Aus Orienteering Champs Day 1

Saturday, 29 September 2018

I've learnt two things already about the Riverland area of S.A.  Firstly, there are a lot of fruit trees. Secondly, the Murray River is everywhere -  it seems to pop into view when you least expect it.  Especially as it seems to be so dry everywhere - it's hard to imagine such a big river anywhere nearby, but then you round a corner and there it is. Today we were orienteering on a map just back from the rivers edge which was really fun.

Today was the Australian Middle Distance Championships. I had a messy run but the map offered plenty of opportunity to make mistakes, so my run was good enough for third place just behind Clare who was 2nd.  Looking at the split times afterwards I could see that I led very briefly on the course - from just after Clare made a mistake, to 1 control later when I made a mistake!  

Zali went very well and was 2nd in a big field. Jett also did really well and was around 8th, and Jon didn't disgrace himself in the elite competition. All in all a good day. 

Quite a few of the orienteers have rented houseboats, including Andy, so I took at look at his after the event today. It' was like a floating caravan.

Jon and the kids are staying with the other Schools Teams in Renmark, while I am staying in Berri with a few others in the Berri Hotel.   It's a pretty location:

Tomorrow is the relay championships in a similar area.