Writing this from my hotel here at the Punta Cana Poker Classic. If you have never hit this event, I would suggest giving it some consideration. The resort is pretty awesome, and the LSOP puts on a really good tournament here. The main event is a great value, and you of course cannot beat playing some poker in the Caribbean!
The sponsors, such as Americas Card Room, add a lot of extra little perks for the players. They gave us so much swag when we registered (towels, coffee mugs, tshirts, hoodies, hats) that I’m not even sure I am going to be able to get it all in my bag to take back home.
As far as the poker goes, the field was a little tougher than I anticipated, but still plenty of soft spots and in talking to other players it seemed like I might have just got a tougher table than normal. Having Griffin Benger at your table is never fun.
I played well in the Main Event, and despite a bit of an up and down day, I was able to rebound and go in to day 2 with a better than average stack. Unfortunately, early on Day 2 I ran K9s in to AK on a TJQxx board. That left me pretty short and I was never really able to recover. Luckily, drinks and food are free and we are located on a beautiful beach, so it was not too hard to find ways to drown my sorrows.
Ronfezbuddy took a SICK beat in a pot that would have made him the chipleader on Day 1. Live poker is fun.
I have one event left, and then am looking forward to getting back home to see the family. I think I have mentioned before that my wife and I foster dogs while they await a home of their own. Recently we had beagle named Gabby who had clearly had a rough life before we got her. She was super timid and especially afraid of men, including me. She eventually found a home, but unfortunately escaped from them back in mid-September. She has been on the run ever since but we have been actively searching or her. Putting up fliers, working the social media, following up on leads and placing traps where we had good leads.
Amazingly, a couple days ago I got word from my wife that Gabby had been found. She had been injured (likely hit by a car) and is probably going to require some surgery. But at least she is home and safe. She will be staying with us and we will get her all fixed up and find her a new home.
The funny part of this is that back when RonRezBuddy and I first met my own dog, also a beagle, had been missing for about 10 days. We were rooming together on a trip to AC for the WSOP circuit event, and it was while at that event that I got word that she had been found also. So apparently, whenever we have a dog to find, I need to go on a poker trip.
With that good news, I am heading to the beach for a bit to grab some sun and a few cocktails. Good luck at the tables!
2blacklabs
Sounds like you had a good time, and great that you rescue and foster dogs. My two labs are rescues, and I know it’s hard work for the rescuers. Good for you Derek