Less cloud today but dark clouds hovered threateningly, and we packed down jackets, beanies and raincoats – in NZ you need to be prepared for all weathers at any time. Today’s map was highly unpronounceable, but it was in an area called Earthquakes, so it was fair to assume that the terrain had been influenced by geological events of the long distant past.  It was also gold mining terrain, though it is much “softer” than ours, without the quartz rubble.  After yesterday, we were prepared for pretty much anything.  The arena was picturesque, with large trees turning red and gold, and old farm buildings perched on a green hillside. The long finish chute was all downhill.

Still sticking to the Easy course, on first glance it looked like I had a lot of cross country to handle. But a closer inspection showed a small narrow strip of yellow, indicating a cleared path between the patches of forest, which weaved its way between most of my controls.  I walked along briskly, enjoying myself as the controls appeared in the right places. There were some very squelchy sections.  It was all going very nicely until the leg from no 6 to 7, which sent us straight up a very narrow, steep, branch-strewn track.  We popped out in a clearing, then we had an almost-as-steep downhill slope.  All of that slowed me down as I was being very cautious.  Back on level ground again, there was a longish leg to no 10, where the biggest problem was how to get through a very tightly strung fence. I had to make myself as small and flat as possible, and wriggle through between two low strands. There was some tugging and swearing involved but I was finally through.

From there it was up a slope, onto a track, under some cliffs, down a short hill and into the finish.  I managed 45 minutes, about twice as slow as the 12 year olds who are also on my course, but a midfield result, a faster km rate than yesterday, and more confidence with each day.

Late afternoon saw us heading to the “Short and Sweet Sprint”, a relay for teams of four at the local Boys High School.  All very informal, and we only had about 800 metres each, with 10 controls, so it was a bit of a mad dash, and heaps of fun. Pete and I teamed up with James and Sammy, and we all covered our respective legs in around 8 minutes. It was nice to end the day with a run, as its been very cold and gloomy, though no rain to speak of. Tomorrow – the “real” relays on a map which rejoices in the name of Humpty Bumpty. Can’t wait!