NASHVILLE, IN July 9-10 2011

[SPQR]

     As we toured the Ionian Sea we anchored the yacht in the harbor of Syracuse, not far from where the Romans had so long ago.  I dressed in linen, of course, and we toured the city in the sweltering heat.  We found a small cafe near the Archimede Square to dine and, just as we sat down, the proprietor came to the table. 
     "Signore, il telefono per voi," he offered casually.  I excused myself and rose, drawing a handkerchief to remove the sweat from my brow.  Leading me through the kitchen to a small office in the back, the gentleman offered me a small stool to sit on next to an old, General Electric telephone.
     "Cio e SPQR," I said over the din of the kitchen.  There was a long pause, I gestured to a nearby man who brought me a glass of chilled Trapani.  After a moment a voice came back over the phone.
     "Hello, is this SPQR?"
     "Yes, of course.  What can I do for you?" I asked, amusing myself with watching the activity of the kitchen.
     "Nashville needs a Shoot Boss," the voice said.  I replaced the phone on the receiver immediately and stood.  I thanked the proprietor for the wine and expressed my regret over the half eaten dinner.  We employed a man to drive us over the hills, west to the airport, in an old Fiat 128.  So it goes.


HERE WE ARE AT NASHVILLE!  Testing whether or not our modern patriotism can push us past our discomfort, the heat and humidity, and the seductive Siren Song of the couch.  Can it?  Signs point to YES!

What a fun shoot to behold.  I want to thank the Hoosier Hills Gun Club for hosting us yet again and I want to thank the visiting instructors from Ohio and Taterville.  Most of all, though, I want to thank the shooters.  Thank you so much!  Thank you for teachable attitudes!  Thank you for your endurance!  Thank you for putting the idea of self improvement ahead of vanity in an effort to engage your Heritage as Americans!  It was a BLAST! 

[SPQR]

PICTURES

Circle of WOW IT IS HOT!


Somebody needs to tell Western Rose that folks are writing on her shirt when she ain't lookin!


oooo Circle of Shadey Instruction by Ishy and Rose


Workin'


Shoot Boss and ruggedly handsome Shoot Boss in Training going over Prone Steady Hold Factors with Ohio looking on.
(1903 is used as demo rifle with bolt removed and chamber flag zip tied into barrel.  SAFETY ALWAYS)



AB and Western Rose demonstrating the Line Boss sitting down in the shade position


Litlbit barking orders


Shiny new IIT! (and ruggedly handsome SBiT)


Even grizly veterans need practice.


Chicken Wing located!


Hello AQTs


Cade's dreams are to wear big hats and go hunting in Africa.  He is saving his change ("I gots some dollars. too!") in a jar so he can one day venture forth in search of an elephant, which can be located on his target right between one battleship sinking another battleship.


Focus your Eye on the Front Sight and speak Liberty.


Marty rings the steel.


Ol Cade expresses his feelings, Garand style.  Wooweeeeeee!


Ethan sinks into the AR like an old hand


Lets face it, this little fella is thirty pounds of guts and laughs.  I wish he was at every shoot.




more to come.

[MeanStreaker]

You've anchored a yacht a time or two in a sea of somethin'...   



Congrats on a great shoot!

And a ruggedly handsome imagination! 

[Lyberty]

Despite the horrible weather, this was a great weekend to be Appleseeding! 
Thanks to all you shooters who stuck it out during the super-sweaty weather ... remember, a Rifleman persists.  It was a pleasure meeting wonderful Americans and spending time at the range. 
Thanks to all you instructors who made this a great weekend: YellowHouseJake, Auntie Bellum, RedNekEngr, Ishy, Green Light, LitlBit, Western Rose (aka "Tater") and HQ.  Thank you, SPQR, for trying...   Just kidding! 

[Mudcat]

I had a great weekend shooting, in the hot weather. it was really nice to get back on the line and see Appleseed from a shooters point of view. From what I saw everything was  ! Great instruction and leadership from everyone,  and some really good shooters despite the wonderful weather.

[RedNekEngr]

Yeah, Yeah it was a little hot!!  But, it was wonderful to share the weekend with an awesome crew and outstanding shooters.  Thanks to all for making it a great weekend with your hospitality.  I learned a lot from YHJ's and SPQR's presentations.  No matter how many times you listen and think you can't learn something, you'll be proven wrong.  I took notes and will attempt to incorporate ideas into my future instruction. 

