Sunday, September 6, 2009

Sunday, September 6, 2009

We only took a few dogs that needed some birdwork and used them on the remaining Huns. Ed got Annie to point stylishly & intent – best she's done with him on the ground.

Sorrel had actually run over a bird upwind and had a tough STF – about sitting on the mark and then raised himself stylishly – very good job. He's had a very inconsistent camp with the 1st half being better – but I see signs he's improving.

A nice find and manners for Shauna along with Lily.

Libby had a find, no point but plenty of enthusiasm.

We were done and headed into camp. Dave, Vickie and Ed packing up and hitting the road. They made it home to California in under 24 hours – good trip and no trailer.

We did some packing then headed out to the rodeo. Saw some of our local friends and had a nice time. More packing and an easy dinner. Up early to finish the chores---------

whoops ! Forgot Striker had chewed up our RV hookup to the horse trailer. Stan had a replacement one and Ron reinstalled the wire not without having to get out the wiring diagram and redo the plugs. It took awhile but works fine now.

Monday, September 7, 2009

We'll had good sleeping weather and got going with the final packing. Bob & Stan let birds out and took a few home for some yard work. Nice bunch of birds. Annie and Linda took care of the inside whild Bob G disconnected the satilite and got us all back to normal. We drove out of camp about 11:00 am and headed down the highway.

Just about to enter Iowa and Stan had a blowout on his trailer. Bob was able to turn around and help him – back on the road in an hour. We made Ft. Dodge around 6:00 pm and had a relaxing dinner – getting up early and arriving at home by 2:00 pm.

We got the big stuff done while only being mildly exhausted!!!!!!!!

Another successful summer camp now we have to see how the dogs do in real live competition.

I'm going to attempt to keep the blog going during trial season with regular results.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Saturday, September 5, 2009

A cool morning with heavy dew. We loaded up 7 horses in the old grey trailor. We're going south to the old Hitchcock land and run some dogs. The crew was ready and the last day for some. Dave & Vickie & Ed are leaving on Sunday morning, heading west.

Roading:

· We packed up the gear for roading as we've completed using it for this summer camp. Linda came back a couple of weeks into camp and put the dogs into great condition.

Hills:

· Erin & Shauna – well this was it – we've waited a long time to see a brace this nice as a team. A field we normally find lots of birds in only produced one contact and that wasn't good but the races for these two was awesome. They cast off heading west over some mowed land and took the left hand cut edge to get front. We dropped the gate and both dogs hit to the left hills and went with us – Erin in no time was 2 hills ahead and flowing to the front. Shauna showing outstanding speed and reach. The entire time down (52 min) these 2 were constantly front and reaching and rarely near each other. At 42 Shauna got into a covey of chickens and had to be corrected. Erin near the area but not part of the infraction. They were sent front with the trailers near by – they blew off the trailers and went well to the south showing no desire to slow down. Not since the brace of Boomer/Rita many years ago have we had such an awesome shooting dog brace.

· Bart & Rio – big booming race with dogs taking the country all in – At least 4 grouse contacts for Rio and Bart had birds also but not as well defined. Both are derby dogs and they rolled with Rio being the bigger in size and range today . These young dogs kept us sitting high in the saddle for the entire 40 min. Young dogs with a future.

· Galt & Sorrel – Bob handled Galt and he gave us about 18 min. of pure all age moves – awesome and huge – in the middle he hit a flat spot but then opened up again in the meadow. Going around the pond he was found standing with great style, Bob dismounted and went into flush as a single quail left the area – Galt chased but couldn't catch it and came back to the area – this time he stuck the covey and had a big chase after Bob flushed. He went to camp and took the fence behind camp to the west. I got out the ATV and he was rolling along – stuck birds from last night and it just wound him up more. 40+ min. then 15 to catch him. Sorrel on the other hand was a brat – started strong and got into a scent trail – probably of deer. Stan got on the high hill and saw sorrel far to the south on the trail of 6 mule deer. We didn't see him even after sending 2 trucks down to look for him – 2+ hours later he was found in camp standing off Bart – the dogs hadn't even barked – they had enough of his antics for one day. Deer aren't Sorrel's strong suit.

This was our last day on the hills. Tomorrow will be birdwork and packing up. We've got our travel plans arranged.

