Sunday, July 26, 2009

Today was a practice day for the team, but nevertheless a busy day.

We got together at the 800 yard and plotted everyones shots. Then moved on to the 900 yard line and plotted again. The coaches missed a few changes in the wind and the shooters on both sides went into the 3 ring. Not good. Team shooting is great – you get to blame the coach for screwing up on the wind calls, but dare not say anything. I know Mid will not read this as he is computer challenged. Nancy – shhhhhhhhh!

My gun was sticking in the front bag because I do not have any silicone spray with me. Airline regulations prohibit checking that in. Anyway, I was going along just fine at 900 yards and threw one vertically into the 4 ring at 12 oclock. Thats the 9 ring at home. Coach Mead asked me if I was aiming at the Eagles in the sky!

Then, almost everyone had to move from the trailers and some from the Pavilion to St Georges lodge. I traded with Rick Jensen and he went to St Georges while I stayed here at the Pavilion in the same room. I have all my stuff spread out and did not want to move. At 3 pm everyone gathered at the 1000 yard line for the practice. Things went relatively well and I did not shoot any eagles down. Capt Bock just smoked 1000 yards, but some of our good shooters had some problems. We will see how it all shakes out after we look at the plots.

Came back to the room, cleaned the gun, showered and off I went to the flag raising ceremony. Brian Otey was picked from a draw of all US shooters to raise the US Flag and the flag raising went very smoothly except that it was raining and we were all out in the open getting wet. All the country flags were raised at the same time without any National Anthems. Bob Bock and I went from there to the Referees meeting where all the head honchos from all countries met. Collin Cheshire , the official ICFRA rep made some decisions and laid down the law very nicely. Great person and patient.

Then off to GB Meet and Greet. Good finger food and drinks. Met many of the shooters from the different countries. Most colorful and friendly were the Spaniards. I gave them some pins and had a great picture taken with the Spanish Team. Came back to the room at 9:30 pm, sorted ammo for the big day Monday when the World Championship individual shooting starts. If there is silence on the blog, that is because I am tied up. So bear with me.

The first two days are the individual World Championships and the second two days are the Team World Championships. It is supposed to rain all 4 days.