I consider myself very fortunate indeed to have spent the weekend with so many hearty patriots in beautiful St Augustine these past two days. We successfully completed our first event at our new local range, Salt Waters Shooting Club. Special thanks to the range owner for accommodating us in such a top notch facility. 18 wonderful students joined us to learn our shared heritage of marksmanship and the fascinating story of April 19th 1775. I cannot remember a group of students more engaged and willing to learn in recent memory, suffice to say it was the best of times and I saw more than a glimmer of enlightenment sparking the fire of liberty in more than a few eyes. Our group braved the heat of summer, drenching rain, muddy lines and quite a few pesky bugs to forge onward to glory. Congratulations to Florida's newest rifleman, Pete who scored a 210 on the last AQT Sunday. He smiled from ear to ear even as the cold waters of the north bridge were poured upon him. You see........persistence does pay off. Doug, you were so very close. Dry fire practice at home and never give up! Next time sir, next time. I hope to see you again very soon. It was also a pleasure to have Christine with the St Augustine Record with us all weekend, you are a trooper and we were all glad you came out for the weekend. Also thanks for all the selfless instructors who traveled from all around the state of Florida to join our group. All the best people I know are Appleseeders! Only one question remains: when can we do it again? Stay tuned to the website for new event dates in the future at this venue.
Even more pictures, I know, wow.
Can I just say I get inspired all over again seeing such patriots as both students & instructors who exhibited such amazing persistence, grit, determination even during truly infernoseed conditions topped off by a whopping thunder & rain on Sunday. The smiles, the heart, the twinkle in the eyes as history was devoured was truly memorable.
And the rubber ducky shoot was an absolute hoot & a stroke of brilliance by the SB to break up the red hot grind & refresh the students. Really very funny that adults were just as enthusiastic as the kids about going for those 5 MOA ducks ^:)^ Team one & team two were only separated by one lone duck. ;)
Here are some simple rubber ducky mathematical equations that may give others food for thought at future summertime events:
*230 pm 95 degree AQT grind = no smiles and dragging
*No smiles and dragging + 18 five MOA rubber ducks on custom numbered target stands at 25 meters = fun!
*Fun! + a rifle team knocking down as many five MOA rubber ducks in 15 seconds with one round each = BIG smiles
*BIG smiles + fun! = better attitudes and a refreshed outlook on the next AQT
You know that old saying "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" right?
Seriously HOT, muggy, and muddy. I can't believe no one took pictures of the heat index display or the Sunday afternoon mud wallow! Here are a few random snapshots including one of our junior shooters receiving their WD patch from the Shoot Boss. Not only did we have a fantastic Shoot Boss, we were also blessed with a very competent SBIT--Huzzah Cable__Guy! It was a pleasure to join such an awesome group of students and instructors. Thanks B.C. for making it happen.
Congratulations to our Rifleman Pete, and further congratulations to Pete for raising Two young girls with Great attitudes and boundless energy.
And a few more Pics, Because this thread needed it.
This event was such an awesome experience for me and the excitement of the attendees was even better!
I really enjoyed taking pictures of everyone and watching the way each instructor was always there, when someone needed a helping hand; everyone was genuine and smiles were everywhere.
I heard such positive feedback about how much information was given in those two days and that makes it really worth it, right? Right!!
Props to all of the instructors and Shoot Boss/B.C., as well, for a successful event and I look forward to the next. :bow:
For those that asked for reduced scale targets.
https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=9833.msg83274#msg83274 :F
Had a great time despite not shooting as well as I would have liked. But definitely learned a lot and know what to practice. Kick myself for sleeping through my alarm Sunday morning! A hearty thanks to the instructions for taking the time to teach us in that heat and humidity!
Good news! There are two more future events scheduled at this wonderful range, here are the dates:
2017-09-09/10
2017-10-21/22
Those who return are definitely bound for glory!