Here begins the brief summary of the events that unfolded in Hinckley MN on the Eighteenth and Nineteenth of June Two Thousand and Eleven....
In true Minnesota fashion, as Saturday morning started to unfold we were greeted by rain, lots and lots of rain. As the shooters started to arrive, there seemed to be no sign of it letting up. We were, however, graced by several popup shelters valiantly set up by teams of shooters and instructors. It was a good thing we had them too. After all our volunteers had helped to set up the firing line shelter, getting soaked to the bone in the process, the rain let up and was nie to return.
The opening red coats and squares showed much promise and more improvement as the morning unfolded. As the humidity began to rise so did the effort by our shooters and instructor corps. Squib and GRYPHON worked the right and left flank, Sparks1 and I held down the center and our fearless Shoot Boss AFTERMATH set the pace. Alas the first AQT arrived. Returning victorious from his first encounter, Cam proved himself a victor and scored Rifleman on his first AQT of his first Appleseed. The day continued with the ominous feeling that at any point the rain would be loosed from the heavens but it did not. In my opinion it was perfect Appleseed weather. But, any time you are with such a fine group of Americans the weather is perfect.
As the day came to a close, our nine, proud but tired shooters retired for the evening. Our instructors bid them fair well, and retired themselves. Day one was done. Much ground had been covered and one new Rifleman was added to Minnesota's ranks.
Alas, it was Sunday. We were again graced by perfect Appleseed weather: 65-70F and cloudy. Sparks1, GRYPHON and squib had been replaced by Taylor (from Wisconsin, honorary Minnesotan.) We also had one shooter unable to return but he was replaced by another. Our shooter's ranks remained at nine; let the assault begin. We shot at red coats, squares, tv's, practice AQT's and real AQT's. Round after round, target after target. It was clear that things were beginning to set in. Deven another first time Appleseeder, who we were told was hard of sight, proved himself a Rifleman. He was our second shooter of the weekend to best the AQT. After a bit of lunch and some good fellowship, it was back to work. The task that lay before us was the AQT grind, over and over until another Rifleman was forged. Scott, a return shooter, had finally bested his old scores.
As the day came to a close the sun finally emerged. A truly beautiful sight to see, the sun setting through the trees on another fine rifle range in our America. All ten shooters left with some renewed pride in there heritage, new skills, sore muscles and dirty rifles.
Thanks again to the Hinckley conservation club, all our shooters and our dedicated instructor corps.
AdamT.
Pictures to follow. My camera makes good phone calls but my phone struggles to be a good camera.
ALLRIGHT!!!! Congratulations to all who bested the weather and AQT grind. O0
Well done Cameron,Deven, and Scott for their qualifying as Riflemen. ^:)^ ^:)^ ^:)^
You others come on back...I know you are close. Just practice the basics...dryfire,dryfire,dryfire! &) &) &)
Congratulations new Riflemen. ^:)^
Keep dry firing future Riflemen/Riflewoman. You are all close to topping the 210 hurdle. I hope to see you all (and some of your friends) again in July.
Since I was not able to attend Saturday, until I see pictures, I cannot confirm but rumor has it that AFTERMATH had a contingent of walk(drive?)on shooters follow him to the range Saturday morning. That's the good news; bad news is they had badges, mars lights and were on the clock at the time. Did anyone wittiness?
Taylor
Way to go everyone! O0
Adam, I don't think I could have said it better myself.
O0
Taylor, I'm pleading the fifth! :-X
Here is the much anticipated photo tour of our new rifleman.
First up is Cameron
(http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae346/mnappleseed/20110618hinckley/2011-06-18163635-1.jpg)
Second was Deven
(http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae346/mnappleseed/20110618hinckley/IMG_20110619_110110-1.jpg)
And finally Scott
(http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae346/mnappleseed/20110618hinckley/IMG_20110619_135232-1.jpg)
A Third Strike for the books....
(http://i986.photobucket.com/albums/ae346/mnappleseed/20110618hinckley/2011-06-18162106-1.jpg)
AdamT.