Tassie trip 31/3 and 1/4 day 1 and 2 Lovelybanks East and West

We competed on different parts of the same map (east and west) over day 1 and 2 of the Easter Carnival . On both days (particularly the first) we had long walks to the starts.  The finish was at the bottom of a large hill, with the spectator area (arena) at the top of the hill.  At least we avoided the dreaded uphill finish, but the walk to the top to download was challenging after our courses.

Scenic carparking

The view from the spectator position

The sandstone cliffs studded native forest , with gullies (mostly dry, but some steep) and lots of boulders and cliff faces to get lost in.  Not to mention many fallen branches and hidden rocks making a high trip hazard.

In the photo above you can just make out the ant-trail of competitors heading towards the left from the right on their way to the start.

Because it was so far to the bottom of the hill and back again I didn't take the camera out there (no energy) but did take a few of the SA group coming back up the hill towards the download.

Trev and Antonio had a good chat about the course as they made their way back up the hill.

John won his course on day 1 and 2. Here he is making his way up the steep hill after pushing to the finish.

The Tassie O trailer

Afnans won a prize for the family relays at the prologue and the handicapped competition as well. Two packets of biscuits were the prize.  

Of note- Toby Cazzolato was 2nd for the second day in a row today. Ruhi was 3rd in the M50 (after winning it yesterday) and Paul Hoopman is also doing well with 2nd in M65A today. Simon is leading the Senior Elite men, and Bridget is right up there with the top girls. 

I was slow but consistent yesterday,  but was totally unfocused and slow today. 

Trev was fairly slow yesterday, but picked up the pace a bit today. 

We are both in the bottom quarter of our respective classes, so don't be expecting us on the podium tomorrow. 

We enjoyed a scenic route to the event today via Richmond (thanks to the Garmin navigator) after assisting fellow orienteers with a jump start at a suburb across the river, and another route home beside the river and across the Bowen bridge for something different. 

It feels like we haven't stopped.  We have been getting up to drive to events with enough time to walk to starts, competing, watching for a while and heading home so that I can attend the Orienteering Australia meetings. Of course we also can't resist the chance to catch up out of hours with a few other SA (and ex-SA) people.  Anyway, the meetings are now over for another year, so tomorrow we can just come home and relax (or maybe collapse).