Last year Gary, Gnoahhh, made the trip up to the farm with us. He made it back in one piece, and I think he managed to have a little fun. I have 30 acres with a field about 7 acres. I have a permanent bench at 50 yards and we set up tables at 100 and 200 yards. I hope to get 3 new permanent benches up at those ranges. I'm on vacation the last week of March and would plan on one of the weekends. I have an old house trailer with electric and a fridge. There are a couple hotels and eatin places close by. Plus 7 acres for tents or campers. The plan would be lots of shootin. Details to be formulated later. The farm is located just down the road from Lost River State Park, just over 2 hours from the DC, Baltimore area's. If anyone is interested in spending a day or the weekend with us let me know. All plans are flexible at this point, Joe.

That sounds simply splendid. I hope you boys back east can pull this off. Always enjoy the photos and stories.

Joe, let me know if you want the posting to be a Sticky so you can keep track of it. Looks like a nice area. Best of luck with the plan.

A little closer to home for me. Sounds and looks really nice. Time to burn some powder and make some noise and make some new friends!

Steve

You right coast folks might want to jump on this. Nothing like a gathering of the folks on the Savage Forum. Lots of fun and lots to share and learn.

Very Generous Mr. Martin, nice looking piece of land. I have family in Winchester, so I might get on your list.

Rick, a sticky would be great. This would be a day of making noise and maybe seeing who can stretch out the longest shot. No displays or collections. Breaking clay pigeons, spinning steel plates and punching holes. As interest is expressed a plan can be made. thanks, Joe.

I'm up for a good old fashioned rifle frolic with a Savage theme. Joe is the consummate host and he has the perfect venue. When he says he's secluded, that's an understatement. Count me in!

I'd be tempted to take a ride and bring a few.

By the Way is that near were they made The Movie deliverance?

Nowhere close, but it is infinitely more remote. There are still Japs wandering around in there not knowing the War is over.

Whats the weather like there at that time of year?

A crap shoot. Could be 60� and sunny, or skiffs of snow. Depends on whether (weather?) or not you put your faith in global warming. Regardless, you northerners won't need your mukluks and down parkas by that time.

Like Michigan in July

Now that right there is funny!

Well than maybe snow? lol might be able to get away for a few days! sounds like fun!

I would be game for this get together if a few other lever actions are allowed besides the Savage 99. It's a "left hand"
thing..

Doc

Ill bet alot of us savage shooters are left handed, or left eye Dom. at least from what iv heard on the form. Iv had alot of lever actions and single shots also! before my Savage days Even have a Encore but course the barrels 250 sav.

might be able to swing by there on the way back to Wy.

Would love to get out there. Got the vacation, have to see if I can't squeeze a road trip in and meet a few new Savage nuts.

Lost River State Park has cabins and activities if you bring the rest of the family. Horse back riding and hiking. They are about 5 miles down the road. you can google them and take a virtual tour of their cabins. There are a couple other hotels not too far away and one has a good restaurant. Plenty of room to pitch tents or campers. If there are 6 to 8 of us we will do a dinner on the grill. Burgers, tenderloins, maybe some Yellowfin Tuna and Mako Shark. If there are more than that we will bring the big smoker up and do a hind quarter, a couple chickens, and the stuff on the grill. If my cousin can make it (he has 120 acres next to me) he'll bring something made of Canadian Honkers. We like to eat. Nothing is in stone so any suggestions are welcome, Joe.

Beer. We can't forget the beer.

Did I mention beer?

Doc, you can bring anything you like. I'll have my Model 1927 Colt 11.25MM. Only thing is you have to take an autograver and scratch Savage on the receiver, Joe.

That would be an interesting poll to take. I am a lefty.

Another southpaw here.

Little update, we have 7 very probable Campfire members on the book and 3 of my buddies bringing their Savages, and anything else that goes bang. I do have a trap up their if anyone wants to break birds. It's still a bit early to hold folks down, but it looks like we should have a pretty good turn out, Joe.

Shooting a few clay targets could round out the trip if you don't mind having broken orange pieces laying on the ground. We can pick up the unbroken birds....if any. I do have a few left handed shotguns I could bring.

Doc

I can throw a shotgun into the truck, too, along with a couple .22HP's, some pistols, perhaps a 1903A1 Springfield, and a grocery bag full of ammo. (And beer, for apr�s shooting. )

I'll bring a 28 gauge and a case of ammo if "Gnooahh" thinks it's enough shotgun for clay birds.

Doc

Did anybody mention beer? And don't forget the beer. I usually try to have some beer on hand too.

The 28 gauge O/U is exactly what I had in mind when I wrote the above! It's what I reach for more often than not anymore.

Beer is Great! once the guns are put up! did I mention that I like Beer!

...And beer likes you, John!

Lest anyone fret about alcohol vs. gun safety, last year Joe and I didn't crack a beer until after the guns were stashed and we were on the road home...