Vickie made a wonderful meatloaf dinner with great beans and salad. We did a wine tasting test and found some great wines. Roger visited for a bit but it was a quiet evening otherwise. Time to hit the road.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Friday, September 4, 2009

This is a layback day with the main chore being our annual grooming session. A touch of fog and lightly overcast made it a good time to clip nails, clean matts out, check ears and all over for cactus and sand burrs and any injuries. We found a gaping hole in Inde's chest so an immediate trip to the vet was the order of the day. Bob G came with Linda and I. They cleaned it up but decided not to stitch it up – it had already started to granulate so it was doing just fine. We the went to Basset to visit Mildred Painter. Her and Gerald had been our hosts along with Roger and Janet for 20 years until Gerald passed away last year. It was great to see her and she's doing quite well at 89 years young. A great lady who raised her family in very severe conditions during some of those tough years on the Praries.

Back to camp and many more trips to town today. Actually needed an oil change as we all did at the local Ford dealer. I was looking to get some repairs done on my dog boxes but couldn't get anyone available for welding aluminum.

Back at camp we were preparing a Lasagna dinner with all kinds of appetizers. Should be great!!!!!!!! Bought some fresh sweet corn and fresh tomatoes. Ron made a caprese salad and it was just a great meal. While it was cooking we did some bird work and photo shoots.

Birdwork:

· Midge - now this was class – great style – paw up and perfect manners for this young girl.

· Lily – a little low in front but very intent – styled up with great manners.

· Sorrel – a very nice stylish stand but was really pointing the situation –moved up he worked to the edge and hit it hard. He then dove in – not his best day.

· Brenna – good mannerly piece of work – a bit low in the tail but she styled up nicely.

· Shauna – clean and stylish – and mannerly with a slight mark.

· Annie – not in the mood today so she blinked the bird and Ed called it a day.

· Robin – a very intense find with good manners and needed to be stroked up.

· Bart – worked on a checkcord and had a very nice stylish find with good manners.

· Galt – hit the bird hard but could see it and he flagged lightly. Checkcord kept him at bay.

· Dani - worked on a cord but couldn't get her to point today so we packed it in.

· Rio – worked him on the cord and got him to smell birds but no substantial point.

· Libby – a snappy little dog – didn't point but chased and was shot over – she handled this and chased with Dani and went to her bunk while Dani chased and chased and wouldn't get caught – finally hung up on a tree and Ed picked her up.

Wow!!!!!!!!! Camp is winding down – awesome dinner and good wine and great conversation. We had a very mild night, and it's time to get things packed up.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Roading:

· Lea, Midge, Sorrel & Brenna – taking it a bit easy on the dogs now and let them put back on a bit of weight. 32 min.

Meadows:

· Mariah & Brie - Brie had a nice course and a stylish find in the cover – Mariah coming in and handled a command back by Bob as she couldn't see Brie. Ed was on the control for her as Bob flushed a single that Brie broke after the shot. Brie was corrected and both sent on with Mariah doing a nice job with a point near time. Tons of class and manners but delayed chase as Ed mounted. Corrected and sent on. 32 min.

· Lily & Robin –Lily an improved race as we worked around the course w/ Robin starting to see the light. Lily sticky a couple of times buried in the woods and birds leaving her in the cover but she didn't see. No birds – 35 min.

· Rio & Bandit – Bandit a restricted race as it appears her hip was pretty sore still and she's back on the IR list. Rio had a strong race and was reaching the extremes having been spotted up in the hills on Sidell's. He ran big but no birds officially seen. He really has improved and shows a lot of potential. Handling yet independent.

Thursday evening was a great dinner with Stan cooking a beef tenderloin and all the Painter's were here for dinner. Another wonderful meal and sitting outside listening to music. Dave fixed the speakers but more repairs are needed. We've been fixing things up and trying to get the place ready for our exodus. Ron and Annie decided to stay until Monday.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Roading:

· Mariah, Midge, Sorrel & Robin – 32 min.

Meadows:

· Dani & LIBBY – Both dogs started front with Libby looking happier to be out and about. Dani and Libby handled reasonably well going to pond. Neither dog wanted to leave the pond area. Once we got the dogs up towards the hills they entered the bull pen and neither dog wanted to come with the riders. Dani eventually came with Ed but shortened up and handled loosely back to the truck. No birds produced by horses or dogs. Libby finally came out of the bull pen and Annie & Ron were able to get her to go with them back to camp. She ranged better and spent less time around the horses. 30 minutes

· BART & TEQUI – Started at hay yard and went back up higher into hills. Expectations were high as Ken was riding this brace. Bart and Tequi broke away independently with Tequi showing no signs of Tequi wanting to tag her bracemate. Both dogs going big and front on opposite sides. Hunted top of hills then slid down into meadows. Tequi went on point in area where birds were planted but no birds produced. Bart was found at the bird pen jumping and jiving and Dave had to go pull him out. Sent him on and both dogs finished front and caught in short order.

