Hello Getaway Gang,

1. Annual Getaway Gang Golf Outing to: Palm Springs, CA Hello Getaway Gang, Due to popular demand and our first ever golf group vote, it has been decided the Getaway Gang will be returning to Palm Springs, CA. So, we’re going back to Palm Springs for a third year to celebrate our 8th annual golf outing. On our last trip we played two outstanding courses which will be tough to rival again. But what the heck, lets give it a try. There are a lot of courses to choose from in Palm Springs and I believe the two selected will be very enjoyable. Both have been rated 4½ stars by Golf Digest. First on the agenda is the Golf Club at Terra Lago – North Course. Terra Lago was the host of the PGA Skins Game from 1999-2002 and has two immaculate courses. I assumed our group would like to play the tougher of the two, so we will. Second up is the meticulous Indian Canyon Club Golf Resort, Indian Canyon also has two championship golf courses and the most demanding of the two is the South Course…which we will be playing. Golf Date: Sunday – April (TBD) Monday – April (TBD) Place: Terra Lago Golf Resort Indian Canyon Golf Resort North Course South Course First Tee Time: 10:00 AM 10:00 AM The Golf Club at Terra Lago (formerly the Landmark Golf Club) is a spectacular 36-hole, desert oasis featuring two challenging and picturesque, championship golf courses set amid hundreds of acres of natural terrain. Created for professional golf events by the vision of PGA TOUR professionals to promote the spirit and competition of the game of golf, the Golf Club at Terra Lago is situated in the foothills of the lndio Hills. The design of the courses melds the traditions of golf with the power of the land through a variety of landforms, steep slopes, three refreshing lakes, different soil types, rolling sand dunes and natural desert vegetation. Challenging holes of all four nines zigzag across the banks of Southern California's innovative All-American Canal for over a mile and climb to the heights of the earthen-berm dike at the northern boundary. From dramatic elevated tees to undulating greens, the breathtaking panoramic views span from San Gorgonio Mountain to the Chocolate Mountains and are accentuated by wildly beautiful topography changes from east to west and north to south. Surrounded on three sides by breathtaking, colorful, natural mountain vistas, sheltered from the wind and nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains lies the jewel of the desert, Indian Canyons Golf Resort.  This 36 hole resort is uniquely positioned to offer you an unrivaled golf experience in the Greater Palm Springs area.  The North Course is a par 72, 6,943 yard course that was designed by well known architect, William P. Bell and is heavily steeped in tradition.  This classically designed course meanders through Palm Springs’ stylish “Canyon” region which boasts a wide array of authentic mid-century modern homes and stunning mountain views.  The course is brought to life by thousands of palm, olive and other native trees.  The course has six challenging water hazards the largest which is located between the 9th and 18th holes and hosts the course’s visual centerpiece, the historic Walt Disney fountain which shoots water jets over 100 feet high.  Here is the plan. As was the case the two previous years, Saturday most likely will be utilized as a travel day. The first day of golf has been scheduled for the Terra Lago Golf Club- North course on Sunday, with our second day of golf taking place at Indian Canyon – South Course on Monday. Finally, Tuesday is an optional day of leisure or a departure day if you so choose. If you stick around for an extra day of fun, your return day will be Wednesday.

