AAR Annapolis, MD March 17/18, 2012

[brickhouse]

Wow!.... Wow! An-Appleseeds routinely sell out months in advance and there is no mystery as to why; BeSwift and his corps of instructors have created a piece of Appleseed heaven at Anne Arundel Fish and Game in Annapolis, Md..

I was supremely privileged to come out and don the "Queen Hat" for a weekend (a nod to NavyIrish for creating the term). Sunny skies and warm early spring temperatures greeted a packed line of 15 determined shooters.

We all knew that we were in for something special as an American bald eagle unhurriedly skimmed by directly overhead as Patent Guy conducted the safety briefing. Yes, you read that right--an American bald eagle "fly-by.". Just.... damn!

We quickly progressed through instruction as the groups that had not already started out small, began to shrink rapidly. Lunch came quickly, and passed just as quickly as carlb presented an heart felt and spot-on "First Strike." The first AQT of the weekend popped five, count' em five, Rifleman scores; Missy (223), Josh (226), Ben (232) Mike (215), and Quentin (233 on a bolt ). [Who's cutting the grass first this season, Mike?"]. Chris pushed the total to six on the next AQT (212). I'm told this is an all-time record for a Saturday An-Appleseed.

Missy, along with her son Chris, has not missed an An-Appleseed in recent memory. She agreed to don a hat to help out with May's (sold-out) Ladyseed (color; orange or blue, to be determined).

The day ended with 15 happy, relaxed, and tired patriots heading home to rest.... and ibuprofen.

After receiving her William Diamond patch at the benediction on Sunday, Irie asked about the origin behind the name Appleseed. Beswift who had returned home early from a wedding out of town (and who could not bear to stay away) answered. Most often, we don't know where the seeds we scatter will bear fruit. Some long months ago, Patent Guy spoke to a fellow at a sporting goods store about Appleseed. Subsequently, said fellow, Mike signs up himself, his wife and three sons for this An-Appleseed. They attend, have a great time and Mike picks up an orange hat. A brilliant illustration of the Appleseed way!

Thanks to all who participated.

Patent Guy, carlb, mosinguy, Y1, and NavyIrish-- simply superb!  A pleasure, really! 

A special shout out to AAFG, wonderful facilities and wonderful folks!

[Patent guy]

Thank You BH!

[Josey Wales]

..brickhouse,
..Glad to see you working the trail.  Reads like a great event with a strong Instructor crew.  Just felt like checking in to see how things are going..

.......Strength & Honor............Josey Wales.................

[NavyIrish]

An "All Hail" bow to Brickhouse for the drive out to the mid-Atlantic to help out at another AS!