AWESOME weekend

I have just been on one of the BEST weekends away ever. Last weekend I attended the North Island St Bernard Association Battle of the Giants, an annual fun event for giant breed dogs (Saints, Newfies, Pyrenese, Leonbergers and Bernese).

The event is usually held in summer but this year they decided to go for a winter weekend in the mountain region of the North Island in the hope that we may get snow. It was an inspired decision as the weather DEFINITELY suited the big hairy buggers. When I heard that it was going to be held between Turangi and National Park at the Mangetepopo Camp School I signed up straight away and I am SO glad I did. I did put an order in to Weatherwatch for some snow but they got it muddled and the snow arrived a week early so it was all gone by the time we got there. ;-)

We were so lucky with the weather (apart from the lack of snow). The drive down from Auckland was conducted under bright blue skies through the ever changing scenery of the north island. My first glimpse of the mountain bringing a huge smile to my face (I LOVE mountains).

The venue was fabulous!!! It was a typical set up for school camps with bunk rooms and shared facilities. I was very lucky and was allocated a room in the 'teachers' cottage. This meant a lounge with a tv, a HUGE firebox and a kitchen plus the three bunk rooms. The camp were generous enough to allow us to have the dogs in our rooms which, for me, made a really big difference. The camp was nestled below Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaruahoe and the views of the mountains were stunning.

Friday evening was spent walking dogs, meeting and greeting and then crashing into bed. Brina was exhausted from the drive down (it is hard work nailing down that back seat and supervising the driving) and was asleep before I could even get into bed.

(Apparently, that's a really comfy spot)The rooms were lovely and cosy as they all had oil heaters and double glazing so everyone had a really good nights sleep.

Saturday morning dawned bright, clear and COLD!!!! My car thermometer was reading minus 4 at about 8am. After a hearty breakfast there was a very relaxed morning of socialising, a wee grooming demo and 'what to expect' in the show ring opportunity for those who have never previously given it a whirl. A warming lunch was followed by the Match. It was VERY cold at times but it meant that the dogs all were lively and happy and I think everyone had a great time. Brina was a complete star and managed to win the Veteran class. She also (wait for it) won the 'Basic Handling' class (which was basic obedience but we're not allowed to call it that). I know!!!! BRINA????!!!! Bless her little cotton socks. She also managed to get the bernese high points so I was a VERY proud mother. :-)

Saturday evening was prize giving and a quiz night but I confess that I was SO tired after a long day out in the cold (not complaining, I LOVED it) that I was in bed asleep before the quiz started.

Sunday morning was a relaxed start again with hot cooked brekkie. It was followed by carting put on by the bernese club. It was awesome to see all breeds giving it a go and seeing some dogs going from being quite nervous of the cart to a confident, happy carting dog.

After an amazing lunch, BOG 2013 drew to a close and we all headed home with some pretty tired dogs in the car. It was a fabulous weekend, I loved every second of it. The only two things that could have improved it would be SNOW and, more importantly, for Sammie to have been with me. There was a really big hole where she should have been.