May 11, 2008

      Spring continues to advance upon us. At least six litters of kittens have appeared, thanks in part to a neighboring black tomcat and yellow tomcat. We have solved the mouse problem, but now what do we do with the cats? Three new calves have appeared in just the last 5 or 6 days. One of these is solid black, so may not be related to Big Red, the resident bull. What a scandal! There were 5 bunnies munching grass, weeds, and possibly a few flowers on our lawn this morning. They flushed in all directions live a covey of quail and our 12-year-old Brittany, realizing that he has had absolutely no success catching cottontail rabbits, didn't even bother with a chase.

      Even though Tom and Cathy Batt have left for home in Oklahoma, Roy has managed to keep an abbreviated sporting clays range in operation. The longhorn cattle are grazing below the trap range some of the time, so we won't be using that portion of the course until fall. Last week there were five of us participating including Roy. Hector Noriega and Murel Smith have been coming out from Douglas one out two days a week, and three shooters are still in camp. Gary Monroe has left for Montana, but promised to return in the fall. Jim Shultz is getting used to his new sporting clays gun and breaking lots of targets.

      A two day registered trapshoot is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday of next week, the 17th and 18th. As only one part-time trapshooter is left in camp, please call if you plan to attend to make certain that we will have enough shooters to register the match. The schedule for next target year has been mailed to many of you. We are all hoping for less wind and more shooters this fall.

      Bill and Barbara Buteux are leaving in a few days for the summer in Washington, and Paul and Millicent Davis are away on a visit of several weeks to western Montana. Larry and Mitzi McDowell have had a new trailer delivered to their space and plan to make a trip here soon to transfer their gear from the old trailer. With only a dozen or so of us left in camp at present, the campground is peaceful and quiet. The bird population seems to increase daily with substantial numbers of Mourning, Whitewing, Collared, and Inca Doves, quail, orioles, humming birds, blackbirds and finches. We have only a few goldfinches on the thistle sock, but the house finches are beginning a vigorous attack. At about $2.00 per pound for thistle seed, I hope the finches are appreciative. A few bats and nighthawks have appeared, but the insect population is as yet too low to attract many of these night flyers. Warmer weather to come is likely to change this. Several pairs of Vermillion Flycatchers remain around camp providing a flash of color. An owl is seen occasionally in the large willow tree at the trap range, and a Cooper's Hawk has his eye (and occasionally some claws) on the collared doves. Four or five deer visit the trap range and the campground just about every night.

      Weather continues about normal. Highs are in the mid-80's, lows from high 40's to mid-50's, with typical spring winds. The last rain was so long ago no one can remember.

April 5, 2008
     
      Long time no words, but with the close of the winter season and friends headed back to shovel the snow out of driveways up north, it is time to report on activities near the border.

      Friday night concerts by J. Wells, Mike Palmer, and other participants are continuing, and, as long as J. is willing, will last through the summer.

      The last 4 - day trapshoot of the season is next week. A 2 - day weekend shoot is scheduled fir May 17 and 18 and 2 more Thursday dates are approved in April. Please call ahead if you plan to attend to see if enough participants are coming to register the targets.

      Sporting Clays may continue for a few more weeks if enough interest is shown. Tom Batt and Roy have plans for improvements to the sporting clays layout for the next season.

      Spring has Sprung at Double Adobe. Our resident Vermillion Flycatcher family and some Whitewing Doves have returned and are settling in for the summer season. Goldfinches continue to patronize the thistle sock, but they always depart for undisclosed location in summer. Hummingbird feeders were filled and hung up two days ago and a pair showed up immediately. The cottontail rabbit population survived both the winter and predators in good condition, and, with fewer dogs in camp, have moved onto the lawns for meals. Our ash tree completely leafed out in about 10 days, and the large willow at the trap range is covered with leaves. Mulberries are showing signs of life, but the native walnut, mesquites, desert willow and acacias are always the last to awaken. The sprinkler system Roy installed at the trap range has contributed to a lush, green lawn that will be maintained all summer. Dan has been bustling around with miles of hoses and sprinklers to water several patches of lawn in the campground and all the trees.

