Last week I went to this amazing indoor archery range, Archery Outpost with my friends Brittany, Rhonda and Dueal. My lovely friend Britt had been once before, and she told me that I had to go with her Thursday. As you all know, or hopefully remember, taking this course was also one of my things to do on my 101 to 1001 list. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass! We all piled up in the car and we were on our way.
Once we arrived, it was nothing like I had imagined, or expected. (I think that’s best in life – enjoying surprises!) The place looked very small from the outside, but once you stepped inside it was another world. There were bows and arrows aligned on the walls, and they even have their own shop where you can buy your own supplies. Not only can you come here for shooting practice, you can rent equipment, and lanes for the day. Since Britt and Rhonda already completed their beginner’s safety training class, they were able to freely shoot around for the day.
D and myself paid for the beginner safety training class ($25), signed our safety waiver, and waited 15 minutes until our session began. We sat down in the spectator section behind this small wooden fence that read: “Arrow Zone, No Trespassing”. I immediately thought, whoa it’s about to get real! In front of that was a rack of bows, hanging on a portable shelf looking device lol. Our 15 minutes passed, and finally, it was our turn to start the class.
The 1pm class consisted of D, our instructor, and myself. I was shocked, but happy that it was only us because he could work with us individually, and give his undivided attention. Dude looked like one of the guys from Duck Dynasty, and by that description I knew he was about the archery life! He briefly went through terminology, safety precautions, warnings, and explained which types of bows we would each use. I used a Recurve Shooter because I’m right handed, and my arrow weighed 22 lbs. He then proceeded to give us each arm guards for protection. Once we were suited, it was time to pick up the bows and give it a try. We were taught the basic technique, standing posture, arm posture, how to secure the arrow, etc.
We both struggled securing the arrow. Who knew that attaching an arrow would be so hard? It’s really an awkward thing to do. Once we finally got that part attached, it was time to aim and shoot! D went first, and I watched as his arms shook as he pulled the arrow back, in alignment and slightly past his ear. Next thing I knew, his arrow took flight and landed on the target (unfortunately it was a little off the target, but the instructor assured us that the first shot is rarely ever on targer). Then it was my turn… dun dun dun! I quickly got into character, and my inner Katniss Everdeen shined through. I was so serious, focused … arms stretched – one pointing the bow to the target, the other stretching the arrow back ready for launch – then BAM it took off and too landed slightly off the target, but it was on the paper lol
We took turns getting more familiar with our shooting technique. After a couple of tries, we started getting good and making small goals for ourselves. I told D that I wanted to hit the red circle before we left. Hitting the yellow would be a little ambitious for my first time, so I aimed for what was closest to that. I finally got it, and literally screamed when the arrow landed on the red mark. I felt accomplished and it helped that everyone in the range was staring at me lol. It was dead silent, so you know the pressure was on.
All in all, I had an amazing experience. The whole time I felt like I was in the movie The Hunger Games, and me and D kept joking about that. Mimicking Effie’s voice, as we quoted famous lines from the movie. It was a refreshing feeling – I absolutely love trying new things!
Afterwards, we went to get a bite to eat and came across this spot called, Elbows. The name is a dead giveaway for the type of food you would have. There were 20 types of Mac N Cheese combinations, I had the Cajun Sensation (Andouille sausage, celery, peppers, and onions blended in their famous cheese sauce) and Britt had the Holy Cow (angus burger with cheddar and swiss). I usually never eat anyone’s Mac N Cheese other than my moms, or a family member’s, which is basically imported straight from Louisiana, but this was lowkey life changing! Whenever you get the chance, make sure you give that place a try; it’s definitely worth it!
bisous, Bree ❤
Thee Heart of The Matter 
Great first time adventure in archery. Hope you are able to have more adventures like this!
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