Training Log Archive: blIn the 30 days ending Sep 30, 2011:
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Friday Sep 30, 2011 #
7 AM
Road running 44:01 [2] 4.22 mi (10:26 / mi) +24m 10:15 / mi
shoes: New Balance 1011
From Jenn's over to lake & along shore & nearby roads. Blustery westerly kicking whitecaps on Champlain. Sluggish but good to be doing it.
Drove to Burlington in hard rain, several accidents along the way. Today across the Hero Islands, Rouses's Pt. to 401 to Toronto. Good book on tape to pass the time: UNBROKEN, WW 2 runner/flyer story based on fact that includes a beginning of track racing, 1500m & 5000m at the '36 Olympics, cancelled Tokyo & Finland '40 Oympics and then on to amazing hardships in the war with Japan. Dissolved miles & will do so in return (14 hrs on CD).
Drove to Burlington in hard rain, several accidents along the way. Today across the Hero Islands, Rouses's Pt. to 401 to Toronto. Good book on tape to pass the time: UNBROKEN, WW 2 runner/flyer story based on fact that includes a beginning of track racing, 1500m & 5000m at the '36 Olympics, cancelled Tokyo & Finland '40 Oympics and then on to amazing hardships in the war with Japan. Dissolved miles & will do so in return (14 hrs on CD).
Thursday Sep 29, 2011 #
Note
Too much rain for noon exercise. Spent some 75' at Bow library sending course files to FedEx for printing. Had to send 7 separate files since the process was opague (at least to me) & I was in too much of a hurry...7 sets of data, including credit card number #. At least, one gets good at it, might even know CC # from memory now.
Raining cats & dogs this am. Was so quiet until the first pitter patters which grew louder & louder. Went from a warm cozy tent to a soggy mass of synthetic fabric in the dismantling in only a few minutes. Three nice & quiet respites from routine, however.
Raining cats & dogs this am. Was so quiet until the first pitter patters which grew louder & louder. Went from a warm cozy tent to a soggy mass of synthetic fabric in the dismantling in only a few minutes. Three nice & quiet respites from routine, however.
Wednesday Sep 28, 2011 #
Walking 15:00 [1] 0.5 mi (29:59 / mi)
PM DP, as well as visiting tent to see that it's there etc. Mellow pm cf with dark arrivals and early departures. Some pitter-patter tonight & then fold the tent not quite so silently as the Arabs and steal away.
12 PM
Road running 58:31 [3] 6.2 mi (9:26 / mi) +132m 8:51 / mi
shoes: New Balance 1011
Little Pond loop. CCW. A day to kill for or to die for, an "Ode to Autumn "
day. Second reasonable run in 2 days. Felt ok. Nice headwind at end to keep from being too hot. Pressed start/stop vs lap on the 305 first press. Had to add time/dist. Midday run certainly gives pace and balance to the work day.
Another night in the tent, maybe 200' away, grassy hill under small pines.
Target shooters for 10' maybe (around 9:15) - much later an owl or some
strange creature - not a clear-cut owl call, later Canadian geese. And then
another quiet dawn. Dogs left home.
A world apart from spring's tenting
Geometric patterns
day. Second reasonable run in 2 days. Felt ok. Nice headwind at end to keep from being too hot. Pressed start/stop vs lap on the 305 first press. Had to add time/dist. Midday run certainly gives pace and balance to the work day.
Another night in the tent, maybe 200' away, grassy hill under small pines.
Target shooters for 10' maybe (around 9:15) - much later an owl or some
strange creature - not a clear-cut owl call, later Canadian geese. And then
another quiet dawn. Dogs left home.
A world apart from spring's tenting
Geometric patterns
Tuesday Sep 27, 2011 #
Road running 54:54 [2] 5.6 mi (9:48 / mi)
Luti, first since May, I'd say. OK in shade, hot in sun (80F), esp away from the
little breeze. Good to be at it. Hope to keep it up. Have to get the proper
shoes lined up - had an old pair today by mistake. No bad feedback, not too
tired. SPS building this & that & cutting down trees so less shade where accustomed. Was like looking at a person (who shaved a longstanding beard/mustache) and wondering how much of what was missing.
Tented last night by the kettle hole after becoming inspired during
yesterday's walk. Drove to w/in 100' of tent in pine grove. No rain fly -
could stare up thru geometric patterns and dark trunks & boughs to
pinpoints of white slowly moving as the night progressed (light sleeping
for no good reason). Nice insect music, no untoward visitors. Dogs in car.
No mosquitoes in the tent but plenty while setting up.
little breeze. Good to be at it. Hope to keep it up. Have to get the proper
shoes lined up - had an old pair today by mistake. No bad feedback, not too
tired. SPS building this & that & cutting down trees so less shade where accustomed. Was like looking at a person (who shaved a longstanding beard/mustache) and wondering how much of what was missing.
