Bassett Street Hounds News

Thanks for a Great Ale

The Hounds would like to thank all the fun and thoughtful folks who attended this year's Dog Day's Ale. You all braved heat, humidity, and threatened thunderstorms to dance and tour with us. It is you all who make this such a wonderful event.

Despite every effort of the Department of Transportation to close every bridge between Trumansburg and camp, we successfully navigated our way in and out and had a great time.

Despite an unexpected covering of algae and weeds on our swimming hole, the determined efforts of one persistent dancer from Shepherdstown to clear it out made scum-free swimming possible. Thanks Wendy!

We tried out some new tours this year, concentrating on the parks and wineries in and near Watkins Glen. For those of us who remember the old Five Days Wonder put on by the Hearts of Oak, this was something of a homecoming. Something about our Ale evokes fond memories of the 5DW, whose tours in Watkins Glen are especially well remembered. For me, anyway, it was like old times made new again. Guests who had never come to the area before all commented on the beauty of the gorge, the beautiful scenery and well-kept Fingerlakes vineyards, and the welcoming audiences that awaited us.

The Sunday tour again featured a visit to Ithaca's Farmers Market, a beautiful open wooden structure with great floors and a friendly ambience. Many of you departed from the Market, so you missed lunch and swim stop back at camp -- those who did go commented on how relaxed it felt -- as well as our final stop at the Rongovian Embassy -- such a cool place.

I will try to get more words up about the Ale soon. If you all have anything you'd like to add, send your comments to Tom and I'll see they get posted.