Monday, August 4 – daylight broke with fog and humidity – not super cool but better than it's bid. Lost my roader as Ed Meyer headed to home – he'll be back. Going to train Brett ( Jenny & Phil's nephew) later today. We still needed to get a move on and it sometimes takes a bit more effort with young adults but not this group, they are giving it there all.
Roading
• Ernie, Mariah, Suzie & Lea – this group are very experience – a solid 30min with drive from beginning to end.
• Erin & Brenna – got Brett set up after we ran the hills and he is a quick study. 16 min.
• Inde & Kate – Inde dragging a bit – 16 min.
Hills:
• Brie & Hank – both dogs ran considerably better than their last time down. After the fog burned off, it was warming quickly. No pointed birds or even a STF but they just couldn't smell birds this morning. Right in the middle of them (Brie) had birds flush all around – 12+ good size chickens. Hank had birds go behind him – still no luck but a very pleasing race & stayed with me at the end. 30 min.
• Tess & Shauna – same scenerio as last brace. Tess in the middle of birds coming off a hillside and barely acknowledged their existence. She still get's sticky but overall her biggest race off horseback –not ready to get on her for getting stuck but I will have to eventually. Shauna – the best young dog race in a long time. Flowing and front – good speed, style and pattern. Dropped her nose like a turtle in the area and as Bob told her to get out of there – the 1st chicken left and then 2 more. A slight stop, then a mandatory stop and light correction. More birds as we road – maybe 10-12 at least that brace. 40min & Shauna DOD.
Meadows:
• Bart & Clifford – ran these two but they hooked up playing a bit today and had a rather boring application on the meadow. Getting hot didn't help. 15 min.
Almost noon time and a trip to the dump was in order. Jenny, Sue went the shopping route and Bob & I did the dump route with stops to John Seidel ( didn't get him but
talked to him to make sure we could run on the loop) and so Joe at Ranchland and Kip at lunch.
Backed to camp and checked the birds, quail not doing the best but Huns are great and some movement back to the recall pens. All the kids set up games in the yards and had
a nice afternoon – the misters worked well and even developed a few lakes that the dogs have been excavating. A nice dinner planned, Phil got the stereo system up and running and Lee Sienkowski and his buddy Tom stopped on their way from a remote fishing trip – water too high to fish. It turned out to be a pleasant night.
Tuesday, August 5 - a cool overcast morning. We got word that violent storms hit Sycamore, DeKalb and places east. 100 mph winds – lost a branch at our place but Luke says a lot more damage in town. We looked on the radar and a storm was heading for camp so we held off running. ( big mistake) It stayed cloudy and threatening all morning so we just did birdwork. and roading.
Roading:
• Ritha, Annie & Sorrel – solid group – 30 min. no problems – Ritha
• Lilly, Dolly & Clint – only 10min. as Clint was stressed and not up to roading.
Birdwork:
• Midge – very good handle and a nice, stylish, well mannered find – lots of praise.
• Lily – 1st time down – worked well - listened and had a well handled piece of bird work w/great style.
• Shauna – listened and hunted well – did a good job w/manners and style.
• Brie – she's just gotten into such a habit of ignoring Bob and we're working on getting her polish back. She got several corrections & finished understanding what we wanted.
Went back to camp and got another load of dogs. These were the ATeam dogs.
• Lea & Brenna –hunted those two together around the pond at Hun Pond and couldn't get either one on birds.
• Mariah – worked her around and got a STF that she stepped on as I walked to her not pretty but we took it easier on her – the next one was more of a knock on 2 but I couldn't prove it.
• Sorrel – long story but more of the same – a very stylish NP that he eventually tried to self relocate and then ended on a bump only to do the same thing on the next one.
None of the crew could scent the birds – just too green and their not acclimated enough to turn up the scenting capacity on their noses. We said that was enough. Back to camp and we'll see how it is later.
Afternoon brought one of those great napping days – just a good day. Phil is still locked in the little room – working on a major project. The little room has become command central and he's plugging away – he won't be at camp until at least Wednesday.
The afternoon was peaceful and rather warm but not the blistering heat we had recently.
A good dinner and we finally had the music fixed outside ( Brett & Phil got it running) and we could jam a bit. Rain in the forecast for later tonight.
Had a nice friendly discussion on how we are supposed to evaluate what kind of a presidential candidate a person will be based on whether or not he paid $400 for a haircut. It sounds like Mr. Geddeis could be turning into a liberal. We gladly showed him the error in his logic.
Wednesday, August 6 – Rain started seriously at about 3:30 and continued well into the morning – alternating from light to heavy and putting a big dent in our work. Phil finishing up his project today and we all spent time on the computers. Linda is still struggling with the injury but she keeps on smiling and having a good attitude. She's able to do a few exercises and hopefully that will help. Kids counting on a big dinner in town to night – celebrating the lack of time spent in front of the tube or the computer.
Roading: - rain stopped and cool so we got started roading!
• Mariah, Lea, Ernie & Suzie -- lots of standing water and this group just charged the course for 30 solid minutes.
• Brie, Kate, Hank & Tess – Tess getting with the program ( still have the front lead on her but barely need it. 30 min. – No problems
• Brett took over:
• Lily, Shauna & Annie – 20 min –Annie not real sure.
That was it for birdwork. Bob G. went to get some medicine for the quail –not doing real well. He also had some rabis shots done. I did a a lot of work on the computer and phone – tried to get caught up.
Phil &Jenny took the kids to town. Linda, Bob and I had a nice quiet evening planned and we added to that enjoyment when Joe & Laurie and their daughter came over for a nice visit. We hadn't really had a chance to visit with them so this was great. Joe might even play with Owen in the competition as her accompanist. Great to see them and they bought another business in town – used to be Kathy's Closet so she was really busy.
Thursday, August 7, 2008 – cool, dry morning – time to get moving. We got everyone on the run- going to Richardson's. Moving down the road by 7:30 not perfect but still much improved. We dropped a fence down south of the circle and got the show on the road.
Roading:
• Inde, Shauna & Annie - all coming along nicely – 30 min.
Hills:
• Erin & Brenna - only 1 chicken seen but both had solid GD races – good coverage and front. Erin more forward then Brenna but both were good. Erin a Jackrabbit chase that really stretched him out. A solid 29 min. brace with more left for both dogs.
• We got a call from Brett on the walkie talkie's – he was stuck on the south side of the home hay meadow. Phil took the truck and a tow strap and went to get him out. We waited so he could run his dog. Brett found one of those soft spots and got it buried pretty good. Got the call on the walkie talkie – got him free!!
• Lea & Midge – Midge a little slow starting but with a little help from Lea she got going. We saw 3-4 jack rabbits all in one area but the dogs missed them. A big move for both down along the CRP - going, going – gone – they reached a ½ mile front and north staying on course but really stretching. Nice solid race but no birds – Lea didn't want to quit and hooked some tweety birds at the end- guess the old dog was just too bored – Phil &Bob got her and had a talk then put the lead on her. A fun brace! 32 min.
