Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by bobburg on Sat Oct 29, 2011 at 6:47 pm

bobburg
Num Posts: 200
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Batsto
First O: 1999

An interesting thing happened today on the way to Finish at Washington Crossing for hundreds of adventurous Scouts and JROTC cadets who braved the elements.

The picturesque light snow in autumn foliage (photos to come, right Kathy?) turned to serious heavy wet snow.  Tree tops, major branches, and a few total trees started collapsing under their weight.  One young troop of four, off their course, found refuge in a neighboring home (reunited with their troop), one parent's car near registration was buried under a large tree, and we got everyone back and safe.  Another great orienteering adventure safely concluded.

For good reason, the park's administrators decided to close the park tomorrow -- which we fully agree with.
So Sunday's event is cancelled.  Better that than a tree falling on top of all you intrepid souls.

We plan to reschedule this weekend's courses in the early Spring schedule.

A really warm "thank you" goes out to all the volunteers who helped us run the event today (the Event Directors's report soon to come) including Jerry Smith, Rick Slater, Ed Scott, Mark Frank, Jim Puzo, Kathy and Dave Urban, and many many more.

Today was one continuous adventure, even lasting to the branch which punctured the pavilion roof as we were clearing out, and driving around the tree fallen down across our escape route.

Wonderful October weather....which we heard is only the second time the Delaware Valley has had a snow storm in October.  See you in the woods soon.

Reply by kathyu on Sat Oct 29, 2011 at 9:16 pm

kathyu
Num Posts: 696
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run Sand Spring
First O: 2004

So here are the pictures.  I added them to my Orienteering set, and today ends with the shot of Spiderman who came to the Willows.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathyu/sets/72157594244915604/
Everyone who came in with a big smile and a hatful of snow deserves a special award even if they didn't finish.  This was a memorable day in many ways. 

Reply by DSevon on Sun Oct 30, 2011 at 9:06 am

DSevon
Num Posts: 65
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2009

Thanks also to Rich and Mary Plunkett, Rick Slater's son Drew and his friend, and Ken Johnson. As a group, we managed to keep the process moving in some what orderly manner.  Bill Shannon and John Campbell also get special recognition as they braved the elements to run some courses.