From Penny DeMoss, Course Setter:
Harold and I put out some of the controls and water today, and while I was tramping around I thought of some more things I wanted to mention before the meet.
Since I think the curmudgeon (Ed. Note: Harold) is quite serious about the 2:00 PM course closing (actually, I agree with him on this), I think it only fair to mention that based on Steve Gregg's vetting times, it appears the courses are a little on the long side of normal. Here are Steve's vetting times, bearing in mind of course that he was not in "race mode" and he was looking for just strips of ribbon and not controls: Blue 102 minutes (not including his one navigational error), Red 78 minutes, Green 60 minutes, and Brown 44 minutes. These times did not suggest to me that the courses needed shortening -- he didn't think so either -- but they are "healthy". Please allow yourself enough time to do your course of choice, and don't make Harold make an example of you by having to DQ you for finishing after 2:00 PM. The mere fact that the units will still be out there after 2:00 PM will not save you from his heavy hand. BAOC policy is not to DQ people for taking more than 3 hrs. at B meets, as long as they finish before closing time, so head out early if you think you need extra time.
I was surprised how soft the ground is out there. I guess this last rain helped, but it was very pleasant underfoot. The grass is longer than I've ever seen it -- the cattle need to get busy -- but it's not as bad as Joe Grant. As with all of our maps, the terrain is steeper than it looks on the map. Some of the reentrants and streams are not only difficult, but dangerous to try to cross in many areas. You don't generally have to go too far to find a crossable point though. A tip here: look for where the cows cross; they're not as dumb as people think. Wear spikes if you've got them.
There are water stops on all courses. One on Brown and Green, and two on Red and Blue. If it's very warm, and you think that won't be adequate for your needs, then I recommend carrying water with you.
Bring your e-punch stick, a whistle, and the exact amount ($8 cash or check) for self registration (for members only). Also, another reason to car pool, besides being cool, is that it costs $5 per car to enter the park. Look on a map and figure out a place to meet up outside the park. There is not really any one place that I can suggest, but right after you exit highway 24 on Pleasant Hill Road there are areas that commuters use that I understand some BAOCers are planning on using. Nothing along Reliez Valley Rd looks very promising.
Putting out controls and water today has irritated my hip injury. :-( I would really appreciate help picking up the controls after the event. We will start picking up promptly at 2:00, so it shouldn't take very long. Right now I have 0 volunteers for this duty ... heck ... did I mention the bad hip?
See you there. It's going to be a great day for orienteering. There are picnic tables in the registration area. Bring something for after and enjoy the day.
Cheers
Penny DeMoss, Course Setter