· LEA & BRENNA - Lea handled well off of line moving forward with a gun dog race out of camp. Made the cut with Brenna hunting the heavy cover. Both dogs moved through meadow toward Johnny Box. Lea pointed near the Johnny Box at pond but then moved on. Brenna came in and pointed near the Johnny Box with style. Bob produced single and she took a couple of steps on flush. Put her back threw a stick and all was in order. Both dogs then headed up into the hills. Brenna had a clean stop to flush on the hill. Lea ran into a covey of 12 chickens and whoa’d after a few steps. Then Lea put up a sharptail as she worked the back side of the hill and was off to the races. Cowboy Dave ran her down and finally after circling her several times, got her stopped. Horses put up 20+ sharptails. We headed south and both dogs did a stop to flush on 3 sharptails with a couple of whoas from Bob. Finished at Triple Gates at 40 minutes.

· ANNIE & SHAUNA - Both dogs moving forward with medium gun dog race. Hunted to pond with both dogs moving well and independent. No birds. 30 minutes

That was the morning for dog work. We had some town trips and starting to pick up and fix things around camp. Just a few days left. Bob G. cooked a Pork Tenderloin dinner and Vickie had the salad - & while dinner was finishing up a few of us went to work Inde on a bird. Got one planted off the ATV and here comes Galt – he made a huge lap around the meadow before we got him caught. WE had given him the day off so he could start to recoup some ( a bit skinny) so he does his own lap. Boy does he like to run. A very pleasant evening and stayed out until it was time for desert.

Awesome sleeping night – put Libby, Sorrel and Rio away and had a very quiet nights sleep.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

A beautiful day for running dogs. Over cast and very breezy which did make it a little tough.

Roading:

· Mariah, Erin, Brie & Annie - trying to taper down a bit as the crew is starting to drag.

Meadows:

· ROBIN & LEA – Robin was more forward than the last time with fewer times behind the horse. No birds but a couple of nice independent casts. Went through Sidell loop finished coming around pond back to camp. Lea ran a decent race. Coming out of Sidell loop heading toward meadow she ducked into heavy cover and popped a bird but did a clean stop to flush. Finished forward - 30 minutes.

· SHAUNA & LILY – Shauna started out big in the meadow and entered the Sidell loop. Shauna pointed the Johnny Box, Stan whistled her through it and she continued forward through the loop. She came around to point the second Johnny Box tooted through that and she came up and got birdy at midway from the Sidell gate. Headed south into meadow and Shauna stuck a bird and waited for Lily to come in for back. Lily circled Shauna, stole point and put up bird. Shauna then moved with Lily and both dogs were corrected. Sent Shauna on and she hit covey of birds at north end of pond. Birds came up all around her and she decided to exit the situation. Stan got off and put her back. She then did a stop to flush on one remaining bird and finished forward. Lily had a nice race and went on to have a nice find in the shelter belt. Plenty of style. Ken needed to relocate her and she handled the situation well with style. Finished forward. 33 minutes

· INDE & SORREL – Inde made a big move at beginning to first island then made another big move towards the shelter belt with the bird house. Dave went to the shelter belt, climbed fence only to see that Johnny did not ground tie so Ed and Ron got the horse and sent Inde on out of shelter belt. She went all the way back to the first line and went into Sidell loop with us. She stayed with us until the second bird house at Sidell loop where she ditched us towards Richardson’s property. We went on and left her. Saw her on the next brace but still she would not come with us. Ed finally had to go back out on ATV two hours later to collect her. Sorrel was not on his game today. Was behind more than front. Sorrel went to market and went OINK OINK OINK all the way home. Painful 30 minutes with all riders needing Advil for neck pain on return.

