Rock Springs 3-Hour Score-O
Sunday, November 12, 2017

Photos

On a nice, warm November day with a few clouds, our 3-hour Score-O at Rock Springs was a success. Ron gets credit for the map and no one complained over its quality. We had 26 preregistered, but not all showed up. With the 6 that signed up on-site, we had a total of 25 orienteers try their luck in the rough terrain. Erik had picked 22 control locations with only one worth 70 points because of its location in a very steep re-entrant. At the start, participants were warned not to try to get to the 70-point control. The warning proved to be reverse psycology that simply led more participants to go for it. The terrain is split by the Aqua Fria River into a north and south section. The northern part is closer to the start and has some easier controls. Being a new area, this area was still plenty challenging for many. A couple of nice lookouts were chosen for controls that gave orienteers plenty of exercise. Erik originally thought it was impossible to get all the controls in the 3-hour time limit. Andy made it with an entire minute to spare. We had one team come in late, not because of navigation skills or fitness, but due to a back flaring up. In this rugged terrain I am sure it wasn’t fun. We hope everything is better now.

For those who missed the event, besides being a pretty area that offers a chance to see the Aqua Fria River Canyon from the hillsides, you also have the Rock Springs Café nearby. Pies and a full bar are available for after-orienteering. The Café is kind enough to let us use their overflow special events private parking area for our start location. There is easy access right off the blacktop and plenty of parking. We only saw a few hikers while we were there. If you're a Lake Pleasant Alumn, you were more than happy that there are no shooters in the area. Everything considered, the area is a keeper and we hope to return next year.