Clay Day

Today, two items on my fall bucket list were checked off: 1) make applesauce, and 2) shoot sporting clays in the back field.

For the first, I cut up some of the apples I picked last month from a few of our front apple trees and set them to roasting:

But the big activity today was Clay Day! We put an extra car battery in the back of Big Red, which powers the thrower. We have to say that this machine has served us very well, much better than our older model, which seemed to misfire and ruin a frustratingly large number of targets. This one is easy to load and use and provides a variety of reliable throws.

Before the shooting started, the goats were very curious and interested in our set-up. Once the first shot rang out, however, they were long gone, hiding up front in their barn.

Steve and Elijah are both remarkable shots. We have a membership to the Spokane Rifle Club that they sneak away to occasionally, but shooting with shotguns is a bit different. We were very impressed!

I was able to zoom in on this one and catch the hit mid-explosion. Nice job, Steve!

Montana is an expert at killing time during sports activities, after a childhood of being dragged around to her brother’s sports practices and games. So I wasn’t surprised to see she had her knitting with her today!

We also brought down the leftover apples from the applesauce project to give to the chickens (or compost).

She also took her share of turns at the clays.

I, on the other hand, only take a few shots. Unfortunately, because I’m the photographer, there is no photographic evidence of me killing it on my very first shot! But I did get to model my shotgun.

I actually reallly love this gun, a Browning Citori with gorgeous wood and silver detail, despite my complete lack of skill and un-willingness to try too hard. At one time I knew how to unassemble it for clearning, but now I’m lucky if I can even crack it open to eject the shells!

Fun activity, feels very fall. We all agreed if the snow isn’t too deep we will try to come out again this winter.

Hi there, back field!