03/30/10

The Bloomington Archery Club 37th annual Wing Ding was a weekend to remember.  Our club's end-of-season blow-out is progressing toward an integrated family event to which members look forward all year.  Long after the tents are stowed, the bows are put away, the kitchen cleaned and the targets safely tucked away for the season, those who attended are sharing stories of the weekend; the camaraderie,  fellowship, competition, food, weather, jokes, prizes and fun linger like a holiday afterglow.

Saturday's weather was absolutely perfect.  The sun was shining.  The temperature was slightly warm but not too warm.  The humidity was mild for late Indiana summertime.  Food smells and laughter filled the Monroe County hardwood and echoed through the hollers.  The whizzing sound of arrows punctuated by energy absorbing thuds kept the hillsides buzzing like an archery beehive.  The spirit of Ishi is alive and well in Indiana, home of Maurice Thompson (quite likely responsible for the modern day revival of archery and bow hunting).

There were a record number of shooters Saturday night for the annual "Coon Shoot", sometimes referred to as the "Poacher's Shoot".  The front 20 were illuminated by everything from pocket maglights to 19 million candle power Cyclops spotlights and everything in-between.  The coon shoot lasted to the smallest morning hour and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sunday's weather was extremely wet, but by then the rollercoaster enthusiasm wasn't having any sad faces.  Shooters lined up and took turns braving the rain to shoot anyway.

The weekend was an incredibly fun time, but a bitter-sweet tint hung in the air.  Our beloved Steve Chambers was in the hospital battling a sudden illness and was unable to attend.  It just wasn't the same without Steve there.  Shooters stood in line to sign the "Get-Well" target for Steve and occasionally someone would share a story at Steve's expense.  Hurry back Steve - you are missed.

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