• Lily & Sorrel – headed these two back to camp with the girls taking the rig home. Sorrel really showing some huge moves –took a dicky bird for a ride but I caught him – Lily a few spots with her nose down but overall a nice job - crossed the fence into the home meadow and sent them down Hun Alley – Sorrel ran over a bird in deep grass and was a bit spooked with Lily also knocking and chasing. Put them both on a cord – put a bird out and got Sorrel pointed with Lily backing – good stylish piece with good manners. Walked them quite a ways then cut them loose and finished nicely. 28 min. Improvement for these green brokes.
• Bart, Neely & Clifford – Neely still very unsure – stays by the horses . Bart opened up some and Clifford ran a solid puppy race – forward and hunting. 15 min.
That was the whole day as it was starting to heat up. We had a couple of horses go down in some holes – Sue on Ben who hit the deck – she rolled off gracefully and no worse for the wear! Eb tried to shake me up but I didn't let him off the hook . Back in camp –
Country Music Festival this weekend so the Phil & Jenny crew went to town and Owen met with Joe and practiced his songs for the contest.
Sue ran some more clothes line to the south fence and doubled our drying space – my wife informed me that this was a major improvement – when I was a bit to unimpressed with the innovation. Power went out in the mid afternoon – a car accident on Pine St just south of the commentary knocked a pole and that caused it. about 3-4 hours to get if fixed.
Whitney and Katherine took puppies for their nightly ( almost) walk in the meadow. What a great place for puppies. The two Lea pups ( Stryker & Tequi) are starting to climb over the pen – time to switch to a stake out.
Friday, August 8, 2008 – a bit overcast and Roger is planning on moving bulls – we're out early to meet them and help but run a brace 1st – that was the plan. We were up, motivated & loaded early and off to the south pastures. Hit the 3rd pasture and Roger had mowed a bundh of the early flatland – missed my turn and headed west – got delayed on one hill – had to unload the horses but we got them out – the next one wasn't so good. We got STUCK – not delayed – but real stuck. Finally decided to unhook the trailer and try from a different angle – also decided to send out a brace while we worked on it.
Hills:
• Brie & Kate -- Both dogs best time on the ground – strong, forward and going with the crew – Bob saw 6 chickens in the air and went charging up the hill and found Brie standing with great style. As he road to her another got up and more as he dismounted – 6 or 7 more that she had pinned. Great piece – no birds for Katie but a good race – getting hot and the girls showed stamina. 40 min.
• Meantime – Phil and I unhooked and moved for a side approach – couldn't get it right –and then we had smoke coming out of the engine. Got it moved and found a trail of red
• fluid – looked to be auto trans. fluid. It was and eventually, we couldn't even get it to move -- - not good. We waited for the crew to come and decided to head to camp – put 2 dogs in Bob's Jeep – sent the brace out and Phil & I went to camp – Phil went to town for transfluid and a funnel plus his truck. I went back to get dogs at Triple gates before they got too hot.
• In the meantime, we met Devin and Heather – looking for bulls – told him what was up & he would tell Roger & Jason.
• Ernie & Ernie – Mariah a very solid performance but no birds. Ernie – dog of the day and probably dog of camp at this point. Big race – 2 – 3 hill in front – got turned around when a young scout pointed him off the wrong way by mistake and Bob went to him and got him front – only to loose him again. As they rode looking they saw a single and went over the hill and spotted him to the front on point – they rode to him and got off to flush & birds left all around and he had to duck on a couple of them but he was perfect in style and manners – about a dozen birds pinned – great find. Sent on, he continued to roll with no let down on the ground and a very solid 30 min. race.
I came and got the dogs – back to camp and unloaded and here came Roger into camp in his pick-up – a bit peekid – it turns out he roped a bull and got sideways with his horse who blew up and gave Roger a big bucking ride – he stayed on the full 8 seconds plus some – but eventually took a big hit. Sounds like ribs and maybe more. I suggested the hospital but he wasn't too keen on that idea. He headed home and later we found out he did go and they're transporting him to Kearny – appears he has hip damage. Not good for Roger. Bob went down and helped with the bulls. Devin came into camp with some bulls and then helped up put up the pen for our horses and put the bulls in the secure pen.
Roading: Sometime during the day, Brett got to road some dogs.
• Ritha, Hank & Annie - 30 min.
Phil, Brett & me went back to the truck with Transmission fluid, house jacks and a plan. We started with the truck and 2 qts of fluid later, it was fine – just boiled the fluid out, we'll have to wait and see if it did any long term damage.
Got the jacks going and got the rubber matts under the jack and dragged it over the bad spots but still couldn't get hooked. Only one jack worked well - drove my truck and the jeep back for another jack – dropped the young girls off and got Bob to go with us. Forgot to bring Phil a cold beer – we just were off all day long. Now with 2 jacks we were able to get it high enough for hooking to Phils . Got it unstuck but should've taken off his tailgate before we tried – a bit of a crunch !!!!!!!!! Bob led the way and we tried to find flatland ( in the sandhills!!!!!!!!!) to keep from damaging the bed anymore – we made it but not exactly a pretty site. Once we hit the good trail we were okay but the damage was done. Oh well – at least we got it done but it was 4:00 pm already and time for serious Irish Whiskey !!!
Hear that Roger was not feeling too good. Looks like he might need surgery to fix the ball and socket – maybe even some metal. He's not real happy. Bob and Brett were heading up Johnstown tomorrow to help Devin, Jason with the bulls up there. We were going to get some seious dog work done.
A great night for hamburgers and a movie and everyone watched " August Rush " a real good movie especially for folks that like good music.
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Ainsworth Training Report - July 28 - Aug 3
Monday, June 28 – warm even at sunrise – going to be a hot one. We're starting to road but Linda is hurting with the hamstring/groin pull – not fun. We're going to start roading and run some pups then back to chores – still need to work on the bird house – it slid to one side and is very unstable with the main support beam cracked. We're working on it.
Meadows:
• Neely & Trixie - Neely came back to camp twice and that was her day Trixie showed some talent and ran pretty well. 12 min.
• Bart & Baby – Bart's 1st time around a horse or out in the field – not bad – Baby just not getting with the program yet. . 15 min.
• Brenna & Blitz – Just down for the exercise – Blitz ran a forward hard hunting race – Brenna big and going front – just a nice job for both dogs. 17 min.
Roading:
• Lea, Mariah, Hank & Katie - 20 min. plus waterstops
• Erin, Midge, Ritha ( had Tess there too but she kept slipping – need some work) – 20 min.
• Shauna & Dolly – 16 min. ( Clint started but he is too stressed with Joy in heat and the heat – 2 min).
Warming right up but we went to town and got some supplies for the bird pen. Decided to mount it on concrete blocks – more support on the bottom structure. We got it done and at least functional – where's Alex!!!! Birds coming tomorrow.
