13th Annual Rabbit Creek

A club favorite once again returns to the picturesque historic ranch on Rabbit Creek. The wild flowers are out and scenic views abound.

Date:  Sunday, May 1
Location:  Rabbit Creek (Murphy, ID)
Formats:  Beginner, Advanced Beginner,  Intermediate and Advanced 

Starts:  10:00am - 12:00pm

Time Limit: 3 hours
Cost:  Maps $5 junior or $10 adult/team, CTOC members free

Potluck: Bring something to share. Start early and get back while there is plenty of food. Something about this course always makes everybody really hungry.

This year’s event will be a score course with four levels offered.  You can collect the controls in any order within the specified time limit (three hours). Be aware that you may not be able to collect all of the controls within the time limit so plan accordingly. You will find it is well worth your time to spend a couple of minutes analyzing the map and coming up with a plan before you take off. To discourage going over the time limit there is a large penalty for being late (10 point deduction per minute). Distances posted below will vary depending on route selection.

• Beginner - 1.0km, 6 controls. A short course on flat ground near the house for families or those just getting acquainted with orienteering. If it goes really well you might want to try the Advanced Beginner.
• Advanced Beginner - 2.0km, 10 controls.  A larger course with some terrain features to make things more interesting but within sight of the homestead.
• Intermediate – 5.5km, 15 controls.  This course will get you out on a serious sightseeing tour without taking you out to the far corners of the course.
• Advanced - 9.6km, 24 controls.  A large course with everything in wait for you, including a lonely tree. You’ll be out to the far reaches of the course but we won’t make you go to every corner. Here’s your chance to beat Sergey, there will be a 30 minute time deduction prize for anyone who finds our camera and brings it back! 

You may feel like you are being watched

This event is in the Owyhees, land of lizards, wild horses, atv’s, barb wire, rattlesnakes, and great scenic beauty. Be prepared for possible wild weather. Pants/gaiters are recommended on the intermediate/advanced courses for brush and crossing over or under barbed wire. It’s bright out there with little shade so make sure you bring your sunscreen, a hat, and enough water/food to be out in the desert sun for three hours. Don’t forget your compass, it could actually be useful on this course. There will be two water drops on the course but you should still carry water with you in case you don’t find them. We did not see any rattlesnakes last weekend but they are out there so be watchful and listen especially around rock piles.

Given the variety of courses, the impossibility of printing maps anywhere near the area, and the desire to minimize waste, please RSVP to me no later than Thursday April 28th with your name and intended course choice (and if you want an extra map or two for a larger group.)  My email is mmschuste AT yahoo DOT com.  We will have some blank maps on hand if you don’t let us know you are coming.

Bring your event waiver prepared in advance especially if you are not a CTOC member, they can be printed from the website. Event waiver

Driving directions: Rabbit Creek - Murphy
From Boise take I-84 west to Nampa (Exit 35). Turn Left and proceed to 3rd Street S (Caldwell Blvd). Turn Left on 3rd Street S (Caldwell Blvd) and proceed to 12th Ave. Turn Right on 12th Ave. Follow 12th Ave. south and it becomes Hwy 45 as it leaves Nampa city limits. Follow Hwy 45 across the Snake River. Soon after crossing the river, bear to the left and it becomes Hwy 78. Follow Hwy 78 to milepost 29. Immediately after passing the "Murphy" city limits sign turn to the Right on "Old Hwy 45" follow this for one block then continue straight and it becomes "Rabbit Creek Road". Follow Rabbit Creek Road for about 5 1/2 miles to J & S Road there is a lone mailbox. Turn Left on J & S Road and follow this road approximately 1 1/2 miles to the house and sign in area.