Friday Open last runs

Our guest blogger is Lise Andersen as I am busy this morning, getting ready for my run. I will blog after my run and add comments to the comments that Lise wrote. Melanie Chang is the editor to find my numerous mistakes.

Good Morning everybody….and what a wonderful cool almost mosquito free start to this last day of the preliminaries here in Klamath. Well, not quite true as they were eating me (Diane) up and not Lise. Terry Folsom is running her older dog Cassie. She sent her dog to the right and half way out she began to cross….Terry saved the crossover with a down and redirect. The run went smoothly from there until the shed (which has been the most challenging portion of the trial) proved to be quite difficult. Score 118.

Boone is running with the quiet gentleman Bill Orr. A wide outrun and for some reason at the top he created a 3-1 split with one staying at the setout cone. Boone put them back together but the single continued through the run to give him trouble…leading the three through the fetch panel by 25 feet. His drive started well until the sheep ran to the right of the first drive panel making Boone kick out and run wider to catch them after missing the panel. He placed them back on line and made the second panel. His shed was quiet and unfortunately, at the pen the sheep scooted under the rope. A reattempt at the pen had one sheep go under the rope, then he penned. Score 139

Mike Meredith and Gwyn a typical nice outrun and lift but the fetch has gone awry to the right in a very fast manner. Gwyn worked very hard to try to settle the sheep out and finally after about 5 minutes into her run she made the fetch panel. The sheep are now nicely broke and trotting with Gwyn 30-40 yards off. A tight turn around the post with an S shape drive to the first drive away panel the crossdrive is lovely with Gwyn 50 yards off her sheep and straight thru the panel. A very wide turn with Mike overshooting a bit to put them back on line. There are three minutes left to shed…Mike is hovering his crook over the backs of the ewes, his knees inches from their fat bellies. The shift a bit but are relentless in making an opening for Gwyn. Time. Score 102?

Wendy Schmaltz and Fly had a nice outrun and quiet lift but the sheep are giving Fly grief at the top…staring at her for a minute…until they turn and lope on line down the fetch with a bit of an oscillating pattern thru the panel. A tight turn with an unfortunate miss high of the first drive away a nice cross hitting the panel but unluckily pulling them back thru the panel. A lovely line to the ring (the first nice line this morning from the driveway to the ring). 4:45 left to shed and pen. The sheep have left the ring after being settled. She brings them quietly back and the opening occurs but her dog runs through and does not hold the shed. The judges are expecting the dog to hold the sheep for a bit of time. 2 minutes left. The opening was made for the third time and the shed is complete. 50 seconds to pen and ….and, she pens in 25 seconds….score – 119

Geri Byrne and Jim have been sent again from the right and a nice lift but the sheep quickly go to the right (is there a pattern starting now of drive off line to the right?) -- She misses the panel to the right but now her fetch is nicely lined out. A beautiful turn at the post with the sheep nicely thru the drive away panel, a bit wide turn followed by a drive that is weaving a bit until she lines out to the cross drive panel. Everything was looking great until a bump on the left sent the sheep running by the opening of the panels and scurrying up the hill. Jim quickly caught the sheep that were definitely on a mission to leave. Well done. 6:30 left in the shed ring. The shed ring is quiet with great control and patience. (This has been a very beautiful trial with magnificent weather. The breakfast and lunch “buffet” has been a highlight with a tireless staff providing pastries, farm fresh boiled eggs, delicious endless coffee and hot water, oatmeal, just a bevy of food and no doubt weight gain for most of those who have indulged.) Ah the shed has been completed with only one missed attempted. To the pen with 1:15 left. Geri is displaying the patience needed for this trial. Unfortunately, she timed out at the pen. Score-105.

Dally with Vergil Holland at the post. His sheep are being eased to the setout cone by one person and dog, their heads are down and grazing, occasionally looking around. His dog is sent and casting wide and lovely at the top until slowing to a trot then a walk at 2 o’clock. They lift quietly on line. The sheep go off line to the left, then to the right before settling on line and thru the panels at a trot-lope pace. Dally is 40 yards off of the sheep. A wide turn with the sheep 20 feet from the judge’s stand. Back on line for the drive with a close; miss to the outside and a wide turn after the panel. Back on line and walking with Dally keeping a variety of distances off the sheep from five to 20 yards. Unfortunately, the sheep missed low but are back on line to the ring. 7:15 left in the ring. The sheep are challenging Dally and have left the ring, back into the ring but then the sheep have once again left the ring. 4:30 left to shed. A lovely shed accomplished. 4 minutes to pen. They have gone past the mouth of the pen and they are being a bit difficult. Dally is standing confident and brave as the difficult ewe drops her head for a second contemplating charging Dally, but Dally deftly snaps the air in front of the ewes nose and the sheep jump. Time Score-108.

Wendy Schmaltz will shave her head for Breast Cancer fundraiser…the bidding starts at $1000. She is a generous and brave person. We hope to see her bald soon!

Thad Fleming and Bill at the post (he is already wearing a lovely pink button down long sleeve shirt and supporting breast cancer). A nice outrun with a bit tight at the top. Lovely line with quiet sheep. A little wonky to the first drive away with slicing drive thru. The sheep are walking to the second panel in a very ladylike fashion….oh they like this dog. The nicest drive thru the 2nd panel all day…hopefully the shed and pen will go smashingly. His packet of sheep are 2 Lincoln looking types and 2 Cheviots. The sheep leave the ring. Will the 2 Lincoln shed together? The Lincolns stay together; Bill comes in but no call. A re-shed is accomplished (the split is 1 of each type of sheep) and 3 minutes to pen. The sheep have gone around the back of the pen; the sheep are repositioned in the mouth of the pen and patiently placed in the pen. Score-149

Dave Murray and Kate have started. Her approach is quiet, and from 2 o’clock. On line bit then the sheep are loping in a zigzagging fashion to the fetch panel where they politely go thru. A bit wide of turn and onto the drive at a nice trot. The first panel is deftly made but…low on the second panel. A lovely line to the ring but then a sheep went down, Kate is staring at the down sheep who is in lying and shows no motion of moving. Now Kate is lying down nose to nose with the sheep …the crowd loves it… a great photo opt. The three sheep are moving around the down ewe but it appears she is not showing any interest in playing the game. Kate is moving the three ewes but no luck. 5 minutes remaining. Dave is contemplating talking off and there he goes. The exhaust crew is running out to help encourage the sheep to stand up… and up she pops... and looking quite fit and satisfied with herself. Tough luck. Score RT.

Next up is Sandi Andersen and Best. Had to step away …but she made all her panels and now 4:30 left to shed and pen. A nice opening but the sheep have circled around the handler and rejoined, then out of the ring they ran back into the ring. A nice split at 50 seconds…to the pen and unfortunately the sheep ran by the pen…..Time. Score-80.