We really had some tough shooters that endured until the end.  I was amazed at your perseverance.  There will undoubtedly be some new riflemen and riflewomen soon.

Good to see my good friends Slim, Bill3, Mudcat, and Hawkhaven on the line.  You guys are first class and are examples of why I love this program.


Thanks to everyone for making my family feel so welcome.  We would love to come back someday.

RedNekEngr

[Green Light]

The heat wasn't too bad since a wonderful instructor brought lots of shade. 

Great shoot with great shooters.   Hope to come back.

P.S.  SPQR's rugged good looks kept us all motivated! 

GL

[Mudcat]

Yes shade! Was much appreciated! Good point Green Light.

Always nice to see the Dangerous Ohio Family. Plus Tater cannot forget Tater.

[Bill 3]

Hot it was and I don't remember any shade.....  Oops, that was my choice to be out on the right 

Great shoot.  Was a pleasure to see some faces I haven't seen in a while mixed in with the familiar crew. First time in a while that I attended an event to shoot and I had a blast as well as having a good reminder of the shooters perspective.

Saw lots of improvement across the board and look forward to seeing those faces again on the trail.

Brian - THANK YOU for stepping up and taking the hat!

Hawk - great sharing some time next to you on the line!

Brown and family - Good show and it wasn't cold and wet.  See you guys again soon.

Slim - Huzzah!

GL - just remember - grief goes both ways... 

Ishy, WR, Liberty, lil bit, RNE - Fantastic to see you all again.

A link to pics will be up tomorrow.

SPQR - Thank you for putting on a great shoot!  Thank you to everyone that was there!

[hawkhavn]

I'll second everything Mudcat had to say!

No better way to get the rust knocked off than to spend a weekend with the Nation's finest rifle instructors looking over everything you are doing.  Even if some of them can't hold a driver's license yet, they can diagnose, correct, encourage and teach - all because they know what they are about. 
Every Appleseed weekend renews my faith in this Republic because I get to see what real citizens can and are doing.

Having the Buckeyes here was an extra special treat, both on the line and behind it.  I have to make it over there for a shoot soon. Y'all are welcome here any weekend you can make it, sorry the humidity matched the temperature!  I'll second RNE's comment that no matter how many strikes you've heard by many different instructors, you always hear something new.  That is what really makes heritage more important than history.

While I was certain that Western Rose who came all the way from the mountains of Idaho would be the furthest travelled, I was wrong.  We had one shooter who shared the weekend with us all the way from California!

Thank you to WR (and her family) who took the time to come east and spend some time with us.   

HH

[yellowhousejake]

Shoot Boss and ruggedly handsome Shoot Boss in Training going over Prone Steady Hold Factors with Ohio looking on.

The heat must have addled your brain junior. I was the Shoot Boss, and you were the SBIT. But I appreciate the ruggedly handsome comment.

Well just so we don't leave you all befuddled, I'll send a note to Instructor Promotions and get that changed.

It was a great weekend that I enjoyed immensely. We had some challenges to deal with, but it was obvious that after a year of hard work (it wasn't easy), Indiana managed to turn out another excellent Shoot Boss. SPQR did a great job, and it showed in the smiles as everyone packed to go home.

A joy to work with the Ohio crew again, and nice to put a face on WR, now I will see that smile every time I read her posts.

The shooters were outstanding, stuck it out, took the instructions well, and I fully expect to see many of them back to put to use what they learned, and will practice at home... right Tyler? Right Jim? 

YHJ

PS. Who were the three comedians on the far left side? Some fella named Slim who brings his own peanut gallery when he shoots? I need one of them, they were having a good time!

