<<Back

2008 NARC Stake Info

Date: June 15-21, 2008
Entry Fee: $250
Location: Private land around Stowe and Morrisville, Vermont
Judges: Dr. Bruce Ahlers, Roger Fangsrud, and Steven Kompf 

Entries Close: Monday, June 9, 2008 at 11:00 am CT.
   Fred Kampo
   Field Trial Secretary - Nat'l Amateur RC
   Two Neenah Center, Ste 102
   Neenah, WI 54956
   Office - 920-725-8484, Cell - 920-378-5396

Event Callbacks

Field Trial Committee: Duncan Christie, Chairman, Don Driggers, Ron Ainley, Suzanne King, Brad Clow, Fred Kampo.
Marshals: Pat Martin, Butler, PA; Mitchell Brown, Boston, GA; Phyllis McGinn, Oxford, MD.
Hostess: Priscilla Johnson, Nottingham, NH
Guns: Bruce Doing, West Halifax, VT; Richard Smith, Delancy, NY
Traffic: Ginny Sislane, Rockport, MA; Mike Coutu, Harrisville, RI
Grounds: Bruce Butler, Johnson, VT; Mark Isenberg, Brownsville, VT
Game Stewards: Charlie Hayden, Davidsonville, MD; Bill McCourt, Waterford, CT
Bird Throwers: Alan Pleasant, Angier, NC; Hugh Arthur, Lincolnton, GA
Merchandise: Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
Special Committee: Betsy Bernhard, Katharine Simonds
Photographer: Roger Byrd
Announcer: Luther Davis
Qualifications: Nicole Hahn, Retriever Field Trial News

Official Veterinarians: Sally Ann Earl-Costello, D.V.M. and Wendy Shepard Chisholm, V.M.D.

Scratch Policy: Entry fees for scratches will be refunded in full for a bitch in season prior to and during the running of the trial, appropriate veterinarian certificate for sick or injured dog, or extenuating circumstances approved by the field trial committee.

Accommodations (Rate apply 6/8 - 6/23)
   *PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST HOTELS IN THE AREA ARE 100% SMOKE FREE

Headquarters:
Town & Country Resort @ Stowe
876 Mountain Road
Stowe VT 05672
(800) 323-0311
$77 single or double (ask for NARC special rate)
*Dogs OK, but declare them

Commodores Inn
823 South Main Street
PO Box 970
Stowe VT 05672
(800) 447-8693
$68 single, $88 double (ask for the NARC rate)
*Dogs $10 per stay and you need to declare them

Stowe Motel & Snowdrift
2043 Mountain Road
Stowe VT 05672
(800) 829-7629
$63 - $80 double, depending on room type + pet charge
Some larger units available
*Dogs OK in most rooms, but declare them

Farm Resort
Route 100 & Laporte Road
Morrisville VT 05661
(866) 888-5810
$59 per room
*Dogs OK in room

Campgrounds:
Gold Brook Campground
Route 100
Morrisville VT 05672
(802) 253-7683

Mountain View Campground
Route 15
Morrisville VT 05611
(802) 888-2178

Duxbury Campground
Route 100
Waterbury VT
(802) 244-7546
*Approximately 15 miles south of Stowe

Food: A food truck from Green Mountain Catering will be on the grounds daily.

Training: While training areas are expected to be available within 1 hour of Stowe, most land areas are hayfields and their availability will be subject to spring weather. Most water training areas in the area will require boats. Updates on training grounds will be posted on Working-Retriever Central in late May.

Training Birds: Ducks and Pheasants will be available from:

Jim Olmstead, Foggy Ridge Game Farm, 213 Highland Road, Warren, ME 04864 (207) 273-2357 Email: [email protected]

Price: Ducks: $10.75. Pheasants $12.75 for both hens and roosters. Prices are subject to adjustment and do not include delivery.

Birds should be ordered ASAP and may not be available after May 15th. Late qualifiers call ASAP to order. A deposit will be required with your order and birds not picked up will result in a forfeiture of the deposit.

Training birds can be purchased from Larry Buettner, 605-929-6400. Larry will be arriving in the Stowe, Vermont area on Wednesday, June 11th.

A limited number of birds will be available starting Tuesday, June 10th. Contact Don Driggers 732-239-9744 or Charlie Hayden 443-534-4633.

Transportation: Burlington, VT airport is approximately 1 hour drive from Stowe. Boston, MA and Albany, NY are approximately 4 hours drive from Stowe.

Airlines: Burlington Airport is serviced by Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, US Air and Jet Blue. Albany Airport is serviced by Delta, Northwest, Southwest, United and US Air. Most major airlines service Boston.

Rental Cars: All major rental car companies service all three airports.

Tourist Information: Stowe Area Association, PO Box 1320, Stowe, VT 05672, (877) 467-8693.

Agenda:

Saturday, June 14, 2008
   9:00 A.M. Officers meeting at Town & Country
   11:00 A.M. Field Trial Committee meeting at Town & Country
   Retriever Advisory Committee meeting at Town & Country
   3:00 P.M. NARC Annual Meeting at Town & Country
   4:00 P.M. Committee Chairpersons and Members meeting at Town & Country
   6:30 P.M. Cocktail Party in the Mansfield Room, Stowe Mountain Resort.
​                   Directions will be available at the Town & Country.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 
   Double Headers Club Dinner at the home of Martha and John Russell. 7:00 pm. Reservations should be made with Don Wolf before May 30, 2008, 5114 Sherven Dr., Madison, WI 53716, [email protected] (608) 222-4745.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
   Workers Party at the Town & Country.