Scott Glen and Drift are up. Nice no nonsense outrun with a hard lift, which frazzled the sheep. Scott then settled everything down for a lovely fetch and now we are at the post with happy sheep and relaxed dog. His whistles are quiet and calm. The best drive away so far today but alas a bit wide of a turn. Still the sheep are just walking along like nice little girls. Thru the 2, drive panel but a bit of a funky flank from Drift and a quick recovery….so a bit of a wide uphill turn. Spot on for the drive to the ring…well done. 5 minute to shed and pen. The sheep have not really moved 20 feet from where Scott decided to start his shed. Finally after two ½ minutes he sheds. Now to the pen. At the mouth with 2 minutes. The sheep are looking at the mouth…now at the dog…ugh…..less than a minute and they break away from the mouth but nicely covered and the sheep walk in with 25 seconds left…The crowd roars. Score…140

Allen Mills and the pride of Texas….Sis who is also Allen’s nursery dog who will run in the finals of the nursery and her preliminary run in open today…good thing she is young and running in the cool of the morning. Nothing much to right a beautiful walk trot run with maybe a bit low on the cross drive in the mid section but stunning run so far..The sheep love this dog. Allen is quietly and unassumingly walks to the ring with the sheep still on line. When a run is going well there is not much to say…Uh oh…we do not know if the judge called the shed. Allen is hard of hearing…we hope the judge called the shed for it was lovely but close to the edge. And what a terrific pen…..the crowd is silent with anticipation. It was a real crowd pleaser. Score-166

Ron Enzeroth and Dusty is up. The sheep are being consistently quietly set at the top. All right, the men from Texas are showing the crowd how to run this course. Thanks goodness, as I am a Texan by birthright (Diane). The first glitch is around the post a bit of a face off. Finally after many power plays by the sheep they have turned the post but …still not convinced to go down the hill from the post…now the sheep are back in the game...thru the first drive panel and loping across the cross drive….his time is 5:30 left and he is approaching the 2nd drive panel a bit low but he saves it with a bit of a wide turn and now on line again. These Texans take the last part of the drive seriously and are on line to the middle of the ring. 4:15 to shed and pen. Nicely done on the shed keeping his head and quietly separating the sheep. 2:50 left to pen….the sheep have gone by the pen and now after being brought to the opening of the pen are just walking in….the crowd claps and score of 171

Don Helsley and his 10 yr old dog Cap is to the post. It appears now is a wonderful time to run Cap has done a great job until a bit wide as he approached the post. The wideness has continued and missed the first drive away high, stayed high until missing the 2nd drive panel low. To the ring with 8:15 left ( one person in the crowd said humorously “speed kills”) All is quiet in the ring…the sheep leave the ring and with 5:30 left and an older dog Don being the man who loves and respects the years he has had with this dog retires and leaves the ring. Cap certainly didn’t run like a 10 year old but with no chance of making it thru to the semi’s Don did the kind move. Score Rt

Diane Pagel and her “beautiful” oh..Excuse me Nana is to the post and obviously not typing. A lovely outrun with a bit tight approach…..and well I will let Diane blog on since she retired after flanking multiple times across the fetch line until the sheep decided to head back to the setout pen. However, Nana looked beautiful and was listening brilliantly. Score DQ. (Diane’s note: The sheep were very hard to set as they kept breaking away from the setout person and they had all intentions to go back. Nan tried her best but they would split into two packets to get around her. She did bring them down the field but we were done by then. In spite of the fact we didn’t complete the course, I was happy how hard she tried to work the runaways. She gave me all of her efforts and I can’t ask for more than that)

Bud Boudreau and Sam ran after me so I didn’t see much of his run but he handled the sheep with authority and efficiency. I saw that his drive was immaculate and he got a score of 165 and one of the best run. The crowd gave this fine run a huge round of applause.

Lorri Schubert and Mot walked out and stood proud. Mot went to the left and went over the hill, to the yellow field, and very deep. It was to the farthest end of the green field and by far the wide and deepest of the outrun. The sheep can down nice to the post and a nice turn. Mot was a bit wide and at the first leg, the sheep broke up the field. Mot went on the away side and was too wide and the sheep broke up to the setout and Lorri retired.

Lavon Calzacorta and Gus. Gus came in short at the lift but made it down for a nice drive. In the ring, Gus shed the front two and then a ewe came from and butted Gus. They had to regroup and re-shed but ran out of time.

Lori Perry and Darque ran and I missed most of it. She got around the course and got the pan as I was walking up from cooling down Nan.

Nancy Stephens and Jenn had a good run but she retired in the shedding ring. It is blazing hot and my laptop is running out of juice as we lost power.

Ray Coapman and Jill had a nice run and again, I missed the run.

George Stambulic and Gyp are looking quite nice. A controlled fetch, in fact one of the best so far, and nice turn. His first leg was beautiful but at the last moment, he missed the panel. Cross drive was nice, missed one on second panel and nice turn to the shed. George has been a very nice person to talk to at this trial and I am rooting for him. He had a nice walk into the shedding ring and a missed attempt. He regrouped and got the shed. With 3:40 to spare, he walked the ewes to the mouth of the pen. The ewes kept standing up to Gyp but she showed her power and held true, She refused to budge when three of ewes stared at her. With a bit of finesse, they got the pen at 2:13 and everyone gave him a huge round of applause. Score of 149.

Brian Nelson and Pleat, a Canadian strode to the post Brian has been one of the nicest folks out there and has always offered encourage for the new handlers. The outrun was a wee bit tight at the top end and after a bit, and the rest of the fetch was nice. The first leg of the drive was slow, but he hit the panels and a nice, square turn. And, one of the best drive so far, and got the second drive and easy into the shed. A flawless shed and regrouped them and a fast approach to the pen. The sheep burst away towards the judge’s area and to my left I have Derek and Milton Scott with their version of this run, which is barely, R rated. He got them into the pen and one burst out like a firecracker on the 4th of July. They worked her and got the pen and the crowd screamed with delight at the pen. Score was 148.

Lana Rowley and Kell had a nice outrun and lift. He had good control on the fetch and had a bit of a bobble but got them online rather quickly. The last part of the fetch was nice and it is a pleasure to see Lana’s quiet handling. A few zigs and zags but overall nice and the first leg was a little off as Kell applied some power on the sheep. The cross drive was a little off and they got the second panel. Kell is really on the muscle and in addition to working on sheep, he also works on cattle. Kell is a great all around dog and tons of power. In the ring, Kell walked up firm on the sheep and they offered no fight. They managed to step out of the ring once but they came back in quietly. Lana, in her crisp blue western shirt and hat, looked like a model for the Wild West and is one of my favorite handlers in the world. A missed attempt and time was running out. A second missed attempt at 8 seconds and time was called.

