A couple of days ago I was all ready to go hawking, hawks hooded, dogs in the car, all the equipment ready to drive out the gate in rain and a stiff breeze. It would be challenging conditions to make a flight worthwhile.
The phone rang and Jenny answered to find my friend asking for me. There was no rush so I took the call and after some time chatting about the flights of the past few days, news of friends and general speculation I said I was going to hang up and go hawking. "In this weather" said my friend, "the forecast for tomorrow is sunshine and windless, why don't you postpone?"
So I came into the house, checked our local forecast since he is a little way from me, nearer the coast so that often our conditions are quite different. But on his occasion he was right, my timetable was rapidly redrawn, hawks on the lawn for a while, dogs disappointed and new chores to be done instead.
The phone rang and Jenny answered to find my friend asking for me. There was no rush so I took the call and after some time chatting about the flights of the past few days, news of friends and general speculation I said I was going to hang up and go hawking. "In this weather" said my friend, "the forecast for tomorrow is sunshine and windless, why don't you postpone?"
So I came into the house, checked our local forecast since he is a little way from me, nearer the coast so that often our conditions are quite different. But on his occasion he was right, my timetable was rapidly redrawn, hawks on the lawn for a while, dogs disappointed and new chores to be done instead.
What a good idea it turned out to be as the following day dawned clear blue sky following overnight rain, autumnal chilled stillness and perfect flying conditions.
Once again we loaded up, hawks, dogs, equipment and set off. It was entirely with thanks to the suggestion of my friend that I found myself with Emma waiting on as a twinkling speck at an enormous pitch as the cockers flushed two pheasants from the long grass and scrubby brambles. Emma's approaching presence was announced by the sound of ripping canvas from her enormous stoop. A classic game hawking experience savored as we watched her plume her prize, all regaining our breath. It had been quite the most satisfying flight of this season so far! The day then made all the more surprising when this was followed by her sister Fleur giving a repeat performance.
What had been a brilliant day in Norfolk ended with a delightful sunset, the more appreciated as I reflected on how blessed we can be by the consideration of good friends.
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