Orienteering (Control Setting) 2:18:00 [2] 5.73 mi (24:05 / mi)
20c slept:7.0 weight:170.5lbs (injured)
Lake Needwood, Montgomery County, MD. As usual, I got a later than planned start at setting controls. I had arranged to do this with Stephen who is training to gain berth in an Army position in which orienteering skill is one of the required qualifications. We proceeded counter-clockwise around the lake as I explained orienteering maps, ways navigate to controls, and ways to verify the location. We were slowed by the approximate 100 F weather (it was predicted to reach 101 F), and some high grasses. An area of mixed open and rough open which was a lot of fun in the winter to map, was covered by invasive stilt grass. Despite having +2 hours to do this in, we started to get behind. I rushed in a few places and as a result may have set a few controls a little off. I discovered a new trail being made very close and parallel to another--I'm not sure why they'd want to do that but I will eventually come back to map it. I had carried water with me but didn't drink much until after rounding the lake. The cummulative effect of the heat and time out started wearing us down. I also managed to hurt my left big toe somehow--something seemed to get in my trail shoe and it felt like it cut me under the joint when I stepped on it. Afterward when I got my shoe off, I expected to see blood but there none and I was able to finish okay.
I set a few controls w/o Stephen, planning to meet him ahead. Down to the last 3 controls, I figured I'd have enough time to finish, then I realized that I left the bag full of controls back up the hill at the previous control. It wasn't fun going back for them but I ended up doing it, setting the other controls and getting to the parking lot to finish just before 4pm when people were ready to start. Stephen went out to put water at the one water stop but had a mishap along the way--his backpack opened up and most of the 2 gallons spilt away :( Heidi Onkst had some extra so we got about a gallon placed. About 15 people came which was a great turnout for such a hot day.