The fantasy of every reserve for a shooting tour, and this diarist should know – he’s been one enough times, is to be called up at the last minute. For one man, Ian Ashworth, this fantasy came true when, unfortunately, Ian Shaw was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, with a burst appendix. We wish Ian S a speedy recovery and welcome Ian A onto the travelling team.
Much like two boxers before a major Las Vegas showdown, members of the team arrived at the Surrey Rifle Association on Wednesday evening to weigh in. Team bags were packed, rifles stowed and measurements carefully taken, in order to ensure compliance with the strict carriage requirements of Air Canada (length, width, breadth and even girth!). Fortunately, the occasion was not also accompanied by the usual trash talking, expected of top level pugilists.
It is often said, “start as you mean to go on”, a phrase exemplified by the team’s approach to nutritional strategy: having had some excellent talks and interesting meals during our training weekends (have you ever tried roast potatoes, cooked in coconut oil?), we sustained ourselves during packing with a light Mediterranean spread from well-known, local health food restaurant, Milano’s Pizza. The diarist is thankful that, should this strategy be followed for the duration of the tour, there are not also weight limits on individual passengers.
With our coach arriving to take us to Heathrow, at the unearthly hour of 0545 the next morning, the team retired to bed, in order to try to get some rest before the long day’s travelling ahead.
“Way to go John L !”
Shoot straight and true.
Best Wishes
Andy