The generator was humming and flood-lights were blazing before dawn. Competitors signed in early to pick a favorable stint. Soon, twenty-nine men and one woman would tear down 175’ of dry stone fence and begin a day of high energy activity. The seventh annual Dry Stone Conservancy walling competition was about to begin.
Last Saturday, Neil Rippingale, Chris Tanguay and I were judges for the event. Competitors in Novice, Amateur and Professional classes hailed from eleven states. Vermonter Jared Flynn won the prize for “traveled farthest to attend” and took seventh place out of the twenty-one professionals. Neil, DSC Restoration Manager - Jane Wooley, and Executive Director - Chris Harp, plus a great crew of volunteers, saw to it that the day went off without a hitch. There was lunch served and a catered, barbecue dinner for all attending.
wow, looked like a great time! wish I went
ReplyDeleteYay Jared! What an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming to kentucky and sharing your knowledge and skill. I look forward to attending one of your workshops this winter. You have made a impressionable impact on me and the direction to take my work. I had a couple of drystone pics on my blog to share with you. You can access it at Kenny Keller Stonemason.
ReplyDeleteWarm Regards,
Kenny Keller
Hi Tammy, Yes, Jared did all us New Englander's proud, jumping right into that unfamiliar limestone and doing excellent work. More photos of his test-walling coming soon!
ReplyDeleteDan
Chuck,
ReplyDeleteAll your walling friends were sorry you couldn't attend, but since Jared was wearing an "Eblacker and Stone" T-shirt, you were there in spirit.
Dan
Hi Kenny,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your message. It was a whirlwind of activity there at Shaker Village. I had a blast, but am sorry not to have gotten to know you and others better. It was truly a convergence of dry stone talents! Good luck in your work going forward. Please send your actual website address. I'd like to link to it here on the blog.
All best,
Dan