2008 NARC QUalifiers

<<Back

1. '07 NAFC-FC GOOD IDEA’S WHOA NELLIE, LF, Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
2. FC-AFC HIWOOD JAGUAR, MH, LM, Roy and Jo McFall, Anchorage, AK
3. AFC OAKDALE WHITEWATER DEVIL DOG, LF, Howard Neimi, Anchorage, AK
4. FC-AFC JOLIE CATIN, LF, Lee and Rose Jolley, Lafayette, LA
5. FC-AFC CHIPPEWA WILSON, LM, Barbara Furlano, Las Vegas, NV
6. NFC-AFC DEWEY’S DRAKE OF MOON RIVER, LM, Gary McIlwain and Lowell Schwab, Bovey, MN
7. FC-AFC MMR’S GYPSY LEATHER, LM, Mel Milton and Patti Kiernan, Tacoma, WA
8. FC-AFC TRUMARC’S STORMIN NORMAN II, LM, Mark Rosenblum, Dallas, TX
9. FC-AFC WINDIGOS KALAMITY KATE, LF, Marvin and Pat Baumer, Bargersville, IN
10. AFC NEBO’S GRANDMA RUBY, LF, Alfred and Susan Wilson, Logandale, NV
11. CUDA’S NEGRA MODELO, LF, Charles Tyson, Davis, CA
12. AFC ARAN ISLANDS DOUGAN, LM, Patrick Martin, Butler, PA
13. FC-AFC WEEZER RETREEZER, LM, Robert Johnson, DeForest, WI
14. AFC FAT CITY PACER, LM, DeWitt Boice, Boulder, CO
15. FREERIDIN MASERATI, LM, Ted Shih, Golden, CO
16. FC-AFC WOLF CREEK CR SKEETER, LM, Robby Bickley, North Richland Hills, TX
17. FC-AFC LONGSHOT BLACK TALON, LF, Robert Willow and Paul Moccairo, Watha, NC
18. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC TNT’S STANLEY STEAMER, MH, GM, Janice and John Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
19. TRUCKEE’S RUBISCO, LF, John Unbenhaun, LaCrosse, WI
20. FC HURRICANE BREEZE, LF, Roger and Donna Fangsrud, Missoula, MT
21. FC-AFC VOLWOOD’S PEACHES AND CREAM, LF, Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
22. AFC FARGO N. DAKOTA, LM, Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
23. FC-AFC WATUAGA’S BULL GATOR, LM, Stephen and Gale O’Connell, Tallahassee, FL
24. FC-AFC CAROLINA’S ELECTRIK GYPSY, LF, Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
25. FC-AFC VOIGTS DYNA-MAXX, LF, JM and LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
26. FC-AFC-CNFC-CAFC TNT’S MR PEABODY PRAIRIEMARSH, LM, John and Janice Gunn, Abbotsford, BC
27. FC-AFC NICK OF TIME WILD WIND DUSTY, LM, Charlie Hines, Hinsdale, IL
28. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC JUSTIN TIME ZOE’S NINE-ONE-ONE, LF, Jerry and Barb Younglove, Metamora, MI
29. FC THE TIDE RIDE, LF, Randy Whittaker, Petersburg, MI
30. FC-AFC TRUMARC’S L’IL MS POGO, LF, John and Martha Russell, South Hampton, NH
31. FC-AFC TIGER’S GOODNESS GRACIOUS, LF, Steve and Jan Helgoth and Joel Harris, Anderson, TX
32. AFC TRUMARC’S LINDSEY, LF, Andrea Meisse, Rocky Point, NC
33. FC-AFC BAYOU BAYS BODAGO, LM, Wendell Williams, Dickinson, TX
34. FC-AFC WORLD FAMOUS TELLIPATH, LF, Ryan Gelardi and Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
35. FC-AFC NICK OF TIME LONE RANGER, LM, Charlie Hines, Hinsdale, IL
36. FC-AFC VOLWOOD’S ANGEL, LF, Jack and Florence Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
37. FC-AFC TAYLORLAB DOWNTOWN DUSTY BROWN, LM, Fred Brown and Dan Heard, Overland Park, KS
38. FC-AFC IT’S ALL OVER NOW BABY BLUE, LM, Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
39. FC-AFC SANDMAN’S TICKET, LF, Larry and Linda Ann Bozeman, Haughton, LA
40. AFC ALPHA MINNIE PEARL, LF, Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
41. FC-AFC CROPPER’S HIT & RUN, LM, Newt Cropper, Ocean City, MD
42. AFC FLATLAND FANNIE BRICE, CF, Lorraine Sarek, Cook, MN
43. FC-AFC EVA-ETHYL PROBY-WEBER, LF, Alanson Brown III, Banks, AL
44. FC-AFC MINARE RISQUE OF BUCKSHOT, LF, Brad and Sonya Bowyer, LaGrange, GA
45. FC-AFC BARTON CREEK’S O MUSTAD, LM, Mike Haring and Loren Morehouse, Katy, TX
46. NFC-AFC CANDLEWOOD’S SOMETHING ROYAL, LF, Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Jupiter, FL
47. FC-AFC PIN OAKS TEXAS REX, LM, Scott and Alice Carruth, Ravenna, TX
48. FC-AFC ESPRIT’S POWER PLAY, LM, Martha and John Russell, South Hampton, NH
49. AFC TEXANNA YELLOW GOLD, MH, LF, Kenneth and Peggy Robbins, The Colony, TX
50. PREMIERS IRON MAN OZZY, LM, Kip Kemp, Pontotoc, MS
51. FC-AFC CANDLEWOODS RUFFIAN, LF, Joan Fine, Millwood, VA
52. FC-AFC GREAT BUNNS OF FIRE, LF, JM and LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
53. AFC IRON LINES HONCHA, LF, Linda and Arnie Erwin, El Cajon, CA
54. FC-AFC THE JULIA HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, LF, Gary and Mary Ahlgren, Winters, CA
55. FC-AFC WOOD RIVER’S AIR APPARENT, LM, Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
56. FC-AFC NEBO’S ONYX TORNADO, LM, Al Wilson, Logandale, NV
57. FC-AFC MIZPAH MISS, LF, Kathy Berdan, Ft Collins, CO
58. RSC’S SUSIE OF FOX HOLLOW, LF, Stan Chiras, Waynesboro, TN
59. AFC CANDLEWOOD JUSTIN TIME XINGA, LF, Judith Pond, Elk Grove, CA
60. FC-AFC BADGER STATE RAM KICKER, LM, Judy and Jim Powers, Sheboygan, WI
61. FC-AFC PURE LABS SKYS THE LIMIT, LM, Peter and Donna Goodale, Eugene, OR
62. AFC VAN GOGH IV, LM, Pat Kenny, Rockport, TX
63. AFC GRAY’S CREEK SKEETER BOO, LF, Jerald and Deb Wilks, Purcellville, VA
64. FC-AFC BUCKSHOT’S 2ND CHANCE CODITTELYDO, LM, Carl Ruffalo, Rochester, MN
65. FC-AFC HANNA’S EYE OF THE TIGER, LF, C. White and J. and B. Pampy, N. Las Vegas, NV
66. VOLWOOD’S BIG OL’ REX, LM, Jack Vollstedt, Junction City, OR
67. FC-AFC RUBIE BEGONIA, LF, Barton Clark, Harrington, DE
68. AFC HAWKEYE’S COAST GUARD, LM, Jeff Talley, Tallahassee, FL
69. FC-AFC INHERIT THE RIVER, LM, Janis Olsen and Robert Reuter, Truckee, CA
70. FC-AFC LAND AHOY, LM, Gary Zellner, Scio, OR
71. AFC SUPER HIGH FLYER, LM, Kimberly Johnston, Puyallup, WA
72. AFC HARDSCRABBLE’S STORM WARNING, LM, Margaret and Mitch Brown, Boston, GA
73. AFC BRINKS BARRACUDA BINGO, LM, Steve Ferguson, Emporia, VA
74. AFC CANDLEWOODS BROTHER AARON, LM, C and B Cleveland, Fountain Inn, SC
75. FC-AFC SHOOTER’S SUGAR COOKIE, LF, Joan Conover and Nick Elam Jr, Powhatan, VA
76. WILD CHASE FOR BLUE, LM, Tommy Parrish, Clinton, SC
77. FC-AFC MARSH PRAIRIE QUICK PICK, LM, Joe and Tal Broyles, Baton Rouge, LA
78. FC-AFC CREEK ROBBER, LM, Ken Jackson, Duvall, WA
79. FC-AFC EMBERAIN BEAU GESTE, GM, Judy Rasmuson and Ron Wallace, Madison, FL
80. FC-AFC TANGATA MANU, LM, Bradley and Diane Clow, Casper, WY
81. POPLAR FOREST RAIN ON YA, LF, Van Qualls, Seguin, TX
82. SALTY PAWS MS BEHAVIN, LF, Roy Morejon, Freeport, ME
83. FC-AFC GIMME FIVE MORE, LF, JM and LK DuBose, Hillsborough, NC
84. FC-AFC SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY, LM, Gary Unger and Elizabeth Dixon, Newport, NC
85. AFC WATERDOGS MORNINGSTAR, LF, John Stracka, Verona, WI
86. T-STREET TESS, LF, John and Julia Skibber, Katy, TX
87. FC-AFC AKSARBEN’S BLACK SMOKE, Jim Carlisle, Ames, IA
88. FC-AFC LIL MAC’S BLACK RIVER RABBIT, MH, LF, Milly Welsh and Charles Hayden, Davidsonville, MD
89. FC-AFC CAROLINA’S SMOKE ON THE WATER, LF, Clint and Kay Joyner, Smithfield, NC
90. FC RED BIRD’S WINSOME BLUE, LF, Michael Kammerer, Montgomery, TX
91. FC-AFC TARTAN PRIME TIME, LM, Barbara and James Howard, Longmont, CO
92. FORD DEUCE COUPE, LF, Jeffery Talley, Tallahassee, FL
93. JUST ADD WATER II, LM, John Thomas, Rocky Point, NC
94. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC MISS T, MH, LF, Leo Plourde, Oakdale, CT
95. CAMINO GO FOR THE PIN, LM, David and Evelyn Hengsteler, Junction City, OR
96. FC-AFC SKYWATCH RODEO, LM, Ray and Lou Vreeland, Conklin, MI
97. FC WESTSHORE GUNNER, LM, Jerald Kamphuis, West Olive, MI
98. FC-AFC WILD WINGS HURRICANE STORM, LM, Jimmie Darnell, Campbell, MO
99. FC-AFC FREERIDIN SMOOTH OPERATOR, LF, Ted Shih, Golden, CO
100. AFC LAKE PARK CODYS ZIPPEROO, LM, Charles Bearden, Wichita Falls, TX
101. TEALCREEK PATTON’S SABER, LM, Chris and Portia Hatch, Butte Valley, CA
102. FC-AFC HIGHTEST BLACK TY AFFAIR, LF, Chris and Portia Hatch, Butte Valley, CA
103. ROCKERIN RED RIVER RUCKUS, GM, Kent and Judi Carter, Arcadia, OK
104. FC-AFC WOOD RIVER’S FRANCHISE, LM, Bill and Gay Fruehling, Ketchum, ID
105. FC KEITH’S REEDY FORK KATE, LF, Nancy Thomas, Mineral, VA
106. FC-AFC REAL SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN, LM, Mark Menzies, Charlotte, NC
107. CAROLINA’S ACOUSTIC STORM, LF, Kay and Clint Joyner, Smithfield, NC
108. AFC MOONSTONES SEA BISCUIT RUN, LM, William and Sarah McKnight, Bigfork, MT
109. AFC MOONSTONE’S HUG AND MOOCHIE, LF, William and Sarah McKnight, Bigfork, MT
110. AFC HARDSCRABBLE BLOWIN IN THE WIND, LM, Duncan and Ellen Christie, Wesport, MA
111. FC-AFC HARDSCRABBLE CARBUNNATION, LF, Judy Rasmuson and Ronald Wallace, Madison, FL
112. FOXHILL'S BUCHANAN, LM, William and Sandi McCourt, Waterford, CT
113. SASSEVILLE GETUM MOLLY, LF, Richard Dallesasse, Mayville, WI
114. LANDOVERS MS. MOUSE, LF, Susan and Irwin Purtell, West Bend, WI
115. FC-AFC CODY CUT A LEAN GRADE, LM, Chad Baker, Piney Flats, TN
116. FC-AFC PINEACRES EBONSTAR CHINA DOLL, LF, Jimmy Darnell, Campbell, MO
117. FC-AFC WINDY CITY'S SECRET SIGNAL, LF, Charlie Hines, Hinsdale, IL
118. RIPARIAN WINDSONG, LF, Cliff and Jeanne Garland, Defiance, MO
119. AFC SURESHOT'S LITTLE PARTY GIRL, LF, Amy Hunt, Colorado Springs, CO
120. FC-AFC JOEY'S ZOOM ZOOM, LM, James Carlisle, Warrensburg, MO
121. AFC TWO STEPS COUNTRY LEGEND, LM, Pete Hayes, Colfax, WI
122. FC-AFC WORTH IT'S PT CRUISER, LM, Vicki Worthington, Homer Glen, IL
123. AFC TOPBRASS BAND ON THE RUN, GM, Judy Rasmusson and Ron Wallace, Madison,FL
124. FC-AFC FREERIDIN VAMPIRE SLAYER, LF, Ted Shih, Golden, CO
125. FC-AFC PERPETUAL DIZZY DAISY, LF, Dave Winters, Golden, CO
126. BROAD REACH DEVIL MADE ME DO IT, LF, Jeff Telander and Allen Voshell, Durham, NC
127. CAFC RUNNIN'S MOLLY B, LF, Mickey Rawlins and Brian Clasby, Lost Hills, CA
128. DC-AFC GENNY'S YAKITY YAK DON'T TALK BACK, CF, Tom Ivey and Linda Harger, Meridian, ID
129. AFC-CAFC WATERBORN'S SUPER JOCK, LM, Don Simpson and Keith Cantillon, Newport Beach, CA
130. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC SALLY'S SOUTH PAW, LM, Jim Dorobek, Fremont, OH
131. AFC CACHE LA POUDRE OSMERUS, LM, John Goettl, Ft. Collins, CO
132. FC-AFC CITORI'S ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE, LF, Michael and Lynn Moore, Carmel, CA
133. AFC-CFC-CAFC JAZZTIME LAST CHANCE V PEKISKO, LM, Larry and Anna Calvert, Charlo, MT
134. FC MR. T'S MAXUS OF OZ, LM, Joseph and Suzanne Tonko, Tower, MN
135. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC MISSION MOUNTAIN NINJA, LM, Armand Fangsrud, Missoula, MT
136. FLYWAY'S RUBY BGONIA, LF, Helen and Don Graves, Lake Almanor, CA
137. AFC TRUMARC'S WHISTLING BIRD, LF, Charles and Yvonne Hays, Princeton, MN
138. AFC DOUBLE CREEK KING'S COUSIN, LM, Pat and Carl Boteze, Edmeston, NY
139. FC-AFC EBONSTAR GOTTA ZOOM, LM, WG and Burke Earley, Louisville, KY
140. BAYOU TECHE MIAH, LF, Stephen Ritter, New Iberia, LA
141. FC-AFC CROW RIVER COUGAR'S MAD MAX, LM, Roger Weller, Belgrade, MN
142. FC-AFC HUNTER'S EDGE WILLY BREAK, LM, Roy Redifer, Anchorage, AK
143. FC-AFC FISHHOOK MOLLY, LF, Eloy Garcia, Jr., Wasilla, AK
144. AFC H.E. VITA SACKVILLE-WEST, LF, Nancy Sydnam, Anchorage, AK
145. WHITEWATER PLOURDES MS, LF, Howard Niemi, Anchorage, AK
146. CANDLEWOODS POWER SURGE, LM, Linda and Larry Wharton, Hamilton, VA
147. FC-AFC REMINGTON'S DUK DAWG, LF, Linda Johnson, Joliet, MT
148. CAFC ADAMS ACRES MUDDY CREEK, LM, Barbara and Jerry Younglove, Metamora, MI
149. FC-AFC NABS LITTLE BLUE CHIEF, LF, Terry Rotschafer and Marci Nabity, Omaha, NE
150. FC-AFC DRAKES BAY KATE’S CHOICE, LF, Richard Wilke, Amherst Junction, WI
151. FC-AFC GREENWING BRIGHT EYES, LF, Craig Stonesifer, DVM, Dover, DE
152. FC-AFC MEBA’S MISCHIEF, LF, Robert Hanssen and Terry Rotschafer, Webster Groves, MO
153. BOBBY MAGEE, LM, John and Diane Poer, Yacolt, WA
154. AFC WHAM BAM'S JUST A LITTLE BIT, LF, Amy Hunt, Colorado Springs, CO
155. FC JAZZTIME HANGING CHAD, LM, SD Bechtel, San Francisco, CA

