm

6. Hotels RatingRate (Avg per night) Santa Fe Area Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe****$190 Inn & Spa at Loretta****$160 Eldorado Hotel & Spa****$140 Las Palomas****$120 Hotel Santa Fe & Spa****$100 Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Fe ***$120 Old Santa Fe Inn***$115 Hotel Plaza Real***$110 Courtyard by Marriott Santa Fe***$100 Villas de Santa Fe***$ 90 Lodge at Santa Fe***$ 90 Hyatt Place Santa Fe***$ 80 Best Western Inn (Plus) of Santa Fe***$ 80 The Santa Fe Suites***$ 60 La Quinta Inn Santa Fe***$ 55 Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Sante Fe area (during dates in April). This data was collected off the Travelocity site. Rate is an average for the three nights (Sunday – Tuesday) Inn at Eagle Mountain – Fountain Hills Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506 1-505-455-5555

7. Monday Evening – Dinner Social – April (TBD) Tuesday Evening – Dinner Social – April (TBD) http://www.restauranteur.com/gabriels/menu.htm Gabriel's Restaurant Food of the Southwest and Old Mexico Hwy 285/84 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: (505) 455-7000 Full Bar and Wine List: Gabriel's Margaritas are made with Gold Tequila! Patio Dining: Large picturesque patio with fountains and beautiful views Gabriel's, serving food of the Southwest and Old Mexico, is considered one of the best Mexican and Southwestern restaurants in New Mexico. The personal attention to service and food is what makes Gabriel's special. Little touches add so much to your dining experience, such as fresh guacamole made at your table, margaritas made with freshly squeezed limes and gold tequila, and handmade corn tortillas. Our spacious patio with its fountains, colorful flowers and spectacular view is a diner's delight on one of our many, warm and sunny Santa Fe days. “Fabulous tableside guacamole. That's all it takes to lure most people to Gabriel's restaurant... there is something alluring about the prospect of meaty ripe avocados and fresh lime being fused with other ingredients before your eyes that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more” http://www.riochamasteakhouse.com/ Rio Chama Steakhouse 414 Old Santa Fe Trail Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: (505) 955-0765 Located just off the Santa Fe Plaza and near the state capitol, Rio Chama serves the finest prime and choice dry aged steaks, chops and seafood. Beyond the unassuming entrance on Old Santa Fe Trail, you will find a mix of intimate dining rooms with kiva fireplaces, a lively bar scene, peaceful courtyard dining and a relaxing patio bar. Rio Chama combines great food, premium wine and spirits, warm ambiance and a friendly, professional staff with dining options for all occasions. Rio Chama appeals to both locals and visitors alike. Rio Chama is located in the oldest neighborhood in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Barrio de Analco, which literally means “neighborhood on the other side of the river.” In 2001, Rio Chama opened its doors to the public and has been under the leadership of Executive Chef Russell Thornton. http://www.riochamasteakhouse.com/dinner Rio Chama