A WET day did not deter 21 orienteers from competing in the orienteering event at Mena View, near Frenchman’s.

Course setters Peg and Lyall McAvaney set a number of challenging courses and, with the breaks in the weather, everyone enjoyed the event. Views from some parts of the courses were magnificent.

Conner Dickie, one of the younger orienteers, easily won the 3km course three in 47.40 minutes. Louisa Halliday and Kylie Kotz were second finishing in 64 minutes. Dorothy Lee and her grandson Scott Bonham, were next in 84.30 minutes.

Ian Abbott did very well to complete course 5X (2.7km) in 64 minutes. This shows again that accurate navigation can make up for speed. Jenny Lawson was next with 78.30 minutes and Sheryl Winters next with 84.44 minutes.

The popular 4.7km course 5 short was won by Gary Ettridge in 78.30 minutes. Kevin Vigar was hot on his heels with 80.53 minutes. Cath Dickie was next with 90.55 minutes.

The longest course was the 7.1km course five. Like other course fives, this was hard navigation and competitors needed to concentrate and to make good choices on the routes they took.

Tim Ashman, whose farm the event was held on, won in 58.42 minutes. This was in spite of him having to check the crops on the way around.

He had to explain to some observant orienteers about missed strips in one crop.

Dave Winters was next in 68.02 minutes and Brian Ashton next in 90.35.

Marc Dickie, who usually does well, gave himself a handicap and managed to get only 11 of the controls. He left his running shoes home and had to run in work boots!

After getting most of the way around the course he decided his feet had suffered enough.

The next cross country event will be at Cape Donington on Sunday. This will signposted from the Lincoln Park entrance. Park entrance fees apply so have change.

Whyalla’s Saltbush Orienteers will join in to take part in the Eyre Peninsula Orienteering Championships.

Recreational courses are available and newcomers are welcome to come and try orienteering. Full catering will be available.

Look out for details in the Pt Lincoln Times, or go to the website http://www.users.centralonline.com.au/lincolno/