6th September -A walk in the park, and Rough ground

Roy's Lewis Falcon comes to hand

With the excuse of a big Alsatian/Akita cross to excercise, I find myself using the facility that is the Country park known as the Sheepscoate Valley. One of the few council projects worthy of council tax spending, IMHO, this tranquil environment was once a landfill site, which has now been left for the creatures and plants of the downland it once was, to re-colonise it, something that they have wasted no time in doing. As well as enjoying the wildlife and fauna, it has been my great priviledge to meet more local charactes. One such character, whom I look forward to our regular "accidental" meetings very much, is Roy, an avid falconer. He has two eagle owls, which I have not seen as they are not for flying, a Lewis Falcon and a Lanners falcon.

No eating Bichon Friese's.....

The level of understanding and trust has to be seen to be believed. Although captive reared, in essence these are still wild birds, and the amount of knowledge required to succesfuly exercise your bird, with half a chance of it coming back to you, is vast. Far more than the book "Kes" ever suggested!!

The bond of trust. Roy and his Lewis Falcon

P.M. Fishing the Rough

A pair of Pauls, holding the faith.......

Back on the rough with Paul and Paul. After the results of the previous session it was with a certain swing in my step, as I was confident we would see some action, the weed beginning to clear and the seas even starting to clear a little. But although we fished it hard, there was no interest from bass. Desperate to see my guys get something, I suggested we extend out session to the 2 hour down mark along the beach. They readily agreed, and we went with high expectations once again, but once again we were dissapointed. End result, no fishes. No reflection on the Paul's, as they listened to what I was saying, and fished intently, but when the fish are not in front of you, you cant catch them. Reports from friends of mine fishing desperately all along the coast looking for fish are coming back the same. A bit of a lull in Sussex beach bass's it would seem!!