Middle distance Red course from Team Trials on Hoyles Mill map. 5.3k, 55m. This was quite the navigational challenge. Contours (where they exist) are very subtle. There are many mapped rock features but most of them are less than 1 meter high and most of the (now leafed-out) vegetation is more than 1 meter high. Lots of following the compass and trying to spot identifiable features to verify location. Once I figured out how to read them, wet areas and linear marshes were useful. Fortunately, the bags were hung high and were very bright.
My orienteering was mostly good, after losing about 5 minutes on the first control when I started searching about 100m too soon. Hooked in a bit to number 5 and got lucky going to 8 when I came across a control on the other course and was able to pinpoint my location. Temperature was in the low to mid 50s with sun and clouds at the start and then a couple claps of thunder and some hail(!) near the end of my course.
Thanks to Peggy for the overall organization, Dave Lithicum for the courses and for all the other volunteers who helped make this happen.
Route Gadget