Racine WI AAR September 10-11 2022

[Leadlined]

Saturday, we had a perfect day for an Appleseed.  Reasonable temperature, sun and a breeze, a quiet range to teach by.  We had 10 registered students come, and 2 more who came and joined in the fun.  Everyone - students and instructors alike - was attentive, invested and eager to work. 

And work we did.

Even though a number of students had never fired a rifle before, by the time lunch rolled around, there were promising groups on targets, and we finished the day with some solid AQT work.  We were all looking forward to Sunday and hoping the foreceast was overstating the rain risk.

It wasn't.

Sunday dawned grey and damp, so maybe we'd be able to get some work in.  There was even one canopy set up on the range that wasn't moving as the rain picked up.  But by the time the second canopy went up, the puddles were turning into rivers and it took 4 grown men to keep the second canopy down. 

I had to call the day - as the waters gathered and the wind blew us around, we couldn't run a safe firing line - especially because it was nearly invisible under the water! 

I want to extend my apologies to everyone that we couldn't continue.  Normally, we do our best to continue despite hardships, but the wind and the deepening water meant we couldn't safely run a firing line.  Even though we ran through some of the lessons and history we normally have on Sunday in the clubhouse, it's just not the same.  Sorry folks, but today our commitment to safety won out over our commitment to teaching and inspiring.

Also, my deepest thanks to everyone - students and instructors alike - who braved the elements to help take down the firing line and the target line.  I've never poured so much water out of my boots! 

I know we have some Riflemen in the making.  I hope to see you all again soon.

[Leadlined]

I'll add for everyone:  in the end, the range received between 8 and 10 inches of rain just on Sunday.  Crazy!

[Red Wing]

I got some pics! Was pretty awesome to be the only orange hat and get to watch everyone do their thing.