Possum Trot XIX
Even colder than yesterday (32°F). So, of course, I started with way too many layers. After #7, I stopped to take some stuff off. But, because I was wearing things on top of my gloves & sleeves, that meant first taking off my thumb compass, clue-sheet holder, e-punch, watch, and hydration pack. Then the windbreaker and wool outer layer came off and went into my pack. Then all the accessories and the pack went back on. Sheesh!
I made a direct but slow route choice getting to #2 (up & over the steep ridge instead of around on the trail like everyone else). Looks like Ian Harding did the same thing, but he moves a lot faster than I do...
I was following a stream / reentrant to #11, but I misjudged my distance and slowed way down (and misread contours) as I neared it. If I had just gone another 20 feet before second-guessing myself and back-tracking, I would have found it right away.
The only other big error was at #14, where I totally misread the vegetation symbol. All I was seeing on the map was yellow (when I should have been seeing the light green), so I was too far south and confused about why others were heading into the brush. Luckily Fritz screamed when he found it...
(I also screamed, as I was crossing a tall-grass field by myself from #7 to #8, when a wild turkey jumped out of the brush and flew away about five feet from me. I guess we startled each other.)
I used trails as much as possible, and I skipped #20. Was very shocked to finish and learn that I was the first-place female. I thought I might have passed Sharon and Sandy but I wasn't 100% sure, and I assumed some of the adventure-racer types would be way ahead. Apparently not, and I got the possum prize!