Got back to camp and started to cook – rain clouds come rolling in and Bob and I based on our vast experience with sandhill rainstorms told everyone it would pass us by. It poured – Roger got 1.5 " at his place. A little damp making dinner but we can't complain. Had a good dinner --- inside ( rain lasted much longer then expected) and told camp stories. A nice night – Mary headed back to her room in town and called it a night. Got a good nights sleep until we lost some power for awhile but not long – around 5:30.
Tuesday, July 29 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL!!!!!!!! My brother's B-Day -
Cooler this morning – everyone survived the rain – got up very early and loading horses and dogs by 6:45 – Sent Ed out with a brace to road while we finished loading dogs & horses and stuff. More roading later – heading south end of Triple gates.
Roading:
• Ernie, Midge, Brenna & Annie -- Annie slowed group down – Midge darted aftertweetie birds. 20 min. – just to acclimate – Ernie in good shape.
• Suzie & Tess – had to double hook Tess – Suzie pulled hard-10 min.
• Inde & Lea – 10 min.
Hills:
• Karma & Erin – fast and furious – that's Karma – Erin a bit slower ( no conditioning) but both hunted and ranged front. Erin at 28 worked nicely into a good spot – stopped loosely – moved up and styled up. A slow approach from the front produced 3 flushes of 3 or 4 birds each and 2 pistol shots – a gentle, acceptable mark and good manners to the end. Lots of praise – sent these 2 on and got a decent finish considering we were down 45 min. & warming. Karma flat won on the ground but Erin was acceptable – Erin showed me good sense. 10 young chickens. This brace really put us into a good move and we were anxious for more work. We were in the 1st south pasture from triple gates.
• Gloria & Brie – Glory the stronger course – Brie much improved from the other day. 2 flushes of wild chickens – 1 had 9 or 10 and 1 had 4 but couldn't get
dogs to find them. Warming on this brace but plenty of water to cool them. Brie
had some turtle work but not bad – worked through or went on so we have had
a positive attitude. 32 min.
• Mariah & Amos - Mariah hunting nicely and moving with good style, Amos fast and attractive and I think a significant improvement – Mariah chased a duck and I let it go but Bob caught up with her and made the correction. Both dogs made game in an area with Chicken – some caution but wild flush and both chased – Amos caught 1st and brought back – let him go and he pointed 3 birds w/great style and manners. Both dogs got a bit lateral but still hunting as it warmed. A rather ugly encounter with a nesting duck for both dogs were not what we wanted to finish but we called it a day. 28 min. About a dozen chickens!
Meadows:
• Clifford & Patsy – Ed and Mary took a walking brace with Patsy showing a desire to hit the cover and Clifford got a good swimming lesson and cover hunting. Clifford a solid Turkey point at about 16 and this lit his fire for a strong finish. Good for both dogs. 20 min.
• Inde pups – 2 young pups took a walk in tall cover – they were very Inquisitive – the little girl more independent. Boy found a dead turtle.
The Hungarian Partridge arrived about 11:30 am so we got our birds all set up in their new home. Came back to camp and went out to the other Johnnie houses. Ed checked the two at home and then we went to the Steele place. We've got some work to do on them but nothing too major. We have quail coming Friday AM and we should be up to speed shortly thereafter.
A rather quiet afternoon – met a semi on the road to Steele's place and it turned out to be our dog food delivery. Back to camp for a quick unloading at the new building. Then back to finishing our chores. Still trying to breed Joy/Sorell but no luck yet. Getting close! Went to the Golden Steer restaurant in town for dinner - had a good meal and enjoyed the pleasant evening. Waitress was fun and even enjoyed our opinion of Mr. G ordering his salad with 'Dorthy Lynch' on the side. Just hit our he/haw bone last night.
Back to camp and calling it a night. Seems to be milder and less humid tonight. Hopefully this weather will break.
Wednesday, July 30 – nice this morning but the forecast is not good – heat is building and we're looking at 100's on the weekend. Andy ( Stan's Horse) broke out in hives again and I was just thinking he was over it. Got him on the med's and talked to the Vet – more coming out. He's such an outstanding horse but he has no luck with his skin. He doesn't act up at all, we just try to keep him clear of it.
Busy morning planned – trying to beat the heat.
Roading:
• Suzie, Inde, Katie & Ritha - 24 min group – need to keep Ritha & Katie on the outside.
Hills:
• Lea & Hank – set these two down @7:15 am – a better morning but not what I would call cool. Big moves and lots of hunt with both dogs hanging out together Lea her 1st time on the ground since January – having puppies and everything and she was amazing. Good speed and great stamina. Couldn't get them into birds – close but the race was fun. Lea was strong – hit the windmill at 24 and right back at it – Hank flowed with us better – not quite as big as Lea or her pop but still a nice time on the ground for both dogs. 38 min. Lea didn't want to get picked up and went self hunting for 7 or 8 min. 6+ chickens plus covey of baby sharptails – maybe 3-4 weeks old. Kept the dogs out of that spot.
• Bart & Trixie – Trixie the more experienced and conditioned – both hunted w/Bart into cactus – shut him down a bit but got into chickens and picked right up giving excellent chase – Trixie into chickens as well.
• Neely & Baby – Kinda of a messed up brace – Baby back to the truck Neely with then got them going – drove on and they got Baby going front – Neely went everywhere but with us – leaving and going a full mile back to the break away even though we didn't leave anything there – she's kinda off her game so far but Search and Rescue Team (Bob, Ed L. & Ed. M) got her rounded up and back to camp.
Roading: Ed continued the days list
• Sorrel, Midge, Tess & Shauna - taking it slow with Sorrel – he has lyme's and is on the treatment. Midge – good –but crazy with birds flying on the rig. Shauna a pro – Tess bit of a flake but learning. 17 min.
• Blitz, Annie & Dolly – Blitz should be an A-Team roader – Annie not real sure of the rig and Dolly a pro – just taking it easy with her. 15 min.
Mary takes Patsy and Clifford for walks in the meadow and he hunts a storm. Looking for birds.
The crew went to town and got lots of parts, pvc black pipe for a mist set up for the dogs.
Also picked up a refrigerator that we bought from Heather's grand parents. Did some grain shopping in Long Pine and checked out the local market. Made sure the Huns were well settled in and will release some tomorrow.
Back to camp and time for dinner. Still warm and humid. Problems doing much with the dogs but more progress everyday. Had a good meal and some conversation but stereo not yet working – have to get if rewired!
Thursday, July 31 – warm but a breeze. Off to the hills with our crew being ready to go early.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Suzie & Ritha - 22 min. solid
Hills:
• Ernie & Karma – Karma the better of the two but neither one had their head on and we had a missed gate so we were totally disorientated – had them down for quite awhile but not their best. 45 min. ( 2 birds seen but none with the dogs)
• Kate & Gloria – both dogs hunted well with Gloria in better condition. NP for Kate ( not a turtle) and a few turtle pick ups but she readily dropped as long as stayed quiet--- interesting. Gloria into birds that took some correction. Kate was pretty big and went with us – a decent performance. 1 chicken – 39 min.
Meadow:
• Brenna & Amos – Heating up already so we cut these two loose headed up the meadow as I drove back to camp. Brenna had a NP next to the corn circle – probably a running pheasant. Both ran well in the heat – 35 min. no birds.
