Training Log Archive: Swampfox

Got up, got dressed, and then headed out to run across mountains and eat lizards.

More specifically:

A large crowd of us (well, we were 4 in all, which generally qualifies as a large crowd in many parts of Wyoming) gathered at Pitcher Hill for another go at the course from the One Cowgirl Relay two years ago.

In truth, I can't remember for sure whether it was "Cowgirl" or "Cowboy" from two years ago, so I flipped a coin, and it came up "Cowgirl".

Classic summer day, almost cloudless, and warm and very low humidity--as in no humidity.

The whole time I was running, I kept for looking for pathways through the sage which had been tramped out by the hordes in the relay from two years ago, and I never succeeded in finding even the slightest sign of the epic battle that race became. It's possible that sage is the most resilient substance known to science.

After we finished and were cooling down in the warmth of the sun, someone pointed and said: "Look over yonder, that looks like a familiar object running through the trees and sage." And they were right: it was racer X8A7, doing some early (okay, very early) dryland Birkie training. It's always nice to see some dedication in action. We tried to hail him but either the distance was too much or he was too dedicated. Probably the latter.

Test ran the Day 1 O' Fest course with Neal. Compared to the recently concluded WOC, this was clearly more challenging orienteering, due to the presence of cattle, sage, and ATVs rolling by nearby--all of which appeared to be utterly lacking at WOC.

Cheap Trick sang that "mommy's alright, daddy's alright, they just seem a little weird," and when I went up to do some trail trotting at Happy Jack, I saw something that seemed a little weird, too. It was a control on the fence at the parking area. With a pin punch. And lots of reflective tape on it.

I have no earthly idea what it's doing there, who put it there, and if this is a sign the Gods of Navigation have awakened and that the Rapture is about to begin. If it is the Rapture about to begin, it makes me a little sad, because I am pretty sure I am going to be left behind.

In truth, I'm not all that worried though, because I am pretty sure the Gods of Navigation only use EMIT.

C • Control 2

Made some "adjustments" (aka improvements) in one small area of the new Granite Planite map, and now it's ready to go.

There was a vast herd of cattle working the prairie nearby to where I was working. On my way in I had to walk through a portion of the herd. Many of them sat down with their backs to me and would occasionally sneak looks at me over their shoulder (as if I wouldn't catch them at it.) They looked very guilty. I fear that many streamers marking control locations have been consumed.

Checked a streamered training course at Diamond Bay afterwards. Good stuff.

C • Actual video of Swampfox & cow herd 3