I went out for lunch and missed tom Spencer’s run with Floss.

Jennifer Clarks-Ewers and Sweep was a real joy to watch. Flawless throughout. The outrun was nice and wide and the lift was dead on. Nice steady, calm fetch and a nice turn at the post and a drive to die for. Pretty much a perfect drive. She was very calm and collected and her whistles were very soft. A missed attempt at the shed and the second one was snug and she got the pen. The crowd really gave her a huge round of applause for her run, as it was certainly one of the quietest and calmest run of the Finals. Score was 175.

Ian Zoerb and Peg (the Champion from last year) went up to the post and the mid afternoon sun were melting the grass, the rocks, people; anything is sight, so it seemed. The outrun was fine, had to pop a ewe that tried to run over her and after a bit, she got them down the course. The sheep were fighting and hard to move and they got the first panel and missed the second panel, low and a nice turn to the shed. One fast shed that was not called and she didn’t have total control and they regroup quickly for the shed. With 2:22 to go, they walked up to the pen, and Peg held her head low and they walked in to a huge round of applause from the crowd. Score is 130.

Alasdair MacRae and Star had to wait until they moved sheep. Star ran wide then came in fast and she took the down and had a nice lift. The fetch got offline prior to the fetch panels, hit the fetch panels and were a lot slower on the last half of the fetch. A very nice turn and a control slow first leg of the drive, got the panels and a very tight turn, quickly lined them up, hit the second panel. A tight turn to the shed and entered the shed at 4:33. The ewes stood in the ring, glancing about as if to say “What are we doing here?” and the place went silent. Alasdair calmly walked to the sheep and set up the shed and at the last second, one ewe broke to join the first two, He quickly lined them up again, and everyone stopped talking again. The shed was good and one ewe tried to run over Star and Star held the ground then the ewe’s nose was inches away from Star’s face but she held strong and the shed was called. At 1:51, they marched to the pen and got the pen. The crowd gave a huge round of applause for this skillful run! Score is 167.
Larry Adams and Mirk had a grip at the top (?) and was DQ.

Gayle Cochlan and Cap, a Canadian ran in the heat of the day. Cap ran out hard and had fat lift and hard on the fetch, zig zagging all over the fetch line. They missed the fetch panels and the pace was still fast. The first leg was rough and they were wide at the first panel, missed the first panel and lo on the cross drive. They straighten up, got the second panel, and were a bit wide going into the ring. She got the shed and retired her at the pen due to the heat.

Kathy Knox and Sal had a nice outrun, lift and the fetch looked good at the top. A little wobbly prior to the fetch panel and they got the panel and the last half of the fetch was nice. Offline on the first leg of the drive and the sheep were fast. They made the first panel and had a nice line, hot the second panel and a very nice turn to the shed. She was calm in the ring and a textbook shed and she slowly walked to the pen. With 3:15 at the pen, they worked hard. The sheep tried to break behind Kathy but they quickly got them and lined them up and Sal stood and held her ground. One ewe tried to break to the side but Sal got her and tucked her back in and Kathy got the pen with 1:46 left on the clock.

Ray Crabtree just announced that Scott Glen and Don are the USBCHA Nursery National Champions. Way to go Scott and it went to a classy person as well a top handler that earned not only the win but also the respect of everyone with his flawless handling of Don. I missed his runs since I was blogging but people reported to me that his runs were picture perfect and textbook and a dream to watch.

Ron Burkey with Tot, another Texas team, is running with their fetch just a bit off line at the top. Tot is staying nicely off her sheep and they are enjoying their freedom and just tootling along the course. A nice turn with a momentary face off and once again they are marching around the course nicely on line towards the first drive panel, they are thru with a bit of momentum so a slight wide turn, but Tot has them back on line nicely and walking along the cross drive. The sheep have broke into a lope and stopped suddenly at the ditch. A moment hesitation and they are moving again. He is /was on line but went a smidge high and Tot appears to not be listening and now driving the sheep up the hill. She appeared confused on her flank. They have 4:30 left to bring them 100 yards past the drive panel. They have entered the ring with 3:20 left. Most of the handlers have figured out they need to just let the sheep stand for a bit before shedding, and Ron is being patient. 2:00 minutes remaining, he needs his pen and shed to move on. Now a score of about 150 would keep him in, but on the bubble. 1 min remaining, the sheep just are not splitting. He tried to force a split and the sheep gave him the 1-3 split. 30 seconds left…. he got his split….but the time is his enemy….running to the pen opening the gate, sheep trotting up the hill to the pen and TIME!!! Bummer. Score: 109

Dennis Gellings and Jan from Canada are up. They were reserve champions at Meeker in 2008. Jan is doing well for an 8-9 year old girl. Nice fetch with Dennis having her well in hand. The sheep are just relaxing around the course, almost thanking Jan for the nice way she is escorting them. An ever so slight wide turn, but lovely after making the third panel. For as controlled and even paced, this run has been the sheep have arrived with 6 minutes remaining. Now the shed, which has remained the most challenging part of the course. A textbook split with 4:30 left, a re-gather in the ring and Jan knows her job. As Dennis turned his back, she quietly flanked herself to start the sheep to the pen. What a nice team to watch. And with 3:30 remaining, the sheep just walked on in. The current Canadian open champion has demonstrated why they hold the title. Score: 179.5 the new leader of the preliminaries!

Peg Anderson and Silk (Who is a full sister to my Nan and Tommy Wilson’s Sly) ran out wide and then came in a bit tight but settled down. A bit of a fuss and the sheep stood up to, she and she finally got them going. Nice drive and good control and they are quite the nice team. They were calm in the ring and Silk had her ears upright and looked happy. Peg was very patient, the sheep were facing Silk, and it was calm. I could the same moves that my Nan has in the ring and it was nice to see the hard work that Silk was giving Peg in the ring. She has no fear as she would walk up to the ewe’s nose and she meant business. The ewes stuck together like glue as they could sense her presence. There was the tiniest of gaps, like a sliver of light peeking through a crack in an old log house and Silk came through. She opened the gap, held and then gripped a quick grip that it was and was called off for it but it was a wonderful run, nevertheless.

