After field checking sporadically for a map update during the long winter, it was fun to relax on a sunny May day and see the fruits of that work: no map corrections, no complaints about map accuracy, and happy competitors remarking on the beauty and variety of the terrain at Great Brook Farm. Turnout was a bit lighter than I'd hoped, probably due to the Billygoat being scheduled for the next day (though several people did both), but those who came enjoyed themselves.

The White course was won by Carlisle native Meg Parson, eking out brother Ben, who decided to visit the south meadow en route to number 5. Aims Coney ran Yellow in an effort to avoid poison ivy, which is rampant at Great Brook (he's highly allergic). It's not known whether he's now scratching, but he did win the course. Steve Van Ness was the victor by a wide margin on Orange, and then went on to run Green. Dave Dunham was first on Green, 5 minutes ahead of Paige Williams. The Red course included a loop out onto Blueberry Hill, west of Lowell Street, terrain that hasn't been used much for orienteering meets. Local boy Robert Galejs was the Red winner, just two minutes ahead of Svend Mathiassen, a visiting Swede. In addition to these familiar names, a bunch of first-timers showed up. One, Kevin Greenwood, hung around long after the meet, asking questions about compass bearings, route choice and such. That sort of enthusiasm is what makes directing a meet worthwhile.

The map updating process seemed pretty painless (to me) and was a great example of the virtues of OCAD and some local help. Bob Dangel spearheaded the effort, using notes from Robert (who did all the complex northern terrain with new trails) and myself. Park Superintendent Ray Faucher provided landscape architect plans for changes being made at the central farm complex, so that, for once, we have a map that shows what the features will be in the future.

As always, I could not have put on this meet without helpers. Many thanks to Bob Dangel, Robert Galejs, Dennis Struble, Ed and Liz Kotowski, Dean Sturtevant, Ben, Meg and Elizabeth Parson, and (volunteering on-site) Pete Lane and Steve Van Ness.