Willow Glen Neighborhood
Date: (Sat.) Dec. 13, 2014
Location: San Jose, CA
Event Director: 
- 408.313.3753
Course Setters: Brad Wetmore, Tony Pinkham
Type: C; 60- or 90-minute Light-O (Score-O) course and potluck social
Course Setter's Notes
By
Come join BAOC for another colorful evening among the many well-dressed houses of the Willow Glen neighborhood in San Jose. Your course setters have spent several nights searching out the more interesting areas/decorations. There are 45 controls spread out over a roughly 7 sq. kilometer area. There are a fair number placed close-by for participants who want an leisurely evening, but still feel as though they got to see a lot. This is the sixth event on this map: 1:15000 with 5-ft contours. There's only one area where you might realize you've lost/gained a contour—in other words, it's flat and fast!
We're not expecting anyone to get all the controls, so it will really be an exercise in focusing on the right areas.
Here are some important scoring items:
- Most controls are worth 10 points.
- There is one control worth 50 points (labeled 100), and is available only from 6 PM to 7 PM. It will be continuously in motion in a one-block area, and should be visible once you reach the area. You should plan your route with these conditions in mind. Missing this control might be costly. On this other hand, it may alter your route choice away from other controls.
- The format will be 60- or 90-minute Score-O. That means you can visit as many controls as you want, in any order, within the time limit you choose. You don't have to declare which course you're doing until you return.
- Except for #100, controls will be environmental, such as:
- At house #456, how many reindeer are on the roof?
- A – 3 B – 8 C – 9
- At house #456, how many reindeer are on the roof?
- The house number eliminates any ambiguity within the control circle, but it's up to you to navigate to the correct street. The house numbers are easiest to find on the curb. Otherwise, they are usually near the front door or garage.
- If any of the control answers have changed since the course was set, please write in the most appropriate answer, and we'll confirm after the event is over. (Unfortunately, lights can go out, decorations can be added/removed, etc.)
- There will be a 30-point penalty for each incorrect answer. DO NOT GUESS! A previous event was decided by a single incorrect answer.
- For each minute or partial minute that you're late in returning, 10 points will be deducted from your score (e.g., 61 seconds late will have 20 points deducted).
A strong word of warning: This is a night-time urban crienteering event, in an area where automobile drivers will be looking at the lights and not for pedestrians. Plus if you bury your nose in your map, you'll miss lots of great houses along the way.
Please exercise extra caution: Be sure to have a good flashlight, and dress in light-colored clothing. Reflective vest/shoes/etc are good choices.
Please bring a pencil (preferred) or pen to mark your answers.
There is no BAOC-provided water on the course, but there are a few parks and stores on the course. It should be cool enough that this won't be an issue.
Please see the event announcement for other information.
We hope you enjoy the evening. Being around this much festivity really put us in the holiday mood!
Brad Wetmore & Tony Pinkham
Course Setters