Tented last night by the kettle hole after becoming inspired during
yesterday's walk. Drove to w/in 100' of tent in pine grove. No rain fly -
could stare up thru geometric patterns and dark trunks & boughs to
pinpoints of white slowly moving as the night progressed (light sleeping
for no good reason). Nice insect music, no untoward visitors. Dogs in car.
No mosquitoes in the tent but plenty while setting up.
Monday Sep 26, 2011 #
Walking 24:00 [1] 1.0 mi (24:00 / mi)
With dogs, mellow eve, bit hot in sun so retreated to shade. Ended up walking thru Nottingcook "block" behind kettle hole. 33% of the time, I was not recognizing things which made for more fun. 5 years ago, was mapping this area and closely packed white pine has changed considerably. Stopped at one control site, a depression somewhat in green - could see where I'd cut pine branches 4 years ago for a cp - very little change in under branches in spite of all the new trees in the vicinity.
Not much interest in noon running. Drive to ME yesterday, 5.25 hr motor to MJC against moderate head wind & 0.5-0.75 kt foul current & back home this am by 10:30.
Not much interest in noon running. Drive to ME yesterday, 5.25 hr motor to MJC against moderate head wind & 0.5-0.75 kt foul current & back home this am by 10:30.
Note
Alexey Zuev (Moscow resident), Bear Brook mapper, two years ago. Covered alot of forest in 3 weeks. Was supposed to work for 4 but his boss (Garmin) had him in Kansas City for 6-7 days vs the 4 he'd expected to be. Left some unmapped stuff.
I find it hard to change to map making/correct mentality when occupied with course setting.
I find it hard to change to map making/correct mentality when occupied with course setting.
Saturday Sep 24, 2011 #
2 PM
Orienteering (map work) 1:40:04 [1] 2.87 mi (34:52 / mi) +38m 33:29 / mi
To BB for last map file work on root stocks, some of which replicated as if by magic. Encountered Jima & caught up on useful matters. The rootstock symbol is about 1mm - maybe exactly 1mm so that's 10m on the 1/10 map - take a few RS's only 5 or so meters apart and the congestion is so great, it begins to be unimportant. Don't know if RS's are allowed to be rotated which would help with depiction of the trunk when so depicted. Spent some 25' looking for one particular mess of RS's as JJ said they were an area of concern. Made 3 approaches from known places - of course, came back to same green, vague reentrant not much more than 80m fm known AP & no hole in sky, mess of rootstocks etc. Bailed out not very happy with the negative feedback experience only to encounter said rootstocks in a reentrant some 80-90m north. No wonder I failed to find them. So was able to move all 8 and feel better for it. And it might not have made a damn bit of difference but adds lore to the history of the map production. Humid/muggy, nice!
Had some humor in that I forgot a pen on the second walk into the forest, left it in car (along with 10 others). Well, I was just going to look at a mess of RS's & be done with it.... When I found the real RS's in the northern reentrant, it seemed incumbent to map them right but w/o a pen/pencil.... Used a leaf, main vein was east-west & poked holes in it 6 times getting the relationships right. When I later discovered 2 more RS's, decided to call home to the answering machine and state their relationships more specifically. Fairly resourceful for an absent-minded quasi-competent if I must say.
Picked up a BB print copy course at Fed Ex - print quality is fine & so easy to do once one figures out how to do.
"Big Daddy"
White woods, looking like spring...
Had some humor in that I forgot a pen on the second walk into the forest, left it in car (along with 10 others). Well, I was just going to look at a mess of RS's & be done with it.... When I found the real RS's in the northern reentrant, it seemed incumbent to map them right but w/o a pen/pencil.... Used a leaf, main vein was east-west & poked holes in it 6 times getting the relationships right. When I later discovered 2 more RS's, decided to call home to the answering machine and state their relationships more specifically. Fairly resourceful for an absent-minded quasi-competent if I must say.
Picked up a BB print copy course at Fed Ex - print quality is fine & so easy to do once one figures out how to do.
"Big Daddy"
White woods, looking like spring...
Friday Sep 23, 2011 #
Trail/woods running 25:00 [2] 2.0 mi (12:30 / mi)
Nottingcook figure 8 after work, gray, light rain. Took a look at Bog Meadow & then stayed in woods but not much of an effort. Noon hour spent with BB course file & one or two surprises.
