Dealing some cold hands

Despite the subzero temperatures in the Valley on Valentine's Day, snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers took to the mountains to participate in the annual Upper Valley Search and Rescue's Ben Romios Memorial Poker Run.

In its 23rd year, the annual event is held in honor of the late Benjamin F. Romios. Romios, an Encampment resident and 1995 graduate of Encampment High School, was an experienced snowmobiler who lost his life in January 1998 in an avalanche.

The money raised by the poker run benefits the Upper Valley Search and Rescue, of which Romios was a member upon his passing.

While the temperatures were low, spirits were high with clear skies as participants either trekked or drove to different locations to form a "hand". Arguably one of the most inspiring participants was Encampment resident Lynn Finney, who rightfully boasted about snowshoeing after a successful battle with cancer.

There were six winners of the poker run, with three high hand winners and three low hand winners. For the high hand, Leni Acord Ward took 1st place with a full house while Shannon Fagan-Craig took 2nd with a flush and Rocky Greenwood took 3rd place with a straight. For the low hand, Lester Thompson took 1st with a 7/5, Ashley McKinney took 2nd with a 8/5/3 and Jim Miller took 3rd with a 8/5/4.