It was in the first installment of his commentaries on the War for Independence, that Thomas Paine penned the immortal words:
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
He was of course describing the winter quarters at Valley Forge; and while not quite as tasking as the full winter of 1776-77, Winterseed in Alaska is no casual matter either. No-one who eagerly volunteers (and pays) to focus, work, and learn for 10ish hours in sub-freezing weather can be accused of being a "sunshine patriot". Times 2 for those who choose to instruct.
Yet shoot we did, with all the earnestness of a summer shoot. Lessons taught, learning demonstrated, results improving, history shared, all is well.
Except
The problem with a one day Appleseed is that it's not two days.
Not to be overly dramatic, but the one day clinic is crippled by it's inability to deal with stragglers.
The one day end of season shoot was meant to be a refresher, or at least a one-last-chance for those who were "oh' so close". Perhaps an established Rifleman who just wants the additional qual of the "Blue Running Nose" patch. Whatever the experienced shooter's motive, it is a good deal.
But for the beginner, or for someone having equipment issues, it's just not enough time.
"Promise me you'll try again in the Spring"," Imagine what we could do with 8 more hours". Becomes a theme. Not sure how improve on this. But it sure was a good time, wouldn't have missed it.
We added 1 Rifleman to our midst,, Highest congrats to Alaska Rifleman #129 and Winterseed Rifleman Jeff M.
We added one Rifleman, given a second day we could have added 3 more. Take what you can get, I guess.
--FF
The pics,, new phone = new camera= forget Rule 1 of Winter shooting:
DO NOT FOG YOUR OPTICS
--FF
Awesome event.
A bit cold though.
@FourFans: Warmer weather next time, pls.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Riflemen!
FourFans Shoot Bosses an event with the same clarity of message and passion for the cause that he displays in writing an AAR.
It's inspirational.
As inspirational as seeing a group of Americans dealing with long hours in the cold one moment, then getting into the Rifleman's bubble the next.
And learning how to breathe without fogging optics.