Event (Odonnelltown Rock - East) 1:12:08 [3]
shoes: new black O
Wasn't super keen to go - could easily rolled over when alarm went off, but went. Then needed to put shoes on and could have not bothered. But then it started to drizzle with rain and I was so keen!!! Bestest weather for orienteering.
L foot not happy so opted for the Short Hard which was enough for foot but not for enjoyment. Nevertheless i didn't extend my experience by poor navigation. Minimal running but faster walking than usual.
S-1 track, track, minor track, parallel to w/c - good start.
1-2 bearing OK but actually getting into control not that easy. Confronted by a kanga who seemed startled to see me and when i attempted to go through where it had come from not all that easy. A bit of up and back - all the time knowing exactly where I was and where I wanted to go, just wasn't happy to plunge into the great unknown green. Finally went "too far" North and attacked from major w/c - easily found, never in doubt. Splits tells me I lost 4:11 on this leg - true but not navigationally.
2-3 bearing and aimed off very well
3-4 slog to powerline clearing, right on for pole, crossed w/c and picked up feature very well.
4-5 more slog, crossed next powerline clearing, w/c fine just a little bit low.. splits say i lost 57 sec here - quite possibly scrambling down rock face to get to... the rockface. Nice part of the map. Picked up a lot of time on Sharon here.
5-6 slog up hill but when got to tracks there was quite a lot of choice and I was pleased not to see Sharon at all as I didn't want to be following her for the rest of the day. Opted for NW track,SE track,NW track, SW track noting junctions along the way which was pretty tricky what with all the MTBO activity in the area. Last part was disappointing as Dr DK and I both found strong track, old in nature but not mapped. I felt I was in correct spot but already crossed a track that wasn't "there". Happened to look back and saw a flag at just the right distance - happy with that. Splits say i lost 2:30 here - a bit harsh I'm thinking.
6-7 More track following but through beautiful rainforesty parts and lots of birds whistling.. probably saying... here comes another stupid person.
7-8 slog uphill hit track at just right spot, over top and through green spot and to rocky ground - a bit of imagination going on here!
8-F Managed to contour around but too hard and could have let myself slide down the hill. Also now seen had I gone downhill there was a very convenient track awaiting me. Oh well more terrain experience.
Very enjoyable day - feet a bit sore but pleased with new o shoes. KVN did a great job setting and backup crew in control placing and collecting. Great day out.