The drive took us from San Diego, at sea level to the high desert of California City, Red Mountain to the Owen Valley along the Eastern Sierras with snow-covered mountains. The highest pass was around 8100 ft above sea level. The landscape varied from coastal chaparral to tall pines trees near Mammoth Mountain and scrub oak near Bridgeport. My good friend, Gary Gentile, and I had previous bow hunted near Bridgeport so I was very familiar with this sporting area. I had also previously camped in Saddlebag lakes around 10,000 ft just several miles from the eastern entrance to Yosemite Valley. However, due to the heavy snow the pass was closed for most of the winter and spring. Another interesting place near Bridgeport is Bodie, the largest ghost town in California.

From Bridgeport the Nevada state line wasn't too far and soon we found ourselves in Carson City, the capital of Nevada. The stately government mansions and graceful building of the courthouse were a stark contrast to the glittering lights of the nearby casinos. Carson City is a large city compared to the small towns along California's 395 such as Ridgecrest, Independence, Bishop and Lee Vining. The time on my watch read 6:30 PM and while we were still in Carson City, we decided to stop at Sizzler for dinner before heading into camp.

With our stomachs full, we were back on the rode and nearing Reno. The skyline was composed mostly of casinos such as Harrah's, Atlantis, and Circus Circus. We continued north into Sparks. Sparks is an interesting town with small groups of housing developments in between cattle ranches. Other homes sit on buttes and have great views of the snow covered Sierras to the west.

Jim was ahead of us and we soon found ourselves driving on a dirt road leading into Hungry Valley. In the distance, we saw many horses and trailers indicating camp. We arrived just before dark and said hello to several familiar faces as well as new ones. Several horses were loose and ran off in the distance. A cow had knocked down the electric corral to get to the hay provided for the horses. We tried to stop the horses but they bolted down the road. Mike Johnston, on his ATV, was able to lead them into an empty horse corral near the pavement. The horses belonged to Mike and Nicky McGinnis

The morning was spectacular with a slight wind and the scenting conditions seemed right for dogs to find birds. However, the weather did not hold up and it quickly turned into hot, dry and dusty conditions. All dogs that ran on Tuesday did not find a single bird. The gallery that followed the course was baked with dust and many tired to avoid following each other. Most of the dogs ran All-Age in areas that were open with long draws toward the valley below. Other parts of the course required the dogs to stay in and hunt the rolling hill sides were the 'planted' chukars were likely to be found. Scouts were sent out to look for these speedy Pointers and English Setters and on occasion the telemetry was required to find several dogs.

Later that afternoon in camp a whistle was blown to indicate that the judges had come to a conclusion as to the winners. First place was Just in Time handled by Mike McGinnis (owned by Bruce and Carol Hummel of Washington) and second was Spectra Sam (owned by Herb Anderson of Oregon) and handled by Rich Robertson. Congratulations were made and everyone in camp was invited for pictures to be published in the American Field. Mazie Davis was the field trial reporter and she did her best to write people's name down for accurate reporting.

After lunch we were once again heading out to watch bird dogs running in the Derby. One setter handled by Roy Terry was lost and needed telemetry to track the young setter. Jerry Erickson is still recovering from being thrown off his horse and thus had asked Roy to handle his fast running setter. The last brace match, included a Pointer named Blackie owned by Jim Fenny and handled by his son, Andrew, and Rich Robertson's Idaho Soul Sister. Jim scouted for Andrew while Clyde Queen scouted for Rich. Both dogs covered huge grounds and showed all-age potentials. Andrew seemed cool and had his wits about him while handling and showing his Pointer to the judges. At the end of the 30 minutes, Blackie made a giant cast down towards the open valley and ran with great speed.

After the last brace we headed to camp to await the judge's decision on the placements. First place was Waupaca's Diamond Hoss handled by Rich Robertson, second was Just Unforgettable handled by Mike McGinnis and third place went to Blackie handled by Andrew Fenny. Once again congratulations were said and it seemed young Andrew was the happiest person in the world. One this day, Andrew had beaten some of the best derby dogs in the west. Because Andrew and Blackie placed in an Open Derby he and his dog are now qualified to run in any amateur or open stake. Andrew was also delighted because on this day he turned 18. What a wonderful way to celebrate his 18th birthday. A card was signed by all and Clyde Queen presented him with it. Everyone was extremely happy for Andrew. Mazie Davis took pictures of the winners for the American Field.