[slim]

 As we floated down the Ohio River we anchored the homemade raft in the shadow of the big gambling boat, not far from where Buckeyes of the past had selflessly donated so much to make sure the children of Indiana were well educated.  I dressed for competition at the trough, of course, and we established a beachhead in the sweltering heat.  We found a small, buffet-style eatery near the winding road and, just as we returned from our mid-meal siesta, the large man in the paper hat stood over us.   
     "Senior, you must be full" he offered casually.  I excused myself and rose, drawing looks of both admiration and disbelief from the small crowd of passers by who'd assembled to witness the feats of the dashingly handsome yet mysteriously intriguing traveler sitting before them.  Leading me through the maze of small tables, the gentleman offered me the door and bid me a "buenos noches."
     "Tempus fugit" I said over the din of the traffic passing by.  There was a long pause, I gestured to a nearby man who stood ready to rev the engine of our chariot and hasten us on our way through the night.  After a moment his voice rose above the sounds of the hills whisping by as we moved ever closer to our destination.
     "Are you ready to save the country?"
     "Huzzah." I replied in a voice too strong to be held in by the thin windows and much too loud for the quiet air of the summer night.
     "Nashville needs some shooters," he added.  I folded my hands back onto my lap and nodded my head in agreement as we arrived at the inn. I tipped him with a crispy piece of freshly-minted cotton paper bearing the image of one of our founding fathers, George Washington.  We employed a porter (and put to good use another Washington) to carry our luggage into the cool room, west of the range, in an old area not far from where the magic would soon happen.  So it goes.


What an event!

For me this event was extra special because Hoosier Hills is only a stone's throw from where my Appleseed journey began. It was also a chance to once again spend time with those who started me on my path and view the fruits of their labors.

The 'seeds they'd sown so many years ago have now not only ripened into fruit, but are bearing fruit themselves. Appleseed magic at it's finest. HUZZAH!!!

Great to be back out on the line and what a wonderful group of shooters. I had the chance to work with Jim during Ball and Dummy and both of us were able to take something away from the experience. Riflemen work as a team. No doubt he and his son will be back and I look forward to learning more from them.

I also had the chance to "get some coaching"  from some of the best instructors in the midwest. Thanks to all of you. (And just because you're from Idaho doesn't mean you can't be from the midwest!)

Bearing witness to a new instructor taking on the duties of an Orange Hat, and more importantly, signing on to personally claim a vested interest in the saving of our country is something that makes every minute pounding the pavement or sitting behind the keyboard worth it. Seeing someone take that next step is what makes it all worthwhile.

And that leads us right into the families. "Kids" (and that's in quotes on purpose) are doing so much and each weekend they give me hope that our country will, once again, become a nation of Riflemen. Restoring a sense of community, where we're all one big family of AMERICANS... that's what it's all about.

I was on the line with my brothers. Two of them I grew up with. The rest, I met out on the trail!

[Ratchett]

With Slim and SPQR both there did ya have to wear muck boots ALL weekend in that heat and humidity?!?!?! For it sure does sound like it mighta been gettin deep.

I sure missed a fantastical shoot---CONGRATULATIONS shooters and instructors!

I think I see a need for a congratulations to SPQR for hitting that next pay grade---job well done sir!

[slim]

PS. Who were the three comedians on the far left side? Some fella named Slim who brings his own peanut gallery when he shoots? I need one of them, they were having a good time!

Speaking of peanuts, I brought a 3lb. bag of trail mix. By Sunday afternoon I had a hankerin for some and when I reached for the bag it was empty. EMPTY! 3 POUNDS of tail mix in less than 24 hours. I knew those boys could eat, but I had no idea they'd put such a hurtin on my trail mix.

And that was no match for Brian. I bet he ate a whole case of granola bars before he got into the oatmeal creme pies.

All of us were eating to cover the pain of being outshot by Mudcat. Boy can that guy shoot! Some instructors are known for "talking the talk" (no names needed) and others, like Mudcat, are known for "walking the walk."

Speaking of walking the walk, I remember a few hands staying up in the air for the redcoat. Now that's getting it done!

And how could we talk about walking without mentioning the flightless bird? There's a lot of walking there!

[Fred]

    Looks like that early "Appleseed spirit" of those first Appleseeds way back in '06 has not died - at least, not in Indiana!

    And maybe, since a strong Ohio contingent was there, maybe not in Ohio, either!

[Mudcat]

I would bet that Brian got into your trail mix. It seemed like every time we got done with a string of fire I would go back to the line and he would be opening up a granola bar oatmeal bar or whatever. I mean every time!! No exaggeration. With my metabolism they would have to roll me down to the line if I tried that. He carries no extra weight though. Lucky dog!

Slim I believe you held your own as well as the other 2 Slims with you. I would not want to be a redcoat down range of the Slim Trio!