2. A good choice I made in the past was staying at the Agua Caliente Casino & Resort. Great pool area, nice casino and fantastic rooms. The rooms were posh and the bathrooms…wow. Sunken tubs and large glass showers with a HD flat screen television in view from both. Room reservations will be up to you. Some of our participants like to use their preferred hotel chains and that is fine. Hilton and Marriott Hotels are in the area. Posh/lush resorts as well as inexpensive hotels can easily be found. So, It will be up to each attendee to select and book their own lodging. I have included a list of some of those hotels and their approximate cost per night. Don’t wait too long though. Make your reservations early and guarantee your spot. Last year’s trip was a good turn out. But, after the word gets passed along on just how nice the courses were, I expect an even better showing this year…and for your added golfing pleasure, we will be playing “Closest to the Pin” on all par 3’s both days. Winners will receive a $25 Pro shop gift certificate. Additionally, the group will be playing the always popular, “Orange Ball” tournament on Monday, with each member of the winning foursome receiving a $25 Pro shop gift certificate. Lots of chances to win this year! So, don’t miss your opportunity to attend the annual outing. Once again, we will play some great courses, have memorable social activities and consume plenty of man sodas at each of the two 19th holes. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! A Dinner Social has bee set up for Sunday evening (post the first day of Golf). The Dinner will be held at “Fleming’s Steakhouse” If you have any questions, feel free to inquire, Lad Meairs Email: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work) Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) (925) 813-2465 (cell) We have a new option this year for paying! If you have a PayPal account, you send funds directly to my account. See the “Links” page (bottom right corner) on the Getaway Gang Website http://getawaygang.yolasite.com/links.php…or you can still pay via a check. Mail checks to: Lad Meairs 1254 Mokelumne Court Antioch, CA 94531 Indian Canyon Golf Resort 1097 East Murray Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 833-8700 Golf Club at Terra Lago 84-000 Terra Lago ParkwayIndio, CA  92203Phone: (760) 775-2000 Terms of Agreement: To get the group tee times and discounted rate of $210 total, per person, for both courses, I had to sign a contract for a minimum of 16 golfers at both golf courses with a $500 non-refundable deposit (each course). Please make up your mind by late February. I have to pay in full, 30 days prior to our scheduled dates (money due NLT March 5, 2013). I need your official commitment and green fees by that date. If you need to wait and settle up in April, I can carry it on my credit card, but you will need to honor your commitment.

3. Website: http://golfclub-terralago.com/ Place: Golf Club at Terra Lago Date: Sunday – April (TBD) Course: The North Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group) Location: Indio, California Price $90.00 Terra Lago, host to the Skins Game from 1999 through 2003, is a scenic 36-hole facility created by Schmidt-Curley Design and Landmark Golf Co. in natural desert vegetation at the foot of the Chocolate Mountains at the northern end of the Coachella Valley. "We feel we have two magnificent golf courses. The North has probably received a bit more recognition. The North flows a little better and has the spectacular water holes on the back nine. " said Jeff Walser, General Manager and Director of Golf at Landmark. The North Course measures 7,123 yards from the tournament tees and plays to a slope of 135, but is very playable from any of the four sets of tees. There are some dramatic elevation chances, starting with "Uphill Battle," the 379-yard first hole. "Moonscape," No. 2, a 473-yard uphill par four, is a bit like playing in a crater. The 363-yard third hole, "Postage Stamp," is the first of several risk-reward holes. The drive from a tee high above the fairway gives the golfer an opportunity to go for the relatively small green, which is guarded by a huge trap on the left and a small one on the right. After "Intimidation," the 211-yard par three fourth hole, there are consecutive par fives that measure 576 yards from the tips. The names tell the story: No. 5 is "Eternity" and No. 6 is "The Alley." There is another severe drop in elevation on the 156-yard seventh hole, "Peek-A-Boo," and the front side ends with "The Brute, No. 9 is all you can handle," Walser said. But the fun is only beginning. The back side of the North Course clearly is the highlight "Every hole on the back nine is spectacular," Walser said. No. 11, "Roller Coaster," is a gorgeous 431-yard par four, with the tee shot through a chute of trees and the approach to a green that has a grove of palm trees as a backdrop. The 13th hole, "No Way Out," is rated most difficult of the back side. It measures 232 yards up a hill into a prevailing wind. Then comes the grand finale. "Holes 14 through 18 are as good as it gets," Walser claimed. The lake is in play down the right side from the time you hit the tee on the 334-yard par four 14th, "Go For It." The second shot is even more intimidating to a green guarded by three traps and the lake on both sides and behind. "Got Balls?", is the 183-yard 15th, the signature hole. The green is an island in the middle of the lake, measuring 50 yards from front to back with traps left and right. The finishing hole, "Knockout," is 563 yards with the lake in play down the left side. "There's plenty of risk/reward on 18," Walser said. "You can make a birdie or you can make a big number. It's a classic finishing hole."

