Orienteering
Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It's easy to learn, but always challenging. The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes–both on and off trail–that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.
Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. O' maps show boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails.
Roberta and Marc claw up the side of a cliff at Devil's Lake State Park on
November 1. This was the
hardest meet yet with lots of ups and downs over loose rocks and boulders.
At the right is Marc posed at the top of the bluff overlooking the lake.
This is a beautiful park.
Dennis's
first orienteering meet in 25 years was on Sep 24, 2003. Dennis
remembered during the meet that there is a reason not to wear shorts. He
remembered this as he ran through a briar patch.
Roberta
and Marc accompanied Dennis on this meet on October 4, 2003. We walked the
course and Marc was the official map-reader. He was very accurate and a
quick learner.
Click on the map to see a bigger view. X (close) out that window to return.
Here is an old newspaper clipping about the Rose Orienteering Club.