Deer Lake orienteering for beginners
The scouts and others arrive and check in.
A Sports ID chip is mounted onto a finger. It will record the time and control number at each flag the participant finds along his course.
An elastic strap around the wrist helps prevent losing the Sports ID stick.
Assuming responsibility for one's own misfortunes.
This experienced youth has selected a course and registers for it with name and Sports ID stick number.
She has found her first flag ("control") and checks her map to plan her route to the next control.
Athletes usually race. But racing is not required. Walking is fine as long as you return to the Finish before the event closes for the day.
Orienteering is a sport for all ages.
This runner is mindful of where he steps.
Making individual judgments? Don't assume the others are on the same course and looking for the same controls.
But going together as a team and sharing ideas may add to the fun and the learning experience.
Committee meeting.
Reading the map is essential. Knowing where you are on the map can be a challenge.
There are many techniques for navigating. Here a stone wall acts as a guard rail leading you to the control.
Figuring out which way to go to the next control (route choice) is part of the fun. A bee line is not always the fastest, easiest or safest option.
Walkers will notice nature's beauty more often than intently focused racers do.
Photographer's pro tip: to capture a smile in direct sunlight, get them to take their hat off.
Serious competitor with Billy Goat creds.
When orienteering, carrying a magnetic compass may or may not be necessary, ...
... but you always need the map.
This expert needs no compass in this feature-laden venue.
Such energy near the end of the course.
The finishing touch.
Rich welcomes finishers to the replentishment table.
Jim hands the participant's Sports ID stick back to him after downloading its data into the computer.
Relating the travails and discussing route choices is an end-of-race highlight.
Today's administrators from the Western Connecticut Orienteering Club: Marie, Jim, Rich, Susie and Harold.
Photography and Web Presentation by Bill Duncan