4. Website: http://www.indiancanyonsgolf.com/ Place: Indian Canyon Golf Resort Date: Monday – April (TBD) Course: The South Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group) Location: Palm Desert, California Price $120.00 The South Course of Indian Canyons Golf Club in Palm Springs is a par 71- 6,600 yard design of creative and environmentally-sound designer Casey O'Callaghan. Moving tons of earth and adding four lakes and a soaring fountain, Mr. O'Callaghan turned a piece of relatively flat land in a destination golf property. The 18-hole championship course and 12,000 square foot clubhouse are located on the south end of Palm Springs and Murray Canyon Drive. On property is a modern clubhouse facility with pro shop and restaurant/lounge with outdoor patio featuring panoramic course and mountain views. There also is a grass range and practice green and the golf carts have ball and club washers plus ice chests. The yardage marking system includes sprinkler heads and 100, 150 and 200 yard markers on the fairways, and color coded flags to indicate front, middle and back pin placements on the large, mildly sloped putting surfaces. Five sets of tees provide golfers with opportunities to play from yardages and slopes measuring 6580 yards/118 slope, 6305 yards/115 slope, 6009 yards 112 slope for men and 131 for women, 5532 yards/108 slope for men and 126 for women, and 4840 yards with a slope of 116 from the forward tees. As the slope ratings indicate, this is a very player friendly layout, with enough beauty and challenge that golfers of all abilities can experience an enjoyable round. There are over 60 sand bunkers lining the fairways and situated greenside, and water comes into play on six holes. On our late June visit, the sculpted tee boxes and fairways were wonderfully groomed and the greens rolled fast and true. The main attraction, besides the wonderful conditioning, involves the incredible mountain views as this course is closely situated beside the San Jancinto range, with many hole designs providing panoramic vistas of the spectacular desert mountains. Also unique and appealing to the eye are the plentiful and majestic fan palms that line the fairways and help to create postcard perfect backdrops on many holes. Desert Mountains, mature native palms, glistening ponds - this course is gorgeous to look at and extremely fun to play. With mountains on nearly all sides, wind is less a factor here than is the case on many area courses.

5. Agua Caliente Casino/Resort/Spa 32250 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (800) 854-1279 http://www.hotwatercasino.com/ Indulge your desires at the sophisticated Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs; this spectacular 16-story resort caters to your every whim. Behold magnificent views while you unwind in the spacious comfort of tranquil guest rooms. Flirt with Lady Luck in the energetic Agua Caliente Casino, with table games and slots to satisfy every player. Rated Four Stars! The Resort Hotel: 314 Large Deluxe Guest Rooms which are 550 square feet. Each Guest Room is equipped with a 42 inch plasma flat screen television as well as high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi), oversized desk, iron/ironing board, in-room safe, coffee/tea and coffee maker. The bathroom features a Flat Screen LCD TV, dual vanities, oversized sunken tub and separate large glass rain shower with rain head fixture. The Restaurants: Challenge your palate in the sumptuous cuisine of The Steakhouse, Sage Bar & Grill and Grand Palms Buffet restaurants. Additionally on site are the Waters Café, Poker Deli, and Java Caliente. The Casino: Whether it is more than 1,800 of the newest and most exciting slots or whether it is poker or table games, the action here is hot, around the clock. Come see why this casinos Vegas-style gaming is winning awards like Best of the Best. Over 900 slot machines, plus 32 table games, including Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, 3-Card Poker, 4-Card Poker and Pai Gow Poker The Pool Area: Covering more than 50,000 square feet, this outdoor playground offers a swimming pool and a jetted spa for your enjoyment. In addition, they offer two elegant executive cabanas which feature private jetted hot tubs. Guests can also enjoy the Wet Bar, a full-service outdoor bar and grill. The Lounge: This nightclub offers an electric mix of live music, great tribute bands and side-splitting comedy acts in a classy, state-of-the-art venue. This sleek, sexy hot spot is the ideal place to dance, watch the big game, hang out with friends or make new ones. The Show: A state-of-the-art, 2,000-seat entertainment venue that promises an outstanding audio and visual experience unlike any other. Sunstone: The Spa at Agua Caliente - treatments include a fantastic variety of massage and skin therapies, performed in your choice of indoor or outdoor treatment spaces. A full-service salon and state-of-the-art fitness center complete Sunstones comprehensive offerings Room Rates Saturday Night – $250 Sunday Night – $150 Monday Night – $150

