|
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. I knew when I woke up on Saturday morning that I was a fool to schedule an event on the 13th of the month. Nobody was going to show up for a poker run in their dingy with the constant rain and temperatures that hung in the high teens. Perhaps some of the sailors who race might show but half our fleet were power boaters and everyone was bringing their ladies.
Well, I guess I win the trophy for “he of little faith” because when I showed up at the club 40 minutes before the start there were all kinds of rubber inflatable thingies milling around or tied up at the dock. I reminded myself that these were North Channel veterans and they were hard to discourage. Eleven skippers signed up and all eleven skippers and crews showed up. Plus they were all anxious to start and get the show on the road.
After the fees were collected, the first order of business was dingy safety inspection done by Don Mickalko of Mick’s Rose and Mike Baker of Unplugged. These guys are certifiable, oops I mean certified, inspectors and our fleet came through with flying colours.
At 1:00 PM the fleet started for their first stop at the Waterlot, where they collected their first card. Next stop was Spider Bay and then on to the Eaton’s dock, where a few liquid refreshments were enjoyed and the skippers and crew could stretch their legs and take a short break. The next stop was by the old bridge where Elliot Schore’s boat was waiting for the slightly damp participants. Did I say slightly damp? I meant soaked. You must be thinking ‘what a shame they got wet from the rain.’ Wrong the rain was incidental! Never before was there such a variety of water guns, water, and five gallon buckets assembled in one place. Everyone got hosed -- the players, the officials, and innocent bystanders (including the crew of Sand Dollar who happened to be anchored in the area). Were these people a bunch of kids? Well yes, in a manner of speaking, if you can describe a bunch of baby boomers as kids. “Growing older but not up” has a whole new meaning now. The fleet finished at the club house and then split to various locations to dry off before the poker hand was played.
The reveal of the hands was great fun as each player had to beat the previous high hand or they were out. Bonus cards were also auctioned off at each stop with two more offered at the reveal. A total of $98, which was split 50/50 between the winner and our youth sailing program, was paid for these extra cards. The winner was a new player, Shirley Geggie, who played the hand for her and Tom. Three sixes won the event. Joanne Bousquet played the hand for her and Jim and two pairs took second place (they took second in the first poker run also). Third place went to Greg & Lynn Wright with two pair. However, Greg also took first place for the best headgear as his Viking helmet was the classiest hat seen.
Dinner was again catered by Orr’s Valu-mart and the steak sandwiches, salads, and cake were praised by all. The clubhouse saw another great party to which all who attended will attest. Make sure you mark your calendar for the 3rd dingy poker run next year. Thanks to Roy and Margaret Eaton, Chuck and Marilyn Spence, and Elliot Schore for the use of their property or boat for this event.
|
Local Races 
