August 24, 2016

Bogus Basin Results -- August 21, 2016

Control # 6
Control # 19
The temperature was mild. The sky was clear. The trails were open. You might think it was a lazy August day. Not so. It was orienteering at Bogus where the terrain makes all the difference. It's a ski area. It's also an orienteering venue without the benefits of chair lift service. Only strong legs and a willing mind move bodies up and down this mountain. How much mountain? Well, the Intermediate Course contained a hefty elevation loss and gain of 330 meters. And the Advanced Course -- pretty much a ridiculous 630 meters. Those numbers don't include individual jaunts around obstacles and futile erroneous tangents.

In Pursuit of Control # 4
Eloise & Belen Planning With David
The mountain took its toll. Michael Bading broke his thumb-compass and was forced to cut his efforts short to retrace his steps in search of a lost cell phone. We had almost as many DNFs as finishers. It wasn't all grim. Sergey's comment after pre-running the Advanced Course on Saturday belied the statistical gloom: "It was a blast". Sergey wasn't alone. Our youngest competitors, the Hoobing girls, were all smiles as they finished their first orienteering course. Grandfather James Cambron and grandson Gage were undaunted and plan to come back for another try.

Sometimes we get lucky. We recently acquired Mike Teller from Quantico Orienteering in our nation's capital. We didn't trade a heavy hitter or a draft choice. Sometimes a walk-on makes all the difference. Although Mike's an experienced orienteer, he struggled at Pine Creek when we picked up controls ahead of his course. What impressed me was that he went on to find the features without the benefit of controls and punches. On Sunday he was the only finisher of the Intermediate Course.

It was good to see Lee Scott back along with his family. We hope to see more of them and the other new orienteers.


Please join us for our next orienteering adventure at Upper Dry Creek on Saturday, October 7.

John Murray
Meet Director





August 11, 2016

Bogus Basin Meet Sunday, August 21


Join us for our fifth orienteering adventure at Bogus Basin. This year's Bogus Basin Meet covers the map from the top of the Morningstar lift to the two boulder-filled ridges to the west.   The advanced and intermediate courses are long enough in horizontal distance and vertical climb to reward strong legs, stout hearts and astute route choices.

So that we can make a reasonable estimate for printing, please RSVP by Friday, August 19 to jnm2870@Cableone.net indicating your choice of an Advanced (6K), Intermediate(4K) or Beginner map. It's OK if you are undecided. Just let us know which maps you are considering.  We will print a few extra maps because somebody will have an unexpected opportunity to participate, but when we run out, that's it.

All three courses (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) begin at the Pioneer Lodge parking lot and will finish at the same location. The beginner's course will follow roads and trails, but the controls will be off of the trail. They will be easily accessible and within 10 meters of the road. It will be necessary for participants on the beginner's course to identify features like boulders and re-entrants on the map. If you are a beginner and unfamiliar with orienteering map symbols, the meet directors and experienced orienteers will gladly give you a brief explanation before you depart on your adventure.

If you plan to tackle either the intermediate or advanced course, be sure to bring gaiters or some other protection for your legs. Bogus Basin has brush. Full leg cover will prevent a lot of otherwise difficult to avoid scratches or worse. Also, because cut branches on the ground and steep slopes  often make the footing unstable, you should bring sturdy shoes and good judgment about when to be cautious. 

Who: Orienteers of all ages and abilities (beginners to advanced)
When: Sunday, August 21. Courses will be open for starts from 9 am – 11. Courses close at 1 pm. You may arrive within this window to try a course, as participants start separately a few minutes apart.

Finish and Parking Location: Nordic Lodge
Restrooms available at the Simplot Lodge and/or in the parking lot.
Format: Classic
Cost:
  • Single meet (day) dues: $10 per person/team, free for members
  • Single Junior (up to 20 years old): $5 per person/team, free for members
  • If more than one map is needed for a team, a small additional fee may be needed depending on printing costs.

  • You may want to bring: a watch, a compass, a snack, a whistle and a cell phone. (Some compasses will be available to borrow)

    Director: John Murray