· GALT & RIO – Both dogs big. Galt took the fence line heading toward Sidell’s house. Rio keyed off of Galt and headed towards Sidell’s house but then took the hill to the top. Both dogs really moving big and powerful. Sent Vickie to top of hill and Galt saw the horse and headed back toward Sidell’s loop with Stan but at this point remainder of riders (Ed, Dave, Ron) were in various locations looking for dogs and Galt was not sure which rider he should be keying off of. Stan eventually let Galt know he was the handler and he hunted with Stan through south meadow to the pond but no birds. Finished strong to front with lots of power. Rio made the big move at the beginning but that was the only bright spot of his part of the brace as he was then spotted playing relentlessly with a skunk….. Circled it, picked it up, rolled on it Vickie was able to lasso him with the checkcord and pull him off the skunk. Jackson was the smart animal in this brace or well trained by the boss as he wanted no part of the skunk. Finally got him back to Ed and sent him on with only a couple contacts with Galt but then hunted front back into camp. 40 minutes.

The rest of the day was mainly clean up and some chores. Linda and Annie went to town and shopped. Bob G. rolled into town late in the afternoon.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

A very crisp morning with heavy dew and the promise of another beautiful day. We got dogs all worked and bunches of young dogs. I was at work all day so Ed, Dave, Vicki, Ron & Annie handled the chores.

Roading:

· Mariah, Erin, Annie & Robin – Mariah ran 27 min. than she got hooked up to a fence while Linda continued on and she got picked up at 57 to finish the brace. So bottom line is – 33 min. – Mariah --- 63 min. the rest of the crew. We finally admitted that Mariah is not having puppies and got her back to working out. We will try again next time.

Meadows:

· MIDGE & BRENNA - Brenna started out well forward - hit first island and disappeared into the heavy cover then busted out of cover chasing bird. Dave brought her back and threw sticks three separate times and she broke on first two sticks; finally stayed on third stick. Moved forward and pointed with good style on this side of Sidell loop - handler could not produce; relocated her and she went forty yards and bumped a prairie chicken. More stick work and held on second stick; sparatic, independent for remainder of brace. Midge started strong to front went into first island with Brenna and did a stop to Brenna’s flush of bird. Got her going forward on the line but shortened run and kept diving into cover and getting behind me. Worked edges and went on point where a hun was known to be planted but handler could not produce. Midge was relocated but no bird was produced. Midge didn’t want to leave and go with the handler; self-hunting/diving into cover and getting behind. 35 minutes.

· INDE & RIO - Inde started off well disappearing on edge moving forward. Saw her at 7 min mark making cut by Sidell’s loop into the meadow toward’s the island. Found her standing with good style at 12 minutes near the quail johnny box by the pond. Rio came in and busted the bird without pointing and both dogs gave chase but did not catch bird. Put Inde back and then cast her off. On way back in, Inde blew off handler and headed for the bird house on the shelter belt, slipped under the fence and handler had to go over fence to get her back out. Rio started off good without bumping. Took the south side of the island and disappeared. Came out running with high head/high tail making nice moves down the lines toward pond where he busted Inde’s bird. On the way back in he started running toward the shelter belt with Inde but Ed was able to turn him and get him forward. Finished strong at 30+ minutes.

· BART & LIBBY - Bart was DOD - Started out fast forward and cleared Sidell’s loop before we cleared first island. A few minutes later when we reached Sidell loop, we saw Bart moving left to right fast and forward. Bart continued moving forward on the edges. Ed released birds in front of us and Bart stuck a bird on the edge with a ton of style. Finished front going strong at 40 minutes. Libby started out forward with Bart and disappeared at first island. Came out of heavy cover and ran short with some insecurity. Worked areas where birds were known to have been but had no birds. She worked area where Bart’s bird was produced then ran further forward with Bart but then broke off into heavy cover and slowed her pace then ran directly into camp to her barrel - 30 minutes

· TEQUI & DANI - Tequi moved forward with enthusiasm, Both dogs went into heavy cover at first island. Both dogs came out of the cover and headed straight across to tree line - but then both dogs turned away and wound up behind us. Tequi then changed direction and went front. She continued forward towards Sidells and made the turn towards the pond and headed left towards Johnny house. She worked cover and got her turned to work the other edge. No birds - 25 minutes. Cast Dani off dragging a cord for capture control at end of brace. Dani ran forward at start with independence. Made some nice moves at edge of pond. Worked cover but decided to hunt for herself and wound up behind us. Was difficult to get her to leave cover. Ed was able to get her out of the cover into the meadow and handled/stayed with Ed all the way back to camp. A new world record according to Ed - only two minutes to catch her at the end.