TGIF says Z or maybe me
TGIF says Z or maybe me
Thursday Sep 22, 2011 #
Walking 1:15:00 [1] 2.0 mi (37:30 / mi)
BB visit after work, dogs along, couldn't leave long faces home. Went to start triangle, then blue #201 where Ernst did not find a streamer (I'd been there 3 times), was sure it was in correct place and thus confounded. Found it on ground, somewhat hidden, finger-thick pine trunk broken off some 20" above ground - not bitten. If a "contrary" person, why not just pull the small branch it was tied to? We tied streamers maybe 7' apart so pretty sure re the point's placement.... Mowed the lawn on the saddle at #223. Forgot to check the white cp but but. New #236 much better. Reincarnated (as a boulder) #205, an improvement. Saw a lone woman runner and a dead bluejay that I nearly stepped on. Very nice solitude. 52' driving for 85' playing.
Where next? (at 201)
New pines, light green, a fair bit of it in the "crazy woods" part of the map (Ernst's name)
Where next? (at 201)
New pines, light green, a fair bit of it in the "crazy woods" part of the map (Ernst's name)
Wednesday Sep 21, 2011 #
Walking 18:00 [1] 0.75 mi (24:00 / mi)
Misty, misty, still. To slough & back. Z actually jumped into back of car w/o help.
Trail/woods running 45:00 [2] 4.0 mi (11:15 / mi)
shoes: Loco training
Start NH Audobon parking lot thru SPS woods/fields. Nice fern scent on forest trails by Turkey Pond shore. Huge pile of earth on SPS nordic field from construction.
Tuesday Sep 20, 2011 #
Trail/woods running 36:01 4.2 mi (8:35 / mi)
shoes: New Balance 1011
SPS XC after work. Started chilly & wimpy but 10' into first loop was too hot with a cotton T so second loop w/o. There was an unbroken, wide, fresh, deep red (SPS red) stripe in the center of the XC trail. Painted on the light brown of the path surface, it reminded me of smeared lipstick. Was quite colorful in one part of trail that coursed thru light green bower.
First loop was a just-do, 2 effort. (19:34)
Second was a three-four effort in 16:27, an effort that would have been worth a 14:45 in the past - so a goal to chase. There was a fellow running with a golden off leash about 50m ahead when we merged onto one trail from different ones. He was maybe 40-45, a bit stocky, "overdressed" by my "hot" standards. I was catching him & that might have been weird since I was going only incrementally faster. And he went the way on the second loop that I had decided I needed to go. Fortunately, he picked up and I chased him for 11' w/o getting any closer. I could have been a "forest-weirdo" (being shirtless, probably was already), even in Concord. Not sure the dog liked the pace. The pace hurt a bit which was good on pain/gain scale.
First loop was a just-do, 2 effort. (19:34)
Second was a three-four effort in 16:27, an effort that would have been worth a 14:45 in the past - so a goal to chase. There was a fellow running with a golden off leash about 50m ahead when we merged onto one trail from different ones. He was maybe 40-45, a bit stocky, "overdressed" by my "hot" standards. I was catching him & that might have been weird since I was going only incrementally faster. And he went the way on the second loop that I had decided I needed to go. Fortunately, he picked up and I chased him for 11' w/o getting any closer. I could have been a "forest-weirdo" (being shirtless, probably was already), even in Concord. Not sure the dog liked the pace. The pace hurt a bit which was good on pain/gain scale.
Monday Sep 19, 2011 #
Walking 18:00 [1] 0.5 mi (35:59 / mi)
Seek-the-sun DP in morning chill. Golden rod is lovely.
Trail/woods running 45:00 4.0 mi (11:15 / mi)
To SPS, cool in woods. Kind of noon hour when getting into blacktopped car
is ok. XC to track for stretching & back. 2 400s, first 7:44 pace, second
7:08 pace with no expectations. It is another gear. Maybe 2 twice a week. ITI seems to be less & less an issue after nearly 3 months.
is ok. XC to track for stretching & back. 2 400s, first 7:44 pace, second
7:08 pace with no expectations. It is another gear. Maybe 2 twice a week. ITI seems to be less & less an issue after nearly 3 months.
Note
Faraway series, and long ago, #77
"Come to rest", October, 1977, Concord, MA
"Come to rest", October, 1977, Concord, MA
Sunday Sep 18, 2011 #
12 PM
Orienteering 46:26 [3] 4.05 km (11:28 / km) +79m 10:27 / km
Ran Brown course for the A meet - some 3.4k straight - shortened to 3.2k. Met Ernst at Hayes Field, discussed changes on courses then back out for some more adjusting. Must be a bit on the hard side seeing as I knew where all the streamers were even if I had not run the legs. 3.2k is probably about right.
1 PM
Orienteering 1:08:18 3.96 km (17:14 / km) +50m 16:12 / km
After parting with Ernst. Tired by the time I got back to car but no ITI negative feedback.
