Danielle's Perry debut

My first day at Camp Perry was the pits. Spent in the pit, anyway. Thanks to Dan's generous offer of my time, I accompanied Carl Bernosky and other relay 1 and 2 shooters to the pit for their turn at manning the targets. At Perry, you have to work as well as play; each shooter takes a turn scoring for another shooter and raising and lowering targets in the pit.

The juxtaposition of the pit was interesting. CJ, a 21 year old, has been to Perry every year since 1987, when he was two weeks old. It makes sense when he tells you his dad is Billy Atkins. CJ's pit partner has been to fewer matches -- just 17 -- but his first was in 1957. All along the line, stories were told and jokes were made. Marines and soldiers traded jibes, and shooters joked about packing up and heading out before the award ceremony since they wouldn't be receiving awards.

Now I can say I experienced the pit. But I think I'll have enough to keep me busy during the Long Range phase to stay above ground.