by Lyle Johnson, Executive Field Representative
The Sahauro Brittany Club held their field trial in beautiful Greens Peak, Arizona on August 7th & 8th. The club showcased 80 of some of the best Brits in the country.
Other breeds were also represented as some of the stakes were open to all of the pointing breeds.
The altitude is 9,500 feet above sea level and a cool venue to run fine bird dogs The temperature gets down into the low 40's and makes those camping out in tents scramble for more blankets. The highs are usually in the low 70's and this make for a great area to come to in August. Everyone is always anxious to get away from the summer heat and enjoy riding horseback and getting dogs back in shape. This is a family affair as several children come up with the parents. The kids love to explore and enjoy outdoor cuisine. The hot dogs and hamburgers are the best when cooking in the woods. The smell of the campfires and roasting marshmellows is always a big hit with the kids, big and small.
Elk are indigenous for this area and herds of 200 have been seen here. The search for elk horns are always at the top of the list for kids to do and whoever finds the largest can boast about it back home. Wild turkey are also seen in the area along with lots of other wildlife.
The courses are laid out so the dogs can show in the large open grassy fields with borders of piney woods for objectives where the dogs find the birds.
This area normally has a brief thunder shower almost every afternoon about 1 or 2. One has to be aware that lightning has made its presence known. One man was killed up here and one was "lifewatched" to the Phoenix hospital. Two horses were also killed while being rode by the two men who were struck. This happened just two years ago.
The camaraderie every evening is one of the main highlights as the campfires are built and the stories begin. Old friendships are always being renewed as the east and west meets here every August. Most make this home for ten days as two trials and one championship are being held in that time frame.
If you can, you should put this on your list of next year's things to do. This is a great site for a vacation place and I can assure you that you and your family will love it.