The Canadians are lining up in droves this afternoon and Bob Stephens and Pat walked to the post. Bob has strong dogs that mean business and it take a good handler like him to run them. His old Turk, was one, if not, the top cattle dog in Canada and an excellent sheepdog and the dogs he runs are descended from Turk. Turk, sadly died last year but left a huge legacy in his pups and grandpups. The first time I saw, Turk, I was awed but him. Pat went out wide and he had a slot lift, then the fetch was fast. Pat is a no nonsense type of dog and the sheep knew it. The sheep came straight to Bob’s feet and had one of the tightest turns. They had a slow start of the drive and the ewes turned on Pat then there was a grip and he was called off.

Bev Lambert and Mirk was the third from the end and I am getting tired of blogging. I moved to a softer seat and am sitting next to Rose Anderson and her lovely merle, Shen who got her ROM. She is one of the few merles that is running successfully in Open. Shen has run twice at two Nationals! Rose is helping with the blog now. The outrun is beautiful, lift was calm, the fetch is fast and a tad bit offline. She got quickly back online and they had a bit of a stall at the fetch panels but they got them through. The line is very nice and one of the best so far. Not too wide at the post, a little offline on the first leg and they got the first panel and they broke away, trying to go back to the setout. Mirk went wide, trying to cover, and got the sheep back but by this time, they were above the fetch panels and it took a bit of work to get them back. She got them back and lined up on the proper side of the fetch panels and they fought Mirk the entire time. The sheep were pushing hard and they bolted through panels, a wide turn (expert handling to read this situation) and into the ring at 2:45. One ewe decided she didn’t want to play the game and bolted but Bev put her back together. The sheep bolted out of the ring and the time was getting close. That darn ewe un-joined herself so Bev got her to join her buddies again and the sheep bolted and ran near the second panels. Mirk ran out of steam, the sheep got off course, and time ran out.

Maggi McClure and Lil, from Washington are at the post. Lil had a nice outrun but a wee bit tight at the top, Lift was nice and a little offline and the fetch is offline to the side of the field. She turned them to get them back online and the ewes are flighty, bolted the other direction, and are wide. She missed the fetch panels and the sheep came down hard. The first leg was fast, they ran through the panel, and the turn is wide. She got them online and things settled down. A bit high and then she corrected and hit the panel and wide to the shedding ring. Things calmed down in the shedding ring Missed attempt and then a nice shed and 4:51 left. The sheep was pen and it was pure class. Score was 126.

Bob Dias and McCloud from California was the last team to run for the day. I’ve know Bob and Rochelle for many years and they are the nicest couple. They love their dogs and provide the best homes for them. Rochelle has a daughter of Tess, named Koko who is a great open dog. Cloud went out steady and approached the sheep cautiously and they lifted offline. They disappeared into the swale but came out fast and offline. Bob skillfully handled Cloud to get them back online just past the fetch panels and things began to settle. Nice turn and Cloud marched up to the ewes for the first leg of the dive and they got offline. They got online and missed the panel on the inside, turn was wide, and he got them back online. Cloud was giving nice flanks and they moved smartly on the crossdrive. They got a bit high then corrected and got low and missed the panel and turned to the shedding ring at 6:45. Bob, in his red shirt and sharp red hat, carefully set the ewes for a shed. The ewes would turn to face Cloud, who should power and held his side. He is a lovely tri with a good method of work and a willing partner and their teamwork was evident. The ewes tried to break out of the ring but were turned back by this wily dog. An expert shed that was smooth as silk left the audience quiet. One of the ewes turned to face Cloud and he held his ground and she quickly decided the best place was with her companions. Bob lined then up at the mouth of the pen and one broke away but Cloud turned it. The crowd was a t the edge of their chairs and they worked the ewes to the mouth of the pen again and had a smooth pen. It was greeted with a large round of applause from the crowd and it was a good day to end with a successful run.

The semi will start tomorrow at 7:00 and I will try to blog then.

Thursday Finals at USBCHA

The morning haze hung over the field and was a welcome relief from the other mornings that were blazing hot. The sheep also welcomed the coolness and the runs in the morning had some nice high scores. I wandered to the field with my laptop and Nan as my buddy. Getty decided that a hike was in order and off he went. He has been a great spouse during this trip, taking the dogs for a walk, making coffee and being a great support staff.

First run was Joann Zoerb and Mik. I am especially fond of Mik as my Nan is his mother. The run was fast but she completed the course. Mik is a very strong dog and one heck of a nice dog on sheep. Joann is a good handler on the field and a joy to watch.

Lee Lumb and her Nan, also had a nice run. It was steady and quiet as is her style. The outwork was awesome and nice turn at the post. The sheep fought her on the crossdrive but she handled them well and hit all the panels. The shed was pretty and quick and as she was closing the gate, the time ran out so she didn’t get the pen. Her score was 132.

I missed Sandra’s run as I was at the eye tent but people said it was good. She did get the pen. Albion lost his sheep to the setout. I also missed Thad’s run.

Jennifer Glen and Lad was the run that I took photos of and they will be posted in a few days. Lad ran out wide and slowly lifted the sheep. They fussed a bit at the top then lined out and swirled at the fetch gates and had a nice turn. Nice, straight first leg of the drive and a bit high on the crossdrive and then made the second panel, Nice line into the shed ring and Jennifer took her time in setting up the shed and got it textbook style. She took her time at the pen but meant business and walked them in and got a very nice score of 152.

Patrick and Riggs had a wonderful run. It was on of those runs that make you go “AH” and it did make the crown go awe. Wonderful outwork from the ever quiet Patrick. The drive was nice and steady and online and a good line into the ring. Patrick did his calm shed and made it look like it was no effort at all. At the pen, the sheep were stubborn and a couple refused to go in and darted around the pen and he ran out of time. He got a 154 for his efforts and one of the best runs that I have seen.

Lana Rowley and Blue came on strong at the top and it showed that this dog has the gumption to move anything. He is one tremendous male and a handful to run. Under the guidance of Lana, they completed the course. The drive lined out, then abit of fuss occurred which she skillfully fixed and she had a joyful shed and a quick pen. His score was 140 and not bad for an 10 year old dog.

Francis Chai and Chime ran and they are a good team. Nice steady work for a score of 122. He is a nice, quiet handler who loves his dogs and it shows in their teamwork on the field.

Nancy Stephens ran her Ike who is a powerhouse. Their score was a 132.5. At this point my laptop died since the power went out and I lost some write-ups so trying to remember what happened so it will be stretchy. Dave Murray and Moe had a DQ at the turn at the post. Dawn Boyce, our neighbor had a very nice run.

Emil Luedecke and Spot run was nice but I missed it due to the power situation. Michelle Howard and Jill had a nice run. She had a bit of a fuss at the top, a nice quiet drive, solid shed and pen. The score was 126. Again, for official scores go to the usbcha.org website.
I missed Carol Nelsons run and sorry about that.