The rest of the day had Ed & Dave doing repairs on anything they could find around camp. Linda and Annie had a marathon afternoon shopping in town with a final stop at Ranchland. I did my hours for Monday at work and look forward to running dogs tomorrow. Stan rolled into camp a little bit after 6:00 only to find his rig unplugged and refrigerator a little bit over ripe. Now a countdown to the end of camp and trying to polish the dogs ready for trials.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Cool & Crisp – we have a good crew in camp for the finish. Bonnie and Dennis are still here with Dennis going home this afternoon and Bonnie off to judge a Championship in Montana tomorrow. Ron and Annie here, along with Ed Meyer, Dave and Vickie. Stan should be heading back tomorrow and Bob G. will be here on Tuesday evening.

We're down to the last week or so and hope to put some real polish on the dogs and head out after Labor Day.

This morning we're going over to the east Hitchcock pasture and work from there. We've had Devin riding with us the last two days and it's great to have him here. He still knows what it takes to work a dog and a horse and he's a huge help working the team. Got to get him a birddog.

Roading:

· Lea, Sorrel, Shauna & Midge - very strong 61 min.

Hills:

Went to the south and over to Hitchcock's east pasture and worked maybe some big bunches of birds.

· Sol & Lily – Lily just didn't have it together at all ( after reviewing she's been very erratic at camp. Not what I had expected – no collar on today) a very inconsistent race. Got to about 35 and Lily had a poorly handled STF – made a minor correction and that picker her up some. Sol was very stable and had some good birdwork. A NP towards the end but overall Sol was connected.

· Gus & Galt – a very fun brace as both dogs ' leaned into the course' as Dave says—they were constantly knocking at the front in SD range. Only one bird seen being chased by Galt. These two young dogs have heart. 40 min.

· Brie & Jordy – Jordy a decent GD race with 2 v/good finds and a NP with a minor turtle contact. Brie was a big oink blowing by Jordy on a covey of sharptail find. She had 2 good finds – 2 very poor pieces of work and an ugly, rear – lateral race. Lots of birds but no class. 45 min. – Lots of cactus and sand burrs in the Triple Gate pasture we seldom use.

Meadows:

· Bert & Dani - Bert only saw the bird Dani caught and delivered to him – a moderate race with Dani all over and not wanting to come in at the end. 30 min.

· Tippy & Tequi – good GD race and into birds. Both showing more promise.

We called it a morning ( after noon ) and did some chores around camp. Dennis left in mid-afternoon. Dave's lining out projects to do. Down to the last part of camp. Want to see the A-Team shine!!!!!!!!

Had some fine steaks for dinner along with Vicki's potatoes – good music and a cool night – needed jackets and eventually went inside for ice cream.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Linda!!!!!!!! This is the big day and she wants to celebrate by roading her crew. This group really enjoy her roading & it helps us all bond with these dogs and get them into the best possible shape. We moved the crew to the pasture on Hitchcock's road to the west and this is the 1st time this season. Big pasture and lots of long hills.

Roading:

Kate, Erin, Brenna & Annie – 63 min. ( 63rd b-day and 63 minutes) was this a coincidence or what??????????????

Hills:

· Gus & Bart – Bart a little slow out of the box ( now his is based on his performances ) then really into it in the middle and after 35 min. in these big hills a bit of a slow down at the finish. Gus was powerful from the get go – with a nice middle but challenged strongly by Bart in the middle and showed some wear and tear at the end. Birds around Gus – Bart pointed solidly where a bird had just left but nothing produced in front of him. Fun brace with at least 50-60 birds – 1st time this summer with more chickens that sharptail.

· Hank & Buck – moved to a Richardson pasture north of the one we're in and had a powerful race form Buck with 1 NP and 2 very good finds. He be winning this field trial. Class and power was the work for him. Hank just couldn't get the job done for Lee – too bad as Lee is leaving today and I would've liked to see Lee have a positive performance from Hank – not to be. 40 min.

· Robin & Jordy- Jordy a fair GD race with 2 very good find – 2 stf with some style issues and a moderate finish. 35 min. Robin the best 16 minutes to day – she just flowed and reached forward. We had a minor conflict making a turn and the last half was not as good but I still saw good signs & have positive feelings about her progress. 35 minutes.