Saturday Sep 17, 2011 #
Event: NEOC: Great Brook Farm NOD
10 AM
Orienteering race 1:04:54 [3] 5.92 km (10:58 / km) +110m 10:02 / km
Great Brook SP in Carlisle. Sunny, 60F or so (53F in house this am). Was going to do brown but no brown. Plan was to be accurate & steady. Mentally rusty; turned the 305 on & off a few times vs getting splits. Did not consciously note e-punch light/sound on a few controls which is not good. TP did the work. Nice work! Reminded what a neat place this is for multiple use.
1 uncertain, 30” - not a good AP
2 ok - nice woods in & ok out
3 left the path to early - some uncertainty - 15”
4 1/4000 proved useful but covered ground too fast, got a bit confused, got on trails I was not at all good w/ reloc - finally just went east, knew there was the large reentrant that way & relocated once there. 2’?
5 trails & some recognition fm 4
6 sloppy leaving field, some uncertainty but a flag appeared....
7 ok
8 left for cp where trail dips in reentrant, went straight to it in some green
9 straight
10 encountered jj
11 jj again tho we went different ways - maybe another red too?
12 back across dam - not sure about brook - finally N across green reentrant
13 lost a minute or so - not sure how - think I saw all the right trails/turns but relocated by a cp to the SSW in long depression - 1’
14 ok - been there before
15 along wall in field & to trail
16 went right to road - did not look inviting at all to go straight
17 & F straightforward
best time c 60’?
Found a cardboard cylinder on the car hood containing pencilled copy of Upton SF from the spring/summer of ’80. Not sure when I last saw it. Nice surprise, someone! Left with a NEOC membership application as well - about time.
Drove down Fiske as in memory lane. Ran into this turkey just about in front of the house. Would not get out of way...owned the road! Stopped to visit Pamela Sampson after nearly 20 years! She was home (now 83) - spent a very nice 30’ visiting & learning of her as well as Chris & Ian’s lives. She was amused to hear my age. Time is but the stream I go fishing in - but did not have time for Walden.
1 uncertain, 30” - not a good AP
2 ok - nice woods in & ok out
3 left the path to early - some uncertainty - 15”
4 1/4000 proved useful but covered ground too fast, got a bit confused, got on trails I was not at all good w/ reloc - finally just went east, knew there was the large reentrant that way & relocated once there. 2’?
5 trails & some recognition fm 4
6 sloppy leaving field, some uncertainty but a flag appeared....
7 ok
8 left for cp where trail dips in reentrant, went straight to it in some green
9 straight
10 encountered jj
11 jj again tho we went different ways - maybe another red too?
12 back across dam - not sure about brook - finally N across green reentrant
13 lost a minute or so - not sure how - think I saw all the right trails/turns but relocated by a cp to the SSW in long depression - 1’
14 ok - been there before
15 along wall in field & to trail
16 went right to road - did not look inviting at all to go straight
17 & F straightforward
best time c 60’?
Found a cardboard cylinder on the car hood containing pencilled copy of Upton SF from the spring/summer of ’80. Not sure when I last saw it. Nice surprise, someone! Left with a NEOC membership application as well - about time.
Drove down Fiske as in memory lane. Ran into this turkey just about in front of the house. Would not get out of way...owned the road! Stopped to visit Pamela Sampson after nearly 20 years! She was home (now 83) - spent a very nice 30’ visiting & learning of her as well as Chris & Ian’s lives. She was amused to hear my age. Time is but the stream I go fishing in - but did not have time for Walden.
Friday Sep 16, 2011 #
Trail/woods running 39:55 [2] 3.47 mi (11:30 / mi)
Bright blue & brisk. Fall harbinger. To Turee Pond/SPS boathouse, stretched
there on the grass & back via half of XC route.
No hernia issue any more - just pick up effort/mileage and see what ITI
does. Nice weekend weather-wise in store.
Was waiting for new software updates to run their course & picked up the US ultralong champs map of Hueston Woods, Oxford OH, from late March (think it was) - an eternity ago. Time's passage takes on different flavors and shapes as it winds its way down. Can't always be sure what time it is....
G-maps
thought it was longer....
there on the grass & back via half of XC route.
No hernia issue any more - just pick up effort/mileage and see what ITI
does. Nice weekend weather-wise in store.
Was waiting for new software updates to run their course & picked up the US ultralong champs map of Hueston Woods, Oxford OH, from late March (think it was) - an eternity ago. Time's passage takes on different flavors and shapes as it winds its way down. Can't always be sure what time it is....
G-maps
thought it was longer....
Thursday Sep 15, 2011 #
5 PM
Orienteering 35:00 [2] 2.75 mi (12:44 / mi) +43m 12:08 / mi
After work, on the dark side, light rain, dreary. Trail flooded by beaver industry which made for a nice diversion to Bog Meadow. NW cold front wx on the way to clear things up. Perhaps an O meet at Great Brook this Saturday.
