The traditional Thanksgiving morning hunt of Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds could not have gone better had it been stage-managed. It was a remarkably warm morning (good for us spectators but not so good for the hunt; it seems the hounds have an easier time picking up the fox's scent when it's cold). Dozens of cars filled the Kennel Lawn. Many people set up tailgate parties, and folks were walking around carrying beer bottles, red plastic cups with celery sticks, Champagne flutes, or coffee cups as they greeted their friends. I talked to lots of wonderful people I hadn't seen for ages and just hope I didn't mess up too many people's names.
As the time approached for the foxhunters and hounds to move off, Anne Moran, one of the Masters, said a few words of welcome and thanked the spectators for coming and the landowners for allowing the Hunt on their properties.
And then just as the field was heading down the hill toward Plantation Field, a fox raced along the crest of the hill in full view of the crowd. Perfect timing; it was almost like he knew he had an audience! The hounds soon followed, and the perfectly turned-out riders and horses streamed behind, making for a gloriously colorful scene straight out of a vintage English hunting print.
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