• Clifford - a nice run in the meadow with one bird contact. Showing a lot of hunt and good stamina at this point.
Roading: Ed back at it.
• Sorrel & Inde - 22min. solid job ( Sorrel had a tie w/Joy this morning)
• Tess & Annie – 18 min. Tess learning with Ed's patience – roading not her strong suit to this point. She needed a front hook up so she couldn't slide out and that worked – took it off at the halfway mark.
Thursday afternoon was a trip to town trying to fine Phil a phone we could be assured working or an amplifier which we had to order some of the parts. Still trying to get the sprinkler head repaired – they're just real busy around town this year.
Friday, August 1 – no roading list today – just trying to get up to speed with some birdwork. Quail coming today. Cool morning but the promise of heat this afternoon. We're out early & ready to go on the meadows.
Meadows:
• Brenna & Gloria – I went and put out some Huns just ahead of the group. The girls did fine until the middle of the field when a Skunk had to say hello to Gloria – she got hit but not real bad. A very nice find for Gloria – until the flush – she needed a bit of correction. Brenna got one pointed and had good style and manners. The huns are flying great. 25 min
• Sorrel & Karma – Sorrel has the ladies on his mine but was all business when he was set down – good hunting race –not quite on the edges enough but ok & Karma reaching nicely. Sorrel an opportunity to handle a legit STF which he didn't and was corrected. No birds for Karma and as we swung back – the skunk was back.
We decided to bird work a bunch but 1st did a sneak attack on our striped back menace. I don't think he'll be back to harass us.
Birdwork:
• Shauna – worked her on the point and had a good stylish point with good manners.
• Amos – nice stylish fine with good manners.
• Midge- nice point – gone w/bird – got her attention and put a cord on her she handled it great.
Meadows: now some more running for young dogs.
• Bart & Baby (baby didn't want to go so he switched to Trixie – nice lap but no birds.
• Neely & Clifford – Clifford shows lots of hunt and pattern with good range – Neely not getting it yet – maybe won't!
• Karma – Ed took Karma back out and worked her on a bird – good job. – camp was over for Ed – he's heading out.
Went to town and got the rest of the parts for Phil's phone upgrade along with the
our first batch of quail. Did the chores and got Ed to help put birds out. We drove
down the lane to the west going to the Sidell loop and as we left camp we flushed a big
bunch of birds – all chickens – 3-4 almost full grown and another bunch ½ grown.
Meadows:
• Annie – Ed took Annie on a lead and got a good ST on them with no problem small steps for her but a good piece of work.
Ed and Gloria were squeaky clean for their trip home. Ed had changed clothes and loading up when he got a whiff of Gloria. Whoops – our skunk buddy had left his mark. Ed had to change again and give her a serious bath – then load up and head out. Ed's 1st trip to camp was a success and he had fun and learned about summer camp on the hills.
His dogs are fast with tons of eye appeal and honest bird dogs. He's developing a very good string.
We had a good dinner with Heather & Jason stopping by and Devin after they finished working. A long hard day but they had put a big hit in mowing – with good weather they should be done in a few days. The crew was haying late and all came by at dark for a cold one and little time to cool down. Clear night with lots of stars. Got woke up about 4 am with the dogs going ballistic – couldn't see anything but Ed heard a crash about that time – could've been the bulls were acting up and taking it out on each other. Go figure but the clarity of the stars and quantity was unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 2 – no rain in the forecast but a cloudy start to the day. Devin had to work but Jason & Heather made the trip. Jason working a horse for someone – bit of a brat but he's making progress.
This is Mary's last day for a few weeks – going to come back for a long weekend – she's been a great help and loves the game!
Roading: Ed got the 1st one off as we got ready.
• Blitz, Inde, Kate & Suzie - the old pro's just get the job done – 26 min.
Hills: Went to Richardson's school section – water back up some but not as much as other spots I've been.
• Ritha & Brie – I handled Ritha and she was quite short and handy as we punched a strong headwind – just had to let her take it easy – Brie about the same but a little more sticky around turtles – got Bob's dander up a bit and I don't blame him but a nice point with good manners on a single and as Bob went to her the rest of the covey left – 4-5 more – nice piece of work. Crossing the water Jason's horse really tried to be a brat but he stayed with it. Got them going with the wind and they opened up some. Overall a more consistent forward GD race from Ritha w/no birdwork – Brie a good bird but cactus and turtles did her in. 39 min. 6-7 chickens.
• Shauna & Erin –these 2 have the tools but Erin was just off his game early – with the young female just burying him – we worked east and Bob & Jason had to get her – back to the south it was pull and tug w/Shauna and while Erin was smooth and opened up as we turned back to camp – he really rolled the last 15+ minutes and was a pleasure to watch. Shauna has the youth and eye appeal. She couldn't be caught at pick up and they had to ride to get her. A fun brace. 30 min. 4 birds seen but none worked.
In order to move to the windmill, we through the horses in and tried to make the hill-
had to unload the horses and attack the sand – just a delay. Jason and Heather heading
to Norfolk so they're out of here. Jason made sure I could get moving before he left
us.
• Midge & Hank – unfortunately we hit the cactus right off the bit and I'm trying to keep Midge with me – I did too good of a job. Ed Meyer was on Hank when he almost handled a STF but Bob had to chase him down. Midge had a really good STF almost getting them pointed it – but clean for the shot and a lot of praise. Just taking baby steps with her. We kept them near water and Midge and Hank had some good minutes but more time spent on cactus overall. 30 min. 2 or 3 birds.
Roading: Back at camp – heat is rising.
• Ernie, Lea & Mariah – 22 min. – no problems. Ernie in the best shape but the others doing fine.
• Dolly, Annie & Tess – 17 min. Tess off the front lead and starting to get an idea – need her to get into it & she is.
Back in the house – Owen practicing his violin – boy he's making some great music. Just fun to listen to. 98+ today with strong humidity – got the sprinkler on the dogs and tomorrow we install the 'mister'.
Birds are doing fine so far – even in the heat – going through the water and feed.
After the morning run, Mary P. and I did snap tests on 7 dogs – all negative across the board but mainly interested in Lyme's disease after seeing 2 dogs have problems. All ours were fine so that's good news. Mary was a trooper all week – hard working and pitching in wherever needed. We got 2 good ties on Joy/Sorrel breeding so that made us positive. That could be a great litter. Mary packed up and hit the road leaving Clifford out dog out of the Norwegian bitch – he's a very nice dog – good looking and a real bird dog – having lots of fun with him(Clifford for those who are interested).
Afternoon was too hot for anything but we did some shopping – got birds all filled up and then Bob got Ed all set up with his MacBook Pro computer. Mac is the wave of the future – amazing what we can do with these units. Our camp might be the most tech orientated camp with wireless, boosters, 3-4 units online at any given time - allows us amateurs to compete and enjoy our time away.