· Rhett & Jordy – Jordy – 2 finds with style and good manners – no style issues. Definite progress. Rhett – pointed 1 – knocked it and chased forever – caught it and retrieved. Long correction from Lee and then knocked the next one – blatantly – more correction – then ran to the island and blinked the island – not wanting more trouble. The pains you go through working a yard broke dog and bringing them up to green broke status. 25 min.

Tequi & Jimmy - hunt and a find with Jimmy joining the chase. A nice puppy performance for both dogs – 25 min.

· Libby & Homer – Liby a good race and solid point on a covey – good job – Homer showing good moments and plenty of desire.

Linda's birthday dinner was set for tonight. Ed had gone to Denver to pick up Dave and Vickie and bring them to camp. We cooked several of our Lou Malnatti pizza's for dinner. Ron and Annie arrived this afternoon and set up camp. Mary left early AM and made it to Sycamore by last night. Lee left camp around 5:00 pm and headed home. Both Lee & Mary had a good camp and sure were a big help getting things done and working dogs. Mary took Clifford home and we've decided he needed a big wild bird hunting season from him. Lee's string looked good - just a little down about Hank but the rest all made good progress. Jimmy went home with Mary as we had limited space for horses.

The pizza's came and so did our friends - Roger and Janet came early and helped with feeding, Devin – Shannon & Mason came along with Amelia, Heather & Jason plus Todd. Ron & Annie were here as were Bonnie & Dennis. Dennis made his peppermint ice cream mixture for Linda's party. Lot's of good stories and laughs.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

Another beautiful morning and the promise of a great day. We're running early and Linda and I have to make the trip to the Atkinson Vet for a follow up on Striker's eye. He is doing great but want to make sure we're not cutting the treatment short.

Roading:

· Lily, Shauna, Inde & Brie. Brie just not feeling like working hard to day so Linda brought her to the dog wagon @ 32 to pick her up. The rest of the crew did great for 60 min. Linda has done a great job getting everybody up to speed.

Hills:

· Sorrel & Ritha – Ritha a good day on the hills with 2 finds, ok style and a solid GD race. Lee was happy with her overall perfomance. Sorrel on the other hand started okay but got into an area with hot deer scent. Ed saw a big buck bedded down and tried to get her away from the area. No such luck – Sorrel kept working until he got it up and the chase was on—Bonnie going full bore trying to catch him and me a half a pasture away. The only redeeming factor was that Sorrel handles birds and as he ran through a large covey of birds he STF and Bonnie was able to grab him – a bit of a tongue lashing was all we could go since he did STF. From this point on, he handled but didn't go anywhere. Boring !!!!!! - 36 min. and getting warm on the hills.

· Lea & Sol - Sol had the find of the day with a very stylish find and perfect manners. A nice SD race and good stamina. Lea had a moderate race with a bit too much of hanging with Sol early. I was watching for her to make a hill far off to the SE and Bonnie and Ed were yelling at me something about a horse ( I thought) As Bonnie later said I had All – Age eyes handling a SD. It turns out they were telling me she was making game between me and her and the next thing I now – I rode up the covey she was working – she STF and I shot and took her on. Not far away she had another STF on a single. Manners okay but don't like her crowding and couldn't blame her for the 1st one. 35 min.

· Rhett & Midge- a find for Midge with a short GD race and a decent find. Rhett a reasonable GD without a lot of style and didn't handle the bird Midge had so back to the drawing board for Rhett . He is a very young dog and this is where the statement ' Patience is a Virtue' really comes into play. 33 min.

· Galt & Bert (ES) – Galt runs as usual ' big – big –big' with a handle very solid SD race – big but looking for you and always staying front – just a treat. Bert a stylish English Setter that shows moderate SD race and a good year old puppy & very pleasing to watch. 24 min.

· Rio & Tippy & Pal – all 3 dogs show desire and hunt & ran decent races for young dogs. I think we have an excellent group of young dogs. All dogs got into birds and chase – pointing was in the cover and hot pursuit. 20 min.

Friday Linda and I went to Atkinson to see the vet. All the people there were great and happy to see how good Striker looked. He really is an extremely likeable puppy and he's made great progress. The whole team was happy. They do Penn Hips on dogs and we'll need to look at that in the future.

Friday night was a Tamale dinner that Ed brought from California and might be the best tamales I've had since San Antonio and Robin hooked us up with – mmmmmmmmgood!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thusday was another very cool morning with some early morning fog – we still got going good and hit the hills.

