Last Rally of the Season Quithel, Fetteresso, Stonehaven

Prizes won. (Minus T-Shirt)

Well, the 25th and 26th of March saw our last competitive rally of the season. The inaugural Quithel rally hosted by Wattie and Wendy McDonald within the boundaries of the sizeable Fetteresso forest 25 miles south of Aberdeen. Access to the trail and the carpark in this section of the forest had been kept open mainly to the efforts of Wattie and local farmer Bruce Begg who had been clearing snow off the trail and access routes for a week previous. If this hadn't been done, no-one would have got to the forest in the first place. It was a trial rally for this venue and it was not hosted by any of the official clubs. It was good to see such a turnout despite the weather. The rain didn't let up for the entirety of Friday and Saturday resulting in a thorough soaking for those competing, but the hard trails held up very well to the pounding. The fact that the organizers had arranged free overnight parking with the forestry commission some 50 yards from the start and finish lines was much appreciated. The efforts of those who raised sponsorship for the event resulting in the high quality and number of prizes and free food and soft drinks all day Saturday was also appreciated by all. Saturday night ended with a bonfire in the car park and the rain even went off for an hour.
Sunday morning was entirely different, clear skies and a rising temperature in contrast to Saturday. Several teams had left the day before due to other commitments, but those who remained had a much more enjoyable day due to the sunshine. Their was variety of teams on display which went down well with the many visitors throughout the day. Siberian huskies were the most prevailent , but also present were Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Scandinavian Hounds and a springer spaniel (Eh? Mr Sugars). The inclusion of a J-Zero class (well improvised Wattie) meant that there was a prize and t-shirt for every competitor, including a first time musher, Kara Thain (age 6) who enjoyed her 200yd (5 miles to her!) one dog jaunt between the finish and start line, even managing an impromptu 'scoot' much to the amusement of the spectators.. Lets hope that this event is repeated with the same success next year, not only because it was enjoyed by all but because it is the closest to our house!!

Oh, Team Finneskoe had mixed fortunes on the medal board, Jackie achieved a first place in the 2 dog class with the two youngest members of our squad, well done to them all, In the three dog class, she came 5th out of 5 and was rewarded with the wooden spoon for the event, it is claimed that that is what she was aiming for. I would like to congratulate her for her achievements in 2005-2006 where she attended most rallies unaided (unhindered) by me. Here's to 2006-2007.