      The weather is mild with days in the mid to high 70s and nighttime in the low 40s. Typical breezy spring conditions have continued. Several campers are planning to spend the summer here and watch the desert turn green.
  
January 13, 2008

      Gee, a month has passed since the last newsletter. The holidays were busy even in the laid back environment at Double Adobe. More campers have arrived and several have moved on. We have a good turnout each Sunday for Roy and Denise's pancake and egg breakfast. The combination exercise room and library is being used by many campers, occasionally at the same time! Knitters and crafters are doing their thing in the clubhouse every Tuesday.

      Sporting clays shooting has grown each week, with 26 contestants last Friday. The Sporting Clays events on Friday, the ever popular 50-50-50 non-registered trapshoots on Sunday and Tuesday, and the registered ATA trapshoots on Thursdays now start at 11:00 AM to take advantage of a higher sun and warmer temperatures. The "Winter in Arizona" four-day registered shoot will commence on Thursday, January 17. Three hundred targets will be scheduled each day. On Wednesday January 16, the Sporting Clays course will host a 100 target event.

December 11, 2007

      Another successful Thanksgiving Pot Luck dinner was completed with help from all the great cooks in camp and the hard work of Denise and Roy. Thanks to all who donated and helped prepare the turkeys and brought all the delicious side dishes and desserts.

      Recent arrivals include the Earl and Royanne Munsons and Al and Karen Brackett from Michigan. From various points in Montana Glen Western and Volney Steele have arrived to inspect the quail population. David and Edie Bickish also are here from Montana. Ray and Falma Cullinane and Jim and Jean Fultz are here from Idaho. Ed and Suzanne Possnett are here from Alberta, Canada. Bill and Barbara Buteaux have finally made it to camp from Washington.

      Despite bad weather on Saturday, the three day, registered, Thanksgiving Trapshoot was enjoyed by all participants. Friday Sporting clays tournaments have been growing in attendance with 2 squads of participants at the last event.

      On Friday nights we are enjoying music and songs in the club house as performed by J. Wells and Mike Palmer.

November 18, 2007

      With great sadness we must announce the death of Roland K. (Bart) Wright, a long time Double Adobe visitor and trapshooter. Our sympathy to wife Opal and family. Donations may be made in Bart's memory to the Hamilton Trap Club, P.O. Box 672, Hamilton, Montana, 59828.

      Recent arrivals include Dwayne (BJ) and Elaine Bjorklund from Washington, Chuck and Jackie Hoffman from Michigan, and Duane and Geri Miller of Idaho.

      The annual Turkey Shoot was held yesterday with 51 birds distributed to the winners. A number of the turkeys have been donated for the Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner. If you missed this event be sure to arrive earlier next year. On Thanksgiving Day a non-registered 50 target handicap event will be held, and the registered 3-day ATA shoot will be Friday November 23, Saturday November 24 and Sunday November 25, with singles, handicap and doubles events each day.

November 9, 2007

      New arrivals in camp are Doug and Sue Case, John Sandstrom, Conrad and Esther May, and Ray and Judy Stareck. Bart Wright is back camp recovering after a stay in the hospital for surgery.

      Work is now in progress on Dan Erickson's front porch, and Conrad May has been added to the crew of "professionals" at work on the project.

      J. Wells provides the current list of birds observed in camp:
Great horned owl                                Gila woodpecker
Ladder-backed woodpecker                   Oregon Junco
Western meadow lark                          Red-winged blackbird
House sparrow                                   White throated sparrow
White crowned sparrow                        Pyrrhulaxia
Sage thrasher                                    Crissal thrasher
Cactus wren                                       Rock wren
Inca Dove                                          Morning dove
White winged dove                             Rock dove
Ferruginous hawk                               Red tailed hawk
?immature golden eagle?
(and, of course, the resident ducks from the pond)

October 30, 2007

      Friends continue to arrive in camp. Geoff Wade and J. Wells have reached sunny Arizona. Ed and Ruthanne Kauffman made the long trip from Michigan. Pam and Frandell Johnson are here from Minnesota, and JD and Norma Love have arrived from Washington.