2008 NARC Winner & Finalists

<<Back

And the Winner is...
112. AFC Hawkeye's Coast Guard, LM,
Owner/Handler Jeff Talley

---

The Finalists:

17. FC-AFC Crow Rivers Cougar's Mad Max, LM, Owner Roger Weller, Handler Jessie Kent

18. FC-AFC Watuaga's Bull Gator, LM, Owners Stephen and Gale O'Connell, Handler Steve

25. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Sally's South Paw, LM, Owner/Handler Jim Dorobek

45. FC-AFC Weezer Retreezer, LM, Owner/Handler Bob Johnson

50. Ford Deuce Coupe, LF, Owner/Handler Jeff Talley

51. FC-AFC Joey's Zoom Zoom, LM, Owner/Handler Jim Carlisle

53. FC-AFC Badger State Ram Kicker, LM, Owners Jim and Judy Powers, Handler Judy

55. FC-AFC Trumarc's L'il Ms Pogo, LF, Owners John and Martha Russell, Handler Martha
​
66. '07 NFC-AFC Candlewoods Something Royal, LF, Owners Ken Neil and Brenda Little, Handler Ken

70. FC-AFC Candlewood's Ruffian, LF, Owner/Handler Joan Fine

76. FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Miss T, MH, LF, Owner/Handler Leo Plourde

82. FC-AFC Land Ahoy, LM, Owner/Handler Gary Zellner

83. FC-AFC Great Bunns of Fire, LF, Owners JM and LK DuBose, Handler Lynne

103. FC-AFC Taylorlab Downtown Dusty Brown, LM, Owners Fred Brown and Dan Heard, Handler Fred

114. FC The Tide Ride, LF, Owner/Handler Randy Whittaker

---

Check out our new NARC Blog, with frequent updates from Vickie Lamb!

For a complete report of the 2008 National Amateur Championship, subscribe to The Retriever News, [email protected]

Saturday, June 21, 2008

<<Back

9:00 am

2008 NARC 9th Series: To Be or Not To Be (handled, that is!)

Here are some stats on our 9th series retriever teams....especially since our reports from the line may be severely curtailed due to little or no signal.

Of the 21 teams, 10 are clean (no handles). They are:
#25 Jim & Lefty
#45 Bob & Weezer
#51 Jim & Zoom
#66 Ken & Windy
#70 Joan & Ruffie
#73 Mark & Norman
#76 Leo & Miss T
#103 Fred & Dusty
#112 Jeff & Cutter
#114 Randy & Tide

Eleven teams have handled once in this trial. A 'double handle' (two handles in the same marking series OR two handles over the entire competition) will get you headed back to your car withOUT collecting $100.

Handled in the 1st series: #48 Pete & Zeus
Handled in the 4th: #s 41 Jeff & Sinner, #50 Jeff & Deuce, and #55 Martha & Pogo
Handled in the 5th: #s 18 Steve & Bull, #53 Judy & Kicker, #83 Lynne & Jerry Lee, #89 Charlie & Ranger, and #100 Bob & Cutter
Handled in the 8th: #17 Jessie & Max

What else....
There are 16 male and 5 female handlers, 13 male and 8 female dogs. The Youngest dog is # 83 Jerry Lee (10/03). The Oldest dog is #25 Lefty (5/99)

Have fun picking your winner....and check Vickie's page for a possible "blog" on previous National (Am and Open) winners that had handled....

11:00 am Update

9th Series - Land Triple with Honor

The 9th series has come to an end. The test was a land triple with two retired gunners and an honor, located in a sweeping pasture adjacent to highway 12 in Elmore Vermont. Heavy fog lifted as the test was set up.

9th Series

A distant treeline ahead and to the right framed the test consisting of a rooster pheasant flyer straight ahead, thrown left to right and ridden out to land 210 yards from the line. This would be the last bird down and these guns remain standing until their bird is retrieved. To the left of this flyer station, a brushed out blind concealed the dead rooster pheasant station. This bird is a flat throw from left to right towards the backside of the flyer station, at 190 yards, and is the 2nd bird down. The cover in the pasture is short to medium grass and the terrain rolls gently in several directions. The first bird down is thrown from the far treeline on the right side, a dead hen mallard angled back at 60 -70 degrees from right to left, landing a stout 320 yards distant in the grass (not along the treeline). Due to safety precautions with the direction of the flyer, these guns will retire into the trees after their bird lands and the 2nd station is signaled to throw. The order again is long right retired 1st, left retired 2nd, and flyer 3rd. Upon completion of the triple, the dog will honor to the left of the working dog. The sweeping vistas includes a horizontal patch of cover 400 yards distant beyond the right retired guns and the corner of the treeline.

The first test dog team of David and Talla took the mat at 7:45. and completed the test without a handle. The 2nd test dog team of Margo and Ammo took the mat at 7:50 am. Ammo required a quick handle on the left retired to prevent a switch to the flyer station but otherwise did a good job in 4 minutes. The judges decided to wait until the sun came out a bit more so the shadows along the right treeline would not affect the visibility of the already difficult long retired throw.

The first running dog, #48 Zeus and Peter Goodale, took the mat to start the 9th series at 8:32 under clearing skies and faint breeze. Unfortunately, Zeus drove deep of the long retired and had a huge hunt in the back forty, required a handle, which was his second of the competition. He returned with his bird 9 minutes later. The long retired bird of course presented the most heartache for all the contestsants, with many dogs going deep or into the treeline short of the bird. In the 9th, two dogs handled and picked-up. These were dogs 41 and 48.

This series was completed at 10:35 am under SUNNY skies (!!)... with 4 teams handling including one heartbreak handle and pickup on the left retired with #41, and a few with large hunts on the long retired. Tension was mounting to see what the judges would do.

