It was a hot and sunny day for orienteering at Lock 7 in Niskayuna. Nonetheless, we had a nice turnout and a lot of fun and interesting times.
We used our new map of Niskayuna Parks for the first time, and there were some issues discovered, but mostly it seemed to be in pretty good shape. I (the mapper) apparently missed one minor trail in the southwest part of the Green course, which confused some folks; and I missed a minor stream and bridge in the north portion of the Green course. While there was some discussion around the placement of Green #3, the consensus was that it was placed correctly, but that the area could use some form lines and/or a ditch/gully line going further up the re-entrant. I plan to spend some time on both the North and South ends of the map before we use it again.
The only actual course (as opposed to map) issue seemed to be that Yellow #3 (ruin) was probably too hard for a Yellow course. While it was not far off the trail and trail junction, the feature was invisible from either, because it was below ground level, and also in some light green vegetation. Generally, for a Yellow level course, at least the feature, if not the flag itself, should be visible from a trail; but eventually everyone found it.
We were subsequently able to hold our
legally required annual meeting, and thanks to all who were able to stay around to make well more than the required quorum. Meeting minutes will be posted at some point, but I think that those who ended up with things to work on know what they are. More importantly, we now have a new Treasurer: Cynthia Johnson. So thanks Cynthia for volunteering, and allowing yourself to be elected, and taking on this important task!
Stay tuned for our Fall schedule. Likely our first event will be on September 10, at Thacher Park, but that is not final.
Also, note that the
US Classic Champs and then the
North American Champs* are the following two weekends. They are both within reasonable distance of our area. If you have never gone to a National level event before, you really should give it a try. You will be amazed.
Many thanks to Jason and Frank for a job well done. It was a great day, and we all earned our sweat. See you in the Fall.
-Phil H-T