Phil, Jenny and a cast of thousands will arrive later tonight. Actual time was almost 10:00 pm just as we were getting hit with a nice rain storm. More wind, thunder and lightning than rain. Great to have them all here in camp. They spent the night unhooked but got up early and started getting things together.
Sunday, August 3 – overcast this morning with a strong breeze. More heat in the forcast for today and tomorrow but 80's the rest of the week. That's good news.
We're giving the dogs Sunday off ( maybe it's us we're giving off)!!
Birdwork:
• Annie- Ed is leaving today so we worked Annie down at the Hun House and had a decent piece of work – she didn't see bird fly but I threw one and she stood mannerly. Not a bad Session.
• Sorrel- wanted to get his mind off Joy and he worked pretty good but couldn't solid piece –ended up with manners but he's all business when he's working birds.
We spent the morning hooking up all the pipe for the mist hook up. Got it going as it hit the mid 90's – really works well and we have a gentle mist falling over the entire string except for the California Cul de Sac which has an abundance of shade and never get's super hot.
Ed Meyer packed up and headed home – he'll be back at the tail end of camp. I think he had a fun time and he sure was a great help as were Mary & Ed Lierman. They sure made the start bearable in some very, very hot weather.
Thanks Team!!!!!!!!!
Jenny & Sue took the kids to Long Pine and they spent the afternoon in the very cool creek. Fun time! Back to camp as the Painter's arrived done haying for the day. We had plenty to eat but they had all just finished. Still had a great Pork Tenderloin with our 1st Sweet Corn. HUMMMMMMMM GoooooooD!!!!!!!!! Nice night as the kids went in and played Apples to Apples. A fun game.
On not so fun of a note. Our friend Lee Shoaf lost his dog Teama to Bone Cancer. She really lived very actively right up to the end –playing and running around with Lee's new pup. A very quick and painless end to a tough disease. She was a Clint/Patti daughter and really a fine young dog.
May the Shamrocks Fall Softly!!!!
Meadows:
• Neely & Trixie - Neely came back to camp twice and that was her day Trixie showed some talent and ran pretty well. 12 min.
• Bart & Baby – Bart's 1st time around a horse or out in the field – not bad – Baby just not getting with the program yet. . 15 min.
• Brenna & Blitz – Just down for the exercise – Blitz ran a forward hard hunting race – Brenna big and going front – just a nice job for both dogs. 17 min.
Roading:
• Lea, Mariah, Hank & Katie - 20 min. plus waterstops
• Erin, Midge, Ritha ( had Tess there too but she kept slipping – need some work) – 20 min.
• Shauna & Dolly – 16 min. ( Clint started but he is too stressed with Joy in heat and the heat – 2 min).
Warming right up but we went to town and got some supplies for the bird pen. Decided to mount it on concrete blocks – more support on the bottom structure. We got it done and at least functional – where's Alex!!!! Birds coming tomorrow.
Got back to camp and started to cook – rain clouds come rolling in and Bob and I based on our vast experience with sandhill rainstorms told everyone it would pass us by. It poured – Roger got 1.5 " at his place. A little damp making dinner but we can't complain. Had a good dinner --- inside ( rain lasted much longer then expected) and told camp stories. A nice night – Mary headed back to her room in town and called it a night. Got a good nights sleep until we lost some power for awhile but not long – around 5:30.
Tuesday, July 29 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL!!!!!!!! My brother's B-Day -
Cooler this morning – everyone survived the rain – got up very early and loading horses and dogs by 6:45 – Sent Ed out with a brace to road while we finished loading dogs & horses and stuff. More roading later – heading south end of Triple gates.
Roading:
• Ernie, Midge, Brenna & Annie -- Annie slowed group down – Midge darted aftertweetie birds. 20 min. – just to acclimate – Ernie in good shape.
• Suzie & Tess – had to double hook Tess – Suzie pulled hard-10 min.
• Inde & Lea – 10 min.
Hills:
• Karma & Erin – fast and furious – that's Karma – Erin a bit slower ( no conditioning) but both hunted and ranged front. Erin at 28 worked nicely into a good spot – stopped loosely – moved up and styled up. A slow approach from the front produced 3 flushes of 3 or 4 birds each and 2 pistol shots – a gentle, acceptable mark and good manners to the end. Lots of praise – sent these 2 on and got a decent finish considering we were down 45 min. & warming. Karma flat won on the ground but Erin was acceptable – Erin showed me good sense. 10 young chickens. This brace really put us into a good move and we were anxious for more work. We were in the 1st south pasture from triple gates.
• Gloria & Brie – Glory the stronger course – Brie much improved from the other day. 2 flushes of wild chickens – 1 had 9 or 10 and 1 had 4 but couldn't get
dogs to find them. Warming on this brace but plenty of water to cool them. Brie
had some turtle work but not bad – worked through or went on so we have had
a positive attitude. 32 min.
• Mariah & Amos - Mariah hunting nicely and moving with good style, Amos fast and attractive and I think a significant improvement – Mariah chased a duck and I let it go but Bob caught up with her and made the correction. Both dogs made game in an area with Chicken – some caution but wild flush and both chased – Amos caught 1st and brought back – let him go and he pointed 3 birds w/great style and manners. Both dogs got a bit lateral but still hunting as it warmed. A rather ugly encounter with a nesting duck for both dogs were not what we wanted to finish but we called it a day. 28 min. About a dozen chickens!
Meadows:
• Clifford & Patsy – Ed and Mary took a walking brace with Patsy showing a desire to hit the cover and Clifford got a good swimming lesson and cover hunting. Clifford a solid Turkey point at about 16 and this lit his fire for a strong finish. Good for both dogs. 20 min.
• Inde pups – 2 young pups took a walk in tall cover – they were very Inquisitive – the little girl more independent. Boy found a dead turtle.
The Hungarian Partridge arrived about 11:30 am so we got our birds all set up in their new home. Came back to camp and went out to the other Johnnie houses. Ed checked the two at home and then we went to the Steele place. We've got some work to do on them but nothing too major. We have quail coming Friday AM and we should be up to speed shortly thereafter.
A rather quiet afternoon – met a semi on the road to Steele's place and it turned out to be our dog food delivery. Back to camp for a quick unloading at the new building. Then back to finishing our chores. Still trying to breed Joy/Sorell but no luck yet. Getting close! Went to the Golden Steer restaurant in town for dinner - had a good meal and enjoyed the pleasant evening. Waitress was fun and even enjoyed our opinion of Mr. G ordering his salad with 'Dorthy Lynch' on the side. Just hit our he/haw bone last night.
Back to camp and calling it a night. Seems to be milder and less humid tonight. Hopefully this weather will break.
Wednesday, July 30 – nice this morning but the forecast is not good – heat is building and we're looking at 100's on the weekend. Andy ( Stan's Horse) broke out in hives again and I was just thinking he was over it. Got him on the med's and talked to the Vet – more coming out. He's such an outstanding horse but he has no luck with his skin. He doesn't act up at all, we just try to keep him clear of it.
Busy morning planned – trying to beat the heat.