Haley Howards and her Ross had a nice methodical run. It was a real crowd pleaser and with a score of 177 that showed the quality of work. Not a step out of place and a steady pace and a joy to watch. This is the type of run you want to see at the Finals. The sheep never questioned Ross throughout the run until the shed at which time a ewe decided to challenge Ross. In a pure quiet show of strength he backed the ewe half way up to the pen at which time with superb timing he gripped the ewe’s nose with an immediate release. The ewe quickly but calmly turned and walked with the others to the pen. The crowd roared with delight after the pen as they should!

Bill Berhow and Mike was also a run to watch. Nice outrun, lift and tiny bit of fuss at the top. Straight fetch and a quiet first leg, excellent turn and a little high but quickly lined up for the crossdrive. He hit both panels and nice last turn. His textbook shed with hardly a word and total calm. The sheep sauntered up to the pen and Bill held his side while Mike slowly walked in on his side. The crowd was quiet and then a big ahh went up as one ewe broke away but Mike quickly brought her back. The ewes broke around to the backside of the pen and Mike slowly brought them back to Bill. Three went in while that one wayward ewe darted to the side and as she was going to the mouth of the pen, the time ran out. Score of 146.

Jim Swift and Zac, Judy Loflin and Cam’s run I was not able to see as the power went out again and Iam trying to recharge my laptop. Once it is charged then I can post more. We don’t know why the power keeps going out but the Hospitality folks are wonderful about letting me use their power and I am grateful for that.

Amanda Milliken and Ethel had a nice run with a score of 158. I just got back to see the end of it and Ethel had the sheep in full control. Maury Harris and Brie has a tense moment in the ring and got the pen with 24 seconds to spare. His score was 118. Sonia Craig scratched.

Libby Nieder and Lyn ran in the heat of the day. I met her at LaCamas and she ran well there. She is a fun person and I am rooting for her. Nice outrun and lift and little bobble on the fetch. Dead on the first leg of the drive, a bit of a bobble before the second panel which cast her to miss it and then into the ring. They ran out of the ring once and they were jumpy in the ring. There was one missed attempt, a regroup and then a shed. A nice touch at the pen and it was complete for a score of 127.

Jeff Blackstone and Dusk, from California ran around 1:00 in the horrid heat. His lift was nice but then the fetch began to be wobbly. There was a bit of a standoff and then he got them back online. They had a bit of trouble on the drive.

The haze had lifted mid morning and the sun began to beat down on us. Swirls of dust soon coated everything and my dark hair became a fine shade of tan. I will be taking a long shower tonight to rid myself of the three pounds of dust that is covering me now.

Word from the Nursery is that Scott Glen and Don got a 159. First place is a 161 with Ron Enzeroth and Dot. Other top scores are Joni Swanke and Griz with 121, Alisdair and Molly with 118, Emil Luedecke and Lad with 125, Tricia Guidy and Tipper with 120, Patrick and Tater with 135 and Anet Haithcox and Dod with 156. I haven’t had any time to go over there so I am getting info from other handlers that I can waylay as they pass me!! If I type someone’s name wrong, I want to apologize in advance.

Jennifer Glen and Lucy ran and the sun seemed to inch up a few more degrees. She ran out tight at the bottom then widen out at the top and had a nice lift but off a bit. The fetch was hard and offline but she hit fetch panels. The first leg of the drive but the crossdrive was a bit high and low and she got both of her panels. It took a bit to get the shed but it finally happened. One ewe kept facing Lucy off and Jennifer was patient and got the shed. With less than a minute to spare, they raced to the pen but timed out. They almost had it but a ewe broke away and there was not enough time to regroup and pen. The score was 118.

Suzy Applegate and Buzz Made a very quick run through the course with a good shed and quick, clean pen. Score 141

Karen Child and Rock walked to the post around 2:00. The smoke is still hanging upon the hills surrounding the open course from the fires (?) and the mid day heat is quite a challenge for dogs, sheep and handler as they approach the post. She sent to the right with a cautious approach to the sheep with a nice lift, however the sheep still wish to take themselves and the dog back to the set out pen. Tough luck for dog and handler as they high tail it to the setout. It is time for a 4wheeler ride to retrieve her dog. She retired gracefully.

Corey Perry and Jill from Alberta come to the post one of the few out runs on the come-bye a nice quite approach to the sheep with a little bit of a stand off as they began to move down the field. The fetch has a few zigs and zags but Jill seems to keep good strong contact with her sheep as they hit the fetch panels dead center. A nice turn around the post and a beautiful drive to the panels, Jill is lining them out for the cross drive with great control. The cross drive panels were hit dead center as well, with a nice line to the shed ring. With 5 minutes to go at the shedding ring Jill just came through on the first attempt for a clean shed and on to the pen. Jill and Corey just didn’t get the pen, those ole girls learned they could circle around and out of the way of the pressure. Score 149

Herbert Holmes with Pard strolled up next. Herbert is our USBCHA President from South Texas. A left hand drive with a bit of a wobble at the top as the sheep take off to the right, but Pard catches them and works to get them back on line. The fetch came rather fast down the field and just slide around the fetch panels, things slow down a bit at the post. The sheep are at a nice trot approaching the drive panels as they stand in the center of the panels to re-evaluate the dog, The cross drive is moving along cautiously, however the clock is ticking away and missed the crossdrive panels low. Back on line to the shed ring, Herbert is letting the stock and dog settle before pushing for the shed. The question is, which lucky two will get the chance the escape. And the shed comes to completion with ease. Herbert saunters to the pen with a minute 36 seconds, it takes a few seconds for the girls to contemplate the mouth of the pen only to decide it is not a place to be and take off, as the buzzer sounds. Bad luck at the last minute.
Wilda Bahr and Grace of California shall try their hand at this beautiful green course.

Wilda sent to the right Grace approached at 1:00 and moves cautiously on to the lift, yet the sheep still break off to the left and behind the hill of questionable return. One sheep comes back into view with the dog behind this doesn’t look good with the dog and single headed for the hills to the right side of the field. The dog is called off and magically the other three appear at the top of the field heading back to the set out, pen. This will be a retire for Wilda and Grace, tough luck for a nice lady. At this point, the sheep are winning. Also, it has been very hard to get any sheds with ease. The wily ewes dart all over the shedding ring like ballet dancers on speed.

Patricia Macrae and Cap are up next from Missouri. The sheep are set and she sends her dog to the right, Cap is taking a very wide out run under the sprinkler and into the tall grass. The lift is quick with a little wobble, but still keeping a fairly good line to and through the fetch panels. The sheep approach the post as a steady trot, and turn the post nicely. The drive began well, but the sheep with high around the panels, the cross drive is going well and looks like she’ll hit the panels right on, a bit wide on the turn but comes back onto line straight to the shed pen. The shed is tough even with lots of patience, after a few attempts the shed is accomplished with just a little over one minute for the pen. Time just didn’t allow for a pen. She worked hard to try to get the pen. Score is 130.

