Smugglers Notch primitive biathlon

[Canute Rex]

I went up to Jeffersonville Vermont on Sunday and ran (slogged?) the biathlon. It was sunny, almost windless, and about 10F, so good weather for snowshoeing. At 10F I didn't see so many people in traditional clothing. Personally I dress for survival.

Not much snow, though. We've had some thawing lately, so lots of icy spots and some bare ground. I avoided the ice but I managed to step on my own toes and do a header on the way up to the second shooting station.  A beautiful walk in the woods, nevertheless.

I did the course in just under an hour and hit 5 out of 9. I was disappointed until I looked at Saturday's scores. Mostly 5 and below. There are 9 gongs at 4 stations, 2, 2, 2, and 3. Ranges anywhere from 25 to 60 yards. Round, half round, vertical bar, and diamond. I was doing great until I pulled left on the second vertical bar. The last three were so small and far that my front sight appeared larger than the gong.

There was a mix of technologies out there. Mostly rifles, mostly percussion. Very few smoothies - a tough assignment without the grooves. I ran it last year with my smoothbore matchlock, but that was a tactical error. Fun, even so.

There were just under 200 participants overall. Ray Saloomey and his wife Jeannie run the show and are real workhorses - as nice folks as you'd want to meet.

I'm going to the Southern VT primitive biathlon, which is Feb. 9-10 in Manchester. I'll see if I can stay on my feet this time. I'd recommend it to anyone within driving distance. http://www.svtpb.org/

[ratfacedmcdougal]

 10 degrees this time of year in Jeff is about what I would expect. Couldn't make it this year but I'm planning to make it next year, It'll be Old Home Day for me. Must be a lot of smoke hanging around with 200 shooters in those temps. Any wind? I hope the conditions will be more enjoyable for you in Manchester next week.
RFMcD

[TG]

This primitive biathlon look like it would be a real blast! I guess i'm a little late for this year, but next year I'd love to be there. Guess I'll have to find out stuff regarding my flintlock, powder and the rest of it crossing into the USA and back into Canada

[Canute Rex]

Jeffersonville is always the toughie - up at 1800 foot elevation. A couple of years ago it was -4F and windy. That put it right on the edge of "Are we having fun yet?" This year, with no wind and plenty of sun it was comfortable - the first quarter mile of hustling on snowshoes gets your core temperature right up there. Manchester is down in the banana belt - even in mid February it is warmer.

TG - look on the Southern VT biathlon site for other events. There's one out in western NY state and one coming up the weekend after Manchester over in NH.

When I did reenacting I went back and forth across the border with a musket and powder with no problems. I don't think the border guards are really interested in us - they are looking for drug smugglers. In my experience they ask if you have anything to declare and you say "I'm going to a historical muzzleloading event and I have a musket and some powder" and they smile and roll their eyes a little and say "Have a nice day." But yes, good idea to give both sides a call and ask.

[TG]

Thanks for the heads up regarding other events that are not too far and also boarder crossing stuuf. cheers

[deertracker]

I was also at Smugg's on Sunday, and had a great time too. I thought the course was beautiful, and the target placement was just about perfect-a good balance between easier, and more difficult shots. Ray and his loyal crew do an amazing job running the event. I love the primitive biathlons. If you've never tried one and have the opportunity to, you won't be sorry.