Roading:
• Suzie, Inde, Katie & Ritha - 24 min group – need to keep Ritha & Katie on the outside.
Hills:
• Lea & Hank – set these two down @7:15 am – a better morning but not what I would call cool. Big moves and lots of hunt with both dogs hanging out together Lea her 1st time on the ground since January – having puppies and everything and she was amazing. Good speed and great stamina. Couldn't get them into birds – close but the race was fun. Lea was strong – hit the windmill at 24 and right back at it – Hank flowed with us better – not quite as big as Lea or her pop but still a nice time on the ground for both dogs. 38 min. Lea didn't want to get picked up and went self hunting for 7 or 8 min. 6+ chickens plus covey of baby sharptails – maybe 3-4 weeks old. Kept the dogs out of that spot.
• Bart & Trixie – Trixie the more experienced and conditioned – both hunted w/Bart into cactus – shut him down a bit but got into chickens and picked right up giving excellent chase – Trixie into chickens as well.
• Neely & Baby – Kinda of a messed up brace – Baby back to the truck Neely with then got them going – drove on and they got Baby going front – Neely went everywhere but with us – leaving and going a full mile back to the break away even though we didn't leave anything there – she's kinda off her game so far but Search and Rescue Team (Bob, Ed L. & Ed. M) got her rounded up and back to camp.
Roading: Ed continued the days list
• Sorrel, Midge, Tess & Shauna - taking it slow with Sorrel – he has lyme's and is on the treatment. Midge – good –but crazy with birds flying on the rig. Shauna a pro – Tess bit of a flake but learning. 17 min.
• Blitz, Annie & Dolly – Blitz should be an A-Team roader – Annie not real sure of the rig and Dolly a pro – just taking it easy with her. 15 min.
Mary takes Patsy and Clifford for walks in the meadow and he hunts a storm. Looking for birds.
The crew went to town and got lots of parts, pvc black pipe for a mist set up for the dogs.
Also picked up a refrigerator that we bought from Heather's grand parents. Did some grain shopping in Long Pine and checked out the local market. Made sure the Huns were well settled in and will release some tomorrow.
Back to camp and time for dinner. Still warm and humid. Problems doing much with the dogs but more progress everyday. Had a good meal and some conversation but stereo not yet working – have to get if rewired!
Thursday, July 31 – warm but a breeze. Off to the hills with our crew being ready to go early.
Roading:
• Erin, Mariah, Suzie & Ritha - 22 min. solid
Hills:
• Ernie & Karma – Karma the better of the two but neither one had their head on and we had a missed gate so we were totally disorientated – had them down for quite awhile but not their best. 45 min. ( 2 birds seen but none with the dogs)
• Kate & Gloria – both dogs hunted well with Gloria in better condition. NP for Kate ( not a turtle) and a few turtle pick ups but she readily dropped as long as stayed quiet--- interesting. Gloria into birds that took some correction. Kate was pretty big and went with us – a decent performance. 1 chicken – 39 min.
Meadow:
• Brenna & Amos – Heating up already so we cut these two loose headed up the meadow as I drove back to camp. Brenna had a NP next to the corn circle – probably a running pheasant. Both ran well in the heat – 35 min. no birds.
• Clifford - a nice run in the meadow with one bird contact. Showing a lot of hunt and good stamina at this point.
Roading: Ed back at it.
• Sorrel & Inde - 22min. solid job ( Sorrel had a tie w/Joy this morning)
• Tess & Annie – 18 min. Tess learning with Ed's patience – roading not her strong suit to this point. She needed a front hook up so she couldn't slide out and that worked – took it off at the halfway mark.
Thursday afternoon was a trip to town trying to fine Phil a phone we could be assured working or an amplifier which we had to order some of the parts. Still trying to get the sprinkler head repaired – they're just real busy around town this year.
Friday, August 1 – no roading list today – just trying to get up to speed with some birdwork. Quail coming today. Cool morning but the promise of heat this afternoon. We're out early & ready to go on the meadows.
Meadows:
• Brenna & Gloria – I went and put out some Huns just ahead of the group. The girls did fine until the middle of the field when a Skunk had to say hello to Gloria – she got hit but not real bad. A very nice find for Gloria – until the flush – she needed a bit of correction. Brenna got one pointed and had good style and manners. The huns are flying great. 25 min
• Sorrel & Karma – Sorrel has the ladies on his mine but was all business when he was set down – good hunting race –not quite on the edges enough but ok & Karma reaching nicely. Sorrel an opportunity to handle a legit STF which he didn't and was corrected. No birds for Karma and as we swung back – the skunk was back.
We decided to bird work a bunch but 1st did a sneak attack on our striped back menace. I don't think he'll be back to harass us.
Birdwork:
• Shauna – worked her on the point and had a good stylish point with good manners.
• Amos – nice stylish fine with good manners.
• Midge- nice point – gone w/bird – got her attention and put a cord on her she handled it great.
Meadows: now some more running for young dogs.
• Bart & Baby (baby didn't want to go so he switched to Trixie – nice lap but no birds.
• Neely & Clifford – Clifford shows lots of hunt and pattern with good range – Neely not getting it yet – maybe won't!
• Karma – Ed took Karma back out and worked her on a bird – good job. – camp was over for Ed – he's heading out.
Went to town and got the rest of the parts for Phil's phone upgrade along with the
our first batch of quail. Did the chores and got Ed to help put birds out. We drove
down the lane to the west going to the Sidell loop and as we left camp we flushed a big
bunch of birds – all chickens – 3-4 almost full grown and another bunch ½ grown.
Meadows:
• Annie – Ed took Annie on a lead and got a good ST on them with no problem small steps for her but a good piece of work.
Ed and Gloria were squeaky clean for their trip home. Ed had changed clothes and loading up when he got a whiff of Gloria. Whoops – our skunk buddy had left his mark. Ed had to change again and give her a serious bath – then load up and head out. Ed's 1st trip to camp was a success and he had fun and learned about summer camp on the hills.
His dogs are fast with tons of eye appeal and honest bird dogs. He's developing a very good string.
We had a good dinner with Heather & Jason stopping by and Devin after they finished working. A long hard day but they had put a big hit in mowing – with good weather they should be done in a few days. The crew was haying late and all came by at dark for a cold one and little time to cool down. Clear night with lots of stars. Got woke up about 4 am with the dogs going ballistic – couldn't see anything but Ed heard a crash about that time – could've been the bulls were acting up and taking it out on each other. Go figure but the clarity of the stars and quantity was unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 2 – no rain in the forecast but a cloudy start to the day. Devin had to work but Jason & Heather made the trip. Jason working a horse for someone – bit of a brat but he's making progress.
This is Mary's last day for a few weeks – going to come back for a long weekend – she's been a great help and loves the game!
Roading: Ed got the 1st one off as we got ready.
• Blitz, Inde, Kate & Suzie - the old pro's just get the job done – 26 min.
Hills: Went to Richardson's school section – water back up some but not as much as other spots I've been.
