The day was partly sunny, mild with temps in the 60's and light variable winds.  The sixth series water blind was a "no see um" long land entry through a winding stream with strong currents.  The blind, a dead duck, was on the far left shore at the base of a bush 210 yards from the line.  The series began with dog #15.

The dogs initially had no "picture" of where to go and made the decision as they crossed the rise in front of the line.  Early handles were common.  The stream formed a series of points with receding shorelines.  There were two prominent "points".  The near one was on line and required crossing, while the far one was not.  It was difficult to keep on line as distances were short on united land areas.  Dogs could easily go out of sight and control.  It took a willing dog and diligent handler to keep the dog "on line".  A swift, cold current flowing away from the line could sweep dogs beyond control quickly.  Also, there was a pickup line to the far left and the test took approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The sixth ended at 1:00pm with dog # 13.  This difficult test took its toll on the field.  Callbacks were listed and called at the beginning of the 7th Series which began approx. an hour later at the sight of the 3rd Series.  A total of 39 dogs were called back, those that were not are: 19,21,24,25,26,32,37,38,39,42,51,56,58,63,68,73,79,
82,85,86,88,95,102.

GALLERY COMMENTS :

"Big League Blind - though not the big water we've been thinking of."

"The current and narrow channel made casting problematic."

"All of the attendees of the 99 NARC would like to wish Patty Fajen the best."

"Unlimited lateral movement made it very difficult to keep the dogs on a straight line,but gave free room for interpretation and handling."

"Those who ran early were ready and willing to pass on a few hints to those who came later.The spirit of cooperation is alive and well in the NARC trial."

It took about an hour to move back to the Cascade area for test 7.  It was windy, mostly sunny and warm with temperatures near 80*.  Number 7, a land blind, was run from atop one end of a crescent shaped ridge which curved back to the left.  The blind, a dead duck, was placed at a bush on the far side of the ridge 275 yards away.  The line to it angled along the fairly steep side hill which had patches of bushes, dead branches and the remains of a fallen dead tree which lay in pieces also on line.  A stiff wind blew across from left to right.

It was difficult to attain a good line.  The steep hill, numerous obstacles and wind distracted the dogs.  Corrections could be required in all stages - beginning, middle and end.  Most had 4-8 whistles to recover the bird.  We did have one dog that lined the blind.  The series ended at 5:00 pm with dog #43.  Series 8 will be water marks in the same general area.  Test dog at 6:30 am, first running dog  #52 at 7:00 am.

The callbacks were posted at headquarters.  The following dogs were dropped: 65 and 78.  37 remain for the 8th Series.

"Good fair tests, no tricks, just go get them."

"Overall relaxed atmosphere all around, fun to be here."

"Mechanics consistently good."

"All tests technically difficult.