      Framing is complete on the new pump house shelter, and sheathing of the exterior is underway. The construction is being conducted by Roy, Denise and several volunteer campers, including Tom Batt and Les and Georganne Barrett. Several other campers serve in an advisory and supervisory capacity. Possibly as a result of this advice and supervision, the construction work is progressing slowly.

      Registered trap shoots are now being held every Thursday, Sporting Clays most every Friday, and the world-renowned 50/50/50 Fun Shoot on Sunday and Tuesday.

      We have just learned that Don Coulter, a frequent winter visitor and trapshooter from Harsen Island, Michigan, has passed away. Our sympathy to wife Mary and family.

"NEWS FLASH"  Gary Gasaway turns 70 today! (October 25th) HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM DOUBLE ADOBE!!!!

October 24, 2007

      Recent arrivals include Carol and Perely Jones from Alaska, Mike Palmer from Colorado, and Mitzi and Larry McDowell from Idaho. Gordon Mitchel is here from South Dakota and Washington residents Bob and Lois Davidson have just pulled into their traditional spot across from the clubhouse. Welcome back again.

      The Halloween Trick or Treat Shoot was held October 18 thru 21, a week earlier than last year. Despite the earlier date, attendance was up from last year. All the shooters in camp and other locals were in attendance and several Tucson competitors made the drive to compete. Weather was a little breezy but warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70's and lows have been in the high 40's. Lunch was served at the range during the 4-day shoot and Denise served breakfast everyday.


      The sprinkler system has been completed at the range and lush green grass is coming up. A building is under construction to shelter the pump and water distribution system, so when the freezing temperatures arrive this winter the water will continue to flow.


October 16, 2007

      Gary Monroe and companion, a Chocolate Labrador by the name of PI, have arrived from Montana and plan to spend the winter. Trapshooters Gary and Marlene Gasaway are in camp for their annual visit. Del Vine has arrived for the winter from Northeastern Montana. Jay Marquard and son, Greg, both trapshooters, are here from Illinois. A number of regular winter campers have called to say that they will be here in time for the Thanksgiving pot luck feed.

      The first official 50/50/50 trapshoot of the season was held last Sunday, October 14, with 10 shooters competing in the singles, handicap and doubles events. Ken Jones and Jay Marquard recorded high scores in several events and expect to be punished for their good fortune by our antediluvian handicapper, Paul Davis. Last Friday's Sporting Clays event attracted only 5 shooters, but word is getting out that the event will be held on Fridays (except this Friday), and increased attendance is expected. The Halloween Trick or Treat ATA shoot will be held this week from Thursday October 18 through Sunday October 21.


October 10, 2007

      Word was received on Friday, October 5, that long time winter visitor and trapshooter, Gary Schultz had passed away

      Yes, the potluck dinner will be held as usual on Thanksgiving Day. Hope to see you here on Turkey Day, gobble, gobble! A turkey shoot will be held on the preceding Saturday, November 17, and the registered "Thanksgiving Leftover Shoot" is scheduled for November 22 through 25.


October 3, 2007

    Fred Zurfluh, winter visitor to Double Adobe, has died of a heart attack. Condolences to wife Connie and family.

    Recent arrivals are Loma and Deon Van Cleave and Dale Hopps.

    A sprinkler system with pop-up sprinklers is being installed at the trap range, and winter grass will be planted soon. Expect a year-round green range starting soon. Dan has planted several trees on the new Super Site row, so shade will be appearing in the future. The sporting clays range has been graded, stations installed, and the first even is scheduled for Friday October 4.