"It was as if men came down from the clouds."
Two registered students, a crisp, breeze at 45 degrees to start under pristine blue skies, and then the line begins to fill. Fourteen more keep the Admin table working up to the 0900 start. Sixteen on the line, five of the students from 8 to 13 years old, and Dr. John and myself to keep it all running smooth.
Optimistic as always, we had prepped the range with 14 backers on Friday; it was quick work to add 2 more on Saturday to give each student their own number, then ran relays of 8 each; young Americans with the experienced shooters to fill relay one, and follow up with the grown-ups.
After some expert management with Dr. John keeping order, we got a rhythm and the students learned the dance. Out of the starting gate we had evidence of a phenomenal day ahead, with the five young Americans well-disciplined by fine instruction from their dad/uncle prior, Dr. John and I were ever-watchful, but we weren't exhausted keeping the event safe and enjoyable for all of us.
We kept a steady pace, watched the improvements continue...those young gentlemen really were outstanding! A condensed history during lunch, Greg provided drinks and snacks from the range house, and a few students departed or sat out for reasons not related to the student volume, and we were running without relays in the afternoon.
Two requalifications, a new IIT0; welcome aboard David!, a "Yes!" in unison when asked if those present would come back in April, and Dr. John and I in the amazed satisfaction of how incredible the day ran once we were back at the barn.
The word is out, and in large part to the efforts of range members at Baconton who get the credit for telling friends about Appleseed. My thanks to Greg Clark for participating and hosting on behalf of Southwest Georgia Shooting Association.
-goose
Dr. John shared that y'all had an amazing event; he wasn't kidding! Great work, y'all! ^:)^
FabricatorsGal
(Megan)
Thank you, Megan. We had a fine day, and Baconton is really beginning to draw people. We are building a crew of enthusiastic Georgians, and I am excited for this opportunity. It is a long haul for Dr. John, but he gets the "red carpet" treatment (that means he gets one RV to himself) complete with the DeeLux outdoor shower with hot water--when I remember to turn on the propane! Having Blue and, now, Orange hat colors on the line is paramount to making this range self-sustaining, so Appleseed has found fertile ground in SW Georgia. Yee Haw!
Great turnout, great students, beautiful weather, and a host range whose hospitality is second to none. And Appleseed is well established in South Georgia with solid attendee numbers and a growing group of new instructors and Applecore volunteers. I can't wait to come back and see all of you again. Huzza, and blessings!