Wild Frontier - Bishop, California
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Hosted by: Lickety Splits Flyball Team
The Eastern High Sierra and the Owens Valley was the western most frontier in all of America in 1861 when a cattlemen named Samuel L. Bishop decided to settle his herd of 600 cattle and 50 horses in the rugged foothills that is now the town of Bishop, California. Although this rustic town now sports a Starbucks and even a sushi restaurant, descendants of wild Spanish Mustangs, lost in the valley in 1871, still roam the California/Nevada border just north of Bishop.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes will also roam the small town of Bishop (population 3,500) and will call the Tri County Fairgrounds home while attending The Wild Frontier Championship, Western Qualifier on June 5, 2010, hosted by Lickety Splits (San Diego, CA).
"This will be our third year hosting a tournament in Bishop and we're excited to be back," said Val Pearson, Tournament Director. "The Tri County Fairgrounds is an ideal location for a flyball tournament; the fairground's hospitality cannot be beat. Besides, there is so much to do in Bishop that we look forward to spending several days here beyond the tournament itself. It's one of our favorite places to vacation."
Famous for its trout fishing, and loved for its rock climbing, birding, horseback riding trails, and Mule Days, Bishop is the best kept secret for anyone who relishes a stunning sunset and enjoys breathing fresh mountain air. From the high mountain lakes of Bishop Creek to the gently flowing Lower Owens River, Bishop offers scenery straight out of an Ansel Adams photo.
"Each time we visit Bishop we take a trip to Lake Sabrina, (located in the Inyo National Forest at an elevation of 9,100 feet), to swim the dogs," Val said. "It's just a 20 minute drive from Bishop but it is worlds away from everything else. But just five minutes from the fairgrounds, on Dixon Lane, you can swim your dogs in the Owens River. A little farther down the road you can let your dogs run through the ancient Indian petroglyphs and on site there are acres of cut grass and fenced fields to let the dogs run. It is a very dog friendly place."
The Wild Frontier Championship will be held in conjunction with Lickety Split's regular tournament, Bedlam in Bishop, which will run both Saturday and Sunday of that weekend. Bedlam in Bishop will offer standard, variety, single and pairs racing.
Racing will take place in the Charles Brown Auditorium, a 14,000 square foot, climate controlled building. There is plenty of room inside for crating and a second building is available for overflow. There will be 80 feet of runback and possibly two rings, depending on the number of entries. Camping is about 100 yards away from the auditorium. The Tri County Fairgrounds is only minutes away from several dog friendly motels.
"We really enjoy camping at the fairgrounds," Val said. "For RV campers, electrical (30 amps) and water are available for each rig, and there are plenty of shade trees too. There are no sewer facilities on site, but there are several dump stations in town. For tent campers, there are shower facilities on site. The town is within walking distance but a bike comes in very handy for trips to the store. And, several pizza places in town will deliver to the campground."
Bishop's Main Street offers everything imaginable in the way of dining. In addition to the standard fast food fare, coffee shops, pizza and delicatessens, Bishop has an excellent steak house (Whiskey Creek), delicious waffles (Jack's Waffle Shop), authentic barbeque (Bar-B-Q Bill's) and terrific Mexican food (La Casita).
Two places you don't want to miss while visiting Bishop are Eric Schat's Bakery and Mahogony Smoked Meats, both local institutions. The Original Sheepherder Bread ® was introduced to California in 1938 by immigrant Basque sheepherders who started Schat's Bakery in downtown Bishop. The aroma of fresh baked bread is worth the visit alone. And before you leave, don't forget to visit the red barn building, Mahogony Smoked Meats, at the edge of town to pick up some all natural peppered elk jerky or possibly some habanera beef jerky.
"We are expecting a big turnout," Val said. "So many people from the previous two year's can't wait to return to Bishop and word has spread. Not only is the facility ideal for flyball, but Bishop is a great destination. We hope a lot of the people who are coming will stay for a few days to enjoy the magic of Bishop."
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