QR practice
Mice 15
QR practice
Mice 15
Wednesday Sep 14, 2011 #
Walking 18:00 [1] 0.75 mi (24:00 / mi)
Slough & back, very still.
Trail/woods running 12:38 [2] 1.2 mi (10:32 / mi)
Had planned on BB but with Beth gone had pm dog chores. 3 years ago or so, they would have come along. Will have more time on the weekend anyway. Did the figure 8 loop in shade. Nice to be using the woods out back, "my" woods. Hadn't been on the figure 8 since maybe spring.
Tuesday Sep 13, 2011 #
Walking 16:00 [1] 0.5 mi (31:59 / mi)
Misty-eyed autumn morning.
Trail/woods running 25:00 [2] 2.5 mi (10:00 / mi)
SPS XC, cool in shade. Don't think much of various infirmities which is key. Thinking positive is worth its weight in gold. Saw SPS football practicing...a fall key as is track a spring key. Calls back, at least one can mentally span the distance.
Weightexercise workout 10:00 [1]
Need to keep track.
Monday Sep 12, 2011 #
Trail/woods running 25:00 2.3 mi (10:52 / mi)
SPS after work, nice in shade. Try every day now and add a bit at a time.
Note
Faraway series, photos from elsewhere, #76
RHODORA at Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands, 1987
RHODORA at Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands, 1987
Sunday Sep 11, 2011 #
8 AM
Walking 1:15:00 [1] 1.84 mi (40:46 / mi) +89m 35:26 / mi
Walk ashore in company and went ashore by myself later but too thick
vegetation to get anywhere. A large area of flattened ferns presumably due
to rain and winds of Irene & Lee as well as some very discouraging bush of
some type. Only open granite and high pines provided any possibility. No
road or proper path to find. Was adjacent to a quarry where "giants' play"
appears to have stopped abruptly. After a stunning sunset, a brilliant
moonrise - seemed so close I could appreciate its "sphereness", ie, 3D.
Giants' playtoys
A view of Hurricane Sound
vegetation to get anywhere. A large area of flattened ferns presumably due
to rain and winds of Irene & Lee as well as some very discouraging bush of
some type. Only open granite and high pines provided any possibility. No
road or proper path to find. Was adjacent to a quarry where "giants' play"
appears to have stopped abruptly. After a stunning sunset, a brilliant
moonrise - seemed so close I could appreciate its "sphereness", ie, 3D.
Giants' playtoys
A view of Hurricane Sound
6 PM
Note
Sailed to Hurricane Sound to meet Cabot & Heidi. Went ashore for a walk at
a Rockefeller dock as they knew the owners who were away. Heidi spotted a two-grave cemetery. One of the graves was that of Liv Heyerdahl, Thor Heyerdahl's first wife. Imagine, this woman born in Norway resting under a pine in an isolated setting on Vinalhaven (she subsequently married a James Rockefeller). Stirred up some poignant thoughts/recollections. Heyerdahl had sailed KON TIKI to Raroia in 1947. He and Liv spent a year or so on Fatu Hiva c. 1936 (had read both accounts). Beth and I had sailed into Raroia lagoon as well as to Fatu Hiva. Here, in peaceful obscurity, was a most coincidental link.
Liv's tombstone
On the marker:
Liv
b. Liten, Norway, 1916, d. 1969
Inscription (evidently written by her second and adoring husband) says
"warm as summer
vibrant as spring
now sheltered on your gentle isle
watch over all your
friends and strangers too
who pass your .... way here."
(died before 53rd b-day - irony to her
name)....
How far from Norway and Fatu Hiva.
Recall a Norwegian Memorial on the Olympic coast (state of Washington)
back in 1975 while hiking remembering wrecked sailors far from home long
ago. Summons "Home is the sailor, home from the sea. And the hunter home from the hill."
a Rockefeller dock as they knew the owners who were away. Heidi spotted a two-grave cemetery. One of the graves was that of Liv Heyerdahl, Thor Heyerdahl's first wife. Imagine, this woman born in Norway resting under a pine in an isolated setting on Vinalhaven (she subsequently married a James Rockefeller). Stirred up some poignant thoughts/recollections. Heyerdahl had sailed KON TIKI to Raroia in 1947. He and Liv spent a year or so on Fatu Hiva c. 1936 (had read both accounts). Beth and I had sailed into Raroia lagoon as well as to Fatu Hiva. Here, in peaceful obscurity, was a most coincidental link.
Liv's tombstone
On the marker:
Liv
b. Liten, Norway, 1916, d. 1969
Inscription (evidently written by her second and adoring husband) says
"warm as summer
vibrant as spring
now sheltered on your gentle isle
watch over all your
friends and strangers too
who pass your .... way here."
(died before 53rd b-day - irony to her
name)....
How far from Norway and Fatu Hiva.
