It was said that this was one of the coolest weeks that we have had in August for many years and at the dreaded 4.30am start; it did seem a little chilly. But, as we gathered at Garrett’s pipeline, which is next to Ben and Gail Cahill’s home, the sunrise was magnificent.
We had a great turnout of 23 riders in the field and with Masters Joanne and Brendan, our Huntsman Steve, and Whips, Lauren, Ralph, Lisa and Richard that made a whopping 30 of us. We set off and Steve cast the mixed 15 ½ couple of hounds, which included three puppies, Sportsman, Spanner and Speaker into the corn of Mr. Visceglias’ land (formally known as Greeks). They quickly picked up a scent and chased a fox into Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe’s ditch.
The field seemed to enjoy a handy cater this way and that, and yes this way and that, and did I say this way and that? But we found Steve and the hounds and looped around again, and again and again!
Then we moved off across to the edge of Greg Manners Terracelands Farm. This farm has been in Greg’s family for generations. I have a map of the Valley dated 1857 and the Manners family were certainly farming then. The farm is called Terracelands because the land was originally laid out into terraces for irrigation purposes and is unique in the area. Anyway…our hounds picked up another fox and chased it all the way to the edge of the former Peacocks’ store, where our Huntsman viewed Charlie Fox and hounds chased it all the way back to Terracelands!
In the meantime the sky had turned grey and started to spit with rain, and we ran up and down and round and round Greg’s corn fields! Footing was made much easier by the precision mowing courtesy of our Huntsman. Then the rain came and we lost the second flight, who apparently were smart enough (well done Brian) to calmly walk up to the highest point so they could observe fox, then hounds, then field dashing around in the corn field below them!
The rain came down- we all got wet, and like a dork I had leather reins that slipped like satin through my hands! After one more dash, Charlie Fox was spotted by Ralph crossing Wertsville Rd, no doubt sniggering. We headed for home. This nicely coincided with the sun making an appearance, ready to warm us up as we feasted on breakfast prepared by Barbara and Dan. The chocolate torte was to die for.
So two hours out and I’m pleased to say Rain didn’t stop play!
Cheryl B
We had a great turnout of 23 riders in the field and with Masters Joanne and Brendan, our Huntsman Steve, and Whips, Lauren, Ralph, Lisa and Richard that made a whopping 30 of us. We set off and Steve cast the mixed 15 ½ couple of hounds, which included three puppies, Sportsman, Spanner and Speaker into the corn of Mr. Visceglias’ land (formally known as Greeks). They quickly picked up a scent and chased a fox into Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe’s ditch.
The field seemed to enjoy a handy cater this way and that, and yes this way and that, and did I say this way and that? But we found Steve and the hounds and looped around again, and again and again!
Then we moved off across to the edge of Greg Manners Terracelands Farm. This farm has been in Greg’s family for generations. I have a map of the Valley dated 1857 and the Manners family were certainly farming then. The farm is called Terracelands because the land was originally laid out into terraces for irrigation purposes and is unique in the area. Anyway…our hounds picked up another fox and chased it all the way to the edge of the former Peacocks’ store, where our Huntsman viewed Charlie Fox and hounds chased it all the way back to Terracelands!
In the meantime the sky had turned grey and started to spit with rain, and we ran up and down and round and round Greg’s corn fields! Footing was made much easier by the precision mowing courtesy of our Huntsman. Then the rain came and we lost the second flight, who apparently were smart enough (well done Brian) to calmly walk up to the highest point so they could observe fox, then hounds, then field dashing around in the corn field below them!
The rain came down- we all got wet, and like a dork I had leather reins that slipped like satin through my hands! After one more dash, Charlie Fox was spotted by Ralph crossing Wertsville Rd, no doubt sniggering. We headed for home. This nicely coincided with the sun making an appearance, ready to warm us up as we feasted on breakfast prepared by Barbara and Dan. The chocolate torte was to die for.
So two hours out and I’m pleased to say Rain didn’t stop play!
Cheryl B
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