Snowmobiles and fresh snow cover the mountain
The Bucks Lake Lodge snowmobile poker run took place during a full day of fresh, falling snow Feb. 2. After a good couple of inches of rain the previous day, “the weather changed on the day of the event to a beautiful, steady snow,” said Barbara Price, secretary of Buck’s Lake Snow Drifters.
“The Poker Rally started at 10 a.m. and was shortened to just less than 20 miles due to weather conditions and to accommodate safety concerns.” One hundred and forty participants registered for the outdoor event. Fresh snow provided plenty of activity for kids of all ages for the entire day.
“The Run ran smoothly, without incident,” said Price. Apparently, 180 poker hands sold. Kyle Felker had the best hand with four of a kind (10s) and took home $300. Jake Wilson won $200 for his flush and Marcel Gomez picked up $100 for a nice straight. A prize giveaway included gifts donated from members and business supporters.
“The club prize, a Honda Generator provided by DuPont Power Tools, was won by Michelle Grubbs,” said Price.
Kids were also in on the fun and were each able to chose a free gift from a varied selection.
“The spectacular Barbecue lunch prepared and served at the grooming shed was as tasty as ever,” said Price. The menu included a French dip sandwich, fresh cut and cooked russet fries, coleslaw and beans.
“On a snowy day it was great having both of the warm lodges — Lakeshore Lodge and Bucks Lake Lodge — available for visiting, enjoying friends and meeting new snow play folks,” said Price.
The Bucks Lake Snow Drifters sponsored the annual event. The club is a nonprofit group established in 1982 and headquartered in the Buck’s Lake recreational area.
“The objectives of the club are to provide support to active and interested parties in the sport of snowmobiling and to promote safety and public good will in the sport of snowmobiling,” said Price. “The club strongly supports protection of our natural resources and education on wilderness boundaries.”
Services club volunteers provide for the community, include a grooming program in the Buck’s Lake region. Trained volunteer groomers provide hundreds of hours of service annually. “The groomed areas are enjoyed by many types of snow play including sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling,” said Price. The club additionally supports an annual educational scholarship program.
Club members also participate in a winter rescue program in collaboration with the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, Bucks Lake Fire Department, Search and Rescue, Plumas District Hospital and helicopter service providers who can land at the Bucks Lake landing pad.
“Bucks Lake is a truly beautiful, diverse environment full of wonderful educational recreational opportunities for all ages, in all seasons,” said Price.
