THANKS, SOUTHERN FLIGHT

[Mark Evans]

Many thanks to Glenn, Travis, and all of the SF members who made the 50th Grand one to remember. When I got home yesterday, I thought of how tired I was and immediately said to myself, "Not as tired as the SF guys!!!!" As I stated in a post prior to the Grand, I knew it would be a well run Grand and it was. Thanks, again, for all of the effort yall put forth so guys and gals could come and compete in the "Super Bowl of Hunt Tests."

I thought that the tests were judged very fairly. The one difference of opinion I would have is that I thought the two water tests should have been stopped sooner when the sun was going down- or at least put on hold until the sun was not in the handler's and dog's eyes. Fortunately, I was not one of the people affected by it. As always at the Grand, when you run has a big bearing on how tough your test is. The tests change as the day progresses and there is nothing that can be done about that. Most of the tests run from daylight to dark for the first two days. Sometimes you're better off running early, sometimes late, sometimes in the middle of the day. You never know until the day progresses. That's part of running the Grand. You have to go with what you get. Sometimes you're lucky and sometimes you're unlucky. I don't know any way it could be done better. You can't stop the clock. I ran early in our flight. The first day, the second mark came out of a big shadow and Elvis didn't see it. I had to handle on that mark. I was unlucky on Saturday. The second series was the Avery water test. I ran early again, and had very little wind. He did well and we advanced to the third. Later in the day, the winds picked up to 15-25 mph. Made the test a lot harder. I was lucky on Sunday. It usually offsets itself.


As president of the Amite River HRC, I'd like to brag a little on our club. We had six members pass the Grand. Chuck McCall passed four and the other five passed one each for a total of 9 (of 32 entered) of the 57 that passed. Just thought I'd brag a little. Thanks, again.

[chance]

What an adventure! Putting on a Grand consumes a tremendous amount of time long beofre the first dog comes to the line. I gotta hand it to Marinda, the banquet was without equal. I cannot take any credit for it, other than getting lucky when I found her.
Getting to visit with all of the folks I may not see but once or twice a year made it all the work worthwhile. We may try to do it again sometime.

[goosebruce]

Mark, it was the second biggest honor in my life. Right behind getting my HONARARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP thursday night! We wanted to show how much we loved hrc, the Grand, and all of our extended family by hosting the best event we could. We did that and I'm so pleased with everyones reception of our effort, and I can speak enough for my family that busted their tails for all of us. travis

[Sue]

Out standing job!
Thanks for all of the hard work.
Had a GREAT TIME!
Sue