Callbacks were given at this site before the move to the 10th. Sixteen dogs survived the 9th to go on into the 10th. Five were lost, these were #41, 48, 73, 89 and 100. Handlers were quickly moved to the Simonds' property directly adjacent to this pasture, so no move of vehicles was required.

Moving on to the 10th series are:

• #17 FC-AFC Crow Rivers Cougar's Mad Max and Jessie Kent
• #18 FC-AFC Watuaga's Bull Gator and Steve O'Connell
• #25 FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Sally's South Paw and Jim Dorobek
• #45 FC-AFC Weezer Retreezer and Bob Johnson
• #50 Ford Deuce Coupe and Jeff Talley
• #51 FC-AFC Joey's Zoom Zoom and Jim Carlisle
• #53 FC-AFC Badger State Ram Kicker and Judy Powers
• #55 FC-AFC Trumarc's L'il Ms Pogo and Martha Russell
• #66 '07 NFC-AFC Candlewoods Something Royal and Ken Neil
• #70 FC-AFC Candlewood's Ruffian and Joan Fine
• #76 FC-AFC-CFC-CAFC Miss T, MH and Leo Plourde
• #82 FC-AFC Land Ahoy and Gary Zellner
• #83 FC-AFC Great Bunns of Fire and Lynne DuBose
• #103 FC-AFC Taylorlab Downtown Dusty Brown and Fred Brown
• #112 AFC Hawkeye's Coast Guard and Jeff Talley
• #114 FC The Tide Ride and Randy Whittaker

The winner is somewhere in this bunch. 
Good Luck to them All!!!!

4:45 pm Update

10th series - Land-Water Quad with 2 flyers and 3 retired guns

Right after the callbacks from the 9th series, the 10th had already been set up on the adjacent property owned by the Simonds. The judges had obviously saved the best for last, this was a truly beautiful piece of land with a pond in the middle.

A land-water quad was run from atop a hill overlooking the pond below. The pond has short cover around most of the edges with a short, bent finger of land protruding from the left lower corner.

10th Series

Two guns are located on the left side of the water. On the hillside, behind a big grassy mound ahead and to the right of a big stand of trees, a gun station throws a dead hen pheasant from L to R uphill, landing 190 yards distant near a small bush at the end of fallen logs. This will be the 2nd bird down and these guns will retire into the trees.

At the crest of the hill top past this gun station, and a bit to the right, a rooster pheasant flyer station will throw left to right, with the bird landing on the top of the crest, 250 yards distant (as the crow flies). This is the 3rd bird down.

On the rear shoreline of the pond, past the finger of land, the 4th gun station is positioned just to the right and in front of 2 bushes. A big L to R throw puts their dead hen mallard landing nearly in front of the large tree to their right in medium cover on shore at 160 yards. This is the last bird of the quad, and these guns retire behind the bushes.

The first bird down will be a hen pheasant flyer, at 290 yards off to the far right, shot R to L and ridden out incredibly far. The line to this bird will be through the water and out the far corner. These guns and the left hillside retired guns retire when the dog is sent on the 'go' bird.

The order again is right long retired hen pheasant flyer first, left hillside retired dead hen pheasant 2nd, rooster pheasant flyer 3rd, and dead duck shoreline bird 4th.

The sun was shining, as the test dog team of Margo and Ammo took the mat at 11:53 am, with handlers crowding for a view. Ammo nailed the go bird, required a handle on the hilltop rooster flyer when going deep. The hen pheasant flyer proved treacherous, with Ammo going deep and then disappearing in the cover just beyond the fall area. After anxious minutes and many whistles, he was very long and left and did pick up his bird. His run had taken 18 minutes.

Test dog team of Margo and Ammo at the 10th Series

Talla and David were next and required a handle on the go bird when he went deep of the tree. Talla pinned the rooster flyer on the hill, overran the left retired 'hill' bird requiring a handle and handled enroute to the long right retired having faded left exiting the water. Both test dogs teams did a great job of showing the handlers the pitfalls of this series.

After line viewing by the handlers, the first running dog of the 10th, #66 Ken and Windy took the mat. The average running time per dog was 15 minutes

The 10th series came to a close at 4:15 pm under sunny skies when #17, who had a no bird and was rerun at the end, returned with the hen pheasant. Larry Wharton is announcing the finalists right now as everyone is gathered around the winner's table, in tense anticipation of who will be announced as the winner.

At 4:48 pm, the winner of the 2008 National Amateur Retriever Championship was announced as #112 AFC Hawkeye's Coast Guard and Jeff Talley!!!

Congratuations to the winner and all finalists!

Friday, June 20, 2008

<<Back

8:42 am

8th Series - Water Triple - All guns retired

The 8th series of the NARC is now underway. The weather won't seem to let up, as it is raining yet again.

Coming into this test, there are only 16 of the 39 dogs that have not yet handled in the competition. Number 19, Mac DuBose and Dyna, have just been called to the line as we write this update.

The test is a water triple, and all gunners are retired. On the left is a flyer at about 100 yards, which is sluiced upon hitting the water. In the middle is the long retired at about 240 yards. This bird is being thrown from right to left. To the right is the short retired at about 60 yards. This bird is being thrown from left to right into some marshy grass.

The test dog team of Margo and Ammo ran first at 7:30 am. Ammo was clean, but with one big hunt. Next came Dave and Talla, who had to handle on the right retired. It is taking about 8 minutes per dog to complete the test.

This test is again in an area with limited cell phone access (I think we can all sympathize with this annoyance), so updates on this test may be less than the others.

More Later...

11:15 am Update

Here is a more detailed explanation of the test, from our on-site reporter Jean Wu:

The 8th series of the NARC is on a property only five miles from Headquarters. Heavy fog obscured the test while being set up and the skies are overcast with a forecast for more rain all day.

Two ponds lay before us with a berm bisecting them from right to left with a few trees mid-point.

The 8th Series

The triple has all three guns retiring and all three use ducks, both hens and drakes. The first gun is in the middle at about ten o’clock. They throw a duck from atop the mound from right to left. It lands on the back side of the mound at 240 yards. These guns will retire into the treeline. The line to the bird is along the land between the two ponds, then into the left portion of the stick pond out onto a berm with medium cover, then it re-enters into a horizontal channel of water (not visible as such from the line) to the mound. The second bird is dead ahead on the far side of the right pond. Gunners throw their duck from left to right to land in tall green marshy grass, often with a splash. The line to this bird is shaving by a tree on the right, over a large white flat rock into the stick pond to the far shore. This bird is 160 yards out. The flyer guns are positioned on the shoulder midway on the right edge of the left pond, at about 90 yards. Their bird is thrown right to left towards a wood duck house about 100 yards (maximum) and is sluiced as the last bird down. The 2 retired gunners retire when the dog is sent for the flyer, but the flyer guns remain standing until the dog has picked up their bird. Order is middle—right—and then flyer (on the left).

The test dog team of Margo and Ammo came to the line at 7:45 a.m. and did a clean job overall. Ammo had an especially nice line to the middle retired and had a hunt on the berm before coming up with the duck. This showed the hidden water and cover enroute to this bird. The right guns were instructed to get their bird into the green grasses on the water’s edge for the second test dog team of David and Talla. This mark then proved much more difficult and the judges instructed David to handle Talla to the bird. Talla’s line to the middle long mark was through the water in front of the flyer guns. It seemed it would be impossible for any dog to be able to recover this bird from that position, but Talla nearly pinned it!

Obviously this test will provide answers for the judges.

The series officially began at 8:36 a.m. with #18, Steve O’Connell and Bull; they did a nice job. As I write this, dog #21 unfortunately handled on the right bird and picked up. Dog #26 just completed her run without a handle but made a big detour into a far stick pond to the left of the middle gun before getting the bird.

We’ll have to wait and see how this series shakes out, but the gallery is as quiet as an E.F. Hutton commercial!

Of the five dogs run, there has been one very good job by #18, a pick-up by #21, two good jobs with #19 and #25 and the big hunt with #26.

Note: With questionable air-card reception, updates and photos will be handled as we can do them. Photos may come later. With light drizzle and overcast skies the air is electric with tension.

Wish all of you could be here. Will keep you posted as best we can!

12:00 noon Update

We are taking a small break for a gun change. Number 58 has just finished running. After the gun change, it will be dog number 66's turn, the defending National Open champion. The weather appears to be holding up, but we all know that can change very quickly.

Things started off pretty rough, but there have been some improvements in the jobs being turned in. Dog number 26 had a huge handle on the middle, long bird; #56 also handled on this same bird. Dog #s 41 and 45 both turned in a really nice job. This test is set up such that it is very difficult to have a perfect line to the birds.

Currently, it is taking about 12 minutes per dog to run the test. We are almost half-way through the field with 21 dogs left to run the 8th.

3:00 pm Update

This seems to be getting repetitive, but it is pouring out again.

We are currently on dog number 108. There are 7 dogs left to run after 108 completes the test.

So far, #84 had a handle and a pop and dog #91 had to pick-up. There have been 2 more handles since the last update. On the flip side, an excellent job was turned in by dog 100.

It is expected that the 8th will finish today, but we will not be moving on to the 9th tonight. Though we have not been told yet where the 9th and 10th series will be held, we do know that there is no cell service, so updates will be extremely seldom. But rest assured that we will provide you with as much information as we can and as soon as we can.

