Hernado, FL 02/13,14/2011

[PHenry]

Great Weather and Great bunch of Americans!

What a weekend! This was the best event we've had at the Hernando Sportsman's Club in some time. It started off with all 23 people who had pre-registered actually showing up, and then seven more came as "walk-ons", for a grand total of 30 rifles on the line.  

While it were cold in the morning (I have pics of the ice for thems who think it does not git cold in FL), it became a picture perfect day by 11:AM or so - think air conditioning outside for free. By Sunday, you couldn't have bought a cloud for any price. Ok, enough about the weather - don't wanna depress our brothers and sisters up in the cold, cold north too much.  

It was a great line of people - all ages, from all walks of life, all with a common interest in marksmanship and the heritage of the Founders. The instructors were afforded the display of outstanding grit, from Allen who is old enough to recall WW2 and the great depression, yet toughed it out on the line both days with a .30 rifle. And how about young Natalya who worked hard to two days next to her dad - I never heard a disparaging word and she listened to all of the history and instruction intently.

Some new faces and some "repeat offenders" were to be found on the firing line of Liberty. Allison, Rich, Julia, and John all came back and showed much improvement. Wayne made Rifleman, at this his fourth event - congrats sir! It's nice to see people make score at their first or second event (rare though it is), but it is all the more satisfying to see someone stick to it, persist, and overcome in the tradition of our storied ancestors. Gene and Andy wrestled M1s and did well, while Gene's lovely bride Melinda showed her usual proficiency with an AR. It was a pleasure to see all of ya'll agin.

We had entire families, like David, Katie and Jack, and a couple father & son / father and daughter combinations as well. Always great to see family members shoot together. Of course we have to split them up for "ball & dummy".  

We also had some brave women that displayed grit and persistence all through the AQT "grind" on Sunday - Juanita, Stacie, Beth, and Polly. Seeing Danielle squeal with delight at the sight of her ever-shrinking groups at the target line made even an old-timer like me smile.  Ya'll are peaches and I'll nevr say diffrnt.  

With only two active shoot bosses in FL right now and a lot of events on the schedule, I will confess that I git tired and even a little discouraged at times, but spending a weekend surrounded by such great folks, genuinely interested in the traditions of the people who created this great nation, renews my spirit and serves to reinforce my own commitment to this worthy cause. I know I speak for all of the instructors who served last weekend, when I say that we are in your debt for honoring us with your presence, your attention and your enthusiasm.

Many thanks to all that came out and made this event a great success.

PHenry

PS: Pics to follow

[rhumcat]

PHenry and crew
As usual you put on an inspiring clinic. My friends and co-workers have heard me talk about Appleseeds but it really has to be experienced to truly understand.  As long as I can encourage or coerce people to attend, I'll keep coming back. I've heard "the story" a number of times and I'm humbled by the Americans we once were and hopefully can be again because of the efforts of you and the fantastic Appleseed volunteers.
Regards, Gene

[PHenry]

Always a pleasure Gene. Give my best to Melinda - hope to see u both agin soon.
PH