Deep in the heart of the Lone Star State lies the city of Austin. It’s the state capitol and home to the University of Texas. Austin also prides itself in being known as the live music capitol of the world. So, how does this relate to boating? Just west of the city, close enough to be called Austin, is Lake Travis. Formed in 1941, this reservoir follows the Colorado River channel as it snakes its way more than 63 miles through the scenic Texas Hill Country. It’s also where you will find the Lake Travis Powerboat Association (LTPA).

From April through to September, the LTPA hosts monthly poker runs benefiting various children’s charities in the state. In May 2011, the LTPA, with the generous sponsorship from South Austin Marine, raised $5,000 for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, an organization that the LTPA supports each year.

This year’s event started off in the morning in Briarcliff. The friendly staff at Briarcliff Marina welcomed everyone with breakfast tacos and as the group mingled and got caught up with the activities around the lake, approximately 30 boats and their crews joined in. The LTPA managed the registration and sale of hands at the first stop (as well as at later stops).

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