4:40 pm Update

We are on our last dog for the day, number #17 Crow River's Cougar's Mad Max and Jessie Kent. She actually just handled on the right bird...

True to form, the sun came out for the last 2 birds.

Once 17 has completed the test, the testing will be done for the day. Since our last update, #11 handled on the middle bird and #15 handled on the right bird. 2 no-birds were called for dogs when the middle bird landed on the front side. Dogs which chose the open land en route to the water on the right bird (instead of slicing by the tree, through the green grass on the right and staying in the cover and water), often did not have a strong mark and would end up racing around the mound.

The agenda tomorrow indicates that a worker's caravan will be leaving headquarters at 5:30 am, a contestant's caravan will leave from the same location at 6:30 am. Test dog for the 9th series is slated for 7:30 am, with the 1st running dog at 8:00 am. The 9th series will be held at a location referred to as Elmore. It is still not known what the test will actually be.

Callbacks to the 9th series will be posted at headquarters tonight. We'll let you know what the judges have decided once they are released.

The three judges

7:00 pm Update

The callbacks have been released and 21 dogs have been carried on to the 9th series of the NARC. 18 dogs have been dropped. These are numbers 10, 11, 15, 19, 21, 26, 27, 36, 38, 43, 56, 58, 84, 87, 91, 102, 108, and 126.

Number 48, FC-AFC Pure Labs Skys The Limit and Peter Goodale, will start off the 9th series tomorrow morning.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

<<Back

9:30 am

6th Series - Water Blind

The lucky 50 handlers that made the cut for the 6th series, arrived in the early dawn at the stick pond located in another field at the Simonds' property.

The setting is stunning. Framed by tall stands of pines, the meadow surrounds a large pond with dead trees of varying heights through out, especially in the foreground.

The line is set back against the treeline with the trees continuing to the handlers left. A narrow channel of water is immediately in front of this wooded corner and must be taken at an angle.

6th Series - long view

Dogs must angle across the channel, cross a broad shoulder and reenter into the main stick pond, bisect the long scented point which extends from left to right, reenter the bay and swim to the duck, planted at the waters edge, 10 inches (!!) to the left of an orange tape wrapped short log, 299 yards distant.

6th Series - Close up of blind

Just to keep things a bit interesting, once the dog is on the shoulder after the first water, a gunner can be seen seated (no dry pop or throw) to the left on the hillside before the point.

The first test dog team of Margo and Ammo came to the line at 7:42 am. Ammo carried a nearly perfect initial line to the scented point. With 2 casts of the point to get back on line, the duck was in hand in less than 4 minutes!! With the swim back, this team took 7 minutes to complete.

The second test dog team of David and Talla, took the mat at 7:50 am. Talla's initial line was more to the left, requiring several casts to the right to get back online before the point. Talla also approved of the judges scenting of the point, and required a few casts to get off and swim to the blind.

Handlers were allowed to view the line, and then the first running dog for the 6th series, # 70 Joan Fine and Ruffie, took the mat to officially start the 6th at 8:04 am. This team had a nice smooth blind.

Some of the dogs have been affected by the gunner on the left, or the 'thicket' of sticks in the water straight ahead, requiring many casts to the right. The seemingly benign stand of pines just off the point with the duck, has caused problems for some handlers already.

Judges announced they will rescent the point every 10 dogs.....and that this will be the only series we do today (we'll see!)

The crowd gathers in the gallery to watch the 6th Series

ok, we are on dog 87. #86, FC-AFC Wood River's Franchise and Bill Fruehling, just ran and had a very tough time of it....updates later!

11:00 am Update

We are moving along pretty smoothly, and the judges are thinking that they may be able to move on to the 7th series today. Rumors indicate that the 7th may possibly be a land blind held on the gorgeous property owned by John and Martha Russell.

Dog number 10, Bayou Teche Miah and Stephen Ritter, is working as we speak, and there is just one more line viewing for the handlers, then just the running dogs. There have been some really nice work accomplished here, and also some that was not so pretty. We'll see how the judges move forward.

Mac DuBose studys the 6th series water blind

The temps are cooling off, and there is absolutely no wind. Surprise, surprise - there are some very ominous looking clouds hanging over head, and it is now starting to sprinkle.

1:00 pm Update

The weather continues to be bleak, as dog # 46, T-Street Tess and John Skibber, goes to line to run the 6th series of the NARC. There have been some really good jobs, but unfortunately, dog number 32, AFC Candlewood Justin Xinga and Judy Pond, had to pick-up.

The wind is starting to pick-up, and this seems to be affecting some dogs on the scented point.

There are only 9 dogs left to run, so it looks pretty likely that we will get done in a couple hours. If this holds true, the committees will be on the hustle to get everything ready for the 7th series.

Judges tent at the 6th series

2:15 pm Update

We have just finished the 6th series water blind, but we're not out of the water yet, as it is now starting to rain.

Dog number 66, '07 NFC-AFC Candlewoods Something Royal was the final dog. The judges are now deliberating callbacks and they will be announced at this same site. Once these are given, it'll be time to pack up the gear and move on to the next location, which is still yet to be given.

NARC Secretary Fred Kampo (L) & Retriever News President Mark Rosenblum (R)

We will post callbacks as soon as they are released.

Awaiting the callbacks...

3:00 pm Update

The callbacks are in and 10 dogs have been dropped after the 6th series. These dogs are #s 32, 37, 46, 52, 53, 78, 85, 86, 101, and 121. This leaves 40 dogs have been asked to come back for the 7th series.

The 7th is a Land Blind, and is in fact going to be held on the property of John and Martha Russell. The first dog to run will be # 112, AFC Hawkeye's Coast Guard and Jeff Talley. The caravan is headed over as we speak.

4:50 pm Update

7th Series - Double Land Blind with a Poison Bird

The 7th series is underway on some beautiful rolling terrain. The test is a double land blind with a poison bird. All birds in use are hen pheasants.

7th Series

When standing on the mat, the long blind is directly in front of you at 200 yards. Then, about 30˚ to the left is the short blind at 45 yards. The poison bird is to the right of the long blind at 155 yards. The 2 poison bird throwers are not retired, but are standing in waist high cover. Handlers are being asked to retrieve the short blind first, and then the long blind.

7th Series - Long view

Though #53 was originally recorded as a drop, Judy and Kicker have been reinstated and will be back to run the 7th. This means that there will be 41 dogs running, not 40.

The first test dog team of Dave and Talla came on line at 4:30 pm, and shortly thereafter, Margo and Ammo cam on line. Margo was asked to send Ammo close to the nearby treeline so that the handlers could see the dangers when the dog disappeared out of sight.

6:00 pm Update

There is a re-bird taking place right now, so it is an ideal time for an update.

The weather has finally cleared and there are only about 12 dogs left to run. It is taking approximately 5 minutes per dog to run the 7th series, so it is expected that the test should be done by 7:00 pm.

6:55 pm Update

7 down, 3 to go!

The 7th series of the 2008 National Amateur Retriever Championship came to a close at 6:50 pm. The sun decided to make an appearance for the last 2 dogs.

There were no pick-ups during this test, and no one stood out as being much worse or much better than the other. The judges will work on their callbacks and hash out who deserves to move on to the next step towards that coveted NAFC title.

Callbacks will be given later tonight, as will the location and starting times for the 8th series. We promise to give more details and post some pictures later tonight. Please forgive us, for it has been a hectic day, filled with lots of action, bad weather, and quick moves.

9:50 pm Update

When the callbacks were posted tonight, it was revealed that dogs 88 and 111 have been dropped from the competition. This brings us down from 41 dogs to just 39 left to move on to the 8th series. Those called back are #s 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, 36, 38, 41, 43, 45, 48, 50, 51, 53, 55, 56, 58, 66, 70, 73, 76, 82, 83, 84, 87, 89, 91, 100, 102, 103, 108, 112, 114, and 126.

The 8th will be held on the Sweezey property in Morrisville, with the test dog starting at 7:30 am and the first running dog at 8:00 am. It will be a water triple. Let's cross our fingers that the weather will be good and the rain won't strike again!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

<<Back

9:25 am

5th Series - Land/Water Quad with two retired and two live flyers

Skies were overcast when the early handlers and workers arrived at the Simonds property for the 5th series. The ponds and pastures were enveloped in a gentle fog.

The Simonds residence, behind the 5th series

Our judges have set up a land-water Quad, with two retired guns and two live flyers. We are literally in the Simonds front yard: What a GORGEOUS view!! We are using the water that the 1st and 2nd series were set up around, but from another side.

The 5th Series

The test consists of a duck flyer station the left, on the right side of the edge of the ponds. This is thrown right to left and sluiced in the middle of the water, and will be the last bird down. The three other gun stations are positioned on the land ahead and to the right of this flyer station. Dead ahead of the line and on the sloping hillside in the distance, the rooster pheasant flyer station will throw and shoot from left to right at about 245 yds. Of course the fall is varied a bit, but it lands on the lower slope, possibly on the backside of the slope. In the treeline to the far right, a set of guns steps out and throws a dead hen pheasant from right to left, to land just along the treeline, at about 195 yards. These guns retire into the treeline. Lastly, the left retired gun station appears deep and to the right of the duck flyer gun station, at the top of a berm on the right side. There are two large trees on the right side of the berm, and these guns throw another dead hen pheasant from left to right, to land in a 'slot' between the two trees, and on the backside of the hill. The two dead bird stations retire when the dog is sent on the go bird.

