Wednesday July 12, 2006

 

I’m Online Again – Finally!

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Our Relaxing, Archery Weekend in Maine

 

I think this was Jana’s first time shooting a bow.

Our Pennsylvania granddaughters got some early Saturday morning archery tips from their older cousin Hannah.   

Diana had some previous tips from her dad and brothers.

They were preparing for Maine Traditional Archers “Poke and Hope” Weekend near Durham.

  

We turned off a country road, traveled a short distance on a dirt road, and ended up in a peaceful clearing in the middle of beautiful woodland. 

 

 

Straight bows waiting for their owners to enter a variety of archery skills courses in preparation for a final contest on Sunday evening.  Every bow was beautiful in its own way – whether ordinary, simple, handcrafted, expensive, or elegantly detailed.

 

 

Mark and Diane’s family joined several other vendors in displaying items of interest to archers.  

 

 

Abigail and Diane (our daughter) arrange and price their items.

 

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There was an excellent and educational display on how ruthless poachers kill beautiful animals for hide, antlers, and other body parts, then let the rest of the animal rot.  Responsible sportsmanship was an underlying part of the entire weekend.

 

 

Before long we were ready for the first set of archery practice shoots.

 

These bright orange plastic ties were indication that you had arrived at a target. 

 

 

Targets were lifelike, 3-D animals that sometimes surprised us when we came upon them!

 

 

Each of the four courses consisted of fifteen targets.  In our group of seven shooters, Jana (the youngest) was always the first to try her skills.

 

 

Here she shows us where she placed this arrow.

 

 

Diana loved when it was her turn.  This was a unique stop as there were two targets.

 

 

Lydia takes aim at a deer.

 

 

Hezekiah took his shooting seriously and loved a well-placed arrow.

 

 

Abigail is quite good – and great competition for her dad, older sister, and brother.

 

Josiah enjoys competing with his dad.

 

 

I somehow didn’t get a good photo of Hannah on the course – who by the way – knows what she is doing with a bow and arrow.

 

 

Elizabeth went along on the first course, but didn’t shoot – and later opted to stay behind and knit with the new appliance she got for her birthday.

 

Our son-in-law Mark made the most interesting shot of the day…

 

…when he placed an arrow between the deers antler and ear!

 

 

Diane and Jana

By the end of the first course, everyone was ready for lunch.

Cerwin and Diana

 

 Then it was time to relax.  I worked on a counted-cross-stitch piece for Diane, and Cerwin prepared to go on the next practice shoot.  He was the official scorekeeper.  He didn’t shoot because he is used to a compound bow.

 

 

In the afternoon I watched an interesting demonstration on how to make a bow – not that I will ever design one, but I enjoy learning about new things.

 

One afternoon Diane and Abigail discussed their faith in God with several ladies.

 

Lydia was pleased that a graphic artist added a design to her bow – free of charge.

 

 

Diana watched Josiah put tips and feathers on several new shafts.

 

On Saturday evening Josiah, Mark, and I enjoyed incredibly delicious lobster – cooked at a nearby marina – while those who don’t find seafood appealing chose a ham or turkey meal.

 

After supper, Mark gave the archer hopefuls some good tips.

 

The final shoot-off for the children.

 

We were pleased that Hezekiah (no photo), Diana, and Lydia competed.

 

Each did well, but not good enough to win the $50 gift certificate to L. L. Bean.

(After eyeing up the competition, none of our adults competed for the $200 gift certificate.)

 

My Favorite Photo Opportunity

A newborn fawn.

 

When we were out on the first course, word reached us that a target had to be moved on one of the courses because there was a fawn nearby.

Later in the afternoon the president of the club, told us where to find it, after the subject came up in a conversation, and he realized that we knew about it.  He requested that we not tell others, because he didn’t want it disturbed.

We were amazed that it didn’t move an ear, foot, or anything, even though it had its eyes open, and knew we were there.  We were sure the mother was watching us, but could not locate her.

We were pleased that it was gone the next day – indicating the mother had not abandoned it because of all the activity.