Joe Haynes and Rain from Washington was next. Outrun was beautiful, lift fine and fetch was strong and wobbly. Turn at the post was good and the drive was good and in the shedding ring, Joe took his time setting the sheep. He had them settled in the mouth of the pen and one ewe broke. He gathered them up and worked it again and got the pen with quiet authority. Score is 148.

Teri Pelkey and Bob The out run was a nice outrun to the right, the lift and fetch has been a bit fast and furious missing the fetch panels. Things slowed down at the turn around the post with the dog and sheep stalled for a few seconds before beginning the drive away. They made the drive panels and have a bit of a wobble getting lined out for the cross drive the cross drive panels were missed low by just a small bit. Bob brought the sheep back on line nicely to the shed ring where they settled down. The first attempt at the shed was so nice and quiet, but Bob just wasn’t ready to come in, he got the shed on the second attempt. Dog and sheep stare at each other to see just who will out-last the other with Teri’s help the sheep decide the pen is the best option. Good job! Score of 116.

Pam Boring and Jake received a 108. The run was fast but wobbly but we don’t have much info here gotta watch the next run. We got busy trying to do other stuff.

Two more runs left on this smoky afternoon. Finally, a cooling breeze has begun. Dan Keeton and his 4 year old dog York is approaching the post. York is going nicely up the field but on the fetch was hard and way offline but got them back online. Dust rolled behind the sheep and his whistling could be heard in the handler’s tent. The turn was wide at the post and York is looking a bit warm. They are racing up towards the first drive panels, and a bit of flopping about got the first panel. BTW Lise Andersen from CO is giving me this blow by blow info at warp speed and I can only type 5 words a minute and not the 700 words a minute she is telling me. The crossdrive was good and he came into the ring with 8 minutes to spare. I believe this was the fastest run so far. I could see clouds of dust throughout the course. Everyone settled in the ring which was a good thing as I think Lise ran out of breath telling me all the details on this run. He got the shed and it was calm and worked slow at the pen with 5:30 minutes left on the clock. At 4:00 left on the clock, he got the pen. The other editorial staff is Tina and Terry LePlatt and it has been a good time. They are pinching hitting for me on the blog when I stepped away this afternoon. The score is 145 and is on the bubble to get in the semis.

Last run of the day is Noelle William and Nap. Had two redirects on the outruns and Nap is slow to come in on the lift. At the turn at the post, she had lost half of her time but she had a nice turn at the post. The dog was methodical and the drive was slow but online and they came into the ring with 3:15 on the clock. She set the sheep up and got a quick clean shed. She didn’t get her pen The score was 132.

Tomorrow morning will begin again at 8 AM with Terry Folsom and Cassie…good luck to the handlers tomorrow.

Again, any typos or inaccuracies are not deliberate and I am trying to type and watch, etc….so bear with me. Much thanks to Allan for the use of his aircard.

Wed Final - Not much Nursery

Much thanks to Allen McPherson for the use of is wireless account for the upload.

The day started off early with the chorus of many dogs howling in the wee hours, well before it was time to get up. That set my three girls to push their snouts into your faces for their early morning pets. Now, that we were woken up early, we got up and made French Toast, sausage and hot coffee. Gael, the new pup was dancing with joy to go for her morning walk and be with her new friends, Tess, Nan and Roo. After the morning chores, we set off to the Open Field.

Once again, the hospitality suite let me use the power and table to write this blog. The Hospitality suite has coffee, tea, water, hot cocoa and lemonade. Tons of food such a hard boiled eggs, oranges, potato chips, popcorn, crackers, cookies, homemade brownies and cheese, bagels, fresh melons, donuts, coffee cake, and tons of other stuff. No need to go to a store to gain weight when you can hang out here. The only item they are lacking is a wheelbarrow to haul me back to my trailer after I ate the treats. They are the happiest folks and willing to take care of you. They are a godsend. They also have lanyards for sale made by Charlotte Jones. I might mention this is where Suki, the troublemaker is hanging out. I wtote the scores down as I heard them but to get the official score go to the usbcha.org website.

Derek and Jan were first up and had nice outwork and missed the second cross drive panel. Settled them quickly in the shed and got the pen. His score was in the 149. We walked up as it was going on,

Don Heslsey and Blue had a nice run. The lift was a little hard, offline on the fetch and then it settled down and the shed and pen were good. His scores was 142.

Laura Vishoot and Ripley had a score of 113 and I didn’t see her run. Dennis Gelling and Jake had a very nice run. Jake was a bit strong but under Dennis’s handling had a good run. The drive was beautiful and a little before the crossdrive panel and missed them and did a pull through. The shed and pen were good and the score was 146.

Joann Zoerb and Bryn had a tough run and she was very patient at the pen but the time ran out as she was closing the pen and her score was 98. Tricia MacCrae and Max had one of the best gathers of the day so far and the drive was good, a wee bit low before the crossdrive and made the panels. Had a bit of trouble in the shed but got it and ran out of time at the pen.

Martha McHardy and Ceri, the Canadian from Vancouver Island, Canada ran her Ceri. The run was a bit tough and her score was 71.

I ran over to the Nursery field at this point and they were doing really well or really bad, Joni had a fast run with Griz and I don’t know any of the Nursery scores. Allen Mills and Gayle Richardson both had RT.

Terri Pelkey had an incredible run with Dash. Her score was 166. I didn’t see much of it but what I heard, it was fantastic. Don Whittington had a nice run and his score was 148. Francis Chai had a a nice run and was very calm. I was coming back from the Nursery so missed these.

Scott Glen and Maid were up and as he sent her, the sheep broke back to the setout and were fussed about a bit. They had a good lead when Maid got to the top and considering what happened, she handled it quite well. The Course Director walked out and he will be given a rerun as his dog had to stop runaways. He will run in a few more runs.

Bob Hickman and Mojo had a tough time with the sheep breaking back to the setout and he ended his run. They made a gallant effort at it.

Scott had his rerun with Maid. She ran up the field with gusto and had a nice lift, fast fetch and Scott showed why he is one of the top handlers. His drive was nice but a little fast in some portions and I think he had one of the fastest times entering in the shedding ring. He got his textbook shed and his pen for a score of 153.

I ran off to the Nursery field to see Scott Glen and Sleat run. It was tough and she got a score in the 60s.. There were about 9 RT or DQ in the Nursery so far. At this point, Joni is leading with Griz.