Now with all of that set up, the first test dog team of David and Talla took the mat at 7:31am. Their order was the left long retired first, the pheasant flyer 2nd, the right retired 3rd and the duck flyer 4th. He picked the birds up: duck flyer, right retired, pheasant flyer, and left retired only needing one quick handle on the line to the left retired when the dog was headed at the pheasant flyer guns. A very good job!

Handlers view the 5th series from the line

The judges confered and decided to change the order for the 2nd test dog team of Margo and Ammo, who came to the line at 7:43. Their order was from right to left: right retired 1st, pheasant flyer 2nd, left retired 3rd, and duck flyer 4th. This proved to be a more difficult sequence, with Ammo going long towards the small bay of water in the distance when sent on the right retired, and needed a handle there, on the pheasant flyer (taking the distant water) and a handle on the left retired when he curled around the lower tree and reappeared headed for the pheasant flyer guns. This version was obviously frought with more hazards, and of course our judges chose this for the series!

The line was cleared as the sun broke through the clouds and at 8:03 the first running dog, #43 came to the line, did a nice job but had a hunt on the left retired which the dog did recover on its own. The next running dog, # 45 Weezer turned in a beautiful job that he could have sold on E-bay! As I write this (9:25a) we have just finished runing dog # 54 (10 dogs) and we have had 2 handles, #s 49 and 53. We have also discovered that dog number 119, RSC's Susie of Fox Hollow, has scratched from the competition, due to a pre-existing injury that has continued to be bothersome. This leaves us with 76 running dogs.

The Test Dog team of Margo and Ammo, off duty and watching the 4th

Heading back to watch the action, so more updates later!

11:00 am Update

Just a quick update, as it's been a bit brutal in the front lawn of the Simonds residence.

We are on dog number 83 right now, FC-AFC Great Bunns of Fire. Before her,

• 57 broke on the duck flyer,
• 58 handled,
• 59 picked up,
• 60 handled,
• 68 double-handled,
• 78 and 80 both handled,
• and 83 has just handled.

The Worker's Party is tonight, so we will be stopping early. Thus, there is doubt that the 5th will be finished by the end of the day.

2:30 pm Update

The weather seems to be holding up, though it is getting cloudy and the wind is swirling around the test site.

There have been quite a few handles since the last update. These include dogs 85, 88, 89, 95, 96, 99, 100, 101, and 102. Most handles seem to be on the left retired, though the other birds are not innocent of causing handles. Dogs 103 and 107 received no-birds and were each asked to come back after 6 dogs. Unfortunately, dog 93, FC-AFC Tartan Prime Time, is the second pick-up today.

The news isn't all bad, as some good jobs have been seen in between all of the handling, no-birds, and pick-ups. The current running team is number 111, John Thomas and Just Add Water II.

The folks from Just Delcious Catering can be found onsite everyday, providing the hungry crowd with breakfast, coffee, and juice in the morning, and burgers, hot dogs, and various salads in the afternoon. Their food really is "just delicious!"

4:45 pm Update

Dog number 10, Bayou Teche Miah with handler Stephen Ritter, has just finished running the 5th series and the committees are in the process of a gun change. And the disaster stats keep piling up...

So far, 58 dogs have run the 5th series. Of these 58, we have had 1 scratch (#119), 1 break (#57), 1 dog froze the bird, 4 have picked-up (including 59 and 93), and 26 have handled (5 of which double-handled). We have 19 more dogs left to run. We will have exact dog numbers to match up to these stats later on tonight.

The judges are going to try to finish this grueling test today, but it appears that it will run over into the Worker's Party.

Nobody said the National was supposed to be easy...

Waiting for his chance...

7:45 pm Update

After a very long day, the 5th series is finally in the books. The judges and crew stayed on site until the last dog finished, running well into the Worker's Party. We commend them all for their hard work and loyalty!

Rain hit the site again around 7:00 when dog 37 was given his chance at bat and with just 4 dogs left to run. It rained through 2 running dogs, leaving everyone in the gallery and on line and the gunners in the field completely soaked!

They have announced that the callbacks will be given later tonight at the Worker's Party. We'll be back for another update once the callbacks are revealed.

9:20 pm Update

The callbacks have just been announced!

There are 26 dogs who have been dropped in the 5th series. These are #s 1, 2, 4, 6, 13, 22, 31, 34, 39, 49, 54, 57, 59, 60, 61, 68, 69, 80, 93, 95, 96, 99, 107, 118, 120, and 123.

That means that 50 dogs remain in contention for the 2008 NAFC title, including the defending champion, '07 NAFC-FC Good Idea's Whoa Nellie and handler Ken Neil. Only 21 dogs remain clean from the first half of competition.

The 6th series will begin tomorrow, with the test dog expected on line at 7:00 am and the first running dog at 7:30. Dog number 70, FC-AFC Candlewoods Ruffian and Joan Fine, will be the starting dog. It will take place in the "stick pond" back on the Simonds' property and is rumored to be a water blind.

5th Series Stats

** 1 Scratch (# 119, due to a pre-existing injury)
** 1 Break (# 57)
** 1 Dog Froze the Bird (# 123)
** 7 Pick-ups (#s 6, 13, 31, 59, 68, 93, and 107)
** 41 handles (#s 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 13, 18, 19, 22, 26, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 49, 53, 58, 59, 60, 68, 69, 78, 80, 83, 85, 88, 89, 93, 95, 96, 99, 100, 101, 102, 107, 108, 111, 120, 121, and 126)
** Of the 41 handles, 6 were double handles (#s 2, 4, 6, 13, 69, and 118)

Good Night!

Pat Martin and Dougan on line at the 5th

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

<<Back

6:20 am

The Vermont morning greeting the remaining 94 contestants and the workers of the 51st Annual National Amateur Retriever Championship with overcast skies. The temps are in the mid to lower 60s, but are sure to warm up by the afternoon.

Let's hope that the rain gods continue their kindness and keep the rain clouds at bay.

10:30 am Update

The rain gods must have heard me, for when I left the hotel at 6:40, the sky had cleared and the sun was bright and shiny.

4th Series - Water Triple with 2 retired and flyer and Honor

The 4th series was set up on the Hoermann property, located in Wolcott. A small stretch of construction on VT-15 held people up just momentarily as they made their way out to the test site. A confusing Y-shaped intersection also gave some people problems, as they tried to maneuver through Morrisville on their way to Wolcott.

4th Series - view from the line

The test is a Water Triple with 2 retired guns and a flyer. The line is situated on atop a small hill, overlooking the test. There is an honor to the right and behind the running dog. To the left, the gunners shoot and a hen mallard is thrown to the right. In the middle, the gunners shoot and throw a hen mallard to the left over a little finger of water. This causes a pinched marks situation. To the right, a live flyer is thrown to the right over some water and it lands in the water. The left and middle gunners retire behind a natural blinds. The distances to the gunners are left - 125 yards, middle - 175 yards, and right - 95 yards. The thrown bird from the left station is landing approximately at 150 yards, and the thrown bird from the middle station is landing approximately at 146 yards. The order of the birds is middle, left, right.

Handlers watch as the test dogs run the 4th series

The first test dog team of Margo and Ammo started their run at 7:31 am. Next came Dave Opseth with test dog Talla, who started at 7:41 am, who had to handle on the left retired. After all handlers were given the chance to view the test from the line, the marshals ushered everyone off the line and the blinds were filled. Dog number 17, FC-AFC Crow River's Cougar's Mad Max with Jessie Kent, started the test at 8:00 am on the nose.

Dog number 17 starts off the 4th series

By 8:31 am, 5 dogs had run the 4th series. This computes to an average of about 6-7 minutes per dog. Most seem to pick up the birds in the order of right flyer, left retired, middle memory. Dogs 20 and 22 have handled so far.

Roy Redifer watches as Mac DuBose runs the 4th series

Donald Simpson and Jock wait in the last holding blind for their
shot at the 4th series

11:45 pm Update

Due to little to no cell phone signal, the reporting has been slowed. But, now that the day is done, we are able to get you all up to speed on the happenings at series 4.

The weather in fact did not hold up. Around 11:15 am, the sky behind the gallery filled with black ominous clouds and lightning illuminated the sky. Then, bolt flashed in front of the test. Just as dog 49, FC-AFC Pineacres Ebonstar China Doll was to complete his honor, the judges and field trial committee decided it was prudent to bring in the gunners and throwers and wait out the storm. Many of the onlookers in the gallery headed to also wait out the weather. At this point, 26 dogs had run, 11 of which handled. Those dogs who handled were #s 20, 22, 24, 30, 31, 34, 39, 40, 41, 43, and 47.

At noon, it was announced that the test would resume. Gunners and throwers were again in the field, and dog #49 was back on the honor mat while dog #50 ran. The wind changed a bit from right to left, quartering at about 10 mph. Within an hour, we would have more thunder, teh winds would die off, and the sun would disappear.

The flyer appeared to be very exciting for the dogs on line. Especially the sluicing that was happening. Not a single dog broke, but we did have a few dogs demonstrate impressive creeping in their excitement. Dog number 30 received a no-bird, so was asked to come back after 6 dogs. On his second time up to the line, he received another no-bird and was again asked to come back after 6 dogs! Third times a charm, and he was able to run with a proper flyer.

