Training Log Archive: Swampfox

Checked 2 controls at the Granite Planite Middle day; moved one to a nearby feature (first location would have been fine, but it looked a little too visible from the highway and I would end up worrying that someone might see it and take it during the race), and moved the control location on the other to the opposite side of the feature--mainly because that's where the big hornet nest is, should be exciting for the runners and the hornets, too.

I had thought about running one of the courses after that, but I didn't in the end. I wasn't worried about the hornets--I can run way faster than they can (run)--but there were so many cattle out there, and I was wearing my nylon orienteering pajamas, possibly making me look invitingly like a tent to be shredded.

Then did some trail running, and while I was doing that, I heard some big cracking down a slope in the woods--obviously a moose. Except that it wasn't. It turned out to be a miniature excavator, smack dab in the middle of the woods, working on a new bike trail. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how it got there, or how it is being re-supplied with fuel; and there was no signs of track imprints on any of the trails leading into the area.

I wonder how often excavators get misidentified as moose? Probably not often. Rookie mistake--I won't be fooled next time.