By now the weekend gathering has finished up with their important work in southwest Montana. Bummer I couldn't be there for it.
Just got this dang electronic communcation system up and running from our vaction destination (finally).....and, over an early morning cup of joe, have had a chance to reflect on last weeks get-together at the Samuel Wittemore Memorial Range in Montana.
Just a couple of thoughts, really.
First......thanks, and a hearty round of huzzahs to Shootimus Maximus and his family. Without them there would be no SWMR. Sorry Shootimus couldn't be there himself (some folks have to work ya' know), but his bride, and mom and dad (and Super Dog, Wilson, Lucy, Roscoe and other 4 legged critters) made all of us more than welcome.
Thanks to all who helped out setting the camping up, getting the range ready, and helping out with the logistics......what a great location, huh?
Big shout out to the instructors, who took time out of their busy lives to assist us mountain boys and girls in the lost art of shooting a rifle properly, and the even finer art of being good Americans! (Guy, Sheepdog, Smilin' Dan, Dinky, Neil, and just before I had to leave....Wheeler)....I soooooo appreciate the shooting skills, rifle maintenance help, guidance, patience, sense of humor, and humility you all bring to this program.
Thanks to all the folks who showed up for the weeklonger......some familiar faces, Pah Rah and Mike.....Clodhopper and Glocker. The always welcome new faces that add to the Appleseed mix.......Collin, Cliff......Sheila, Cuz, old Colin, Dillon and more. It was interesting to note just how different Appleseeders are in their personal lives, and yet, how similar we are when it comes to how we view freedom.....and liberty. Amazing how these little get-togethers can do that to a person.
The weather could've been a whole lot better, but it sure could've been worse too. Windy, sometimes blustery, and sometimes downright rain blowing sideways was kinda the norm for most days.....but, that's typical for this time of year. What was most impressive is, no matter what mother nature was dishing out, our instructors tucked their chin into their collar and plunged on.....and the campers followed suit. That's good coaching!
I was impressed too with how everybody pitched in to make sure the range was well taken care of! Policing the brass and picking up the trash is a big part of making sure we have the opportunity to use this ground again in the future......it's much appreciated.
The spaghetti feed was outstanding, the hospitality was equally as good......the story telling and the laughs sealed the deal.
I enjoyed seeing and catching up with how things are with folks I hardly know.....but do......and looking forward to the same things with those I don't.....Appleseed tends to do that to people it seems.
I truly look forward to seeing all of you again.....and to those of you I haven't met yet.
If any of you who were at this camp are interested in this post......follow up on it by thanking Shootimus and his family......our instructors, and the Appleseed Project.
Then, spread the Appleseed word.....get involved........get other folks involved.
This is good stuff.
kb
