While at Hever Castle in UK there were many activites besides touring the historical building itself. Our kids decided to try learning a new skill, archery. Buddy was first up. He impressed us all with his ability to follow the instructions and get his arrows launched into the air. One even managed to make it to the closest target.
After his 10 arrows were used up he told his sister it was her turn. She found the tension needed to make the arrow fly required good muscle control in the upper arm and shoulder. She got hers to the close target too.
Then it was our SIL's turn. And if you look carefully you'll see that our daughter managed to click the camera in time to catch his arrow in flight just above the close target! Her hubby managed to get his arrow to the boar in the distance.
All three have decided this activity was great fun. In the future each may join a group to really learn the skills needed to become a proficient archer.
Just before posting these pictures I did a search and discovered that the use of the bow and arrow dates back as far as 10000 BC with discoveries of some in northern Europe. These tools have been discovered in all continents except Australia where only spears appeared as weapon.
While many of today's weapons are launched by computers, it's relaxing to watch as people as they try to recapture one of the more historical ways of shooting a missile at the castle grounds. That's because there was no threat of pending hunger or a dangerous enemy if the target was not met.
Have you had any bow and arrow experiences?
