Orienteering

“Does anyone do any competitive Orienteering?

I have been to three meets with my 10-year-olds over the past month or so, it seems like fun. I am anxious to try a longer/harder course and go on my own instead of in a group with the little guys.”

“I used to do 4 or 6 races in a year (cross country skiing in winter)...but I haven't done any this year because of a bum knee.

I'm no expert...sometimes I get so dis-oriented, it's embarassing.”

“it always something i wanted to get into, how do you get into it?”

“I tried it last year. It was fun. I could not find one marker. They have one event called "Rogain" which is a two man team that does a 24 hour trek trying to find markers. It would be great to try it, but my skill level in not close to competitive. Let me know if someone is interested. EClajus@GCCC.com”

“International Orienteering Federation
US Orienteering Federation (Look for a local club)

BigPoppa, you have four clubs in Ohio.

We have an 8-hour Rogaine coming up at French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania. Not sure if I will do it or not.”

“I have a navigation practice this weekend in preparation for upcoming adventure race that will using an orienteering format for the trekking section. Other than my compass, a pencil and dayhiking supplies (food, water, first aid kit etc) is there anything else you suggest taking?

Hope I don't get lost :-) The skill would always come in handy backpacking, eh.”

“Bug spray, long sleeve shirt and don't wear shorts if you plan to go bushwacking. Bring a whistle...just in case.”

“I haven't done it competitively, but Prince William Park south of DC has a really good permanent orienteering course where we have gone to practice our map and compass skills. They have posts out in the woods and you borrow the maps from the office and try to follow the course. Nice thing is they have various levels - from very easy to intermediate to very advanced (can't find some of those posts). One course can take an hour or 3 hours, depending on how advanced it is. It can be a lot of fun, as long as the poison ivy and briars aren't too bad. I love wandering the hills and stream valleys of Prince William.”