I dashed back to the Open handler’s tent to see Lee Lumb send her Chica. There was a bit of fuss at the top but she got it all squared away. A bit low on the cross driven then high then she lined then for a nice pass through the second panel and a nice turn to the shed. I really like Lee as she is a nice and calm handler. Quiet in the shedding ring and had a calm shed. She got the pen with class and walked off with a score of 162. On a side note, Chica is a half sister to Lana Rowley’s wonderful Kell.


I quickly got what I could from the runs that I missed. Michelle Howard and Moss had a grip at the pen. Hub had a nice run with Juno. Pearse had a nice outrun, lift and a bit of a fuss on the first portion of the fetch and then lined it out. A very nice drive and shed and they had to work for the pen but got it and walked off with a score of 143.

Suzy Applegate had a rerun due to her sheep leaving at the top. I missed a couple of the runs when I went for my lunch break.


Dirk Vansant and Amos had nice outrun, a bit low on his crossdrive and the second panel and got the shed and he retired at the pen. By now, it is blazing hot and I am sweltering under the tent.

Pam Boring and Mirk had a hard run in the heat. I missed parts of it and arrived in time for the shed part. Her shed was quiet and she took her time at the pen for a nice pen. Score was 128

Karen Stanley and Meg also ran in the heat of the day at 2:00 and I was looking for a margarita and a cool creek bed to soak in but alas, neither were handy so I got a lemonade (non alcohol type) and a bag of popcorn.

Now Suzy was able to fit in her rerun. They slowly walked to the post as the sheep were settled at the top and Lynn took off like a bullet and had a wonderful sweeping outrun. A bit of a fuss at the top and then a nice fetch, and good drive with a tiny bit of a bobble. She had very good control during the run and it was a pleasure to watch. In the shedding ring, the first attempt, a ewe leapt over the top of Lynn and she tried to contain it but it got away. One the second attempt, she held the two and was marching them to the pen when here time ran out. Carolyn Crocker is the owner of Lynn.

Shauna Gourley and Hope from Utah are a team that I am rooting for. When we first pulled in on Sunday, they loaned us some orange cones to mark off a section for our other Finalist buddies. So she get us as her cheering section. Hope stood at the post, eyes keen on the sheep. She was a bit snug on the outrun and she stopped at the top when Shauna whistled a down. The fetch was nice but one ewe flipped around the post for the drive and she was DQ.

At this point I ran to get my dog’s eyes checked and try to me the porta potty pump guy to pump out my trailer and missed him!! DAMM! Tess, Rainey, Roo and Nan’s eyes were all fine.

I missed Tommy Wilson’s Sly run but here is what I hear .straight from his mouth. Nice outrun, lift and fetch. Good turn at the post and made the first gate, then they broke and Sly got them. Good drive and got the second panel and straight into the ring. One ewe bolted out of the ring and Sly had to gather them and it took a bit to get the shed. Tommy got the pen and his score was 155. of course, I was rooting for Sly as she is Nan’s sister.

Gayle Cochlan and Meg had a nice controlled run. She is one of those nice, quiet handlers. In the shedding ring, an ewe broke as it had done in Tommy’s run but she got it back for the shed. The pen took time ut she got it.

Lavon Calzacorta and Tess had a screaming run of the day with a score of 168. The outrun, lift and fetch were very nice and they hit the fetch panels. The drive had a bit of a spilt on the crossdrive but made both panels. His shed was nice but took sometime and the pen was good, even though the sheep broke.

Anet Haitcox and Dod had a score of around 100. I missed that run due to doing other side projects. Jean Gelling and Star had a DQ. Rose Anderson and her ROM bitch, Shen started off with a wide outrun then came in hard at the top to lift them off to the side and in a gulley. They appeared rather quickly and ran the other direction. She worked hard to get them down the field. She worked and got three through the fetch panels and got a round of applause for that efforts as that was hard at that point and showed some fine handling skills. An ewe went down and that was the end of her run but Shen ran her heart out for her.

The last dog of the day was Norm Close and Gwen. Standing tall with his cowboy hat and stunning Gwen was only fitting that he was the last run. She came in the pressure point and took them steadily. They started to lift nice then bolted for the setout. Gwen ran like race horse to cover but they beat her and Norm retired gracefully.

Tuesday- First Day of Open

Much thanks to Jeanne Boudrieau for the use of her aircard so you can get the blog early tonight. Also, to the ladies in the hospitialy suite for the use of the power so I could take notes all day.

The morning was a wee bit cool but it would only be a matter of time before the heat would waylay us. The handler’s meeting was at 7:30 and by 7:15, quite a few of the handlers were on the field, sizing it up for any weakness and what direction to send their dog. To the come bye side, the dog would run up and down several small knolls and the handler would lose sight of their dog. If the dog was short, the dog would appear below the sheep and the sheep would bolt back to the exhaust. To the away side,a fence jutted out about 300 yards away and the dog would have to flare out to be deep behind the sheep.

The handler’s meeting was short and lead by Hub. A water tub was out for the dogs, if they wanted to cool off during the run but you would not lose any points for that but if you lost your sheep, that would be accounted for as part of the run. I am running back and forth and won’t be able to blog about each run, but will do the best as I can. I am doing exhaust later this afternoon so won’t be able to go in much as detail. So bear with me! To see the official score, go to usbcha.org. I didn’t get all the scores or all the runs.

The first handler on the course was Ian Zoerb and Peg and it was difficult and he retired. Jennifer Ewers ran her Soot and it was a nice run. Some notable parts were the nice and sweet pen. Soot ran her heart out for Jennifer.

Candy Kennedy and her Moss has one of the sweetest run so far up to this point. A bit wide but he made up for it with being clean in the other parts. I think Candy was beaming when she got off her field and dancing with delight. I know that I would be. Her score was 165.5 and as of 1:15 on the afternoon, was the leader.

Bev and her Hemp was another nice run to watch. Her quiet control made a nice run. I missed part of it as my run with Roo was rapidly coming up.

I went to the post with Roo and sent him to the right. He bent in and I blew him out and he got behind the sheep and came on strong. I blew a down which he ignored and our first half of the fetch was off and we fixed it on the last half. He was coming on strong and had no issue in pushing the sheep. However a little slower and a few downs would have made this run a pleasure. The drive was fine in some parts and high on others but we got the panels. In the ring as I called him in for the shed, we timed out. We need that one second more for the shed points. His shed was excellent and although we didn’t get the points for it, I was pleased how clean it was. We got a score of 93.

Kathy Knox and Tweed had a bit of fuss at the top but her excellent handling skills soon made the sheep cooperated and they had a nice fetch. The first leg of the drive was a bit off and the rest of her drive was nice with Tweed keeping off the sheep and they were happy. One missed attempt and then a clean shed and marched them into the pen. It was a quiet run and a score of 159.

