May 2011

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Reminds me of the time Mrs MLCM and I went out of our way to seek out a Country Club Resort out in the backblocks that boasted high-class accomodation, restaurants, its own lake and its own golf course. Sure enough, as we neared the place there were plenty of signs indicating all of the above, including "restuarant now open!" signs.

As we followed the signs off the highway, the road turned to gravel, then dirt then corrugated dirt with massive pot-holes. By the side of the road (passing yet more "restaurant now open!" signs) and through the undergrowth we could see the golf course ... so overgrown that the greens were knee-deep in grass.

When we finally arrived at the resort it was utterly deserted. The restaurant was indeed open - wide open and with a "Please wait here to be seated" sign, but with no staff. The tables however were set and the kitchen seemed usable but for the lack of food and no power. The bar though was fully stocked - with empty bottles. Outside, beside the lake were yachts, kayaks and those little paddle-things all for hire. But they were chained up and falling apart. There was no sign of human life anywhere and that spooky music started playing in our heads... you know, when the hair starts standing on the back of your neck?

We thought we had discovered the Mary Celeste of resorts, but eventually we did find a caretaker living in a grotty caravan behind the resort who told us the resort had gone bankrupt six months earlier and the owners had been forced to leave everything in a hurry - not even bothering to take down the "Now Open" signs.

A strange and interesting experience. Am only glad we didn't book in advance.