Summertime in Florida = Hot, Muggy and Wet
It was verging on InfernoSeed territory. Alas the daily 2 inches of swamp-making rain put a stop to all that.
8 stepped up to drink from the firehose and they were a hearty bunch. As the shoot boss I get to see everything that goes on and I was more than a little impressed with this bunch. It is rare that I see new things on the line (I've been around the Appleseed block a bit), but what I saw left me inspired.
We were glad to see Todd return (even without Erica) who 7th stepped and brought out 2 friends (Brad and John). Neil returned because he felt he needed to maintain his skills (yes these skills are perishable). Terry and Ryan (Father and Son) spent a good weekend together. Tom drove up 3 hours to see what this whole Appleseed thing was about. Ron...I would classify him as one of those Dangerous Old Men we immortalize.
We always joke about Appleseeders being the cream of the crop but in my experience it is the truth. The stereotype of the spoiled, lazy, rabidly patriotic (and unthinking) American who avoids his responsibilities as a Citizen is something I never see at an Appleseed.
I heard lots of jokes but no whiny complaints. It was hot and people worked hard. Everyone pushed and tried and nobody gave up. Even when there were physical problems people stuck around to the very end, pitching in to clean up and hear us out. The best are always self-selecting it seems.
Personally I have to thank Bruce (9mm4545, our Appleseed State Coordinator) for coming down to help me out! I hope folks take away that Appleseed in this fine state (and across the nation) is a great community of Americans that help each other out.
Oh yeah, the shooting part of this weekend. Incredibly everybody did well. Yes the heat pounded us like a hammer. But that didn't stop them. Of the 2 AQTs on Saturday Ron hit a quick 169. Many of the scores right off the bat got them out of "Boot". I saw constant improvement even though scores hit a wall as the heat, rain and waiting sapped everybody's energy. Some of the highlights for me are:
Ron's attitude, skill and mindset
Tom's Focus
Todd's self-analysis
Neil's constant and notable improvement
Ryan who on-again off-again drilled the target...now it just has to all come together.
Oh yeah...another highlight Tom (over 5 AQTs) hit the score with the highest a 223 using his open sighted CZ bolt gun. When I mentioned focus there is a reason. I saw him get brass burns during a rapid string and ignore it. I saw him keep his cool even though he saved rounds in the rapids. As a person, "he is a man that knows very well what he is about."
I hope others chime and and talk about their experiences.
Thanks to:
9mm4545 (Bruce) for helping me out,
xsquidgator (Tom) for enabling all of this,
The Central Florida Rifle and Pistol Club (CFRPC) for giving us a home,
the great Americans that I met this weekend
-Peter
Group Pic
Woohoo!!
Another Great Appleseed , Thanks again to Pete and Tom. Bruce it was good to meet you.
I have more practice on NPOA to do before the next seed. It was hot , really hot. Pete and Tom did a great job reminding us to hydrate.
Erica says she will be back , after we work on our rilfemans yoga.
Quote from: Mr Pete on July 15, 2014, 10:02:31 AM
Summertime in Florida = Hot, Muggy and Wet
It was verging on InfernoSeed territory. Alas the daily 2 inches of swamp-making rain put a stop to all that.
-Peter
Weather was almost perfect -- mid 60's partly sunny -- at Birchwood last weekend. You're always welcome back.
regards,
fisherdawg
Pete, thank you for the excellent after action report and the encouraging words! I was extremely impressed with the whole experience, and am looking forward to my next Appleseed. What a program! The marksmanship instruction was excellent, but the real icing for me was the heritage and history lessons. I am so very impressed by the expertise with which you and XSquidGator and 9mm4545 shared the stories of our nation's beginnings. You have motivated another disciple here, friends.
And you are right on the money about the quality of the folks who were there this weekend. What a fine bunch. I would gladly choose their company if things got tough.
I have begun work on the 7th step, trying to recruit some friends and one of my daughters to take on the Appleseed challenge. I pray that our paths cross again soon!
All the best,
Tom T.