I leave some money at the state line.....

After understanding the food policy at the Ironhorse Casino, we started driving south on Hwy 161.

I try to avoid Interstates, whenever there is an alternative available. I also try to avoid as much commuter traffic as possible. Taking that approach opens the opportunity for little discoveries like the beautiful Spanaway Park, on the edge of Spanaway Lake.

Spanway Park is a beautiful forest of old growth Pines with cushions of pine needles and well cut paths leading down to a majestic lake. Spanway Lake reminded me of my favorite lake in Wisconsin, Lake Spencer in Waupaca.

Pokey and I enjoyed walking among the beautiful old trees until it began to get dark. We found a back road that skirted around Fort Lewis and eventually got on I5 for a few miles until we exited at the Super Wal-mart in Chellis, Washington. I needed to do a little grocery shopping, and read, and clean up the RV and those are good places to do it.

I hope to get a fairly early start tomorrow in order to make a noon tournament about an hour south of here in La Center where we are planning on spending the day.

(Later in the day)….

I got knocked out of the tournament with the best hand pre-flop. I feel like I did my best whenever that happens. I had pocket 8’s and got called all-in by KQ off-suit. Most players don’t realized how easily dominated that hand is. Not only does any pair dominate it, but most players will call or even call all in with AK when calling. Then ½ of the outs are no good for the KQ.

After the tournament I played 4/8 for a few hours and broke even.

Then I walked across the street and joined a 10/20 game. I had my first significant loss in that game. I am frustrated, not at myself, but at the 5 bad beats it took to beat me at that game in the space of 3 hours. I lost with AA, on the river to a guy who called me down with 4/5 and caught a 5 on the turn. I lost after flopping a straight, three of a kind, and a King high flush along Aces and Kings when I flopped top two pair.

Well, when I think back at my time in Washington. I will remember it fondly, except for this afternoon. I dropped $700, when I should have been up at least $300, if anyone of those bad beats had not occurred.

Oh, vey, dat’s poker, as dey sey!

Well, I am going to dump the crap out of my RV here at the rest stop before I leave the state. I am also working on “dumping” the “bad attitude” I am caring right now too. Too bad changing an attitude is not like dumping the RV. Just attach a hose and open a valve and you are empty and clean again…..

I got to remember and practice what Johnny Moss said years ago….” The next best thing to a day of playing poker and winning is a day of playing poker and losing.

I had my day.