Time is getting short, so next week, I'm going to try and get a list of guys that plan on attending. I can probably sleep 8 in my 42 foot house trailer. But if some one has gas and lets loose, it might blow the doors off. We've been try to get up there and put a couple more bunk beds in the "big room" in the back where we store junk, but this weather isn't helping, we're snowed out. This is the first year since we bought the farm in 1970, that there has been snow on the ground this late, Joe.

Were we on the way home or just riding in circles in the field? I was getting a little foggy, Joe.

OK, time to start checking in. Planning on March 27,28,29. The closest motel is Lost River Motel. I Googled Lost River Motel, Mathias, West Virginia, and they popped up. I think they are actually in Lost City They have a good restaurant that we frequent. Their number is 304-897-6482. Steve, Sbrown, would like to bring his wife, and wives are welcome. I have an old 42 ft house trailer and figure we can probably sleep 8 guys. It will be tight. We have electricity, and cook on Gas. No running water and a port-a-potty. Guys might get a little ripe. Gals would probably prefer the hotel. I'll try to keep the info coming, starting this weekend, Joe

OHOH, may need to postpone a couple weeks. I called my neighbor in WV Saturday and asked if I could get up my driveway and he said NO. That side of the hill is in too much shade and is still under a lot of snow. I was trying to get up there this weekend, now we have another snow storm on the way. Let me know if a week in April will work for you, Joe.

I hope all you guys have fun!! I probably will be in the middle of my maple sugaring season!! just plowed out the sugarhouse yesterday 2 1/2' of snow. Joe you going to have bare ground ???? i hope. Don

Later would be better for me, as the wifes foot surgery, got me tyed down here! as she cant put weight on it. as we heat with wood, still a couple of feet of snow, -16 this morning! but cant promise Ill be able to make it! hope too tho!

-16? Fugg that

Been said its the coldest winter on record, I belive it, but news said this moring 30 & 40s comeing next week, its bad when 20 seems warm!

A slight postponement wouldn't bother me either. Better chance for nice weather, plus I've seen that driveway and you need a good traction vehicle to get up it in the best of circumstances!

I was offered a chance to hook up with some old old friends I hadn't seen in 20 years that weekend and had to reluctantly blow it off as I would rather hang out with y'all. A postponement would allow me to do both.

How about the 17,18,19, or 24,25,26 of April, Joe.

Either one works for me!

Actually, I was reminded of our annual croquet match with the Naval Academy being on the 18th this year. Since I am part and parcel to our team I have to be there, and would have to bow out of the WV weekend if we decide on that weekend. The 24th-26th is now my only date.

Make it the 24th - 25th. Maybe most of the snow will be gone then
and a little warmer also.

Steve

OK, let's shoot fir April 24th-26th.

Joe, What is the driving time from Frederick MD ?

17,18,19 is gun show weekend.

24,25,26 might work for me.

Roof, it's about 2 1/2 hours from mt airy, a little less for you.

Randy, Every one is best with the 24-26, so I think we will go with that, Joe.

Update,my cousin and I took a trip to the farm Sat and Sun, it was beautiful up there. I had to clean two inches of snow off my truck so I was expecting snow up there. Not a speck, not in the shadows, no piles from plows. It's GONE, I hope that's it for this year, Joe.

So, who all is going? My bags are already packed!

Well, Ill be there!! Took some stuff up last weekend and hope to get up there one more time before the shoot out. Gary, did you get anything from the auction last weekend, they had a bunch of Krag's. I didn't even try to register. There were a bunch of guns I liked that went way under projection, Joe.

I'll be there. Looking forward to it.
Hope some of the guys bring their wives also. Mines coming with me. After 28 years of doing things together, not gonna start leaving her at home now.

Steve

I don't have a wife to leave behind. My GF said she didn't want to intrude on a bunch of guys walking around in their underwear scratching themselves, farting, and belching last night's beer.

She doesn't sound very sporty. On second thought...

Probably a wise decision. Some things that go on at camp need to stay at camp. I'd never bring my wife to deer camp. If for no other reason she doesn't need to see the guy that's passed out in the piss hole. There's always at least one.

Yeah. I'd NEVER bring MY wife hunting with me..............

Hunting, shooting, fishing, camping, etc. was always a refuge from the cares of everyday life for me, to include relationships with women. Now and then there was one who dabbled in outdoor pursuits for whom I included in a few activities out of respect and a wish to maintain peace. But, a guy needs a break now and again- know what I mean? (On the other hand I have no clue what it's like to have spent decades being intimate with just one woman. I subscribe to the philosophy that variety is the spice of life- in guns, women, cars, and beer! You can't say I've lead a boring life!)

I use to be the one that was passed out in some pi$$ hole. That is until I met my wife. She's the reason I'm not laying in some ditch now. Got me on the right track!! Hope you guys have fun.
I'll take the week off and do a bunch of shooting out back, save a pile of money on gas,food and motel bills. Plus being with my better half.

