A memorable shoot on a springtime weekend in Florida -- temperatures in the 90s and the sun bright enough to blister you.
17 patriots turned out to reconnect with their heritage as Americans and the cause of liberty. Two new orange hats joined the Appleseed trail, and one traded her orange hat for a red one.
After two years on the Appleseed trail, HeidiHeidi won her red hat. We've watched her grown from a shy mom who barely new where the muzzle went to a to a garand-shooting monster who runs the line with great authority. That red hat will be sorely needed at the upcoming Florida Ladyseed (hmm, could she become Florida's only female shootboss??).
Her hat was retired in style (anyone got pictures of the hat?)
The downside -- none of the men at the shoot became riflemen. Our only two riflemen were women -- and what women! Ari and Nadia shot score repeatedly and with ease. And both accepted a coveted orange hat. Ari will be staying with our Appleseed family in Palm Bay, but Nadia, one of our brave women in uniform, will be transferred in a few months to Colorado, where they need all the help they can get.
Some of the highpoints of the weekend -- Mike came to his first Appleseed with little experience with firearms and ended up shooting a 179. He'll be back for his patch. Huzzah!
Tim struggled with equipment and and heat and lack of experience all weekend, and pulled out a 90 at the end. He was out most improved shooter and showed great determination. Huzzah!
We had several other shooters -- David and Alexis and Hotshot -- who were knocking on the door. They'll be back.
A good time was had by all.
Thanks to TheMenace for the photos.
Way to go Chelsea!
It was a great weekend! Nadia and I were the only lefties so we were able to hang out together at the end of the line and motivate each other throughout the day. My scores for Saturday were 210 and 218 but on Sunday I did a little better (thanks to Gary and Heidi) with 225, 220, 224 and my last score of the day I will not share, but let's just blame that on exhaustion and hunger. ;) Next time I hope I remember my cooler with my lunch.
I was hoping to beat my Gainesville score, but I'll try again when I get my rifle in order. I'm just happy to have been given a hat so I can be part of such a great team!
Thanks so much to the instructors for making our weekend fun and interesting. O0
Oh, wow, Chelsea, is that you?! I thought that looked like you in the picture, but you tricked me by changing your screen name, lol!
Congrats to you both for shooting score again, and thank you for taking a hat! We really need women instructors.
Will you be able to come to the Ladyseed in September?
It was a great 2 days for America! Patriots all, the scores kept improving as we worked on all the basics.
Nadia, I was thrilled when you made Rifleman! Once you did, the speed bump was totally gone and you did it again and again! You will be missed as you now depart for Colorado. But, with that spiffy new Orange Hat, I know we will soon hear how you are passing on the skills you have learned to a whole new group of Patriots! Huzzah!
Ari, I was likewise thrilled when you shot Rifleman scores repeatedly, and by working on that tiny little 1/16th inch offset mini-dancing trigger finger motion, your scores even shot upward more! I look forward to working with you at many future FL Appleseeds! Huzzah!
David, don't be too hard on yourself. By creeping your scores higher and higher, you definitely are now truly on the bubble. Your final score of 206 makes it obvious you are so very close! I see a Rifleman patch in your very near future! One more AQT will likely do it!
Tim, I don't think I have ever seen anyone improve so fast so quick. You seemed to really improve as more of the oral history stories were told. They truly inspired your shooting. It was awesome!
Demany, you have a natural talent for marksmanship! I see a Rifleman patch in your not so distant future!
Jack, you likewise showed great improvement, despite arriving with very high skills, too! Outstanding!
Heidi Rose, you never cease to impress with your focus and skill. I see a Red Hat in your future with such focus! There is just that pesky age limit!
Jean, the heat was rough, and I think it had an effect on your AQT scores. But, you are no faint hearted patriot! You could have shown those guys at Valley Forge a thing or two!
Scherri, I was impressed with your grit as well! When the heat index is pushing Infernoseed limits, the scores often are affected! You were very consistent!
Alexis, you are clearly knocking on the Rifleman door! It very nearly opened this weekend!
Mike, there is a patch in your very near future, too!
Hotshot, you are improving quickly! It is a pleasure to watch such improvement!
For those who had to leave a little early, the loss was ours! It was a pleasure spending time with you all!
I hope to see all of you again in the near future! (With the exception of NightProwler, who will be serving afar in Colorado!)
O0
--Gary
Yes, that's me. Sorry about the confusion! I hadn't given any thought to going to the Ladyseed as I'm still in shock that I received my hat. ;D I'll definitely look into going!