Recall a Norwegian Memorial on the Olympic coast (state of Washington)
back in 1975 while hiking remembering wrecked sailors far from home long
ago. Summons "Home is the sailor, home from the sea. And the hunter home from the hill."
Saturday Sep 10, 2011 #
Walking 15:00 [1]
DP, dry, cool, breezy. Nice day in the making. Dogs bound for kennel - can hear Mocha's teeth chattering already. No camping weekend on the to-do list.
Sandskrit
All terrain (no brain) vehicles, indeed.
Sandskrit
All terrain (no brain) vehicles, indeed.
Note
Slope line presentation:
I made this up last fall. It's been collecting dust on the desktop. I thought I'd put it to use.
At the UNO October A meet in NH, the use of in slope lines in some places was very helpful, one might even say crucial - as in clarity versus confusion. The first jpg shows a highlighted portion of the map with insufficient use of slope lines. There is a large hill in a larger reentrant under the right part of the oval. The second jpg shows the first version of a short leg on the green course using the map as depicted in the first image. A runner going from 1 to 2 in the terrain climbs out of the depression, crosses a 20m wide ridge and drops into a reentrant where visibility was minimal (say 10m) due to dense pine trees. The runner might just expect to keep dropping (except the control description says “spur”). The third jpg shows use of slope lines clarifying what is up and down (as well as circle cutting to better show the first depression). The fourth shows the blue leg on the same day with the course line covering a crucial slope line (and part of another, halfway to #2) which had good reason to cause interpretation confusion especially with only a quick glance. This was an oversight on my part as course setter. I didn't think to look at everything covered by the lines connecting control point circles. The fifth corrects the situation.
Slope lines aren't very often important in New England but in this piece of/type of terrain they were. Maybe they are the unsung heroes of the symbols legend. Details are endless in the pursuit of “perfection” and keeping competitors happy (or at least from complaining).
Of related interest perhaps, the copy of Birkhead sent me (next week's USOC meet map) has no slope lines. There are some earth banks (with tag lines) and one large depression but no slope lines per se. The addition of some would make sorting reentrant from spur a bit more speedy in some instances (for what it's worth). And might it not be beneficial for those with less contour reading experience?
I made this up last fall. It's been collecting dust on the desktop. I thought I'd put it to use.
At the UNO October A meet in NH, the use of in slope lines in some places was very helpful, one might even say crucial - as in clarity versus confusion. The first jpg shows a highlighted portion of the map with insufficient use of slope lines. There is a large hill in a larger reentrant under the right part of the oval. The second jpg shows the first version of a short leg on the green course using the map as depicted in the first image. A runner going from 1 to 2 in the terrain climbs out of the depression, crosses a 20m wide ridge and drops into a reentrant where visibility was minimal (say 10m) due to dense pine trees. The runner might just expect to keep dropping (except the control description says “spur”). The third jpg shows use of slope lines clarifying what is up and down (as well as circle cutting to better show the first depression). The fourth shows the blue leg on the same day with the course line covering a crucial slope line (and part of another, halfway to #2) which had good reason to cause interpretation confusion especially with only a quick glance. This was an oversight on my part as course setter. I didn't think to look at everything covered by the lines connecting control point circles. The fifth corrects the situation.
Slope lines aren't very often important in New England but in this piece of/type of terrain they were. Maybe they are the unsung heroes of the symbols legend. Details are endless in the pursuit of “perfection” and keeping competitors happy (or at least from complaining).
Of related interest perhaps, the copy of Birkhead sent me (next week's USOC meet map) has no slope lines. There are some earth banks (with tag lines) and one large depression but no slope lines per se. The addition of some would make sorting reentrant from spur a bit more speedy in some instances (for what it's worth). And might it not be beneficial for those with less contour reading experience?
Friday Sep 9, 2011 #
Note
When working man finally took note of a handed-down calendar, Friday became notable. All creatures great and small could stand tall.
4 PM
Orienteering 1:17:02 2.71 mi (28:25 / mi) +50m 26:52 / mi
Bear Brook after work - got there about 4:30, checked a water stop location, then 3 blue controls north of Podunk Rd., then a brown and two reds to the south. Lastly, visited a small clearing by a large path - 305 gps-mapped path was supposed to be just west of the clearing. It didn't feel right - I wasn't so sure but was pleased to see it was in actuality. GPS is lovely. Lovely evening too, nearly moon full noted on way home.
Thursday Sep 8, 2011 #
Trail/woods running 20:10 [3] 2.1 mi (9:36 / mi)
SPS XC at noon, went thru the a,b,c's of the process. Dry! Miserable wet Lee remnants departing.
Walking 15:00 [1] 0.5 mi (29:59 / mi)
PM DP with Beth along. Decent ATV sandskrit.
