In the week leading up to this meet, I watched the progress of Hurricane Ivan with trepidation. As it became clear that we'd be rained on, I stocked up on tarps and canopies, then managed, luckily, to get the park to let us use the cross-country ski barn as a base of operations.

The result was that, despite torrential rain and temperatures in the mid-fifties, everyone who came seemed to have a good time. Considering the weather, the turnout was excellent - competitors ranged from a sizable CSU contingent to Boy Scouts from Westborough to one beginner (a classmate of my son's). A general spirit of semi-lunacy prevailed, taken to the extreme by a couple of teenage Scouts on Green. Soaked to the skin and facing a leg from 3 to 4 around the end of Meadow Pond, they chose instead to swim the straight-line route. I didn't really believe this until their scoutmaster showed me digital photographic documentation. The picture is below, after the results. (Kids, don't try this at home.)

Various club members had put a lot of effort into promoting this meet as part of National Orienteering Day, but the rain obviously kept most newcomers away. Sponsor prizes of Brunton compasses went to Dean Cote (the beginner) and, via a drawing, Caroline Fleming and Diane Menzies. Nate Strong won a Maptech CD-ROM in the drawing.

Many thanks to my meet helpers: Bob Dangel, Robert Galejs, Caroline Fleming, Joanne Sankus, and Ben and Meg Parson. Thanks also to my wife Elizabeth, for putting up with the chaos that surrounds a meet and for bringing yummy lunch sandwiches. Finally, a big 'Thank You' to all who attended - you had great spirit, and watching you made the whole thing worthwhile!

Westborough Scouts take the direct route from 3 to 4