The fact that it was Sunday 1st of April totally eluded most of the 600 or more orienteers who returned to Lovely Banks for the Day 2/3 races. It was the same assembly area and the same finish chute way off in the distance and the same 120 metre climb up to the download tent. A grim wind was blowing up the slope and the usual jocularity was missing as tired folk strapped on the gaiters and sharpened their compasses. The arena announcer was waffling away and being ignored as usual until he said that the course lengths had been shortened today, because there was more rock on this side of the map, and had decided to include the 120 climb to the download as part of the course. The groan was audible.

It was not until I picked up my map to start the race and saw large wondrous swathes open farm land with barely a rock to bee seen that the Kroner dropped. It is April, you fool.

The only problem was that it was a day for the fast boys and girls, even I ran all the way to control 1.

We should have realised when the walk to the start was over lush open paddocks. However the announcement was correct about the presence of a large bull in an area the juniors were to run. The farmer had tried to get him but he refused to co-operate. Junior coach was overheard to say, “well that will improve their times a bit”

Despite the benign terrain my friend Bob Moore from Wagga Orienteers came to grief just moments after I took his photo at extreme range as he neared the final punch and did a massive face plant that required him being rescued by the ambulance and due to severe neck pain being placed in a collar and taken to hospital, after he had punched the final control. Tough sport this orienteering, I have severe burns to left forefinger from the over heated Nachos at the food tent but can’t garner much in the way of sympathy.

No report yet on Bob. Will update if there is any news.

Pete.