Poker Wheeling and Dealing
The Club Torrevieja Classics Cars held their annual Poker Run on one of those beautiful hot sunny days that only the Vega Baja can give you at this time of year. This year was different with changing scenes and views made more enjoyable with the warm and friendly welcome everyone received from the bars that participated in the run that involved members in their club cars driving from place to place to get their poker cards to make up their hand of poker and hope to win the 20€. The rules and information were provided by our sister club in Florida, USA and adapted by Angie to suit the terrain and membership and following the successful event last year, it is now on the annual calendar of the club. The original idea was carried forward of making it a free entry with a cash prize to help the pocket in this economic crisis.
The day started by sitting in the warm sun enjoying a cup of coffee and exchanging gossip by the sea shore on the terrace of the Bar Nautilus in Punta Prima. Unfortunately the noise of the waves needed a mute on them for those that had stayed up to watch the motorcycling early that morning. Details of the route with the rules were handed out and members left in their own time having fought their way through the interested crowds around the cars.
The route took the members towards Rojales and climbing the hills that overlooked Rojales and the second stop to collect the next card. Continuing the climb gave the passengers a panoramic view that took in the Sierras of Crevillente in the far distance. They then began the descent towards the second stop at the Campo de Golf Quesada and a chance for exchanging experiences as well as enjoying a welcome drink for 1€ in Caddyshack. This was the second warm welcome and reluctantly it was time to leave. Then through Rojales and onto Benijofar, over the cobbles, passing the impressive church and continuing to Los Montesinos for the third poker card. The stop was in the main square spoilt this year by the “improvements” to the plaza that seemed only a few years ago to have been redone. The Cafeteria Central had been chosen and the owner told Angie that normally it was a quite time but she came out to the terrace and was surprised to see us all sitting down waiting to be served. Every bar and Restaurant appreciated the additional custom and their attentive service and smiles showed it.
The final journey took the club twisting past La Marquesa and towards San Miguel. All were country roads and wonderful views. Skirting San Miguel, again taking the high road to get the Vega Baja scenery of pine trees, hills and fruit orchards. It was just a short trip to the Communications Centre and Los Pinos and the final poker card in the Restaurant Pimientos. The restaurant sits on a beautiful view of the wooded area of the Communications Centre that pans out to look over the plains of the Vega Baja ending at the sea. The forms and cards were duly handed in to be checked for the winner while everyone sat down to an enormous, delicious meal. While having coffee the winner Diane Wallis was announced. She had a winning Royal Flush hand and received the 20€ to a round of applause. A great day in the hot Spanish sun through the old and new Vega Baja with a friendly bunch of people, what more do you want?
Posts
