We had watched the weather report religiously all week, which up until the Sunday of the Picnic had been rather dismal. Of course this created much behind the scenes debate – should we cancel or not? But with the Pig Roast, Chairs and Tables and everything else paid for and no hope of a refund, we pressed on hoping against hope the Hurricane Hermione would head out to sea.
Saturday saw hunting from the Nance’s Farm and Master Cindy led the first flight of nine of us, and Master Stephen the second flight of eight. Mr. Farrin had 18 ½ couple of hounds that guided by our Whips Masters Joanne and Brian, Lisa and her ladies (Robin and Tina) worked for three and half hours to catch some scent. However, the weather was really strange, with an eerie stillness, and apart from one hawk even the usual songbirds that tend to fly along the hedgerows with us were absent. It felt like the prelude to a mighty storm. The only real sound came from various members of the First Flights excitement when jumping several of the new and very inviting jumps on Cindy’s Farm. It is rumored that second flight did see a fox leaping out of the corn running towards Back Brook as the hounds worked the corn by Barbara Hays farm.
We returned to the Meet and had a very tasty breakfast supplied by Master Joanne and Erica, and after munching those that were out helped put up the tents, laid out the chairs ready for the picnic. At that point while my 2 weather aps said clear skies, the men tied down tents as though their lives depended on it.
Sunday- The Picnic. Waking to clear skies, light winds and sun seemed incredible especially when Gov. Christie had declared the State of NJ under a National Emergency. I always knew the Amwell Valley was an enclave of paradise, and what further proof does one need?
The tents had stayed up, food arrived, the Band strummed their first numbers, the Trap Shoot Team were practicing, Karen Sergeant checked the microphone for the Bingo and Master Cindy had groomed her garden area with mulch, flowers and blades of grass standing to attention! By 2pm we were ready for our landowners to arrive. Gradually they came, about 150 guests, including nearly all of our Major Landowners, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Manners, the Du Fosse family, and many others whose land we touch upon on our way.
This year the honor of the Dessert Judging had been passed to our newest Masters, Cindy and Brian, who clearly enjoyed the tasting.
Saturday saw hunting from the Nance’s Farm and Master Cindy led the first flight of nine of us, and Master Stephen the second flight of eight. Mr. Farrin had 18 ½ couple of hounds that guided by our Whips Masters Joanne and Brian, Lisa and her ladies (Robin and Tina) worked for three and half hours to catch some scent. However, the weather was really strange, with an eerie stillness, and apart from one hawk even the usual songbirds that tend to fly along the hedgerows with us were absent. It felt like the prelude to a mighty storm. The only real sound came from various members of the First Flights excitement when jumping several of the new and very inviting jumps on Cindy’s Farm. It is rumored that second flight did see a fox leaping out of the corn running towards Back Brook as the hounds worked the corn by Barbara Hays farm.
We returned to the Meet and had a very tasty breakfast supplied by Master Joanne and Erica, and after munching those that were out helped put up the tents, laid out the chairs ready for the picnic. At that point while my 2 weather aps said clear skies, the men tied down tents as though their lives depended on it.
Sunday- The Picnic. Waking to clear skies, light winds and sun seemed incredible especially when Gov. Christie had declared the State of NJ under a National Emergency. I always knew the Amwell Valley was an enclave of paradise, and what further proof does one need?
The tents had stayed up, food arrived, the Band strummed their first numbers, the Trap Shoot Team were practicing, Karen Sergeant checked the microphone for the Bingo and Master Cindy had groomed her garden area with mulch, flowers and blades of grass standing to attention! By 2pm we were ready for our landowners to arrive. Gradually they came, about 150 guests, including nearly all of our Major Landowners, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Manners, the Du Fosse family, and many others whose land we touch upon on our way.
This year the honor of the Dessert Judging had been passed to our newest Masters, Cindy and Brian, who clearly enjoyed the tasting.
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