Mr Gill's Blog: Hound Trail

Shot of the Day

I was up sharpish this morning as there were photos to enter into the Bentpath Show. I picked Tootlepedal up as arranged and we drove up to the show field. It didn't take us long to stage our entries and we were soon heading back home for breakfast.

During the morning I popped down to the producers market. I bought some tasty oak smoked cheese, a continental bread stick and some delicious hot smoked salmon, which I had later for my tea.

After lunch Tootlepedal phoned to say he and Mrs Tootlepedal would meet me at the show later. We arrived exactly at the same time and manged to get parked safely on the roadside. When we got to the industrial tent Tootlepedal was delighted to discover he had won the cup for most points in the photographic section, so well done Mr Tootlepedal. I was delighted with one 2nd prize and three 3rds.

2nd Flower Study

3rd Animal Study

3rd B & W

3rd View

Mrs Tootlepedal went off to have a look round before she headed home to prepare for B & B guests who were arriving later.

We headed off to get some shots of the hound trail among other things

Up.....

.......and over

It's hard going

There was fowl play in the terrier racing

After Tootlepedal received his cup we collected our photos and headed to Wauchope Cottage for a cup of tea.

Today's main picture

The Gates of Eden

All roads lead to The Benty

Tootlepedal kindly picked me up at 9 o'clock this morning on his way to Bentpath, better known as the Benty where we had were entering some photos in the Flower Show. The industrial tent was very industrious with competitors busily staging their work and produce. I could see by the entries in the photo section that there is some stiff opposition. On returning to Langholm, Tootlepedal invited me for coffee at Wauchope Cottage and to view the newly decorated kitchen, which I must say is looking very crisp.

The Industrious Industrial Tent Tent

A couple of competitors nervously waiting judgement

Rush hour at the Benty

When it was time for me to return and find out how I had faired with my entries I decided to go uo the A7 and across by the Gates of Eden.

Looking towards Craigcleuch

In the distance you can see the training track at Craig Farm Burnfoot the home of James Ewart Racing. This is a successful racing stable a short distance out of town.

Just as I arrived at the Benty I was closely followed by Mr & Mrs Tootlepedal. We decided to watch the Fell Race and Hound Trail before finding out how we had faired in the competition. Tootlepedal seemed to be quite knowledgeable about hound trailing. He told me it came from years of playng in the flute band going up to the hound trail on Common Riding morning.

It was quite exciting watching both hounds and runners coming down the face of the hill at full pelt

Tootlepedal catches the moment

The hounds receive a well deserved treat

After all the excitement we made our way back to the show field passing this pair of forlorn looking hounds.

Looking towards the show field

Pelosis ice cream van always a popular visitor at any event

Terrier Racing. This is racing for dogs with ADHD

Captions on a postcard please!

It was now time for us to find out if we had had any success with our photos. Tootlepedal did very well with his. Gaining I think, two first a second and a third, but I may stand to be corrected on that. Myself, I got a first in views and second in flowers. I was delighted with the result and hopefully I can improve on it at the Langholm show. Our colleague Stan Wilson picked up the main prize for most points in the show.

Stan receiving his cup

This is how they deal with anyone who questions the judges decision.

After a nice cup of tea and cake with Mr & Mrs T it was time to collect our entries and head for home but not before I had a look round at some of the other entries.

By hook or by crook