OPERATION SEPTIC TIMBER- 04/06/02

On Saturday, April 6th, various and sundry members of both The Wayne County Michigan Militia AND MMCW-Macomb County did venture forth unto Camp Stasa to fashion a most pristine and splendid new temporary outhouse facility, for the ease and comfort of our anticipated Tax Blast guests.

Our most excellent and wise Engineer didst also fashion a flow most unvexed and pure, to thwart the swarming plague of blood consuming mosquitoes, and to cause the land and the great waters to part, even amongst the foul and muddy part thereof. No, verily, thou knowest not of which I speak, even the DNR knowest not, keepest it that way.

 
Making good use of the pre-noon hours, LTC Wilks of MMCW-Macomb County spent some time on the range sighting in his new scope. I imagine that this was a very nice bit of quality time, in which the new scope was dialed in. (Note: this is the perfect time to do this sort of thing, in the morning. Usually, someone is there around 10AM, so if you need help, we will hook you up.

As more folks rolled in, we got started on range detail and privy
construction. A lot of scrap wood was burned up, along with many unserviceable bowling pins, and some other refuse that was on the range. We had hauled in some wood and tools in Lou's trailer, which he had assembled from a very inexpensive kit from Meijer's. I am not sure if we even took any pictures of this trailer, but if so, we will post them. If not, be advised that the kits, when assembled properly, provide a very nice trailer. Everyone should have the type of mobility afforded by a trailer, as a family sized bug-out package, or a transport for gear and
construction equipment.

Using some railroad ties and other wood, the fellas dug out a hole for the seat, and placed the prefabricated base and throne module on top. (This was Lou's old hunting ensemble, which used to be enclosed with a tent-like structure.)

Whilst this was going on, Denis found a series of obstructions in the drainage ditch, which were dispatched with appropriately. In fact, several obstructions were located and dealt with, in a most babbling brook sort of way. Hopefully, this will reduce the summer bug season problem.  

I wore my $15 used surplus French Ranger boots, from Sportsman's Guide (http://www.sportsmansguide.com). They are comfortable, decent serviceable boots, that have already been broken in. They are not insulated, so I would not use them for winter. (Note to people who wear size 8 1/2: Major Surplus has US issue boots for around 10 bucks. Can't beat that. http://www.majorsurplusandsurvival.com ).

Frank took some of the fellas downrange for pistol instruction. Larry D had a nice G-Money special (see pic), and Joe has a nice PPK. (Note toLEO's: Maybe I am making this all up. You don't know.)

 Frank also put some rounds through his VEPR. I am not an AK sort of person, but I like this rifle. Maybe he should get a ballistic chart or something for it, maybe one to tape to the stock, like Dave advocates. (Hey, we should all do this, if we don't just KNOW our ballistic arcs, trajectories, and bullet drop over distance.) He is holding a good group with this now, another case of a steadily improving shooter. Interesting, Frank comes to all the training, and his shooting is improving....so does Lou...hmmmm. Get the picture?

Anyway, even though this was much more of a work detail than a training event, we had a good time, especially listening to the tunes from Frank's truck, mucking about in the swamp, and having two separate clean-up fires going at once.

Just as we were about to leave, someone noticed that some branches on
one of the trees were dead, and just hanging there. "Those could fall on
somebody," someone said. So....as a testament to our stubbornness and
commitment to safety, we spent a couple of hours trying to dislodge these unsafe branches. There just ain't a whole lot of quit in these militia
people, for sure. We got them down, so they won't fall on anybody's
noggin. So there.

The range looks cleaner, there are several makeshift tables with hay bale seating, and several benches of the railroad tie and cinder block variety. Most importantly, there is a new potty for those who need it. Come on out and see.

-Lee

PS Keep in your thoughts our close buds, Larry Pratt and Wayne Cole.