On December 29, 2007 Midland County Sportsman's Club ran their "New Year's Eve Rifle Match".  We considered canceling due to temperatures below our standard, and the threat of snow.  However, we made the decision to go forward with the match and were greeted by temperatures in the high twenties, about six (6) inches of snow, and a wind that when it blew pushed the wind chill down into the teens.

Generally, it was a balmy Michigan day.

We had five (5) escapees from "the home", oops, I mean five (5) competitors.  I'm not sure there were "winners" or "losers" for this match, there were just participants.  However, Bret Solomon posted the high F-Class score of 397-17X, with Leo Cebula the high TR score of 387-18X.  After the first twenty shots in the balmy Michigan weather Ray Gross, who posted a 198-12X (besting Leo by an X) chose not to compete the second twenty shots.  I think he was having way too much fun to continue.

All in all, it got us out of the house, and reduced the cabin fever.  So it was a good day. 

Now, if I could just get some sensation back in my left hand....

Midland Sportsman's Club 600 yard range. A shot down the range from the firing line. Note the baffles	Bret Solomon Bret Solomon firing his F-Class rig in the snow.	The 600 yard firing line A shot down the firing line with Ray Gross closest, and Bret Solomon further away. Note the snow shovels behind each shooter. We had to dig out the firing line to place our equipment down.
Ray Gross A close-up of Ray firing.	Up the hill... Ray truges up the berm to the firing line. The back side of the firing line berm was in the lee of the wind, as such it had an accumulation of close to a foot of snow.