Bala water test 2009
Lancashire Rescue Bears hosted the first Newfoundland club water test
at
Lake Bala North Wales in August 2009.
The lake is one of the largest natural bodies of water in Wales with a maximum depth of 42mt and length of 6.4km and 1.6km wide, surrounded by mountains and hills. The banks are declared places of special scientific interest; it is a truly beautiful place and a fantastic test venue.
We arrived on the Thursday morning to set up at the Pant yr Onnen camp site. The weather was wet and wild - typical Bala weather but it did not put us off as we had heard the forecast for the weekend was good and sure enough Friday morning brought clear skies and lighter winds. By mid afternoon the site was nearly full and the test site was set up. Our very own carpenter Peter had made some wonderful newfie Direction signs and set about the Bala area to put them in place to guide our first time visitors to the venue.
We had been informed by the camp site owner that prior to our test there
had been some complaints about dogs barking, so we informed every one
that arrived that they were to do everything possible stop the dogs from
barking thus not spoiling the chance of using this venue in the future.
The camp site owner was very happy with us and not one complaint was made
during our weekend, despite the campsite and surrounding areas being full
to capacity!
The Sun Gods answered our prayers on Saturday producing near perfect weather for the test and the evenings BBQ and pirates party.
The atmosphere was like nothing before at Bala. Everyone was in high spirits laughing and joking and encouraging each other to pass the tests; it was a pleasure to be there.
We had a fantastic entry over the weekend of 67 tests, but with Judes excellent organisation skills and everyone helping to steward we soon got through both days with great ease. We had lots of first time passes and the older more experienced dogs showing the younger dogs how to do it.
As the sun was setting on the lake we had our very own Pirates of the Bala Lake BBQ There were more Johnny Depp lookalikes than you could shake a parrot at, with Lancashire Rescue Bears very own Joolz winning first prize in the costume competition &a great time was had by all.
The sun gods had a day off on Sunday but the conditions were still good and again we had some fantastic first time passes and some very nearly passes. The day was finished with a hearty meal prepared by Jude and a promise by all that we will do it again next year.
I must say a big thank you to all the Judges and to everyone that came from South Wales, South of England and the Midlands. Well done to everyone that stewarded and helped out in any way.
See you all next year for part two of Pirates of the Bala Lake
Les Moulsdale
President
Lancashire Rescue Bears