Descending Ashtray

Finally, it’s done. After a really long weekend in the shop (almost 24 hours in 2 days!), the large-scale version of Brio’s Labyrinth Game As Mini Golf Hole is complete. I had to take a picture of both together to show the sense of scale - our version is more than 5 times the size!

Tonight, Bruce, Andrew and I loaded it into my old truck (1970 F250) and Bruce’s new one (2006 Tacoma) and headed off to Holocene. I was so amped to get there and put it all together, I could barely force myself to stop for gas on the way. But, I’ve been down that road before … and it’s a long walk.

Finally, we arrived, and put it together. It assembled beautifully, which was a real relief. Several other teams were struggling to put theirs together, but all that planning paid off, taking no more than 30 minutes or so for us to get things assembled and dialed in.

Then, it was time for some testing. Everyone took a turn, including a lot of other teams’ players. I think it’s going to be a big hit.

We were anxiously awaiting Nate’s arrival, as he had successfully navigated the course twice before the knobs were put on. He wasn’t able to do so tonight, but he put up a valiant effort, making it about halfway through on one attempt. I think with a smoother ball he will be able to do it. The only golf balls I have are brand new precision Titleists, and the dimples are too defined, so the ball frequently gets stuck on a single dimple and is difficult to get it rolling again.

Tomorrow night is opening night, with an artists’ preview from 6-8 PM, and the course opening at 9 PM to the general public. Admission is $6, 21+. Prizes are to be awarded for Best Action, Most Artistic, Greatest Technical Achievement, Hole I Most Want To Take Home With Me, and the coveted Best in Show. Prizes are awarded based on votes from attendees, so please come out and vote for the Minotards (that’s us):

The Minotards are:

• Andrew Hay
• Bruce Kehe
• Tyler Bechtel
• Dan Painter
• Nate Currie
• and me, Dave Selden

A very special thanks to Tyler, who showed up in the final hours to provide much-needed enthusiasm and moral support, plus some extra paintbrushes from the dollar store.

Tomorrow, I hope to post some video of the Labyrinth in action, but it may be Wednesday before I get to it.