I can report that 85% of the field work is now complete for the Eastbourne Rogaine next month and control sites selected apart from one corner of the map. As I know the area fairly well it has been reasonably straight forward. For a rogaine of this size with electronic controls, each site will have three visits – One for site selection. Two to put out the control flag and electronic control and the third to get it back again. So at the end of the event I will know the area even better.
For those that don’t know the East Harbour Park it is mostly native bush. There is a main stream (Gollins) and a smaller subsidiary (Butterfly Creek) that run north south, and a main north south ridge system. Elevation ranges from sea level to 370m, so the scale is relatively friendly.
Bush on the hillside facing the sea is regenerating with patches of gorse….don’t worry – there are quite a few tracks up these hillsides, and you will not need to venture off track in these areas. Once you get beyond the seaward facing hill, the bush is great. Mostly beech. The ridges and spurs are generally pretty open and good travel. The gullies can have the occasional patch of supplejack or kie kie….but these areas are generally pretty small and easily walked around. The main stream systems also offer quite good travel.
One change over the last few years is the intensive possum trapping that has been undertaken. A key side effect from this is the number of marked possum lines. All the ridges, most of the spurs and the main streams have marked possum lines. This makes the ground trail more obvious, and travel quicker than you would otherwise think. However they can be a distraction - Controls won’t always be on a possum line, so if you follow the possum line you could miss the control!
Control site selection is straight forward off-track. Lots of forks, gullies, streams. Spurs and high points to put the controls on. If you are in the right place, the control will be really hard to miss. The country is quite tricky – lots of spurs and little gullies that will present you with many challenges. If you are a good navigator, try the bush controls at night….I’m sure when you hit the right spot, you will be elated.
Control selection on track or in the streets is a little more difficult – the last thing I want is a control or flag moved or taken. At $100 a control, you don’t want to loose any. So, o track they will be slightly hidden – but obvious with the clue. Eg. Track intersection – west 5m, or under the bridge.
There are a couple of challenges with the recent spell of hot dry weather. The side streams have dried up and are difficult to see…look for the shape of the gulley. (And it may ain between now and the event!) Also the bush is dry and scratchy – along with the obvious fire danger, you may want to wear gaiters. I have not bothered over the past week – but its something to consider. And finally I have noticed a few wasps. Be wary or move fast when stumbling through the bush. Ensure you have the right medication if you are allergic.
It will be fun – I have really enjoyed the exploration!