Wednesday Sep 7, 2011 #
Road/trail 33:00 2.6 mi (12:42 / mi)
PM DP, very rainy period. No dog transport car so outback thru waist-high wet fern in wimp mode - later knee-high blueberry. Haven't been atop the contours there in a few months. Always more trees uprooted, lying flat or hung up. Much cleaner back in '06-7 when mapping - a greater # of strong winds at work, evidently. Got to PL, jogged smallest loop, came back on road barking at dogs to keep them off the road. Raining pretty hard at end - dreary but the bright event was the doing of it. Got some intensity '2' in.... Could light a wood stove tonight for cozyness - wouldn't be too hot.
Local microburst.
Local microburst.
Tuesday Sep 6, 2011 #
Walking 30:00 [1] 1.4 mi (21:26 / mi)
Noon at Memorial field for stretching & walked a bit. First lap on track was 5:05 and then 4:40 - hard to believe 4x that walking pace would accomplish a 4:40 mile - seems doable but it most certainly isn't!
Walking 15:00 [1] 0.4 mi (37:29 / mi)
DP, cool, quiet except for distant crickets. Moose tracks. Dogs demanded a treat before getting in car....
PG was quite right about ice cream - last half gallon went in three nights. Tell Beth "don't buy anymore for now" then look longingly, hopefully into the empty freezer. One of few addictions and "buy one get one free" is only at the Stop & Shop.
Going to remove post-op red flag but ITI smoulders.
PG was quite right about ice cream - last half gallon went in three nights. Tell Beth "don't buy anymore for now" then look longingly, hopefully into the empty freezer. One of few addictions and "buy one get one free" is only at the Stop & Shop.
Going to remove post-op red flag but ITI smoulders.
Monday Sep 5, 2011 #
Walking 18:00 [1] 0.6 mi (29:59 / mi)
DP with the omnipests. Gray humidity but a breath of cool breeze now & then. Moose tracks in the Sandbox. The human profile is so bullet-riddled it's hard to make out. Spent about 2' digging in sand for bullet lead...pondering how far into sand a bullet might travel. Did not find any.
Last night, made it to Rollins Park but got tired of waiting for Mitt (knew what he would say would be offensive, simplistic anyway) - went for the ambiance. Z & M enjoyed stretching out on real grass & receiving attention. Some 20' devoted to military tribute (singing etc) as it was Tea Party-sponsored. Highlight was that Beth & Mocha returned unharmed! A tree branch some 25' long and 4" diameter at the base fell (not a zephyr stirring) some 40' (my est) - heavy part missing Beth & Mocha (plus 2 others) by less than 2'. By the time she realized, she put a hand out, brushed it - but too heavy to change its path. 0.5 sec later or so, it slammed into the ground. Might have killed either - good chance of that for M, significant injury for Beth. Both shes were "objects of attention" for our remaining 35' or so.
"I don't like being an object of attention" she said. Better in this fashion than in another.
Last night, made it to Rollins Park but got tired of waiting for Mitt (knew what he would say would be offensive, simplistic anyway) - went for the ambiance. Z & M enjoyed stretching out on real grass & receiving attention. Some 20' devoted to military tribute (singing etc) as it was Tea Party-sponsored. Highlight was that Beth & Mocha returned unharmed! A tree branch some 25' long and 4" diameter at the base fell (not a zephyr stirring) some 40' (my est) - heavy part missing Beth & Mocha (plus 2 others) by less than 2'. By the time she realized, she put a hand out, brushed it - but too heavy to change its path. 0.5 sec later or so, it slammed into the ground. Might have killed either - good chance of that for M, significant injury for Beth. Both shes were "objects of attention" for our remaining 35' or so.
"I don't like being an object of attention" she said. Better in this fashion than in another.
1 PM
Mapping/fieldwork/meet prep 1:59:57 [1] 4.0 mi (29:59 / mi) +33m 29:14 / mi
Back to BB with Beth to finish off. Some drops but not really wet. Saw Jim Arsenault's MV. Highlight was finding a horse! Had been told that one was missing since yesterday - ran off from Hayes field. The last 2 cp's I was visiting were near the fishing pond. I'm certainly not expecting to see/find a horse, esp in these rather big, thick woods. But there it was (almost as big as a moose), right on a straight line to cp 256, standing on the side of a knoll chewing leaves. Had a halter but I could see I was not going to lead it out some 250m to the road. I am not comfortable with horses but had to make a pitch. Let me pet/touch it, took a few leaves from my hand. How surprised I was when it followed me across the small brook and then into the marsh. It sank quite far in and had misgivings but I coaxed on & shortly she was on dry ground then on the road. Had yelled ahead to Beth to find a rope. Right away, the horse was off, down the road toward the camping ground. We followed in car, Beth getting out several times. Finally, it let her get close & get hold of the halter. Beth walked it to the campground, about a mile distant. I had turned a truck around who went back to Hayes field where owners still were, 4pm. Shortly they were at the campground, the young lady sobbing with relief. She & mom: all hugs:). They had some dismal expectations - even a kit to put down the horse should they have found it injured in the woods. All's well that ends well. I didn't know horses would pay any attention to me!
