Learning to Fire a Swivel Gun

2015/02/06 Gayle 0

No doubt your first question, as was mine, is what the heck is a swivel gun? A swivel gun usually refers to a small cannon, mounted on a swiveling stand or fork which allows a very wide arc of movement. Swivel guns are among the smallest types of cannon, typically measuring less than 1 m (3 ft) in length and with a bore diameter of up to 3.5 cm (1¼ in). Swivel guns were used principally aboard sailing ships, serving as short-range anti-personnel ordnance. They were not ship-sinking weapons, due to their small caliber and short range, but could do considerable damage to anyone caught in their line of fire. My encounter with a swivel gun took place at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield when I reported for duty on Saturday, January The rest of the story

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The 150th Anniversary of the Battle for Fort Fisher

2015/01/25 Gayle 0

In January I had the opportunity to attend the sesquicentennial events for the Second Battle of Fort Fisher. Since a rainy Saturday in 2008 – I have attended the events surrounding the Second Battle of Fort Fisher . The weather isn’t always pleasant but the richness of the history flowing around the events are always worthy. After all, who doesn’t love firing of heavy artillery, people in period dress, and lectures of days long past? This year, as a part of the 150th there was a reenactment….on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, as beautiful a January day as you could wish for, I stood on the South side of the mound to watch the battle. On Sunday I watched from the north side.  As The rest of the story

You Never Forget The First One #tbt

2014/07/03 Gayle 1

I moved to Wilmington on Memorial Day weekend 1995 – it’s hard for me to believe it’s been almost 20 years! In that time I have experienced quite a few storms: 1996 hurricane Bertha hits July 12th with 105mph winds from the south. Newspaper article | Radar 1996 hurricane Fran hits Sept 5th with 105mph winds from the SSE. Heavy damage – 1 billion dollars damage, 23 killed storm surge approx 16ft. Newspaper headline | #2 | satelite image | av model error 1998 hurricane Bonnie hits August 26th with 115mph winds from the south, while turning N.E, moderate damage . 1999 Hurricane Floyd hit Sept 16th just east with 110mph winds from the south,dumps nearly 20 inches of rain here & causes heavy damage to north on Oak Island. New Hanover county reported 10 ft storm surge The rest of the story

Autograph Seekers Are Not the ONLY distractions

2014/06/23 Gayle 0

Yesterday, I was asked to offer ‘Sticky Faith’ (the children’s message) at St Paul’s UMC in Carolina Beach….here is my message: On Friday I had the opportunity to go to Pinehurst NC to attend the Women’s US Open Golf Tournament. It was great to be able to see the best women golfers in the world! While there I got to see Lucy Li play. She’s a 11 year old phenom, which is someone (usually young) with extraordinary talent at something. There were huge crowds on hand to watch her at every hole. I am not sure how she was able to play with all that distraction. When we arrived at the tournament, we were given a map that listed the tee or start times for The rest of the story

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