I discovered a new location recently and Blast "christened" it on Tuesday. We used more veg. areas than hard surface, but will go again utilizing more of the non-veg.
Great conditions, just ahead of rain coming in, and not too hot. We actually had 'real' grass for the early track before running into the old, dead stuff at the end. His track was aged about an hour, with three articles. It would have been approx. 3/4 track length.
I just love his starts at the scent pad. Look at the rear legs just ready to "push off"! No doubt what direction this one goes!!! 
This location is a small campus with people and cars coming and going and we pass the main route travelled from the front door to the bus shelter so there is lots of foot traffic.
Blast just made his first turn which was under the 2 trees in the first photo on a little shady rise.
Didn't see what 'stopped' him here. We're heading to the first article (wood) pointed out by the red arrow. The bus shelter is just up ahead, with the road in front of it, the other side of the weeds.
Found the article, which I just picked up. Blast just realized Tascha was back there taking pictures. She turned away and tried to hide, which piqued his interest!
About to cross the cement walkway route to the bus shelter on a diagonal. It actually is a fairly large area, the perspective is off here.
Back out onto grass, I was actually surprised (and really pleased!) how Blast was right on the track going through this area.
We have moved along and made two more corners at this point. This one, I've just turned. Blast cut this one quite a bit, I believe he was already picking up the scent from the next article, even with one more turn before we reach it.
And here he just reached a small cotton glove. The track had gone in a "U" shape in this area, and with the close building and conditions, I felt he knew exactly where this article was a long ways back. This is a dog that takes off on walks having caught scent of something left behind in the field or forest from days or weeks previously. As amazing as this is to me, it also (to me) interferes with a solid tracking style (for trials).
He worked beautifully right up the centre of this sidewalk, solidly on the track.
We're reaching the front area of the main doors and will make a open turn right in the middle of this area and cross closely in front of the entrance. He's working so nicely here, I'm so pleased with him. Tascha said later, there was a lady waiting in the car closest to us, and was watching. When Tascha went past, the lady asked her if this was a wolf. Sure thing...I'm tracking a wolf on a harness and line...! She said a small bear came out of the bush yesterday when she was there.
We've crossed the entrance area with no problems and he was moving at a good pace towards a bicycle resting area we go through on a change to veg. surface.
On the last leg now towards the end of the building on brittle, brown grass.
Is that it?!!! I have the small pc. of leather in my hand. Blast did really well, so pleased with him with so little work in urban settings. All 'smiley boy' wants here is to go and see Tascha! Blasts' article indications are not solid enough for my liking and we really need to work more on this. And distractions can still be a big issue for him. This is something I need to work on separate from tracking...more exposure to busy areas.I'm hoping the weather has changed so we can really focus on a program. Fall is coming quickly, and preparing for autumn trials has been almost impossible this summer. But after his work today, I certainly have hope!
