A fine and foggy ending

What an incredible week! We are feeling awed and blessed to experience
this journey with our dogs and each other. Watching our dogs work on
this ancient and interesting land will never be forgotten.

Maya and Finn ran out over 1000 yards, nearly a mile, to gather
sheep...making their way over hills and thru valleys, out of site most
of the time...then incredibly, finding their way back with their
flock, satisfying their generations -old instincts. Luc, Sue and Nick
accomplished the same amazing task, gathering their own flocks which
were set out 700 or 800 yards (3/4 mile) away with little difficulty.
All the dogs handled the large flock of 150 ewes easily as they each
took turns sorting sheep each morning for the days work. Each dog
drove their charges over the hilly land 300 to 500 yards like they
were born for the task!! And apparently they were!

I again heard the story of Russell in his youth gathering up hundreds
of ewes spread out over vast lands, often taking nearly an hour to
complete the difficult task...without a single command...and always
trusted to bring in the entire flock harmlessly. Now his sons and
daughters are following in his footsteps...growing into fine sheepdogs
any shepherd would be proud of!

Our time spent in the beautiful land of norhern California has
ended...but the wisdom will never be forgotten.