Photos by Gretchen Macchiarella / Star staff John MacCallum shoots at a foam bear target at the archery course at the Ojai Valley Gun Club. His son, Jack, 3, joined him on the course. At right, Bil Lepp tells a story that is very nearly true just before going onstage at the Ojai Storytelling Festival.

Bil Lepp tells a story that is very nearly true just before going on stage at the Ojai Story Tellers Festival.

This week, someone referred to archery as a cult hobby.

Like a cult movie, a cult hobby is an activity that is nearly unknown to the mainstream, but is followed by a small, passionate group.

The best thing about these devotees is their desire to share the fun. At the archery course at the Ojai Valley Gun Club, the members mentioned that they have extra bows and arrows for anyone who doesn't have their own equipment.

Generally, I would say only a friend could talk someone into heading into Los Padres National Forest to shoot at a foam deer from 40 yards with a bow and arrow.

Truth is, it's not as intimidating as all that. Many people on the trail were with their families, including small children. Everyone was friendly and willing to share tips, and the club even offers free instruction.

In fact, this archery gathering, held the first Sunday of the month, reminded me a lot of another cult-sport outing I covered for Studio 805: disc golf.

Both hobbies require wide-open spaces with lightly marked paths and the devotees walk in small groups as they keep score of how well they did in hitting their target.

I did try out a bow under the instruction of Bob Pergson at his shop, Pergson's Archery and Hunting Supply in Meiners Oaks. The shop has an indoor range with hay bales stacked high enough for even the most errant arrow.

Although I had not held a bow since sleep-away camp, I had some outstanding beginner's luck. Check it out on www.Studio805.tv.

Liars, pirates & fizzes

Luck also brought me the extraordinary opportunity to get backstage at the Ojai Storytelling Festival. Humor columnist Jason Love and I put the tellers to the test by trying to judge the veracity of a one-minute tale. Since Bil Lepp actually has an award for being an outstanding liar, this was a fairly serious challenge.

The game was silly and the rules loose, but the stories were great. You can hear them, and judge for yourself by watching the Studio 805 video.

That festival is over, but another is about to begin. This weekend is the Ojai Renaissance & Pirate Faire at Lake Casitas. I recommend it, but I can't make it this year.

Though I do get to play pirate this week, going for a sail with the crew of the Maine Squeeze on a Wet Wednesday race. If you missed it, these patient people let myself and Jason onboard a few weeks ago. The video is still available by clicking on "Canned" on www.Studio805.tv, then scrolling down.

If you are feeling pirate-y, you can recycle your newspaper into a pirate hat. You can find instructions here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-your-own-Newspaper-Hat/.

I also will be trying out a new hat this week. Our "Canned" can is sending us to tend bar. We'll see if I can keep up with the crowd.

Gin fizz anyone?

See you out there.