Well! It was only wet for a while.

An intrepid bunch enjoyed a dry start to today's trail hunting and hounds managed to find some of the trails and spoke briefly. Trail laying in today's country was challenging, to say the least!
The going was very wet following the past few days (or is it months?) of rain but our super landowners were happy for us to cross the country - thank you.
It was especially good to see a youngster out during the week - managing to have a few hours hunting without missing school.

The Stern

• Whose school record includes a letter from their father to explain a forthcoming absence because the youngster "is going hunting, before it's banned"?
• Whose legs were on display even though the rest were wrapped up warm?

Photographs

Clicking on images will show you an enlargement.

As ever these and more may be found on The Gather's Field Sports page

We thought last week was wet!

It takes a certain sort to get up before dawn, check the weather, put on waterproofs and then stand around in a wet, wet wood waiting for hounds to find a trail before it's washed away - the right sort!

Hounds spoke well despite the conditions - a big thank you to the trail layers for doing their difficult job in awful weather.

A big thank you, as ever, to our loyal landowners, farmers and shoot captains who make it possible for us to enjoy all that the British climate has to offer.

The Stern

Who described their daughter's boyfriend as "semi-hard"?
Who, later in the day having changed several times, was forced to contemplate spending the evening in a suit as there were no other dry clothes?

Photographs

These and a few more may be found at The Gather's Field Sports Gallery Please note that the rain and darkness means that all pictures will be "grainy".

No rain and no scent

Before it was properly light, when scenting conditions should have cool enough for hounds to find and follow the trails an intrepid group gathered. The wet conditions from the last meet made the ground very soft so horses were unboxed some way from the meet. Those same wet conditions resulted in a slightly damp air about some coats!

Hounds tried hard but could not own the trails but nevertheless a good time was had by all.

The Stern

Who bumped into an old flame while still wearing joggers and a hoody following our earlier soaking?

Photographs

These and many more may be found at The Gather's Field Sports page later today - HERE
Clicking on the images will magnify them.

Wetter than a wet thing that has fallen in the water

Global warming - old hat! Climate change - sure as heck feels like it!

A very, very wet morning did not dampen spirits as the brave set out to watch hounds work a trail and hats off to the trail-layers!

Many thanks , as ever to the landowners and the provider of a warming drop at "half-time" and the provider of a fine breakfast, including birthday cake!!