September 17/18, 2011 Saraspa Rod and Gun Club in Greenfield Center, Saratoga New York was the place to be.
This was a beautiful way to end summer, this the last weekend of summer attending an Appleseed. I had the privilege to spend it with people, some which were not sure of themselves when they showed up, BUT Sunday when they left knew very much what they were about.
The SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club was very well prepared for our event, the members who worked so hard to help this event happen, thank you. Driving into the Range's front gate under the Flag set, set the stage.
Smurf on the first AQT, then the second AQT scoring Rifleman set the pace for all of us for the weekend.
Lunches prepared by Ann, Patty and Bob - nice. None of which were Club members but supporters of Appleseed, they brought the food and refreshments. Thank you for all your time and hard work and for supporting Appleseed's Mission... Was nice to come up to a warm lunch and more then you could eat.
During lunch seeing SureShots Brown Bess that was used in the Revolution, and the cannon balls used in era and other items was a treat for everyone.
After lunch Saturday we visited the grave markers of some of those lost April 19th, 1775, Isaac Davis' marker shining in the mid-day sun, very nice touch by Dakota30 and her Dad. THEN off in the distance one could hear the Drum beat of Assembly. Heads went up, and knowing the beat, all assembled. There we found our young drummer Andrew on 50 yard range.
Sunday was met with Colin and his Dad (Steve) attending, Colin attending his third AS and Dad his first. Dad scoring Rifleman and Colin YET to score the mark of rifleman. Boy was this going to be a long ride home. Colin, finally stepped up a scored Rifleman, and THEN repeated it three more times. Guess he needed Dad. Colin, see you soon on the trail.
Sunday we had a special vister from Vermont, Buzzworth stopped over for a few hours, was a pleasure to see him.
Sunday after lunch we continued our afternoon Course of Fire with a Mad Minute. And our team of Casey, Bruce Sr., Bruce Jr., Mike winning and selecting their prizes of laminated mini Appleseed posters...
Bruce Jr., don't stop, you are so close to Rifleman, you are soon to make Dad and all of us proud.
Casey at her 9th Appleseed finally stepped up and scored Riflewoman. This young lady has proven herself with both knowledge and ability to shoot to the standard. Nice job.
Also scoring Rifleman along side Casey, Colin, Smurf (Shawn) and Steve were Mike and Dave..
At lunch Sunday we spoke of the Battles of Saratoga, and this being the Anniversary of the Battles and being in Saratoga, we needed to feel the moment, was only right for us to celebrate the Anniversary with the Cannon firing. Wow
Sunday, after the Benediction, we ended this fantastic weekend hearing Bag Pipes of Amazing Grace being played, the Ceremonial Bell was rung 3 times and then our Bugler Bugling Taps touched the heart and brought a tear or two.
Any one have photo's?
Thank you all for all you do.
mark
R1sgx2 I bet it was epic, SMURF pmd that he got his patch. Great job! Looking forward to the pics of the cannon!!
As you can see from Mark's post, YES this WAS EPIC!! Lots of great shooters, beautiful days, lots of camaraderie and lead down range; and as you can see LOTS of Riflemen/woman. Great job folks!! Even those who did not shoot the score were proud to see their groupings get smaller and smaller.
Little Mo and I had a great time, as always. He was so proud to have his daughter and son-in-law come in from Rochester for the shoot and they had a blast!! As they say, the family that shoots together..... :--- They will be back :)
Great job R1SGx2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As what seems to have become the norm for an Appleseed at Saratoga, R1SGX2 did an outstanding job to entertain, instruct, and use great props for teaching the students! :bow:
It was great to see Buzzworth again! He was the Shoot Boss at the 2nd Appleseed I attended as a student little more than a year ago.
Pictures to follow. (BTW - Some didn't come out.)
Gary
We had a great weekend for this shoot. I'm proud to say we now have a fresh batch of men and women who know very well what they are about.
Nice pictures :bow: :bow:- I forgot to mention that all patches awarded were Christened with water that flowed under the North Bridge that SureShot made a trip out there to get- thank you O0 O0, good job by all, Still waiting for more pictures.... ~~:) &) ~~:) &)
mark
(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af307/mjanspacher/Saratoga%20Springs/Sept%2017%20and%2018%202011/P1000983.jpg)
Outstanding!
and one last batch in from Dakota30
Saratoga Appleseed Sept 17-18 2011
Saratoga Appleseed Sept 17-18 2011
Saratoga Appleseed Sept 17-18 2011
You Rock Mark!
It looks like it was a great time, wish I could have been there.
Good to see you're still sporting the shillelagh, hope it's serving well.
D McB
..Saraspa is a very special place. I am so thankful there is a place like this with Instructors like yourselves in NY State. Keep up the outstanding work, and thank you for your service..
.............Strength & Honor.......................Josey Wales.......................