July 20, 2008 30th Annual Poker Run

Oakwood Lake State Park was the sight of today's 30th annual kayak and canoe poker run and blind canoe races. What a great day to be on the water. Nice temps, low humidity, no wind and a great group of people to paddle with. Registration was from 12:30PM until 1:30PM and shortly after that we set out to collect out poker cards. There were six boxes placed alone the lake from the swimming beach to the far side of Round Lake. The course was a zig zag pattern going from one side other. Some paddled pretty aggressively while others took the time to relax and enjoy the day. Kay, Ryan and I collected our cards and were back at the starting point in exactly one hour. Yes we were the aggressive paddlers. Upon our return we turned in our cards and were offered sodas and watermelon. Once all the boats were back the blind canoe races were held. This meant that two person teams had to complete a course and the one with the best time won. The trick was the one paddling had to be blindfolded while the other offers support in the form of barking out instructions. Needless to say it was fun to watch. Boats going every which way, some staying on course a bit better than others. Then it was time for the awarding of prizes. Everything from a 2009 State Park, t-shirts, burgers from Nick's in Brookings and other items donated by local sponsors were given away. A great way to end a great day. By this time it was close to 4:30PM so Kay and I packed up and headed to Brooking to meet her parents, Bud and Doris Anderson, of Lake Preston for dinner. And did I ever need some food. I was starving.
Well Kay and I pulled in our driveway around 7PM cleaned up some things and called it a day. Now this is was the way to spend a summer day. Doesn't get much better.