The last few weeks have certainly been busy ones with two separate throwing clinics, ALPO shows at the convention center and finally a very wind blown free flight fun match. As a club we owe Peter Bloeme a big thank you for the time he took to share his knowledge and talent with us. Anyone who had the misfortune to miss Peter's throwing clinic truly missed a rare learning opportunity and the chance to watch our sport's greatest disc handler in action.

Last month in this section I shared some of my thoughts and feelings on preparing a free flight routine for windy weather and as if on cue our free flight fun match on the 28th was greatly influenced by strong winds. By the time the competition was over I don't think anyone's confidence had escaped unscathed as most of us watched even some of the simplest parts of our routines disintegrate and blow away with the wind. These are just the sort of conditions we should all be prepared to encounter on April 25th. Most of us have the ability to overcome the wind if we'll simply practice in it and retain a sense of awareness on its impact on our various throws and the various groups of throws that make up our routines.

When the regional roles around in about three weeks we will have a number of club members who will be competing for the sheer joy of doing something really fun with their dog. In a way I'll be somewhat envious of you - no preconceived expectations, public or private. Do me a favor, if you walk by a fellow competitor who seems to be grimacing with the weight of the world on their shoulders remind us that when the day is done, regardless of how we do, we will certainly love our dogs no less, they will love us no less and they will be truly grateful for the time they spent with us in the pur