Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Pork Pie is back at the laptop!

After a rather indulgent holiday break, it's back to Summer Series reporting. Since the excellent pre-Christmas run at Balmoral, we have had five events in varying weather conditions - including the threatening stormy stuff at East Lindfield.

The first of the '08 events saw us enjoying the eastern end to the Gladesville Hospital map - made possible because of school holidays helping with the parking. A good turn out and a well set course by Graeme Dawson. Many would have 'enjoyed' the control at the bottom of the steps below the bowling club, and the scramble to controls below the start. The waterline route worked for many here in a good stretch out after the Christmas pud.

Then came Dr Matt with an excellent Tarban Creek run in hot conditions on January 9. The start within the school added excitement, with most seeming to tackle the school checkpoints on the way out rather than the way back. The 'boat' control was a classic. On the 16th, we raced the storm at 'Two Creeks'. Although Wayne didn't in the end put any controls on the track, there was an absolute puzzle of stuff to loop together, including some steep climbing. Most went off north past the scout hall (this time not encountering the land owner with camera!), looping west before the dash home past the shops. There was a lonely control way down on the south side (14?) - probably only visited by Glenn as he toured the lot. Later runners copped the rain, which gave the organisers a bit of curry without much shelter on site. A good run all the same.

The next event was a bottler at Dee Why set by Karin. Those that like their water views (me included) were probably not going to get the gold along the cliff top track but enjoyed it anyway. It is always a lesson in speed when you go 'off road'. There were lots of up and down and route variations elsewhere and the heat was a definite factor. In complete contrast to the week before.

Last week saw a good turn out at Parramatta and the dance of the high fence. This is a map that requires very careful study (would be great at 1:5000 for a sprint O) in navigating the buildings and fence areas, but rewarding orienteering when you pull it off. The open park areas to the south was in contrast, and speedy stuff worked there. Various creek crossings were another feature and an encounter with dark green by yours truly was a disaster. Barry's mapping means what it says!

Tomorrow night we return to the Big Foot map at Castle Cove where Michael Burton and Connie have a bit of fun in store for us - this time starting up higher in Holly Street. Many may remember the uphill slog from the old pool site last year (well, it was fun coming back downhill!!). We may get closer to to 'Explosives Reserve' this time and are certain to get some good views. A good way to experience a rarely seen part of Sydney. Lets hope the wet holds off for this little gem. Be there!

Finally, many might have seen the small piece in the latest issue of The Sydney magazine (on page 21). Good publicity and already generating several enquiries. And still plenty of good events to come, including three new map areas. The Glebe Point map is complete and should be an enjoyable puzzle - wait till you see the street grid! (27/2), as should be the new bushy one at East Killara and the revived Killarney Heights cracker on Feb 20.

More soon.

No comments:

Previous News