[Western Rose]

Before this event, I remember sitting around the table with the Ohio contingent and all of the sudden we all realized that we had been having a conversation about Nashville in acronyms and the funny part was, we all understood exactly what the others were saying. Anyway...

Thanks to the Hoosier Hills Gun Club for hosting an Appleseed! The range was awesome.
Thank you to the shooters for coming out and making this event happen.
Thank you to the instructors for being there and making it so much fun. It was an honor to be able to meet you all. BTW, loved all of the tater jokes. Now, who's going to make up the "Miss Potato Head" avatar for me?

I'm afraid I didn't get many pictures (at least with my camera) but I'll try to post some asap.

- The "weird kid from Taterland"

BTW, SPQR, if you're going to call it Tatersville, you'd better start spelling it right. 

[TN_Dadx5]

While I was scanning new posts, I saw "Nashville".  "I didn't know that we had shoots in Nashville" says I , not kowing this post was about Indiana not Tennessee.  Then I saw that Mudcat was there.  Mudcat was SB at my second AS and one of the guys that really got me into AS.  When are you coming back down to TN?  'Sounds like you all had a great weekend.

It looks like the ID contigent is making it's way across  the country hitting shoot after shoot back to ID.  Now that's a family vacation that I could get into.  And it gives me and idea for next summer (if gas is $4 a gallon, we might be on horseback).  If you can, stop by Manchester the last weekend of July.  We'd love to have you.  We've a covered line and a great range.

[TruTenacity]

It looks like the ID contigent is making it's way across  the country hitting shoot after shoot back to ID.  Now that's a family vacation that I could get into.  And it gives me and idea for next summer (if gas is $4 a gallon, we might be on horseback).  If you can, stop by Manchester the last weekend of July.  We'd love to have you.  We've a covered line and a great range.

I'd like to say this has been a "family vacation", but we don't own any horses .. just raise chickens, hogs, steers and a couple more 'taters.  The Reformed Redneck family stayed behind while the OH contingent has been very gracious to Miss 'Tater, taking her from one end of their region on into another ... what has it been, WR 11 or 12 states?  Taterville is ready to have her home.  TN_Dadx5, saddle up those horses and head our way.  There's always room at the Redneck Manor.  We'll keep the light on for ya'.

All, looks like a shoot no one should have missed.  Keep up the good work!

[techres]

Sorry I can only bop by for a short bit on Sunday, but it was great to see all the great shooters on the line, especially Cade and family!  What a great little trooper, he even showed me the scar from when he broke his elbow and had to walk back to his house to tell mom and dad because the dog wasn't like lassie.

I did get some pics before we had to run!

Hawkhavn's covered line keeping the shooters focussed on shooting and not on stroking out:



Ishy teaching:



Excellent brass barriers:



Newest hat watching over an old hat.  Love that Mudcat has taken an AR sabbatical for a year in order to keep from being in a rut as an instructor.  AK brings back all the challenge in the AQT:



The boys:



Watching those groups:



SPQR teaching:





What a ton of fun, and good learning by all.  Thanks to each of you for coming from near and far.

You do our ancestors proud!

[Mudcat]

While I was scanning new posts, I saw "Nashville".  "I didn't know that we had shoots in Nashville" says I , not kowing this post was about Indiana not Tennessee.  Then I saw that Mudcat was there.  Mudcat was SB at my second AS and one of the guys that really got me into AS.  When are you coming back down to TN?  'Sounds like you all had a great weekend.

I would like to make it back down sometime soon but my time has been pretty limited this year so far. It does look like I will be able to seed most of the month of July though.  Come on up to Evansville this weekend and I will put you to work. Will be a full distance shoot and not one to miss.
I see you are about ready to don the red hat soon. I could use a hand such as yourself.

Hope the family is well.

[AuntieBellum]

Wait a minute...SPQR gets a green hat for THAT???


As he should - well, done, SPQR, well done.   

A great Appleseed.  There was determination in the faces of those on the line, despite the heat and humidity.  They were there to learn and put to use those marksmanship skills taught inside those hokey pokey circles.  There were a ton of questions, some laughs, and lots of dancing. - that very special Rifleman's Dance.  Keep it up.  Come back.  Bring more friends.  Some of you did that this weekend, stretching from Ohio to California (!) - so keep 7th stepping, remember and honor the sacrifices of those who had the courage to secure your Liberty, and I'll look forward to seeing you all again soon. 

