Poker Run
At the urging of Jenny Hickman, past Secretary and current Treasurer, the chapter has begun the tradition of holding an annual Poker Run to local airport sites of interest. The Run includes 5 airports, starting either at the Chapter Hanger or some other location, such as Dietz Airpark. Each year the airports change, but the one thing that doesn't change is the fun and spirit that seems to always accompany this event.
This coming year, 2011, will mark the 10th Poker Run, and it promises to be the best yet, with a number of different airports we have yet to visit. Typically we try to keep the airports within a reasonable distance so that even the slowest plane can make all of them with ease. Another thing is to pick at least one if not two destinations that offer a lunch facility, such as Tillamook or Independence or Salem, but there are others that we include that simply give the pilot and passengers a great view.
The time of year the Run has been held has been the Fall, since by then most flying activities are starting to wind down and folks are looking for something to do with their passion, but also because the weather is often the best for flying. It's getting colder, but not too cold, so the air is crisp and clean, and the leaves are just turning. Sights are gorgeous and the planes are happy with the dense air.
The Poker Run is actually in three parts, and if you participate in all three, it makes for a wonderful day.
- The Breakfast: In the morning folks gather to meet and greet and have breakfast. Planes come and go as folks are fed and decide to head out. You don't have to fly in conjunction with another plane, but often planes leave in groups.
- The Flight: You also don't have to fly to the 5 airports in a specific order, but most do since the suggested order is the most efficient and helps get you to a lunch destination at about the right time. (This is not an activity with a prize going to the plane that is fastest around the circuit, so we encourage everyone to take their time and enjoy the scenery. Be safe. Make sure you understand the airports we have chosen. We have plenty of pilots who can give you pointers.)
- The Awards & Dinner: Again, you do not have to attend the dinner, since awards for the best hand are given out separately from the dinner, and some have other obligations, but most find the food and fun to be too tempting. Prizes are given (including white elephant gifts, which are especially entertaining), good food is served, and hanger stories abound.
Twin Oaks is the final destination. Participants hand in their cards (or stamped sheets of paper) and can either hang out or fly on home to get ready for dinner. All registrants get a commemorative T-shirt. Past first prizes have included hand-held radios, as well as an "interesting" handmade trophy.
So! How about it? Come join us for a EAA 105 Poker Run!
When: September 10th, 2011
Time: Breakfast begins at 8:00 AM; Fly-out when ready
Where: Officially at Dietz Airpark, for breakfast, but you can start anywhere
Airports: TBD
Winner Awards: Time TBD
BBQ Dinner: TBD (Usually starts around 6:00 PM at Chapter Hangar)
