The Alaska Cadre traveled south a few hours to Soldotna/Sterling this last weekend, sharing the Appleseed experience with 12 fellow Alaskans.
This was my very first time performing as Shoot Boss without adult supervision and fate dictated that it be at the only venue I'd never been to and that the weather would slowly go from annoying to just plain miserable. No sooner would we get everything braced for an east wind, it decides to shift to a west wind; and everything starts flying again.
A "micro-burst" sometime late Saturday night really tore up our equipment/firing line, destroying one canopy and escorting in a rain that to my knowledge might still be happening. The rain stayed right in that sweet spot of, "a little less would be nice, a little more and I'll start to think about canceling". Pretty miserable Sunday.
BUT!!, boy what a group. People kept their discomfort to themselves, pressed on with mostly excellent attitudes, and were eager to chip in with the problem solving. There was no shortage of smiles.
Our shooters ran from ages 11 to 67, mostly newcomers, but a few vets and a broad spectrum of skill levels. My instructors noted marked improvement in all shooters. I would estimate that improvement of 20-60 points would be pretty accurate. But alas, we just couldn't get anyone over the 210 hump. Three different shooters got as close as 199, 204, and a heart breaking 206. 170's and 180's were the theme for the AQT grind. These shooters were so hearty that even tho it meant laying in frigid rain puddles they insisted on a 5th AQT. Hard core. My kind of people. There were several promises to keep in touch, to attend future events, and to possibly travel north to attend even more shoots.
I want to thank our hosts Majority Arms for the use of their gravel pit turned pistol range. And for their trust in our cadre being such that they weren't even in town for the shoot. I am convinced that we left it better than we found it. Thank you
I really need to thank both my instructors and our shooters for making my rookie shoot as smooth as possible given the weather conditions and the austerity of the location. If my instructors weren't the absolute professionals they are, or if the shooters were ill prepared or too needy, this shoot could have been a nightmare. Thanks guys
I would also be remiss if I didn't thank Fisherdawg for being a great mentor and making sure that I was up to the job. Thanks Boss
Given what I know now, would I do a few things different? Sure. Would I do it again? IN A HEARTBEAT!
Pics to follow soon from Hogfamily (I still can't figure out why my pics rotate 90 degrees here,, only here)
-- Fourfans
FourFans,
You did an excellent job. If you would not have told on yourself no one would have known that this was your first Appleseed Clinic without adult supervision.
HUZZAH!
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/hogfamilyak/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9970%20Medium_zpswvthv2pt.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/hogfamilyak/media/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9970%20Medium_zpswvthv2pt.jpg.html)
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/hogfamilyak/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/18685587_1316890785096161_66443348_n%20Medium_zpspo6bkh7x.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/hogfamilyak/media/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/18685587_1316890785096161_66443348_n%20Medium_zpspo6bkh7x.jpg.html)
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/hogfamilyak/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9983%20Medium_zpsrjrg179q.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/hogfamilyak/media/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9983%20Medium_zpsrjrg179q.jpg.html)
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/hogfamilyak/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9984%20Medium_zpslo5ft8dc.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/hogfamilyak/media/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9984%20Medium_zpslo5ft8dc.jpg.html)
"When you earn your Red Hats you can use real rifles". ;)
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo59/hogfamilyak/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9987%20Medium_zpsybihzkbu.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/hogfamilyak/media/Appleseed%20Soldotna%205-17/IMG_9987%20Medium_zpsybihzkbu.jpg.html)
Kind words, cool pics, and great conversations. ^^^^THAT is TOO funny^^^ Thanks bro.
--FF
Whatever set up your camera has makes it look sunny... I don't remember any sun on the second day...:-( I actually remember thinking "that is an expensive camera, he wouldn't take a non waterproof one out in this".
All the photos were taken on Saturday when there was sun.