Halloween

It is that time of year.

Enjoy!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 9

The Gatling Gun!

The Gatling Gun changed the Civil War.   It enabled a small team to fire an incredible number of bullets downrange at charging troops.  It led to mass slaughter on the battlefield that continued into WWI. 

I was able to get in front of the the business end of one at the Show.   Yes, I asked for permission, first.  And, yes, it was safe.  They were prepping the gun for the next shooter.

It worked by loading in a magazine into the top and then turning a handle that would rotate the barrels around in a circle. 

This was the first machine gun used by the Union back in 1862.  By the way, a .58 cal bullet is big!

This was, for its day, terrifying.

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 8

People often hear about guns and draw conclusions about them without knowing much.   For example, a 50 caliber rifle is getting pretty big.   It shoots a huge bullet!  But, these aren't exactly for casual use.   Note the costs:  $8/round.  That's $8 for one bullet.

Meet Butch! He was carefully managing range for people interesting in testing out a .50 caliber rifle.

Specifically...this .50 cal rifle.

I saved my $5.  It hurts to shoot those things!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 7

Anyone want to try a Tommy Gun?

I was pleased to see people could safely try various weapons, including full automatic ones!   To be clear, there are not available for sale to the general public.  These are highly regulated and they are expensive!

But, it was possible to test one out for fun, if you wanted.  Note the timber sides and roof and side walls.  This restricted people from being too careless.

The magazine holds 30 rounds.  Firing full automatic means you are done in about 1.5 seconds.   It isn't like the movies where you can shoot full auto for 10 minutes without reloading. 

I thought they were pretty cool.   But, I didn't spend the $25 or so for 1-2 seconds of fun.    I prefer my fun to last at least twice that long!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 6

Meet Adam, from Aim Precision!

He was, if I recall, signing up people to try some Winchester ammo.    At least, there was a huge Winchester ammo sign near him!

Thanks Adam!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 5

Meet Mindy and Ashley!

They were sitting at a booth and selling munchies to hungry participants wandering through the trail system. 

My sincere thanks, ladies!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 4

Note the safety person behind the shooter.  Also, note the bent arms.  She is tentative and nervous.  And, if the handgun is a big enough caliber, it could recoil back and bonk her on the forehead.   That's a technical term that non-shooters may not understand.

Note the straight arms.   Better control and command of what is happening.

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 3

If you are going to be running a pistol range, you really need people who are monitoring and helping the customers.  These gentlemen were doing a good job keeping everyone safe!

You can try shooting a bow, too!

I was impressed with the safety that was emphasized.   Well done!

The Ahlmans Shooter Show Weekend: 1

Ahlman's is a huge firearms store South of Minneapolis about 20-30 miles.   Every summer they have a weekend long show with various firearms manufacturers available.   Also available are targets, scopes, literature about hunting, etc.

I have never been there and decided it would be a fun event to check out.  It was.  But, bring hearing protection!!

This was a multiple lane pistol range.  You could try different handguns from different manufacturers. 

This is just one of the bays.  

It was a very fun day.    More photos this entire week from Ahlmans!

Street Scenes in Toronto

There is a commons area in Toronto that appears to be the hub of the city.   I walked back from the restaurant and captured a few scenes. 

It was a lovely night.

People were out enjoying the fantastic weather!

And, they were setting up and getting ready for a concert. 

I just may need to hang around this area again!

Toronto Architecture

I don't have a huge connection with Toronto.  It is certainly a lovely city.  But, it is just another big city to which I travel.   There is little difference between Chicago, NY, Toronto, etc.   The city could certainly have its own culture.  But, generally, I am just in for business, stay at the hotel, get to the office, find a restaurant, etc.  I don't get to experience much of the city.

But, I walked back to the hotel from dinner one night and wandered through a three-story shopping complex.   I liked the ceiling. 

And, the Canada geese flying made a nice silhouette against the ceiling.

Toronto: Lovely Waitresses

These were three of the lovely waitresses that were kind enough to take care of a very hungry and tired traveler.    I like this restaurant.  The food and ambiance were very good.  And, it is an easy walk to the hotel.

Thank you ladies!   You were very kind!

Celebrating Irv Williams: A Few of the People at the Dakota

Meet some of the crowd that showed up!

The woman below was celebrating an anniversary.   And, she flew in from out of state to hear Irv play.  She and her husband saw Irv on their honeymoon, many years earlier.  Irv knew them, and spent time chatting with them.

This young lady was working at the Dakota and was kind enough to pause for a few minutes to let me take her photo.

 My sincere thanks to you both.

The Dakota Club: Irv Williams

Meet Irv Williams. 

I have friends that were kind enough to mention Irv Williams to me.   Irv has been a sax player for most of his life.

He decided to celebrate his 96th birthday by playing at the Dakota.   I was privileged to be there, to meet him, and to photograph him.  He had a great base and rhythm guitar player as backup!

I smiled a few times when he said he would cut some of the tunes a bit short because, well, he is 96 and gets tired.    

Irv actually started playing about 30 minutes early this night.   When you are 96, you can play when you want, for as long as you want.  And, everyone in the crowd was thrilled to be there.

KARE11 did a nice story on him that night.  You can see more here.

Thanks Irv!

Anoka Riverfest: An Artist in Metal

I really admire artists.  I don't have the ability to see things that are just things and envision how they can come together into something marvelously creative.  

I saw this person's work in the 2014 Riverfest.  I was glad he returned. 

Below are photos of his creations.  Note the pliers that form the mustache in the image below!

I believe this is formed from a propane canister!

Note the hubcap for the hat below and the wrench for the mouth!

And, I believe this is an old parking meter or a speak from a drive in movie.

I really like his work. 

Anoka Riverfest: The Band!

I loved listening to the band.   And, anyone with a guitar like that, who can play like this guy, is OK in my book. 

 
These guys were wonderful  and they were having a great time. 

I started wondering how many years these guys collectively have under their belts making fantastic music.  

It was fun just listening to them effortlessly blend together.  Each knew their parts and how it fit with the rest of the group.

Well done!

Anoka Riverfest: Building Art

I never really noticed painted buildings much before I started traveling.   But, I saw a few in Winnipeg over my travels and really liked what I saw.   The colors were vibrant against the winter grey and cold.  

So, I opened my eyes for a change and noticed these buildings in Anoka during Riverfest.   I had to wait until people got out of the way!   But, I rather like these!

Anoka Riverfest: An Artist Family

Meet Erica:  Rhea's daughter

Meet Rhea:  The artist

And, meet Sharon (I believe she is Rhea's mother, but I am not certain)

They were representing Custom Art by Rhea!

My sincere thanks, ladies!

Anoka Riverfest: Color

OK.  I just liked this!

Maybe we can say we don't live in a homogeneous world and we do need to get along.

Anoka Riverfest: Artists for the Birds!

Meet Kerri!

I liked her work with glass jars and plates.  She made some very nice humming bird feeders!

And, of course, feeders for other birds!

Thanks Kerri!