The first NOY of the year can be a bit of a challenge - time to dust off the bush suit & shoes and get the head back into the "I really do need to navigate" frame of mind after the softer navigational requirements of the street and park series. 108 entrants turned up to take that challenge, which was an enthusiastic start to the bush season, in spite of school holidays, the location and the prior warnings about how steep it is out here. You could have been forgiven for thinking it was still summer with the temperature nudging up to the low thirties, but hopefully the mental challenge went a bit above and beyond those summer events.
Unfortunately, the distance and the climb of the set courses was maybe a little more mid-winter, although Alex Massey (having been told he was expected to be back in 50 mins) turned in a Long Hard within 60 seconds of that mark, in spite of what was rumoured to have been a bit of a heavy night beforehand. Nic Blatchford was the fastest of the 4 ladies who were brave enough to tackle the same course, while Andrew Power and Karen Blatchford took out the honours for the Medium Hard. Times for the Medium and Short Hards were a bit longer than desirable, with the steep climb, loose rock, leaf litter, fallen trees and spiky vegetation all taking their toll. At least all the SI units managed to stay 'on' for the duration of the event.
In spite of the terrain, competitors largely returned in a positive frame of mind, some proudly bearing the scars of their disputes with lantana and thorn bush. At one point, it looked like we might need to set up a "blood bin" for the walking wounded! By and large, most people seemed OK with the navigation and there were few reports of major navigational errors. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the fine rock detail and the unusual linear clearing and bare rock areas, which really do demand that contact with the map be carefully maintained. The 1:5,000 scale also threw a few people off with features looming up sooner than expected, although it would be a very hard map to read at 1:10,000.
As is always the case with NOC events, it was a team effort, with thanks due to Peter Newton providing the gear and helping set up, assisted by Rudi Landseidel, Carolyn Chalmers and Viola O'Connor. On the desks were Cheryl Todkill, Joy Guy, Jeff Guy, Amylee Robertson and Malcolm Roberts, with Joy and Jeff backing up for control collection. Thanks also to Geoff Todkill for map printing, especially doing double-sided for one course and an odd size at that. If I've missed anyone or muddled you up, I apologise and you can beat me about the ears with a box of tethers next time.
Needless to say, Denis Lyons was there at the beginning and still there at the end, having put in many hours beforehand revising the map and advising as a vetter should, so an extra big thank you there. For the record, he DID say that the Medium & Short Hards were still a bit on the long side - and in the aftermath, I have to admit that he was spot on the money there. Hopefully competitors look back and gain some satisfaction from having risen to the challenges and look forward to the next event in 3 weeks. That is, once the cut and bruises have healed. (And Geoff P, I hope your ankle isn't being too nasty about whatever happened to it. To be honest, I'm surprised there weren't more like that.) Many thanks to all those who took the time to show their appreciation for the setter's efforts - it's part of what makes the whole exercise worthwhile.
On balance, I hope everyone had a good day and enjoyed the somewhat unusual atmosphere of Morundah. Hopefully I'll have the station finished by the next time round. All that remains is to ask, " Who WERE those 3 people in the vintage Morris Minor?" (They liked the carriage, even if orienteering wasn't to their taste.) Write your answers on the back of an envelope and send it to:
Newcastle Orienteering Club NOY1 Quiz
P.O. Box ......
Cheers, David.