Happy 7/5

My stepdad, Dick, becomes eligible for social security today. I don’t think he’ll be taking the feds up on it though, he did just hike across Isle Royale.

He’s also an extraordinary craftsmen, and at my relatives place on Saturday, we celebrated Independence Day early with a piece of his handywork.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=13100004&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1

My uncle contributed the wheels, Dick built the solid walnut carriage, and had a machinist turn the solid steel barrel to his specifications. The mini-canon has a 1″ smooth bore, and in the last clip we were firing a hand cast (by my uncle) 1″ lead ball (with 500 grains of black powder behind it) at a solid steel target. Whether you like it or hate it, there are few things more American than shooting guns for fun.

Happy birthday Dick!

3 responses to “Happy 7/5”

  1. That is awesome!! Gave me a good chuckle. Did they use grape shot on the dummy?Isle Royal is a spectacular hike. My friends and I used to go every summer, but it has been nearly 20 years since I've gone back. Reading your post has gotten me to thinking.Thanks,Vito

  2. Okay, that was awesome….must figure a way to acquire one.E

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