Charlie Hines and Cody wait in the last holding blind 
while Lee Jolley and Jolie run the 4th test

Even through the unpredictable weather, the judges persevered and the 4th series of the National Amateur Retriever Championship wrapped up just before 8:00 pm with dog number 15, Cuda's Negra Modelo, honoring the bye dog.

Handles in the 4th series were #s 3, 4, 13, 20, 22, 24, 30, 31, 34, 39, 40, 41, 43, 47, 50, 54, 55, 60, 64, 65, 68, 71, 75, 77, 80, 81, 92, 93, 111, 117, 119, and 123.

On the flip side of the coin, some really pretty jobs were seen by dogs 21, 52, 58, 76, 83, 87, 100, and 126.

The 5th series is rumored to be a Land Quad back on the Simonds property, near the area of the first and second series. Callbacks are expected around 11:00 pm.

12:15 am Update

The callbacks are in!

There have been 17 dogs dropped after the 4th series. These dogs are #s 3, 14, 20, 24, 30, 35, 40, 47, 64, 65, 71, 75, 77, 81, 92, 117, 122. The remaining 77 dogs will move on to the 5th series tomorrow.

Good night, and lets hope that the weather will be better for tomorrow, though the forecast is not favorable for the rest of the week.

Monday, June 16, 2008

<<Back

11:45 am

Completion of 1st and 2nd Series

Contestants woke this morning to fog and a light mist that rolled over the city and the test site. Temps were a bit chilly, in the lower 60s, and dark clouds again threatened us with thunderstorms.

At 6:56 am, substitute test dog AFC Wind River's Most Wanted, LM, handled by Don Driggers, came up to the line to start off the morning. Felon completed the test in 5 minutes, and the remainder of the combined 1st and 2nd series was underway. The first running dog of the morning, number 74 FC-AFC Fat City Pacer with DeWitt Boice, came on line at 7:25 am, a bit earlier than expected.

Handles this morning in the remaining dogs included dogs 77, 79, 81, 82, and 90. Dogs 80 & 81 received no-birds and were asked to each come back after the next 6 had run. It was on this re-run that number 81 handled on the short retired. Almost all handles occurred on the short retired in the 1st.

Just before dog number 39, FC-AFC Volwood's Peaches and Cream with Jack Vollstedt, ran the re-run at the end from the previous day, announcer Larry Wharton let the gallery know that the callbacks would be given right there and to hang tight before handing over to the 3rd series.

#39 ended the combined 1st and 2nd with an impressive no-whistle blind at 9:29 am.

When callbacks were given, it was revealed that dogs 67, 90, and 125 had been dropped and would not be invited to run the 3rd series. Dog #118, AFC Alpha Minnie Pearl, would start off the 3rd series.

Retriever News set up its own table of wares for the first time at this year's 
National next to the Hostesses committee. We had many visitors stop by!

3rd Series - Water Blind with Dry Pop

After callbacks were announced, everyone packed up their gear and headed over to the site of the 3rd Series. This was a gorgeous long, narrow pond, tucked behind the line of trees that were in the back of the combined 1st and 2nd. A beautiful tree-covered mountain background served as the back drop to the pond.

3rd Series - View from the line

Close up of the water blind

The 3rd series is a Water Blind with Dry Pop. Once the dog is on the mat, the hidden (only from the line) dry pop goes off and the handler is on his/her own. The water is a channel with grassy sloped edges. The line is down through some cover along the right side through a few trees.. There are several grassy points - the larger shoulder on the right was scented en route. Once the dog clears the stent of trees on the right, the dry pop gunner is visible to the dog. The dog must cross the scented shoulder and swim across a bay to the hen pheasant planted at the tip of the farthest point, below a green bush at 170 yards.

All handlers were invited to congregate around the judges tent as the test dogs ran. David Opseth and Contrails Bird Strike took the line at 10:20 am, shortly after at 10:28 am, second test dog team Margo and Ammo took the line. Both test dogs stayed on the land, but when cast into the water, stayed in the water. They both did an excellent job of demonstrating the handling required to accomplish this blind, taking approx. 5-6 minutes each.

Handlers watch the test dog team of David Opseth and Talla

Once the test dogs were finished running, the first 25 handlers were invited to view the line, then the rest of the handlers. Once Chief Marshal Pat Martin and his assistant Chief Marshals Mitch Brown and Phyllis McGinn successfully ushered everyone back into the gallery, the blinds were filled and series 3 was ready to get underway.

Handlers viewing the line of the 3rd series

At 10:44 am, dog number 118, AFC Alpha Minnie Pearl, was on line and the 3rd series began.

6:15 pm Update

Though some thunder and dark clouds threatened to put a damper on the day and slow the competition down around 3:40 pm, dogs continue to trudge through the 3rd series water blind. It is now sunny and humid, but a slight breeze is helping the comfort level.

RSC's Susie of Fox Hollow and Stan Chiras on line at the 3rd

The current dog running is dog number 109, Carolina's Acoustic Storm. This indicates that there are only about 7 dogs left to run today. It is looking very good that the 3rd series will be completed sometime before 8:00 pm.

The work has generally been good and some have done exceptionally well. Nothing has stood out as being much worse than another.

Announcer Larry Wharton stated over the sound system that callbacks to the 4th would be posted at Headquarters, as would directions to the next location. The caravan for workers would again leave from Shaw's Supermarket at 5:30 am, and the caravan for contestants would leave from the same place at 6:15 am. Test dog would run at 7:30 am and the first running dog at 8:00 am. The first dog to run will be number 17, FC-AFC Crow Rivers Cougar's Mad Max, with handler Jessie Kent.

6:38 pm Update

There are only 3 dogs left to run! The series is sure to wrap up around 7 and we will get you the callbacks to the 4th as soon as they are available.

9:15 pm Update

The 3rd Series of the National Amateur Retriever Championship came to a close at 6:46 when dog number 117, DC-AFC Genny's Yakity Yak Don't Talk Back, retrieved the blind.

The 4th Series will commence tomorrow morning, though it remains a mystery what the test will be. We do know that it will be held on the Hoermann Property in Wolcott, about 35 minutes from Stowe. Cell phone and internet signal is reported to be marginal, if at all available.

Callbacks from the 3rd series remain unavailable. We've heard that they may not be available until as late as 11:00 pm.

11:05 pm Update

The Callbacks are finally in!

There are 94 dogs called back to the 4th series. Those dropped are numbers 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16, 23, 28, 29, 33, 42, 62, 63, 72, 74, 79, 98, 106, 109, 110, 113, 115, and 124.

Good Night!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

<<Back

6:20 am

The first morning of competition has arrived! Temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s. A slight fog lingers and the gray clouds above threaten us with more thunderstorms. The Contestant's Caravan has just left Shaw's Supermarket and will arrive shortly at the test site.

We will bring more information about the 1st series later this morning.

11:00 am Update

NARC 1st series - Land Double; 2nd series - Land Blind

The overcast skies could not dampen the excitement of the first day of the NARC!

A short drive of 10 minutes to a pastoral farm on Bliss Road showed the judges had set up a combined 1st and 2nd series. The first was a land double with hen pheasants (of course!) to the left side of some beautiful water. To the left is a long flyer, at a distance of 258 yards. The hen pheasant is thrown and shot to the left. The flyer guns let the pheasant ride out a ways landing well away from the guns. To the right is a short retired dead hen pheasant, at a distance of 195 yards. This bird is thrown to the left, and the gunners retire behind a holding blind. These two retrieves make up the 1st series. The short retired is thrown first and the long flyer is shot second.

After the double, the 2nd series, a land blind, is found along the far right side of the beautiful water, between 3 hay bales, marked by an orange stake just to the right of a stand of pine trees. The terrain is short to medium grass. The distance to the blind is 245 yards.

1st Series - Long hen pheasant flyer & short retired gun

2nd Series - Land Blind to the right of the water

Margaret Brown and Pine Acre's Pass The Ammo, LM, the first test dog team, came to the line at 7:31am sharp. Ammo was quickly handled on the short retired after going a bit deep thru the fall. This took 4 minutes. Ammo took a nice line between the left and middle bales but fell off a bit to the left, ducking into the pines before being handled to the hen pheasant to the right of the stake. This took 2 minutes.

The 2nd test dog team of David Opseth and Contrails Bird Strike, MH, LF, came to the line and did a clean job on the double in 4 minutes. They had a line on the blind between the middle and right hay bales, with only one handle to the stake. Then the dog darted behind the stand of pines to the left and came out way left before heartstopping handles before finding the pheasant. Obviously, the blind was going to present the handlers with some dilemmas.This team took 6 minutes.

The first dog, #93 FC-AFC Tartans Prime Time, took the line at 8:07 am and was sent for his birds...pinned the flyer....picked up the short retired without any handle...followed by a 2 whistle blind...wow!!!

The gallery watches as the 1st and 2nd transpires

11:40 am Update

We've just been informed that there has been an additional scratch, #104, Candlewoods Power Surge. There have also been 6 dogs who have handled in the 1st series, and one who had to pick-up. Those dogs that handled include, #s 96, 106, 117, 120, 122, and 124. Unfortunately, dog #125, FC-AFC Hightest Black Ty Affair, had to pick-up. After dog #117, the committees did a re-bird and a gun change.

The sun is starting to break through the clouds, which is causing both the temperature and humidity to rise.

