The London Lounge

Just a quick note to any shooting enthusiasts that next week at the Orvis shooting estate, Sandanona, in Millbrook, NY is the Vintagers Cup. The Order of Edwardian Gunners holds a few of these championships during te year, this being, I believe, th ebiggest. Gor 4 days men and women compete por prizes shooting at clay pigeons. It is quite a spectacle with many of them wearing traditional Edwardian clothes.

If anyone is lives in the area and has time, it can be quite a show of interesting attire and, of course, pleanty of guns and accessories on display, too. I share a stand with a company called Griffin & Howe who, in turn, will this year host the Purdey shotguns and staff.

Leonard

Sandanona is a beautiful estate in Millbrook , N.Y. owned by Orvis. If you're in NYC, best to drive up - about 70 miles - 2 hours.

Wonderful sporting clays and modern skeet facilities.

A very atmospheric old lodge, wood panelled, comfortable leather chairs with several working fireplaces in winter; a real old fashioned hunting lodge. Cozy.

I did some shooting there myself this Summer, doing more damage to myself than the clay pigeons but the weather was absolutely beautiful and the property is very relaxing.

This sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get out in the country for the weekend. They have a nice collection of Orvis clothing and some nice double barrell shotguns made in Spain which they will special order for you to your measurements - in the $3000-4000 range.

Ask for Brian Long, the manager and his wife, Bonnie - first rate people having grown up in the area.

If you have some spare time, the weather is nice, and are interested in a relaxing weekend, I'd definitely recommend a trip up to Millbrook, both for the event as well as the nice inns and restaurants in the Millbrook area.