Southern hospitality is still alive

                        
I am attending a dog trial at the 4 Star Plantation near Atlanta, Georgia. The weather is not as warm as I had hoped for, but at least it's 30 degrees warmer than it is at home. I would like to be writing about how well I and my dog, Addi, are doing in the trial, but that would take some imagination, and I am not a fiction writer. The guys here, and the dogs that they are running, are the best in the country, and to say I am doing poorly against them would be an understatement.
That is not to say that I am not having a great time. The sun is shining, and Addi and I are hanging out at a bird dog trial. It hardly gets any better than that. This isn't my first trip to the 4 Star Plantation, and I have been anticipating my return for a year. Not to take a whipping at the field trial, but rather to enjoy the company of some of the friendliest folks I know.
That old term "southern hospitality" is as appropriate today as it was 150 years ago. For the most part the folks in the south take their responsibility of being a host very seriously. If you travel through the South, and get away from the tourist spots, you will find the people a little friendlier, a little more helpful, and for the most part they have a happier disposition.
I have traveled south annually for the last 34 years, and have often wondered about the difference in the attitudes and personalities. It can't just be the better weather. If that were the case the folks in Southern California would be among the world's friendliest. It could be genetics, but I doubt that. I have come to the conclusion it must be good parenting. Whatever it is, I certainly enjoy it.
The fact that there are no strangers, and everyone treats you nice is wonderful, but what really stands out down here to me is the food. At most dog trials you get a hamburger to eat for lunch, and you go find a spot out of the sun or rain to eat it. Down here, Danny Brownlow and his wife start the day off with breakfast for everyone, then a sit-down lunch, followed by a huge supper. All these meals are served in a building with plenty of seating for all in attendance. You really have no choice but to socialize and learn about the other folks at the trial. This turns a dog trial into a memorable event, and that just doesn't happen very often.
If you have a little time this winter, a great way to spend it would be in the South. Pick a lake in Georgia, or Alabama, and take a friend or family fishing for a few days. Another great getaway is to book a hunt on a bird or game preserve. It's a great way to warm up in February, and you will probably enjoy the people as much as the activity.
You notice I didn't mention Florida. The hunting is great there, and I live for the offshore fishing in the Gulf. However, most of the locals are transplants from up here, and weren't taught that good old southern hospitality.
Catch you later,
Rick
Rick Hill lives in Wayne County with his wife, daughters, and a kennel full of well-bred, poorly trained bird dogs. E-mail Rick at rhil8147@embarqmail.com.


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