3:00 pm Update

Handlers view the line at the 1st Series during a gun change 

The temperature is now in the high 70s to low 80s, and the skies have cleared almost completely. The wind has also picked up from next to nothing and has taken a change in direction. It is now blowing toward the south.

Numbers 5, 8, and 9 have now handled on the first series. Since the gun change at dog number 12, there have been 5 more handles with dogs number 14, 15, 16, 20, and 21. #17 received a no-bird on the flyer and was asked to come back after dog number 23.

On the short retired, dogs 9 and 15 took a path to the right of the gunners blind into the water, which led to the handles they both received.

4:45 pm Update

The breeze is a welcome cooling agent for those in the gallery and the worker's up on and near the line. The grounds around the holding blinds are still wet and muddy from the morning, but things seem to be drying up quite nicely. The temps continue to be hot and puffy, white clouds fill the sky.

Dogs 23, 27, 30, 33, 35, and 40 have all handled in the 1st series. Dog number 39 was called back due to the flyer being far out of the area of the fall. He is asked to come back and re-run at the end.

At 2:30, approximately 62 dogs, about half of the field, has run the 1st and 2nd series. Of these dogs, 20 have handled on the 1st series. To re-cap, these were dogs 5, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, 33, 35, 40, 96, 106, 117, 120, 122, and 124. There has also been one pick-up, #125. It is not likely that this combined series will be completed by the end of the day.

The 3rd series has been announced and will be a Water Blind, still on the land of Katharine and Marshall Simonds.

After each contestant runs the first and second series, photographer Roger Byrd snaps their official photo. Here, Roger helps Judi Carter turn her number around in prep for the photo (left) and snaps the photo of Linda Harger and Yakity (right).

7:30 pm Update

The test has come to a conclusion for today at just before 7:30. The last dog to run was number 73, FC-AFC Trumarc's Stormin Norman II with handler Mark Rosenblum. More dogs handled on the 1st series since we lasted updated you. These dogs are numbers 48, 49, 62, 63, and 67. This brings us to a total of 25 dogs that handled out of the first 91 dogs to run.

The testing will reconvene tomorrow morning to finish up the 1st and 2nd series. The test dog is slated to run at 7:00 am, and the first running dog, #74 FC-AFC Fat City Pacer, is expected on line and read to run at 7:30 am.

Good Night!

Rockerin Red River Ruckus, after his first trip to the line

Saturday, June 14, 2008

<<Back

Sunny, balmy, PERFECT weather this Saturday morning welcomed everyone to the largest ever National Amateur Championship in Stowe, Vermont.

The Town & Country Resort serves as the Headquarters for the NARC

Headquarters, the Town and Country Resort at Stowe, was empty as dog trucks left for the last training session.  Soon, the parking lot was filled as competitors returned and picked up their packet and large red Purina bags from inside the lobby.  There, the Merchandise committee had already set up tables with a HUGE variety of shirts, vests, jackets, jewelry and braided line leashes, hats and even handler jackets, all emblazoned with the NARC logo.  Business was brisk as the red Purina bags were put to great use hauling off the goodies! 

Eager shoppers peruse the merchandise available in the Town & Country resort lobby.

The meeting of the Retriever Advisory Committee was slated to begin at 1:15 pm. Directly afterwards, folks would be given the opportunity to attend a briefing on the RFTEntry entry service given by RN President Mark Rosenblum, with a question and answer session to follow. The annual General Meeting would begin at 3 pm, with the bitch-check to follow in the parking lot. The gala cocktail party will begin at 6 pm at the Stowe Mountain Resort, just 5 miles down the road.  It's a grand time anticipated by everyone.

4:30 pm Update

At 1:15 pm, the meeting of the Retriever Advisory committee was brought to order. Topics discussed included adding a stipulation for pros that would prohibit them from entering a Open stake when it is being judged by someone from whom he/she has had a dog in training for compensation, the use of a vocal command from a handler without first stopping the running dog, running dogs with signs of a communicable disease, and the changing of some instances of the word "should" in Chapter 14 to the word "shall." AKC members in attendence included Lisa Caroll, Nelson Sills, Bill Daley, Pete Simonds, and John Goettl.

The first topic discussed was Proposal 4, changing Chapter 14 instances for the word "should" to "shall." Each paragraph in question was read and then the floor was opened up for questions. Judy Rasmuson was one of the first to raise her hand with a question, stating that she felt it was not possible to legislate dishonesty. Rather, we need to trust that the judges are aware of their responsibilities and not take advantage of the rule book. Discussion by other attendees followed. Another asked if every paragraph in the proposal was to be voted on as a package or individually. The answer was "as a package."

Proposal 2 regarding Blind retrieves sparked people to state that they didn't want to be required to drop a dog based on a verbal command while the dog is running. Rather, this judgement should be on a case-by-case basis. Much discussion surrounded Proposal 1. People felt that there should be trust in an Amateurs judgments when judging a pro with whom they are affiliated.

These issues will again be discussed at the National Retriever Championship in November and voted on at a later date. See pages 14 and 15 of the June 2008 issue of Retriever News for the details on the above proposals. These pages contain the exact same information as was presented in the hand-out given at the meeting.

At 2:15 pm, attendees were dismissed and many joined the staff of RFTEntry for the briefing given by Retriever News President Mark Rosenblum. Mark spent the first 25 minutes giving a short synopsis of the realized shortcomings of the current site and informed all that a "Version 2" was in the works with a planned release date in the Fall of 2008. The then opened the floor for questions.

At 3:00 pm, the General Meeting started with NARC Secretary/Treasurer Fred Kampo doing a role call of the club delegates. Upon completion of role call, the mic was turned over to current NARC President Don Driggers, who introduced the members of the AKC present at this year's competition. Those attendees included Nelson Sills, Doug Ljungren, Jerry Mann, and Bill Heinn.

A moment of silence was requested, and everyone graciously complied, to honor those friends, both human and not, who have passed away in the last year.

Landowners and Sponsors were both acknowledged and thanked, and the latter will receive plaques for their tremendous support of the event to come.

Don Driggers then announced the Officers of the 2009 National Amateur Retriever Club. They are: President Ron Ainley, 1st Vice President Suzanne King, 2nd Vice President Brad Clow, 3rd Vice President Duncan Christie, 4th Vice President Laura Parrot and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Kampo.

Motion was made by Yvonne Hayes and seconded by Steve O'connell to accept the slate of officers as presented. Motion was carried unanimously.

The 2009 President, Ron Ainley took the podium to give brief details about the NARC to be held June 14-20th in Iron Range MN. HQ will be the Hibbing Inn, Hibbing MN. Judges will be: Lou Vreeland (E), Linda Johnson (M), and Pete Goodale (P). Co-Chairs are Dave Furin and Paul ???. Co marshalls: Laura Parrot & ????. Training grounds in MN and WI.

Don announced the judges for this year's National and gave them their judge's gifts. Then, he announced the Marshals and Chairman Duncan Christie and presented him with a special gift. Following this presentation, Don continued to announce committee chairs and also acknowledged the announcer Larry Wharton.

Finally, it was time to draw the starting number. Displayed up front was a table filled with 126 small bottles of Vermont maple syrup, each with a number on the bottom. Vickie Lamb was called to the front to draw the "lucky" winner.... #93!! Barbara Howard would start off the 2008 National Amateur with FC-AFC Tartan Prime Time.

Now, the trial details.

• The 1st series will be a land double and blind, held at Simond's Farm on Bliss Rd, just 10 min. from HQ
• 5 Scratches were announced, #44, 94, 97, 105, 116
• 5:30 am - Worker's Caravan would leave from Shaw's supermarket.
• 6:15 am - the first 20 dogs will caravan from the same location
• 7:30 am - First Test dog to run
• Gun change to take place every 20 dogs.
• Rotation would be 93 -118 - 17 - 42 - 67. For the 6th series, the starting dog would be determined by the 6th running dog after 67 (for example, if all dogs number 67 through 75 were still in contention, then the starting dog for series 6 would be #73).
• Viewing the line would be permitted after the test dogs for the first 20 handlers, then everyone else would be invited up. During each gun change, the next 20 dogs would be allowed to take a look
• No-Birds: 1st no-bird - Judges' Discretion
  If no-bird is a flyer, wait 6; 2nd flyer no-bird, wait another 6; 3rd flyer no-bird, go to the end.
• 10 seconds after getting to mat, the judges will signal the birds.
• Marks - the handler must be on the mat to send and receive. On blinds, the dog must be on the blind when sent.

At 3:50 pm, a motion to adjourn was called for and passed.

9:00 pm Update

The Cocktail Party was held in the Mansfield room at the scenic Stowe Mountain Resort. The scene was set with white linened tables, and mini buffets in three of the corners of the room. Guests were able to choose from a wide variety of delicious appetizers, including seafood quesidillas, wild mushroom ravioli, selected cheeses and crackers, pizza, vegetables, etc. Waitstaff also roamed the floor with trays of egg rolls and shis-ka-bobs.

Walking out the back patio doors brought you to a gorgeous lawn, beautifully landscaped with flowers of different sorts and soaring trees. Beyond these trees was a breathtaking view of the Vermont mountains.

Mark Roseblum served as the Auctioneer for the Calcutta, the tradition where pages from the catalog are auctioned off and the person that bid on the page on which the winner of the National Amateur is listed will receive 50% of the profits gained from the Calcutta.

The party had dissipated around 8:15 pm, as people began to head back to their hotels in anticipation of the week of grueling competition and early mornings.