Mike Meredith and Gus ran after Kathy and Gus ran out solid. The fetch was a bit fast and offline and he got them back online quickly. The drive was also fast and they missed the crossdrive panel. The shed was good and the pen was clean. The score was 124.

Haley Howard was up with Bodie and she laid down a hot run. He was pushy at the top and her drive was steady and online and made both gates. In the ring and pen, he was sweet.

Alasdair and Nap ran in the heat of the day. A bit strong at the top and wide but got back online at the fetch. The drive was not as smooth, with a ewe missing the first panel, a bit high and missed the second panel. In the shedding ring, Alasdair showed his trademark shed. The pen was close with 18 seconds to spare.

Louanne Twa and Isla had a nice, slow run. Isla is a very talented merle who I saw earlier this year and I believe she got 1st or 2nd at that Open trial. This is her first time at the Finals and she handled her dog well throughout the course. I am impressed at her patience on the course.
Milton Scott and Ben had a hard time lifting the sheep as it was dead hot and the sheep were cranky so it was a no score.

Now is when I am exhausting and trying to blog so the rest of the runs maybe not so detailed. Sit down, type, get up and exhaust and the computer will be out of juice soon. Mike Burks and Lynne Green are here with me and helping me with this portion of the blog. It is a three part team effort from now on.

Kate Broadbent and Salt was the next one and she sent her dog on the come bye side. The sheep lifted off and Salt stopped them from breaking back to the setout. The fetch was online and a nice turn at the post. Nice tight turn at the first drive gate. A nice execution of the shed and a bit of work for then pen but she got it.

Ellen Skillings and Emer are number 32 on the run order . Emer was sent out to the right and one of the better outruns. The drive was high, then low and she missed the second panel. The shed was nice and it took a bit to get the pen but she did.

George Stambulic and Kate had a beautiful outrun and the lift was off and he worked hard to get them back online to make the fetch panels and had nice turn at the post. They had a nice drive and hit both panels. The shed was clean and the pen was greeted by a huge round of applause from the crowd and the score was 152.

Your exhaust crew of Mike, Lynne and me have a new word for your vocabulary. Persnickety. As in Persnickety pressure point which is what it was happening this late afternoon.

Bill Berhow and Pete was next and Pete was sent to the right. The fetch was off and a bit fast but they hit the fetch gate. Pete made this first drive panel, went a little high and the sheep went back on line. They hit the second drive panel and the turn was a wee bit high. The shed was excellent and he had infinite patience at the pen with a ewe that was stamping and challenging Pete every step of the way. They got the pen and it was a real crowd pleaser. The score was 155. It was a very nice run.

Ron Burke and Hank from Texas, my home state so I am rooting for him is number 35. The dog came up short at the outrun and the lift was offline as well at the fetch. The rest of the drive was nice. A very nice shed and good pen. Score of 124.

Mike had to run a person up to the top so we lost one third of the Comedy Club. So now, you will just have to suffer with Lynne and I for the rest of the blog. BTW, Mike has been called several names so he is now known as Mike, Rick or Dave.

Dan Keeton and Bingo took to the field. Bingo went to right and had a bit of a fuss but settled the sheep before the fetch panels and made the fetch panels. They had a good first line but the sheep broke almost back to the setout location. They worked hard to get them back online and timed out in the shedding ring.

Patrick Shannahan and Bett were second to the last run and Bet went to the right. It appears she stopped short but we couldn’t tell if Patrick stopped her or not. The lift was fast and the fetch was off at the top end. Nice turn at the post and first leg is straight and steady and made the panels. The rest of the drive was nice and he had a missed attempt at the shed but got it on the second try. The pen was smooth.

Maggi McClure was the last run with Kep. The outrun and lift was good with a wee bit offline at the top but Maggi fixed it. The drive was good and she got the panels. Missed attempt and then the shed and no pen.

We ended at 5:00 and it is sunny. Getty, Bob Dias and I are going out for dinner. I only took a couple of pictures but will try to get them up later. It was too difficult to blog, shoot pictures and then run back to type again. Tomorrow I will blog again and I will try my best but be aware that I will be busy part of the time and not able to get all the runs.

I appreciate the feedback from the folks who have read the blog so it makes it worthwhile.

The Day Before

It got hot rather quickly in the morning and digs began to fuss. Rainey stuck her cold nose in my neck while Tess pushed her head into my chest. With a sigh, I got up and the dogs bounced off the bed. Getty took the dogs out for a walk while I cooked breakfast. We sat outside and drank the piping hot coffee and ate scrambled eggs that had tons of crab in it. No sense in starving at the trials.

We were greeted by a sea of new arrival; folks who had pulled in the middle of the night to folks driving in. A couple of rigs meet the ruts and the ruts won. The amount of trailers had double from the day before.

I had a nice view of the Open field or at least most of it. The handler is at a top of a small hill and the sheep are set halfway a dip. To the away side, there is a fence and brown grass that jutted into the field so it looks like a come ye field. The comebye could possibly suck dogs in to come up underneath the sheep or even with them. The Nursery field was on the other side of the road as your drove and it looked to be about 350-400 yards. It is a nice field.

Getty made his escape to go disc golfing and I wandered over to Jeanne B trailer and we went to the Handler’s Tent. Suki and Claire B were there stuffing the handler bag and soon we were too. It went quick with many hands. Geri was running about tidying up the loose ends and Lora was efficient in checking in with the volunteer crew. The fence guys made short work of putting up the fence and quickly everything came together. The other work crews were putting up finishing touches and it was coming together well.

I went to the practice field with Scott, Louanne and Lisa. We did our time on the sheep and Derek was busy making sure all the folks got their sheep time. I really appreciate Geri for allowing us this time on the sheep.

Later in the afternoon, Bob Dias and I wandered to the Handler’s Tent and got our good bag. We noticed quite a few handlers at the post area and realized a run was going on. The last minute fine tuning to make sure the course was proper. Claire and Lora ran their dogs. The sheep are coop crosses (I think) and although light, were workable. Push too hard and they turned so you had to be proper with them. They could be light also.

There were a lot of handlers and now I forgot who all was there but I remember Hub and Allyson, Tim Ballard, Scott Glen, Kathy Kelliwic who has Russell and is from Il and just a nice person (sp?), Noelle Williams, Brian Nelson, Lee Lumb, Alasdair, Lana, Francis, Bob Hickman, Dennis and Jean Gellings and a whole lot that I could remember or know.

The handler’s meeting is at 7:30 a.m. and first dog on deck is 8 and they will run 38 dogs. I am at number 11 slot with Roo and we hope we do well.

I’ll post tomorrow and will take pixs…..