A gorgeous fall day served as the backdrop for the annual October event on the Powissett Peak map. The meet directors apologize for being unable to continue the full tradition of the "Halloween-O" that had previously been maintained by the Dentino family. Nevertheless, the weather as well as the course selection that took advantages of the unique features of the Noanet Woods terrain (including at least 2 spectacular views of Boston on the white and yellow courses) made for a truly enjoyable experience for all. Green course competitors had the opportunity to navigate virtually the full length of an esker on their return leg. Course setter Steve Richardson had recognized the serpentine, steep-walled ridge as an attractive route choice while setting the controls, but it was left to geology buff Donn Springer to identify the formation as a gravelly deposit from a sub-glacial stream. (Silly me, I had thought "esker" had no relevance outside the venue of the crossword puzzle.)

Special thanks are extended to Steve Richardson for his tireless efforts and to Donn Springer and Kathy McArdle for their sage guidance and timely assistance. I must also express my extreme gratitude for the support of my non-orienteering sister Amy Schapiro and in-laws Larry and Evie Lieb (the latter imported all the way from Sacramento, CA) who stepped in with no prior experience and provided extraordinary service at the registration and start locations.