A sight our forefathers can be proud of:



SPQR explains the importance of the Red Coat target to an attentive crowd:



The new Red Hat dress code...gentlemen, start growing your hair out!



The hokey pokey circle of instruction in use:



Just one example of a student taking the instruction to the line...literally.  Just read her pants.   
(Even though I really, really missed having her with her Blue Hat helping out!)



YHJ gives a bit of history to the shooters taking a break in the shade amongst the flags:


What has the attention of these instructors?  Lyberty's A++ IMC instruction of course:



I love Appleseed.

[Bill 3]

[Green Light]

Thank you to all who captured the events of the awesome weekend.   

I was glad to see that our red hats can still shoot (Hawk, Mudcat, Bill 3, and Slim can do a good job at missing!)   

Thank you Slim clan, Lyberty, and Litlbit for cooling me off! 

GL

[Brown]

Wow
What a Weekend!! hot? UH Yeah, Fun? $)@ Yeah. most definately worth the drive and stay over. SPQR great leading job and the instructors were nothing but top notch. The group from OH with dad and all the kids instructors THAT is something to strive for in my family. What an example they give.

Learn something new each time at a seed and this was no exception. Great to see people again like bill3, AB, and YHJ and to meet some new people like HAwkhaven.

Marty had so much fun ringing steel at 100yds. talked about it all the way home. After hearing the history for the 4th time Adam is now convinced he wants a Garand. I gave him the option a few months ago either a AR or Garand for his 18th B-Day. he wants one of OUR rifles as Huff said.

I still came up 4pts short of the patch but there is always another time. Unless you guys want to spot me a few points for having my own mother in law shooting next to me? 

Even though the MIL came from Cali we brought her for a few nice days in the midwest weather and she did have a great time.

[Bill 3]

... I gave him the option a few months ago either a AR or Garand for his 18th B-Day. he wants one of OUR rifles as Huff said.

I still came up 4pts short of the patch but there is always another time. Unless you guys want to spot me a few points for having my own mother in law shooting next to me? 

Even though the MIL came from Cali we brought her for a few nice days in the midwest weather and she did have a great time.

It's there waiting for you and anytime someone from cali comes to Indy and has a good time... it's a good thing!

[HQ]

Man, you've got to love Indiana.  It is nice weather, breezy, some humidity, but not to bad and then WHAM!!! Suddenly it is gross.  I couldn't decide if it was super hot this weekend or the heat index was playing with our brains.  But there was something going on.  It's a good thing our newest Shoot Boss really pushes fluids!

Seriously, as I was grading AQT's all day Sunday, I saw GREAT improvement.  With just a little tweaking of NPOA, refocusing on those 6 steps and really working on relaxing, we are going to see an entire line of riflemen.  There were great groups on those targets! 

I can't wait for my voice to come back so I can get back on the line with these shooters!  Great job this weekend!

[Bull13]

What a great shoot I have missed! So many folks showing up in such challenging conditions; to hear, to learn, to take steps to secure liberty-  really does my spirit good.
Mudcat-good to see you enjoying AS from the firing line for once. Have to come to Red Brush soon and visit my "original" AS home. Where it all began for me and Mudcat and Sir+Rifle captured my attention with a deeper meaning to our Heritage. Thanks!
Too many faces I know and names I heard mentioned here to address each. But rest assured, I am looking forward to seeing, working, and learning with all in the near future.
Excellent job on another AS weekend!

[Octalman]

My wife and I had a great time, regardless of the heat.  Really enjoyed the history.  Now have to practice using the six steps.  Green hat, Red hat, Orange hat - all the hats were great teachers and people.  I will spread the word about Appleseed.  Great organization.  Great people.  Great mission.  Need to come back and achieve Rifleman with my 22 and centerfire.

[brianheeter]

People ask why I keep going to AS shoots.   Let's see....  I always learn something, my shooting improves and I have a good time.  Not to mention the great people with whom I get to share the line.  Slim, Jordan, Nathan, Mudcat, Jim and Tyler, it was great to have you guys around me.  You really made it fun.  Great to see Jason, Crystal and Cade again.  And then there was that family from Ohio that seems to require you to become an orange hat before you get out of diapers!

Congrats on the green hat, Huff.  No doubt about it, you have what it takes.

On July 10th, 2011, I took my orange hat from SPQR....