Event (SL 8 - Barraba Lane) 52:20 [4] *** 2.0 km (26:10 / km)
spiked:7/
First SL since QBIII last year so very rusty. Was on Rego but not much trade.
S-1 bearing - fine
1-2 for some reason I thought it appropriate to cross the green, unnecessarily and tackled it poorly to boot, though I had some company (nic.) who I think didn't want to be there either. Should have skirted lantana on eastern side of w/c. Silly, so obvious now.
2-3 Recovered and hugged w/c - fine. Got there same time as rockman and CB.
3-4 uphill, counted off 2x track, 2x w/c spiked junction yep!
4-5 beside w/c
5-6 E, picked up track, then minor track, then crossed w/c to parallel to minor w/c. fine
6-7 loved this part of map until the end. Beside w/c, noted track below and would "run" into w/c bend. Did and expected to see flag as definitely 4m of earthbank, but no flag. Convinced myself that despite "foot" being in descriptions looking from above might help (plus not quite sure circle in right spot). Could see 4-5 people exiting/heading towards where my next control would be. Did a bit of detective work and went back down, and could see flag tucked up ... yes in the NE foot of 4m earthbank. Must have brushed past it and not looked behind. But I also needn't have climbed!!! Silly. Time loss here seemed a lot more - must have been running for part of the leg and certainly time lost.
7-8 up and along
8-9 direct E to track and to junction. along noting washaway, but didn't interpret it as an intermittent w/c (some difference of opinion!) Went too far and saw a flag, didn't think it was mine and no it wasn't. Even further up this w/c (what was I thinking???) then back E picking up dry ditches and then spotted flag. This was the poorest decision of the day (well among the worst).
9-10 Along track, though not as far as some did and went in parallel to w/c hence was slightly more N than necessary. Beside w/c to two tiny parallel w/c
10-F In.
So pretty rubbish really but need to have more exposure. Lovely area - people seemed happy with day. Very small turnout, and even some still DNS, so much reduced field. Looking forward to tomorrow, hoping for some improvement in nav and not too worried by fitness at this stage.