Location: Congewai Valley
Map: John Elm Creek NEW 2011 1:10000
Planning: Ian Dempsey
Helpers: Carolyn Rigby, Denis Lyons, Margaret Peel, Sam Howe
Control Collection: Peter & Maria Orr, Geoff Todkill, Denis Lyons, Ian Dempsey
While Alex Massey added another club title to his already impressive tally, Sally-Anne Henderson, a recent "Rookie of the Year" took out her first major title in winning the open women's section and becoming the new Hunter Valley woman's champ. She was pushed all the way with Kim van Netten just 3 seconds adrift in 2nd place.
From course setter Ian Dempsey....
Blessed with warm and dry weather, this year's Hunter Valley Championships were staged in the upper Congewai Valley south-west of Cessnock. The area took a little longer to get to than the other Cessnock areas we've recently used. As Tim Tew noted, if only there was a direct road across the Watagans from Cooranbong to Congewai, it would have saved him a circuitous route. Regardless, competitors seemed to enjoy the mostly open and fast orienteering terrain with interesting rock and contour features.
We're most grateful to landowners, Stephen and Louise Dews, Helen Jackson, and the national parks, for the use of their land. The Congewai Public School P&C spoilt us with a range of tasty food and drinks.
The orienteering map will be extended later this year so there's an opportunity to come back to enjoy this area again in the future.
Results | Routegadget | photos