Steve

Steve, I'm gonna miss not meeting you in person, and we're not as bad as it sounds. In the 45 years we have had the farm no one has ever passed out in any holes. Two other guys had shown some interest, when I first made the offer, that would have brought their wives, but I haven't heard from them since. It is pretty much a guys gettaway. My wife has only been up there twice, once last year. She says if I build a cabin she'll start coming up. Maybe I can get down your way and shoot with you, Joe.

Not anyway of any problem Joe.
If you are ever down my way, give us a shout.

Steve

Good for you.

Time is drawing nigh! Who's coming, what are you bringing to shoot, eat, smoke, drink?

I'll be debuting my M1899 Custom takedown, perhaps a .303 with a sackful of lead bullet plinkers, and will probably bring a .22 Hornet to plink with, my small bronze cannon, and a couple pistols. Perhaps some dynamite or C4 (ha ha, kidding in case the NSA is listening in), a couple cases of good beer, whatever eats the wagon master tells me to, my WWI British Army rum ration jug filled with, well, rum; two Baltimore hookers and a gross of condoms. You?

Any of the New England crowd making the journey? Michiganders? Minesoooootans? Iowans? Carolinians? Floridians?

Pickins are getting slim. John and his son can't make it. They just put Johns mom in hospice. One friend from work. I sent messages to Doctor-Encore and Hotload. Doc and his son were on board, hope to hear back soon, Joe.

Just not in the cards this year for me! something else also came up! but would try to make another one if you host it! hell I have to see that 22hp sometime! Hope all have a Great time! take pics.

Hey every one, lets bump it out a couple more weeks. Weather is getting better, and every one had stuff come up. The farm is not going anywhere, and maybe I can get the field mowed, Joe.

And then?

Let's keep this alive, guys. I'm committed to day-caring my very sick Mom Fridays and Saturdays for the foreseeable future, but can secure a substitute for "special" occasions if need be.

If this still has a pulse, I would love to go and meet my plethora of mentors. I'll keep watching.....

same

I need a weekend away...lets shoot for late September when
the West Virginia air begins to cool.

Doc

I have my 45th class reunion on 9/26...

9/26 I will be at JMU with my daughter...

Off topic. We had my 40th in '10. No word about a 45th. Maybe a 50th down the road.

I'm way older'n you guys.

As I like to tell them- I've been where your going. Tom

How does mid September or the first weekend in October?

Doc

Works for me. What's a non-resident WVA hunting license cost? Fresh squirrel stew for supper one night?

John and I went up and cleaned the trailer two weeks ago. My field is 3 feet high, so I'd like to get the mower up there. At least get some shooting lanes cut to the targets. The first full week of October is my week long King Mackerel Tournament in Harkers Island NC. The last day of October is my last day of work, as in, I ain't gonna work no more, no more, no more, no more. Getting a week end in Sept, Oct, should be no problem. Getting my left knee replaced. See Surgeon Sept, 4th. Takes four to six weeks to schedule surgery. I might get screwed on WV hunting season again this year. Missed it last year because my wife got her left hip replaced opening day.Looks like all of Sept is good. I'll be fishing from Oct 4th thru the 11th. Kick around some dates and see if we can come up with something that works, Joe.

PS, if anyone has an old set of bunk beds, bring them!

PSS, out of state hunting permit is about $125. Don't know if you can get a three day small game tag, I'll check.

Joe,

Throw out some date options and we will see you agree's!!!

Doc

I'll get some open weekends up there this weekend, Joe.

Sorry it's taken so long to get back, been working around Dr. apts. Looks like the best two weekends for me would be Oct. 17 or 24. Gonna try to run up next Sat to mow field and do some more clean up. See if one of those weekends can work into your schedules. Otherwise, we're back into next spring, Joe.

Maybe taking votes, my son and I were talking about building a 30' Yurt out in the field. Don't know if I want to spend 10K on a round tent.

I would vote for the weekend of the 24th. Hope it can be pulled off.

Joe,

I really hope the weekend of October 17th works for everyone. The weekend of October 24 is parents weekend at the University of Delaware, got to visit my son.

Doc

Heck, just bring him along, Doc!

Keep me in the loop if you do it again next year. I live in Winchester, Va. I hunt inWV.

Last year never came together, we got lots of bad weather around March. Gonna try for the last week of March again this year, Joe.

Count me in. dsr1935

dsr, where do you live. You are most welcome. It's just a few guys on my farm making noise. Shooting steel spinners, cans, whatever we can find, Joe.

I'd suggest Spring of 2022, but make it a 'Widows selling 99's event'

All Glib and Flippant aside, I know you have some nice 99's, can you make it?

Spring occurred here over Christmas, Joe. We missed our window of opportunity as winter will probably set in and stay through June now.

Probably, and just my luck, I missed spring while in Panama, Joe.

Didja run into Panama Red while there?

Met some guy said he was called Panama Jack, carrying a burlap Sack, full of some kind of dried up leaves, Joe.