Roading:

· Robin, Kate, Brenna & Annie 55 min. Strong

Hills:

· Erin & Buck – Buck was a renegade and it was not his day – 25 min. of handling and 30 min of herding. Erin had his best day of camp with a nice forward race and lots of class. A find at 20. min coming down a hill with the wind up his back, he stopped as birds flushed and took a move to go with them but stopped and stood for me to ride over and shoot. Not the best – sent on he went back to eating up the countryside and had a stand at 32, a little tentative until I got near then really styled up. I went out and flushed a single sharptail, shot and the area erupted as 15+ birds flushed with Erin standing tall. At 40 he worked up a small hill and established nicely. I rode to the front, dismounted and flushed a nice bunch of birds – 8+ birds. He went on, slowing every so slightly and was hunting strong at 51 min. He definitely was dog of the day.

· Hank & Jordy – 2 stf for Jordy – 2nd one not quite up to the standard and then a nice find with a moderate GD race and bit of turtle work. Hank never was pleasing Lee – just lacked the spark- 45 min.

· Gault, Tequi & Homer – meadows work with birds for all the puppies and they all ran good, Gault taking the big course and the rest hunting the meadow. Just a nice brace and lots of work- knocking huns and then quail. Homer knocked one he didn't see so Gault chased it for him then Tequi & Homer gave chase onone Bonnie knocked. 28min.

· Rio, Libby & Jimmy – Rio had an emotional moment with Jimmy. Rio kinda all over Jimmy but he was plugged in and it didn't seem to work until he was properly connected. After the weak beginning, the pups settled into a nice race. Birds for all the pups in the big treeline and then another bunch at the island. 30 min.

After noon just quiet and work issues. We had a dinner invite to the McBrides & brought the whole crew for great steak meal. This a special 'designer' beef and a great meal. A cool night ahead. Shouldn't be any fog tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Morning was cool, damp and foggy.

Roading:

· Lea, Sorrel, Inde & Annie – 53 min.

· Midge, Clifford, Brie & Shauna – 55 min.

Hills:

· Robin & Ritha 35 min. – Robin just didn't believe that Ed had the same rules as Stan. She hooked Lee from time to time and overall she wouldn't whoa for Ed. She wasn't bad like she could be and overall she improved as the brace went on. Ritha went on and had 4 contacts, good find on the Sidell edge – style and manners – STF – ok then a level tailed find w/good manners – 4 was OK. Overall a good job for Ritha & Robin needs continued work.

· Lily & Kate 38 min. – Lily not up to snuff today but did a controlled back on Kate and was mannerly. Overall Lily was not in tune and I need to drop the collar – she doesn't need it and does not like it!!! Kate did a nice solid job – forward and smooth - 1 vg find w/10:00 style.

· Dani & Rio 26 min. on the meadow - good day for both pups – hunt and reached with no play. Got to cut near Sidell's loop – very big move and couldn't see if they contacted birds. Rio big and strong – Dani made good moves with Rio carrying the load. Hard to be caught up with these two.

Bonnie arrived Wednesday, a tired puppy – she got set up and got some zzzzzzz!! time & she needed it. Fog early delayed us a bit but we still got a full morning in with the dogs. The team is smooth and we get moving pretty quick in the AM. We got our work going all day long and had a great pork tenderloin dinner with brown potatoes – Bonnie was in Heaven!! We had a very nice meal and some tunes and visits.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It was very muggy yesterday and stayed so even as we went to bed. During the night the dogs were much quieter ( in my opinion ) but still had room for improvement. Linda stayed after them during the night and I had a good night's sleep. Cooler this morning, a bit cloudy but mild.

There's been a story I've been meaning to tell. Last week one day Linda and Jenny were visiting with Janet Painter, they were discussing the accepted methods of euthanasia for the local flys that take up residence in your kitchen. Her new method is called the ' stun and stomp' – you use a quick, non - lethal swipe with your best fly swatter then you stomp the stunned body on the floor and kept fly guts off your eating surfaces.

Roading:

· Lea, Ritha, Hank & Brenna - 53 solid minutes.

