Feinstein's Annual Dinghy Poker Run Weekend

Feinstein's Annual Dinghy Poker Run Weekend

Middle River, July 27-29, 2012

Doovie Del-Mar Marina

So it's called an annual event, although this is the first time in 4 years that they've had the party.  And we were so happy to return!  You can't beat a party thrown by Dave & MA.  You just KNOW it's going to be an event to remember.  They live in a gorgeous home on the water, make everyone feel welcome, and think of every last detail for their parties - The Ultimate Party Hosts (UPHs)!  It used to be that we all came in to the Doovie Del-Mar Marina & Resort for the weekend, took part in the Dinghy Poker Run and then held a large tent party in the evening.  Then we got older and realized the dinghy poker run took a lot of effort and so the UPHs decided to forego the party for a few years.  Now it's back in the form of a weekend getaway (lucky for us!) and we watch from the docks as the dinghies go by!

Dinghies going by...

We headed over on a beautiful Friday evening, Lexi dog and Missy as guests aboard the Harbor Shark.  We had a nice chat and less than an hour later, were pulling in to our slip. It's amazing how many boats the UPHs can fit on their pier - hence the name Doovie Del Mar Marina & Resort!  This year they borrowed three of the neighbors piers and according to Dockmaster Doovie, had 26 boats (21 guest boats, with another 5 stopping by).  They started arriving around noon on Friday and the last boat didn't leave until noon on Monday!

Sunset on Middle River

We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset while catching up with friends before heading over on dinghies to meet some others at River Watch for perfectly cooked crabs (thanks for hooking us up Mark!).  We came back and all appreciated a nice quiet night at the end of the dock enjoying the balmy summer air and some laughs before turning in.  (Translate: saving ourselves for the Big Event on Saturday.)

And what a day was Saturday!  The theme of this year's event was a Greek Toga Party (openly admitted to be snatched from BMC's Customer Appreciation Party!) and of course, the UPHs had pre-planned lots of activities.  Olympic Games were played where we competed for medals in everything from Hula Hooping and Corn Hole to Who Can Drink Beer Out of a Baby Bottle the Fastest & Tug of War!  It's funny to witness the competitive nature of the men (boys) among us.  While the women's tug-of-war game was taken seriously and we definitely gave our all, it was comical to watch the men go about it in a completely different manner.  They insisted on choosing a captain, picking teams and strategizing before we could begin.  And once they started, you should have heard the grunts & groans!  Several of them still have bruises and rope burn to show for their efforts.  Enjoy that homemade chocolate medal guys!

   

  

After a hard day's work, we had some downtime to prepare for the next round:  TOGA PARTY!  We had all brought/made/bought greek-themed dishes and had a humungous smorgasbord!  SOO much delicious food to choose from!   Most everyone dressed in costume, some very elaborate.  Kudos to those that handmade their costumes - we have some extremely talented friends.  It was a difficult decision to decide BEST TOGA, thank goodness for the talents of Lana who took charge as our host and ran the contest.  Judging was by audience applause.  The Olympic Medal Ceremonies were next.  Congrats to the winners - well deserved!  Dancing & debauchery followed until deep in the night (or morning as may be the case) , and as Davey put it - if you didn't have a good time, that's on YOU!

UPHs - Dave & MA

Female Finalists

Sunday was clean up and relax day.  After the group photo & ironing of the decal, many of us stayed around through most of the afternoon.  We were happy to see Joyce when she stopped by since she was unable to make the party.  We ate leftovers and got in the "cool" hot tub.  And then one by one we were on our way from another fabulous weekend on the Bay.  We pulled out around 3:00, the water flat, the weather perfect.  Did I mention I LOVE summertime?

Great Friends!

 Thanks for a Great Time Dave & MA!