Dry Stone Competition
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.