Eventful weekend: first get nearly zapped, then be a heroine:-).
Starting out
Closing in
A walk in the woods
Happy ending
Eventful weekend: first get nearly zapped, then be a heroine:-).
Starting out
Closing in
A walk in the woods
Happy ending
Sunday Sep 4, 2011 #
11 AM
Orienteering 58:18 [1] 1.25 mi (46:34 / mi) +31m 43:14 / mi
Course checking with Beth for company. Hot, 84F in shade at end. Went to north section and then south of Podunk Road. Changed some yellow and orange cp's to keep everyone happy. Green mid-course changed as well for same reason. Beth enjoyed the perspective of an off-trail walk in the woods, occasionally in the tree tops or so it seemed. Dip at the swimming area after.
Orienteering 1:32:52 [1] 1.84 mi (50:28 / mi) +47m 46:46 / mi
South side of road, more white woods. This place goes back 30+ years to when I was trying orange and then maybe red the next day. Back one more time & will be up to date.
Plan for the day was to hang around, go to meet and greet at 4p...meet Rick Perry at Gordon Humphrey's Republican mansion in east Concord. Beth invited as she is an independent. I was going to be a polite party crasher...ie, keep my mouth shut, just observe. Imagine the distress when I read about the event in the Sunday MONITOR this am! Seems she had the wrong day. So plan B was BB. Plan C might include witnessing another buffoon (a creationist baboon?), Romney who will make an appearance in Rollins Park in an hour.
Just plain serene - Hayes Marsh
Fungi of some kind
Amidst green and yellow mansions
Plan for the day was to hang around, go to meet and greet at 4p...meet Rick Perry at Gordon Humphrey's Republican mansion in east Concord. Beth invited as she is an independent. I was going to be a polite party crasher...ie, keep my mouth shut, just observe. Imagine the distress when I read about the event in the Sunday MONITOR this am! Seems she had the wrong day. So plan B was BB. Plan C might include witnessing another buffoon (a creationist baboon?), Romney who will make an appearance in Rollins Park in an hour.
Just plain serene - Hayes Marsh
Fungi of some kind
Amidst green and yellow mansions
Saturday Sep 3, 2011 #
Walking 21:00 [1] 0.9 mi (23:20 / mi)
Slough & back. Water spiders playing on glass. A great blue heron flew out of the brook on the way to get the paper. Comes twice a year...perhaps the same one. Small brook trout on the menu.
4 PM
Walking 22:00 [1] 1.1 mi (20:00 / mi)
Second DP of day - thought I would try some hardish hill walks, maybe 10 but not a good idea with dogs (88F) who didn't figure out lying in the shade was the preferred behavior. So down to the slough, Z for frog hunting. Back at car in sun was uncivilly hot so got out of there fast.
Fair amount of time given to BB course pondering.
Fair amount of time given to BB course pondering.
Friday Sep 2, 2011 #
Walking 16:00 [1] 0.75 mi (21:20 / mi)
Around the block, shade & sun.
Lion's paw
We were discussing boat names that related to wind on Tues am: cat's paw, zephyr, whisper, wind bird, windsong, windchime - only cared for the first three and then visited the Sandbox Tuesday to note above.
Lion's paw
We were discussing boat names that related to wind on Tues am: cat's paw, zephyr, whisper, wind bird, windsong, windchime - only cared for the first three and then visited the Sandbox Tuesday to note above.
1 PM
Mapping/fieldwork/meet prep 2:04:32 [1] 3.38 mi (36:50 / mi)
Some pleasant hours at BB visiting W/Y cp's on an early, warm September afternoon. Met Ernst there & discussed various issues - one is fact that map scale was apparently not 1/10 as discovered by JJ, necessitating some changes in courses due to their being some 8% longer than thought to be. Used the 305 thru QR to pinpoint a somewhat elusive trail. That particular use of GPS is most satisfying. Used a DeLorme Blue Logger in '06-7 (w/ temperamental bluetooth & when battery died, it died - at $155). Able to walk for 2 hours w/o hand on groin.
Thursday Sep 1, 2011 #
Walking 22:00 [1] 0.9 mi (24:27 / mi)
DP, to Parson's Way trail head w/ Beth, around to back of bog off Stoney Brook. Sigh, September 1st - on the one hand, for the somewhat sad departure of summer's ways and, on the other, anticipation of fall's (em)bracing weather with its discarding of torpor. Had considered BB W/Y streamering but put off til tomorrow.