• Ritha & Brie – I handled Ritha and she was quite short and handy as we punched a strong headwind – just had to let her take it easy – Brie about the same but a little more sticky around turtles – got Bob's dander up a bit and I don't blame him but a nice point with good manners on a single and as Bob went to her the rest of the covey left – 4-5 more – nice piece of work. Crossing the water Jason's horse really tried to be a brat but he stayed with it. Got them going with the wind and they opened up some. Overall a more consistent forward GD race from Ritha w/no birdwork – Brie a good bird but cactus and turtles did her in. 39 min. 6-7 chickens.
• Shauna & Erin –these 2 have the tools but Erin was just off his game early – with the young female just burying him – we worked east and Bob & Jason had to get her – back to the south it was pull and tug w/Shauna and while Erin was smooth and opened up as we turned back to camp – he really rolled the last 15+ minutes and was a pleasure to watch. Shauna has the youth and eye appeal. She couldn't be caught at pick up and they had to ride to get her. A fun brace. 30 min. 4 birds seen but none worked.
In order to move to the windmill, we through the horses in and tried to make the hill-
had to unload the horses and attack the sand – just a delay. Jason and Heather heading
to Norfolk so they're out of here. Jason made sure I could get moving before he left
us.
• Midge & Hank – unfortunately we hit the cactus right off the bit and I'm trying to keep Midge with me – I did too good of a job. Ed Meyer was on Hank when he almost handled a STF but Bob had to chase him down. Midge had a really good STF almost getting them pointed it – but clean for the shot and a lot of praise. Just taking baby steps with her. We kept them near water and Midge and Hank had some good minutes but more time spent on cactus overall. 30 min. 2 or 3 birds.
Roading: Back at camp – heat is rising.
• Ernie, Lea & Mariah – 22 min. – no problems. Ernie in the best shape but the others doing fine.
• Dolly, Annie & Tess – 17 min. Tess off the front lead and starting to get an idea – need her to get into it & she is.
Back in the house – Owen practicing his violin – boy he's making some great music. Just fun to listen to. 98+ today with strong humidity – got the sprinkler on the dogs and tomorrow we install the 'mister'.
Birds are doing fine so far – even in the heat – going through the water and feed.
After the morning run, Mary P. and I did snap tests on 7 dogs – all negative across the board but mainly interested in Lyme's disease after seeing 2 dogs have problems. All ours were fine so that's good news. Mary was a trooper all week – hard working and pitching in wherever needed. We got 2 good ties on Joy/Sorrel breeding so that made us positive. That could be a great litter. Mary packed up and hit the road leaving Clifford out dog out of the Norwegian bitch – he's a very nice dog – good looking and a real bird dog – having lots of fun with him(Clifford for those who are interested).
Afternoon was too hot for anything but we did some shopping – got birds all filled up and then Bob got Ed all set up with his MacBook Pro computer. Mac is the wave of the future – amazing what we can do with these units. Our camp might be the most tech orientated camp with wireless, boosters, 3-4 units online at any given time - allows us amateurs to compete and enjoy our time away.
Phil, Jenny and a cast of thousands will arrive later tonight. Actual time was almost 10:00 pm just as we were getting hit with a nice rain storm. More wind, thunder and lightning than rain. Great to have them all here in camp. They spent the night unhooked but got up early and started getting things together.
Sunday, August 3 – overcast this morning with a strong breeze. More heat in the forcast for today and tomorrow but 80's the rest of the week. That's good news.
We're giving the dogs Sunday off ( maybe it's us we're giving off)!!
Birdwork:
• Annie- Ed is leaving today so we worked Annie down at the Hun House and had a decent piece of work – she didn't see bird fly but I threw one and she stood mannerly. Not a bad Session.
• Sorrel- wanted to get his mind off Joy and he worked pretty good but couldn't solid piece –ended up with manners but he's all business when he's working birds.
We spent the morning hooking up all the pipe for the mist hook up. Got it going as it hit the mid 90's – really works well and we have a gentle mist falling over the entire string except for the California Cul de Sac which has an abundance of shade and never get's super hot.
Ed Meyer packed up and headed home – he'll be back at the tail end of camp. I think he had a fun time and he sure was a great help as were Mary & Ed Lierman. They sure made the start bearable in some very, very hot weather.
Thanks Team!!!!!!!!!
Jenny & Sue took the kids to Long Pine and they spent the afternoon in the very cool creek. Fun time! Back to camp as the Painter's arrived done haying for the day. We had plenty to eat but they had all just finished. Still had a great Pork Tenderloin with our 1st Sweet Corn. HUMMMMMMMM GoooooooD!!!!!!!!! Nice night as the kids went in and played Apples to Apples. A fun game.
On not so fun of a note. Our friend Lee Shoaf lost his dog Teama to Bone Cancer. She really lived very actively right up to the end –playing and running around with Lee's new pup. A very quick and painless end to a tough disease. She was a Clint/Patti daughter and really a fine young dog.
May the Shamrocks Fall Softly!!!!
Ainsworth Training Report - July 21 - July 27
AINSWORTH – 2008
Thursday, July 24
I had to take a business trip to Hawaii on Friday before departure and didn't get home until Wednesday morning – totally jet lagged! Linda and Luke had really put things together and they had us pretty well ready for camp. We had Ed Lierman coming with and he was hauling the ATV so it saved Lee & Stan from having to make an extra trip. Save some of that precious fuel we all are complaining about. At least they've dropped a few cents this week.
Got out at 1:00 PM and made it to Ft. Dodge about 7pm. Went to the Best Western on Hwy. 169 north of town – very good spot – grass next to a gravel lot for dogs. Nice restaurant and a very nice indoors pool facility. Owen and I planned on jumping in but we couldn't dig out our swimsuits but we'll be ready next time. Very cool travel day.
Friday, July 25 Got up early and made the trip – cool early but warmed significantly when we hit Nebraska and mid 80's by the time we hit Ainsworth. Still looked the same except for a new Pamida store ( small discount store) and then we hit the gravel to camp. Got to the old hog farm and WOW!!!!! A brand new, state of the art swine operation. We later found out $16,000,000 to build with several hundred acres of sandhill corn planted with new pivots – sure changed the look of the area. Going to start operations in a couple of weeks - - unbelievable.
Into camp about 2:00 and plenty to do. Haying is late but Roger and Jason got some mowing done around camp and Jason got out a bunch of barrels and set them up. Otherwise we just started at projects one at a time. Hurried up and got horses out, then started with the dogs. Went in the house and saw Jason's note – don't put horses in the big pen – too much debris around the building and fences down. Oh well, went down and our horses had already figured it out – they were south in the next section – having a good time. I tried to lock them in there and moved Ed L.'s horses into one of the smaller
pens.
We got everybody settled and had some sandwiches for dinner and everyone crashed early. About 4:30 am the dogs went ballistic and I looked out the window just to see our 4 horses going through camp heading for Sidell's field where they stayed until 7:30 am when they came back to camp. We caught them this time and got them put away. At lease they didn't leave like Bonnie's and Dennis's did a couple of summers ago.
