Spring Assessment Weekend

It has been beautiful weather here in Wales for the SARDA Wales assessment weekend. Congratulations are due to Sue and Nellie (Trailing), Rich & Celyn (Air Scenting) and Gareth and Max (Air Scenting) who all passed their assessments. Sue and Nellie join the call out list for the first time which is very exciting whilst the others successfully regraded their dogs which is great news. As usual many thanks to all of the bodies for their help, to all of those who helped organise the weekend and to Neal for the catering. As you can see from the photo we have all worn him out!

Scottish Winter Skills 2011 - a bodies perspective

The snow has turned to ice and is quite shallow; I can't make more than a coffin like scrape, covered with blocks of snow.
Corrie an t Snechda is a sun trap today, but I'm climbing into my little fridge. Helen puts on the final block and shuts the door (the light goes out by the way)

It's actually quite cosy in the blue white light and I can contemplate life.

Scuff, scuff, scrabble, a dog arrives and the digging begins. A small hole appears in the roof and I'm showered in snow. We play a game (my hand out of the hole, rather limits my involvement with throwing the ball!)
The hole is closed and I'm snug again...... and damp. Ah, a shower of snow has melted on me and my mat so I've a wet bum. (Note to self: a proper hole with a door in front and not above is better)

Still, one dog in half an hour; four dogs; two hours, uncomfortable but ok
Second dog in; repeat of snow shower, wetter bottom. Hmmm.
Message on radio that next dog is doing another area so it'll be delayed. oh goody - gives me more time to resolve the answer to life, universe, everything.
Anyway, cold baths are invigorating.
Third dog arrives, closely followed by Chris and Bob. "Right, you can bugger off" The novice dogs were now to use the area. Shame, I'll have to get out of my hole. Can I apologise now to the Mountain dog group - I wasn't turning my back on you to be rude, I was sunning my arse.