6. 71800 Highway 111Rancho Mirage, CA 92270(760) 862-9800 Look for a giant brass pig perched like a mascot in front of Babe’s Bar-B-Q Grill & Brewhouse, and you’ve arrived at the best barbecue destination in the valley. The restaurant has a Western decor with paintings of wild horses and brass pigs of all sizes everywhere. Relax and order a Hog Wild drink or try one of the house micro-brewed ales and lagers. The hickory-smoked meats include baby-back ribs, chicken and tri-tip. Side orders include sweet potato fries and the special slaw with pecans and Mandarin oranges. For alternatives there are homemade sweet corn tamales with goat cheese, chicken or pork with cheese and smoked salmon cooked barbecue-style. Corner of Bob Hope Dr. and Highway 111 Welcome to the River It’s water that brings a desert to life. Which is why The River at Rancho Mirage is more than simply a shopping and entertainment center. It is a destination. The River provides a park-like waterfront with an entertainment amphitheater, live music, fountains and cascading waterfalls. The River is an unmatched environment of style and beauty, providing a place to spend the day and enjoy the evening. Yard House and Babe’s are located at the famous "River" in Rancho Mirage SundayEvening – Dinner Social –April (TBD) 71800 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270(760) 776-6685 http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/ca/rancho-mirage Fleming's Rancho Mirage is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine, featuring the finest prime steak and our award-winning wine list. Join us for a drink after work and sample our list of 100 wines by the glass. Then stay and enjoy an exceptional menu of steak and seafood, including chef-recommended selections such as our thick hand-cut Bone-in Ribeye and our melt-in-your-mouth Filet Mignon. Monday Evening – Dinner Social - April (TBD) Chris Autrey & Angel Navarro getting acquainted with Babe the pig during the 2010 outing to Palm Springs

7. Here is a sampling of the Hotels in the Palm Desert / Palm Springs area (during dates in April). This data was collected off the Travelocity site. Rate is an average for the three nights (Saturday will obviously be more expensive, with Sunday and Monday being cheaper) HotelRatingRate (Avg per night) JW Desert Springs Marriott Resort & Spa **** $ 350 Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells **** $ 330 Miramonte Resort and Spa **** $ 310 Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa **** $ 280 Marriott Vacation Club Villas *** $ 230 Embassy Suites Palm Desert *** $ 225 Residence Inn by Marriott Palm Desert *** $ 220 Courtyard by Marriott Palm Desert *** $ 200 Fairfield Inn by Marriott Palm Desert *** $ 190 Embassy Suites La Quinta *** $ 180 Hampton Inn & Suites Palm Desert *** $ 175 Holiday Inn Express Cathedral City *** $ 165 Homewood Suites La Quinta *** $ 160 Comfort Suites Palm Desert *** $ 150 Homewood Suites Palm Desert *** $ 150 Travelodge – Indio *** $ 150 Country Inn and Suites Rancho Mirage *** $ 150 Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs *** $ 150 Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert *** $ 145 Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites *** $ 134 Comfort Inn Palm Springs ** $ 110 Best Western Palm Desert Resort ** $ 105 Quality Inn and Suites - Date Palm ** $ 93 Travelodge Cathedral City ** $ 75 Vagabond Inn Palm Springs ** $ 70