Thought some of you might enjoy these pics...

As is usual, retreever/Mike was our host. My son, Chad, and I drove over from Carlisle. Charley showed up and Brian/Brian-Simmons and his son, Brian (too), came over from Jersey. Rigbyman/Marlin drove over from near Carlisle.

We met at a diner to get acquainted and reacquainted and have a little breakfast. Mike handed his scrapbook to Chad to keep him entertained on the drive from the diner to the range. It worked -- he was quite entertained and more ready than ever for our 2008 trip over.

As I recall, Marlin kicked things off with Mike's .450 No.2...and doubled it right off the bat. Nice look of surprise on his face...but, to be fair, that back trigger was light for me too...though Mike is clearly it's master.

Marlin with Charley's 7mm-somethingorother by Merkel. I should've got a photo a Marlin shooting his .400/.450.

Brian, the younger, with those cigar-sized .450 No.2 cartridges.

Chad with Mike's .450 No.2...here goes...

...and in recoil...with the "wooowwww!!!!" expression...

...and he earned the right to carry Mike's tusk...

Chad shooting Brian's .300

...and Mike's .375 H&H

...and Charley's 7mm-somethingorother...

...and some guy's Bushmaster 5.56mm...and I really should've got pics of him touching off Mike's and my doubles...

OK, those were a lot of pics of my son...but it's my flippin' camera, OK?

Here's Mike with his .450 showing us how it's done.

Me with my Merkel .470 making noise and holes.

The gang of big-bore misfits. Left to right: rigbyman/Marlin, Charley, Brian, Mike, Brian, Chad, Matt. Really wish this pic would've come out better.

Chad and I stopped by Cabela's on the way home. Life is good.

Thanks Mike. Chad also says to tell you thanks for the warthog target. Not sure if it'll go to the range or up on his wall.