Saturday, July 26 – woke up – dogs a bit more noisy but not too bad. No rain and just a peaceful morning. A day of chores – just the simple ones – need to have the hay mowed before we work on the Johnnie houses. Took a ride in the afternoon to check things out and visited with Mike Hitchcock and his daughter. All set to work dogs at his place – lakes up a bit – that's good now – it was a bit too low the last couple of years.
Birds will start arriving on Tuesday so we have some time to get them ready. Heat on the rise. Roger down in the afternoon making hay. He raked the yard and camp was looking more like camp. Spots for dogs are a bit limited as the pines continue to grow and it's really impossible to get inside except in a few places. The outside edge is nice and shady though so it has it's benefits.
Saturday night – had a great dinner of marinated chicken and special pasta – just good. Everyone starting to relax.
Sunday, June 27 – cool to start the morning. We got horses and saddled and moving by 8:00 am –pretty good for the 1st day.
Hills:
• Brie & Karma - got off at Triple Gates with Karma a STB almost on a single chicken w/Brie a command back. Onward a NP by Brie w/birds flushed after we sent her on – quite a ways in front. STF for Karma and manners better. Karma the more pop at the end but both did a nice forward job of hunting with the edge to Karma. 25 min. 4 chickens – all singles – mature birds.
• Glory & Ernie – Ernie started off very big and front – reaching distant objectives Glory more front not quite as big. Very nice way of going – Ernie looked good to about 15 and then flattened out ( he was a big sick on the trip) Glory still popping. Ernie stopped to relieve himself and a 8-10 sharptails left to his front – whoa'd him and fired – taking him on—I don't know what you'd call it a STS—probly. Got them to water at 19 and Ernie picked up and finished strongly. 1 bunch plus 2 or 3 singles. 25 min.
• Clifford & Amos – a little bump to start but onward and Amos showing a nice way of going – Clifford a bit short but hunting and moving well – object is to get him used to water – had a bad young dog experience. Amos showed moments of greatness and then let downs – not a consistant race. 3 birds sighted but no dogs around – Clifford working the water's edge jumped along the side to chase a duck – got him excited. 21 min.
The running was done – more chores – got ATV ready. Bob helped hay and we worked around camp. Ed Meyer showed mid-afternoon. Air conditioner out on his truck – not fun since it was 102 driving through the sandhills. Got the ' California cul de sac' set up and the pups up by the house – went smooth. Ed L. made a great fish dinner – trout and salmon plus some good wine – we're having fun now but it's hot and humid. Sure hope it breaks.
Thursday, July 24
I had to take a business trip to Hawaii on Friday before departure and didn't get home until Wednesday morning – totally jet lagged! Linda and Luke had really put things together and they had us pretty well ready for camp. We had Ed Lierman coming with and he was hauling the ATV so it saved Lee & Stan from having to make an extra trip. Save some of that precious fuel we all are complaining about. At least they've dropped a few cents this week.
Got out at 1:00 PM and made it to Ft. Dodge about 7pm. Went to the Best Western on Hwy. 169 north of town – very good spot – grass next to a gravel lot for dogs. Nice restaurant and a very nice indoors pool facility. Owen and I planned on jumping in but we couldn't dig out our swimsuits but we'll be ready next time. Very cool travel day.
Friday, July 25 Got up early and made the trip – cool early but warmed significantly when we hit Nebraska and mid 80's by the time we hit Ainsworth. Still looked the same except for a new Pamida store ( small discount store) and then we hit the gravel to camp. Got to the old hog farm and WOW!!!!! A brand new, state of the art swine operation. We later found out $16,000,000 to build with several hundred acres of sandhill corn planted with new pivots – sure changed the look of the area. Going to start operations in a couple of weeks - - unbelievable.
Into camp about 2:00 and plenty to do. Haying is late but Roger and Jason got some mowing done around camp and Jason got out a bunch of barrels and set them up. Otherwise we just started at projects one at a time. Hurried up and got horses out, then started with the dogs. Went in the house and saw Jason's note – don't put horses in the big pen – too much debris around the building and fences down. Oh well, went down and our horses had already figured it out – they were south in the next section – having a good time. I tried to lock them in there and moved Ed L.'s horses into one of the smaller
pens.
We got everybody settled and had some sandwiches for dinner and everyone crashed early. About 4:30 am the dogs went ballistic and I looked out the window just to see our 4 horses going through camp heading for Sidell's field where they stayed until 7:30 am when they came back to camp. We caught them this time and got them put away. At lease they didn't leave like Bonnie's and Dennis's did a couple of summers ago.
Saturday, July 26 – woke up – dogs a bit more noisy but not too bad. No rain and just a peaceful morning. A day of chores – just the simple ones – need to have the hay mowed before we work on the Johnnie houses. Took a ride in the afternoon to check things out and visited with Mike Hitchcock and his daughter. All set to work dogs at his place – lakes up a bit – that's good now – it was a bit too low the last couple of years.
Birds will start arriving on Tuesday so we have some time to get them ready. Heat on the rise. Roger down in the afternoon making hay. He raked the yard and camp was looking more like camp. Spots for dogs are a bit limited as the pines continue to grow and it's really impossible to get inside except in a few places. The outside edge is nice and shady though so it has it's benefits.
Saturday night – had a great dinner of marinated chicken and special pasta – just good. Everyone starting to relax.
Sunday, June 27 – cool to start the morning. We got horses and saddled and moving by 8:00 am –pretty good for the 1st day.
Hills:
• Brie & Karma - got off at Triple Gates with Karma a STB almost on a single chicken w/Brie a command back. Onward a NP by Brie w/birds flushed after we sent her on – quite a ways in front. STF for Karma and manners better. Karma the more pop at the end but both did a nice forward job of hunting with the edge to Karma. 25 min. 4 chickens – all singles – mature birds.
• Glory & Ernie – Ernie started off very big and front – reaching distant objectives Glory more front not quite as big. Very nice way of going – Ernie looked good to about 15 and then flattened out ( he was a big sick on the trip) Glory still popping. Ernie stopped to relieve himself and a 8-10 sharptails left to his front – whoa'd him and fired – taking him on—I don't know what you'd call it a STS—probly. Got them to water at 19 and Ernie picked up and finished strongly. 1 bunch plus 2 or 3 singles. 25 min.
• Clifford & Amos – a little bump to start but onward and Amos showing a nice way of going – Clifford a bit short but hunting and moving well – object is to get him used to water – had a bad young dog experience. Amos showed moments of greatness and then let downs – not a consistant race. 3 birds sighted but no dogs around – Clifford working the water's edge jumped along the side to chase a duck – got him excited. 21 min.
The running was done – more chores – got ATV ready. Bob helped hay and we worked around camp. Ed Meyer showed mid-afternoon. Air conditioner out on his truck – not fun since it was 102 driving through the sandhills. Got the ' California cul de sac' set up and the pups up by the house – went smooth. Ed L. made a great fish dinner – trout and salmon plus some good wine – we're having fun now but it's hot and humid. Sure hope it breaks.
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