Sonoma SDT: Day Two

The rain just kept it up most of yesterday at the trial. Just as things were winding down, the sun came out. Drat.

The giant tree that fell at the ranch gate, across the Calistoga road was efficiently carved up by a pair of clever lumber jacks, one of whom was Rick Malouf, the other’s name evades me. They dropped big limbs around, not on the mailbox, and spared all kinds of trouble to the immediate environment with they way they took apart the tree. Hands waiting to get into the trial site pitched in and helped clear the site of brush. We started a couple of hours late as a result.

The running didn’t change all that much. Muck accrued at the mouth of the pen, making it just a hair more difficult than it was early on Saturday. There continued to be water water everywhere, only more of it. Who other than diehards, would spectate in this weather. As a result. the well stocked raffles at the trial didn’t have so many takers and those that did get tickets were nearly sure to get loot. Little Reagan Thayer aged nine or ten, Joy’s daughter, won the admirable sheep and dogs quilt, done by Jack Mathieson’s wife.

I had a good run with Roz on the flat field, but Clive made everyone happy (except me) when his sheep missed the drive away panel, in an otherwise very good go. “Nice run. Too bad about the panel.” Derek Fisher, showed not quite enough mercy, blowing a shed attempt: we tied for high points and he won on outwork. He’s cute.

We had another great night at the Milberg’s house with lots of warm hearted talk, love all around, accompanied by good food. We made our break for the city and an early airport day with visions of dogs doing things brilliant and hopeless. Sonoma remains one of my favourite trials of the year.