Thx guys. I appreciate your positive comments and I'm still buzzing

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I also try to fit in some cultural activity as well when I'm away. John the owner, was competeing in the local dog trials the day I flew out and I was made welcome to watch as I was fascinated to see how it is done. Up at 04:30, loaded the dogs after Breakfast and off we went. They had long and short courses for header dogs and Huntaways.

The long course. Sheep are released 80% up the hill to be brought back to the shepherd. The goal is not to let the sheep deviate from a straight line down or you lose points.

It was great to watch the Shepherds (male and female) control these marvelous dogs with nothing more than different whistle cammands. (Find and watch some on YouTube).

What fascinated me, if your dog did a shit on the course it was instant disqualification Lol.
Some shepherds have up to five dogs each with seperate whistle calls so they can work five dogs and five mobs of sheep from the valley floor at the same time. I had to leave early to catch my flight. The event is followed by a huge hot lunch and then the bar opens. I'm thinking it is more of an excuse to get on the grog than anything else.

I had no troubles with customs or Ag coming back into Australia. I was careful to declare everything possible. I brought the boiled skull cap and antlers with me wrapped in bubble wrap with hose sections fitted over the points.

I thought some Greenies may have had a go at me and I certainly got some worried looks from people. Our society has lost a percentage of its cultural backbone that's for sure. The only two who said anything to me were a couple of old fellas interested in the hunt.