Ready ... Aim ... Release

 

Scenic Bramble Hill Farm 

The Amherst Archery Academy held its first outdoor Olympic style archery competition this morning using tournament like rules and regulations, held at the wide open, bucolic Bramble Hill Farm on the outskirts of South Amherst.  

The "Spring Gathering" event was limited to students of the Amherst Academy but was so successful it may morph into a more open competition next year.

2 archers per target, 12 arrows to score

The monsoons of yesterday gave way to bright skies and dead still air, picture perfect for an outdoor event like this. Friends and family gather to the rear of the contestants with each archer in the line of just over a dozen firing six arrows per "end", times six ends (36 arrows) comprising a "round". 

Today's event totaled three rounds.

 Bow(dacious) line up

The Amherst Archery Academy was founded in 2011 by Kyle Bissell,  a level two certified USA archery instructor.  Around that same time the Hollywood blockbuster  "Hunger Games" sparked a wave of interest in archery. 

Archers on the line

Deja vu Day

Kira sprints to finish Larch Hill XC Classic this morning 

Alfred Hitchcock said the secret to suspense was to place likable characters in harms way, where the viewing audience knows full well the danger about to descend while the unsuspecting players haven't got a clue.

We all remember the moment we first heard the chilling news that a plane just barrelling into the North Tower, or that shots had been fired on the presidential motorcade.

This morning was a compelling reminder of what my entire family enjoyed the morning of the storm last year: running in the Larch Hill Country XC Classic at Bramble Hill Farm across the street from our house.

Yes, weather reports had warned a storm arrival was imminent, underscored by coagulated clouds of gray overhead -- just like today -- but we were lost in the pleasure of seeing old friends and engaging in a fun, family, fitness oriented activity.

Until loud snapping sound from broken branches filled the air, and eerie blue lights from dying transformers illuminated the night sky.

Tonight when I flip on a light switch and the usual happens, I will also remember.  And be thankful.

Sunday setting

Slip sliding away

Professor Hyunsuk Lee (yellow) and her merry band of Korean students

And they're off

About 100 runners braved the cold weather and mud this morning to participate in the 7th Annual Larch Hill English Style Cross Country Classic held at the sprawling Bramble Hill Farm about a mile south of Amherst town center.

Little kids kicked off the event with a 100 yard dash, medium kids did a mile, while the hardy adults negotiated three miles. All proceeds benefit the educational collaborative between Bramble Hill Farm, and their immediate neighbors, Common School and Hitchcock Center.Ten South Korean college students on a whirlwind tour of Massachusetts also participated in the race. I would love to have dragged a few of my "Party House of the Weekend" winners out of bed early this morning for a UMass team to compete against our Asian visitors.

Why the Koreans would win

Amherst Sunday Morning

Thanks Mom

Lunch at Judie's: great way to thank Mom

Carol Hepburn introduces Jada to baby lamb

Frat House 382 N. Pleasant St (their Moms would be so proud)

37 Phillips Street

At ease

But tomorrow they will be back to the grind, as Amherst's $4.5 million road reconstruction continues.

And so it begins...

Our entire family attended--and 3 out of 4 of us competed in--the "4'th annual Larch Hill English Style Cross Country Classic Race" directly across the street from our South Amherst abode (with all revenues going to charity)

My almost-two-year old finished last--but hey, at least she finished!