Tipp City IIT mini - aka Applesauce

[slim]

This is a little late, but last weekend I was able to meet up with several Appleseeders and make a full day of it. We had an awesome time including a gun show, range construction/preview of the new Ohio IBC facility and then something we don't get to do very much any more..... shooting!

I met with DryFire and his wife at 7:15 in the AM just off the highway and we rideshared up just past Dayton to meet FiremanBill at the local AwfulWaffle. After a fine meal and a whole bunch of "good to see you agains" and "been way too longs" we mounted up and headed to Hara Arena for a Goodman's gun and knife show. The parking lot greeted us with "hope for the future" in the form of two lines that snaked around the building but moved quickly and we were inside in no time. Guns galore and, surprise, surprise, ammo was in stock. Not too shabby.

After dropping all of our disposable income on several impulse buys (like a kid in a candy store) we headed up to Tipp City to check out FirmanBill's new "garage" which just happens to be the PERFECT place for an IBC. Since he has more than 82ft and a good safe backstop in his back yard, we got to work on preparing a berm using old tires and fill dirt. A few skids later and we were in business. I even got to drive the tractor! The heat of the day started to take it's toll so we retired to another American tradition... McDonalds. A/C and sweet tea never tasted so good!

While eating lunch we put the word out to Pebbles and Paladin who we'd seen earlier in the day at the gun show and they met us back at the Tipp City mini range. With targets hung, mags prepped, arms slung...... FIRE!!!! The heavens opened and the angels sang - Appleseed really works!

There's an apple tree right next to the firing line and several apples had to be cleared in order to go prone comfortably. We decided it would be best to set up the apples down range and go for some "reactive targets." We lined them up (grenadiers) in rows (light infantry) and even had a few on sticks (mounted officers!) and when the commands came, we took aim and then fired on them, fired, fired as fast as we could.

Once we'd finished we were still ready for more Appleseed so we headed off to get some chicken wings and a tasty beverage to wash it all down. Several hours later, it was time to hit the road. We ended up back in Cincinnati around 11:00 and sat out on the tailgate talking for another hour or so before it was finally time to call it a day. Some 17 hours had passed but it sure didn't seem like it. 

What a great experience to spend the whole day in the company of good Americans celebrating our heritage and participating in the tradition of marksmanship. I encourage all of you, if you have the chance, meet up with your fellow Appleseeders and just have lunch or something. Talk it over. Get it running through your blood! If you get the chance to head out to the range (or create one!) it's amazing what it'll do to recharge your spirit and renew your steadfastness to the cause.

You don't have to go to an Appleseed event to Appleseed. In fact, you can Appleseed 24/7. Pass the word, 7th Step, involve your friends, family and neighbors.... and then live it!

[DryFire]

To all,
There is nothing like a long day of comradre and fellowship with your fellow appleseeders.  Slim, FiremanBill, Pebbles, and Palidin it was great to get to see everyone again and to spend some time in the pastime of our forefathers. Bill I can't thank you enough for your generosity and use of the back field as a range. It really is a boost to the spirits to get to spend a day with like minded and awake Americans who know very much what they are about. It amazes me how often I think of Meanstreaker and how he will say that "it is a great day to save the country" well this was just another step towards that goal, building relationships, community, and the connections with those around you. As I have been reading through the begining of "Paul Revere's Ride" and the discussion on how he was a joiner I think that our day together is a great illustration. We joined together as a group, spent time in learning and discussion, and then from there we returned to our homes and other groups. In those groups we can share our new learning and discussion and that can serve as a joining or binding relationship between us all.

On a side note although we did not have a booth at the gun show when you have 5 or so persons present all dressed in Appleseed T-Shirts you don't have to do much promotion. Instead of we having to engagge others in conversation they would ask us instead, my wife and I were stopped my the gentleman at the NRA Membership booth who inquired about the program and all these people in these shirts. We had a good 10 min. discussion or so, and he took down the website information. With any luck we will see him on the trail shortly. I know some of the others there had similar experiences. Just another tactic, if you can't get a booth and you can't pass out flyers simply meet up with your fellow appleseeders and wear your shirts any visibility is a form of promotion and we all know how gun folks can like to talk at times. 

Thanks Again to all who were present, we need to make this a regular thing during the off Appleseed season to continue to hone our skills, and keep up that spirt of community that seems so prevalant in Appleseed.

DryFire

[FiremanBill]

Slim, Dryfire -

You two did a fine job of summing up our big day in the Miami Valley.  I think all involved had a great time - what could be better than a good Waffle House breakfast followed by a morning at Bill Goodman's gun show in Dayton, then some Appleseedin'?

I enjoyed the day as much as you did, and hope we can do it again soon.  Slim, you ought to take up writing!  You did an awesome job of capturing the spirit of the day.  DryFire, you bring up great ideas about teaming up to bring an Appleseed presence to local gun shows.  Heck, whenever I travel to the range or to a gun shop, I always try to have my Appleseed shirt on my back!   

Enjoyed the day greatly guys and gals!  Yes, let's do it again soon!

FiremanBill