[BHS-O] 3/10 McLaren, San Francisco (league finale)

[Wayne Caplinger]

Hi BHS Orienteers,

1) The last meet of the COOL league season is tomorrow.   We'll be winning awards at 1 pm.

2) Clocks go forward an hour tonight, potentially costing an hour of sleep or making you late to the carpool or meet.

3) Upcoming meets include:

Mar 10: McLaren Park, San Francisco

Mar 16:  Granite Bay, near Sacramento (Sat)

Mar 17: Sunol, near Pleasanton

Mar 22: Diablo Valley College, Concord (Friday evening)

Mar 23: Paso Nogal, Pleasant Hill (Sat)

Mar 24: Black Diamond, Antioch

4) The pre-registration discount for March 22 and 23 events ends Tuesday evening, 3/12.

5) Tomorrow / Sunday's event is in McLaren Park, in the SE part of San Francisco.

Five courses range from White (first-timer) to Red/Blue (very challenging).

http://baoc.org/wiki/Schedule/2013/McLaren_Park

The park is interesting (lots of curves and terrains) but contained (you can't get lost for too long).  Use your compass all the time, even on trails!

Notice distant features, like the hilltop water towers, to stay oriented.

There is a long fence mapped as uncrossable, to the west of the higher lake.  You will be disqualified if you try to cross a feature mapped as uncrossable.  Course setters like to put a leg across such features.  Beginners go the the fence, then walk around.  You'll have an advantage by spotting it early, and aiming directly to go around.

McLaren has lots of dog walking, including professionals with a dozen dogs.  As always, don't run near dogs who haven't noticed you or seem concerned.  Talk continuously,  in a friendly voice, to the dog and the handler.

Recall that the white areas of a map represent the canopy as seen from the sky.  Eucalyptus and other  big trees can have a much bigger canopy that you feel at ground level.  If in doubt, glance up.

Aim to complete your course before 1pm, for the season awards ceremony.

All BHS students who have completed any course should come forward for the team trophy.

Cost about $3-9. Bring your compass and estick if you have them.

6) The event director needs some more volunteers. Some positions only require an hour, and can be done by someone with no knowledge of orienteering, e.g. a parent. Good karma for volunteering, especially in advance.

7) If you want a ride or any other assistance, phone or text me.

Thanks,

Wayne

c:510-666-7572