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Big Plans for Fisher Mountain GC (formerly Highlands GC)

OK, so we knew that we had to get down to see Bruno before he took off for mating season (Geez, I wish we had one!) Well that was not the only reason that Dave and I made tracks down to West Virginia in early April. We knew that there was no place to play at home and with some great golf available well within a day's drive we packed our bags and were off.

You see, it was a couple of days after my birthday that I got a call from Stewart and Kathy at the Wildernest Inn and it was one of the best birthday wishes that I could have gotten. "Bruno's back, he is out of hibernation and survived another hunting season," said Stewart.

I was so happy I had tears in my eyes. Being the bear lover that I am and having had the opportunity to shake Bruno's paw on my last visit to the Wildernest Inn last October is something that I will never forget. Bruno and many of the other bears are regular visitors and are almost like children to Stewart and Kathy. Having my own collection of Bruno mementos around both my home and office I think of him a lot. I can hardly imagine how Stewart and Kathy feel every fall when the hunting season begins, not knowing that some of these special living teddy bears will not make it back.

On our recent visit we found out that a bunch of the bears have returned, along with Bruno, are Bonzo and Ugly Bear a couple of the big old bears (400 - 500 lbs plus), 2 year old cubs Meco, Kiki and Shyloh are also back. Two of 3 of Bonnies 3 year olds are back - Knick and Knack. No sign of Bonnie and Knockers as of yet, we are all hoping that both will return with additional cubs but that won't be until early summer when the other adult males will be gone from the Inn, it will be mating season then so the big boys will be hot to trot, looking for mates.

My traveling partner Dave (can't seem to find anyone else) was making his first visit to Wildernest and it wasn't more than 2 hours that we were there before I happened to look out the window and said, "looks like we have company."

Kathy quickly pointed out, "Oh, that's Knick," my recollection of Knick from last fall was that he was the size of an over grown dog, not anymore, what a difference a year makes. Not as big a Bruno but certainly getting there. A bunch of other bears including Ugly Bear were spotted throughout the evening, but only Knick came up onto the deck with us. Evening two was a different story as not only did Knick return for a deck visit, so did the King of the Inn – Bruno.

As a stunned Dave looked on, I asked, "What do you think of him Dave?" He mumbled out, "this is so cool, totally awesome."

When you stay at the Wildernest Inn, breakfast and dinner are included. All home cooking, Stewart does most of it, under Kathy's supervision of course. The food is great and the Inn is licensed and a good glass of wine or a beer will run you all of two bucks. What else could one ask for?

So, we have seen the bears, our bellies are full, time to make the 20 minute trek to the golf course. Formerly The Highlands Golf Club, renamed by the new owners LGI Development - Fisher Mountain Golf Club, we were anxious to meet with Head Pro Hector Davila to find out about exciting new plans for the property. And plans they do have, "This will be one of the most exciting golf communities and resort in West Virginia when completed," said Hector.

LGI is a nationally recognized Texas based development company that initially purchased this 800 acre property and subsequently added another 2,000 acres in the beautiful Potomac Valley near Franklin and nestled between the Fisher and South Fork Mountains. LGI's plans include the development of a golf course community, a lodge, tennis courts, swimming pools, horseback riding, hiking and biking trails and programs dedicated to children of the community. Mountain View lots begin at $49,000 while Golf Course lots will start at $79,000. Regardless of the location the vistas in the area are spectacular.

Even in early April the conditioning of the course was immaculate, and as soon as you step onto the first tee of the downhill, 525 yard par 5 you know you are in for a treat. The 6,800 yard course has four sets of tees that allow golfers of all levels of abilities to enjoy. The more avid golfer will want to pay close attention to positioning off the tee and pin location. Just being on theses unique and tiered green is not enough to score well. Beware of the fourth, thirteenth and sixteenth greens.

The downhill par 4, 10th hole is the signature hole with your second shot to an island green with a majestic fountain to your right hand side. On the tee you can't help but notice the breathtaking view of the entire valley.

Stewart and Kathy are in the process of ironing out details that will continue to allow guests of the Wildernest Inn the convenience of Stay and Play packages. Green fees are extremely reasonable at $40.00 on weekdays, and $45.00 on weekends and holidays and that includes carts for 18 holes.

Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times of the year at Wildernest. Both Stewart and Kathy are well entrenched into getting the Inn as well as a couple of the other cottage properties into ship shape condition for their guests.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to see wildlife like you have never seen it before and this golf, as is the case in many areas throughout West Virginia, is as "Wild & Wonderful" as it gets.

Give Kathy or Stewart a call at 1-888-621-2948 or visit www.wildernestinn.com

For more information on the Fisher Mountain development call 1-877-544-4643 ext 312 or visit www.fishermountain.com. To book your tee time call 1-304-358-2261.

Claudio Demarchi is the Co-Publisher of the TravelingGolfer.net.