Shepherd Lake, Ringwood SP
map.
Great course by Craig W and really beautiful woods. Is there anywhere better (ok, Istanbul maybe) at this time of year?
Veg was a bit dodge around 1, went off-line to 4, only glancing at the map and leaving 3 at the wrong angle having misread the contour direction. At 6 there was no punch, spent a while looking for it, I guess dropped my control card there, because I certainly didn't have it towards 7, spent a bit of time backtracking and then gave up. Small mistake on 7, s bit indecisive to 12, beautiful pinky redness on the way, towards 14 I was swimming in golden leaves, magical. Without a compass, I had little hope of spiking 15, and didn't, but limited the damage. By this stage I guess I was tired, as I was no longer racing properly at all. Made it around in one piece, and enjoyed it all. World class stuff.
Afterwards there was a board meeting thing and then a wee trip to Skylands -
pics - where there are Botanical Gardens with storm-devastated magnolia and a manor hosting a wedding and a couple watching the wedding from afar in the cold. Pretty place.