Hills:

· Erin & Rhett - these 2 boys started out with a purpose and the young Rhett showed he had a good idea of how to run – his 1st part was a bit lateral as was Erin's - only he got huge and then slipped me sideways and to the rear. Erin had his all age shoes on but his compass was on backwards. Finally got Erin back to the front and had a very nice piece of birdwork – pointed solidly and I had a good ride to get to him, he was intent except flagging. I whistled him on and he worked running birds for the better part of 200 yards only to establish a tight point but flagging. As I rode to him birds got him and a nice 6-8 chicken covey left him – manners fine – style poor. The rest was better with still a hook to lateral and drifting back. We talked and he got the picture. Stamina was excellent. Rhett showed solid improvement and very good front running skills – more GD at times but not afraid to reach front and worked an area where we had seen birds left but couldn't pin a straggler. 52 min.

· Sorrel & Bart - I had high hopes for this brace. Sorrel just didn't have it today. A very erratic brace with many times just blowing me off going his way. He did have a good find – pointing tightly as a single sharptail almost hit him as it flushed followed by 15 more in waves – only a 1 step lateral mark – very acceptable bird work but back to turtles, junk and his own direction. I had a talk with him and let's see how he is next time. Bart a bit slow and erratic to start but ended up with a very nice race and strong forward moves. He held his own. 50 min.

· Galt & Tequi – we headed back to camp and ran these 2 from the meadow. A strong powerful race for both dogs with Tequi getting into the cover and Galt taking the big country. Probably going to be easier for Tequi to handle our cover. 30 min. No birds.

We called it a day and got ready to hit town. Met Joe & Lori at the Spur for lunch and had a nice visit. The old ATV is still on the repair list and I expect it should be totally ready in July of '10 – I hope.

Lee went our and did his yard work with Rhett – now he's working with Mary and Clifford and see if he can make some headway. A moderately cool afternoon. The string of good weather has been truly amazing. We have a great group in camp and once again everyone are great workers and pitch right in wherever needed.

Chicken breasts and pasta for dinner – plus a beautiful evening. Bonnie due in camp tomorrow and Dennis on the weekend.

August 24, 2009

August 24, 2009

We awoke in the middle of the night and the dogs were barking their heads off. I yelled and threatened and finally grabbed 1 culprit – Libby – that helped but I missed Kate & the night was a very short one indeed. Not a very nice way to treat someone on their birthday. I had asked for Lou Malnalti's Chicago Pizza for dinner so we had a plan.

The day was a workday for me and the crew was running the dogs.

Roading:

· Midge, Erin, Robin & Mariah– 60 min. (32 min. for Mariah) Linda was doing her 2nd watering when she realized – Mariah?????? - what are you doing here? Somebody put Mariah on instead of Lea – whoops, well she actually did quite well and no sign of hurting any puppies. I took the truck out and picked up Mariah.

· Lily, Clifford, Annie & Shauna – Well about ¾ the way into this brace, Linda tried to cross the wet spot in the meadow and got the rig stuck. Not delayed – stuck. I had to get a truck and towstrap to get them out of the hole. 73 min but a good wait while we pulled her out. Now that's the way to celebrate a Birthday – getting somebody else out who is buried in the mud.

Meadow:

· Kate & Brenna – Brenna just a flake – wouldn't back Kate and ended up knocking birds, delayed chase and wouldn't leave the area. She neededa good talking to. 35 min. Kate – 15 min. for Brenna. Kate a solid Gun Dog with good application and 1 good find.

· Brie & Inde – Brie the good one here with a solid race and no birds. Inde went to the Hun Shelter belt and never returned to judgement – gone for 55 min. & probably rooting birds. Brie a solid 35 min.

· Rio & Dani – Dani did a nice job today and so did Rio. Both did a nice job with Rio ignoring Dani for the whole brace. 25 min.

Back to camp for some breakfast and an early nap for me. Linda went to town & Lee washed his rig and everyone kinda took it easy. I worked on business stuff until it was time for camp chores and we all hit and got them done in no time. A warm afternoon – didn't quite make it to 90 but almost.

We got the Pizza ready to cook and the sweet corn and we had a real feast. Linda had got some home made pies and we really over served ourselves. Fine Silver Oak wine supplied by Lee. Great bottle of wine.

Linda got me an awesome Irish Pub – Town Setting with the Brophy name on the pub and Brophy Cote of Arms on the minature town model. What an awesome gift!!! Linda found this several months ago and had a hard time waiting to my birthday. Let me tell you " it was worth the wait".

We had a great dinner – plenty to eat and some good tunes followed by desert. They could've rolled us into bed – we were stuffed.