Salmon La Sac: A Race Experience

Something told me that Julie and Dana were ready for an an epic experience.

Setting out controls the night before.

I met Julie at a running store, then by chance again at the Washington Trails Association office. Both times, our conversation found its way to orienteering and I implored that she try Cascade's upcoming orienteering meet at Salmon La Sac. Yes, it would be possibly the longest, most rugged and technical event all year.. but that's why it would be so awesome. Since I was co-course setter and couldn't run it competitively, I offered to be her guide and suggested she bring a friend too.

Julie, a brave and adventurous soul, took me up on it and brought Dana. We had talked about them doing the intermediate course, since using the trail is an option between most legs. By the time Julie and Dana had arrived, though-- I heard that the intermediate maps were running low.

Hmmm.. Julie and Dana would have me with them, after all. I'm not just an experienced orienteer, but I was co-course setter for the event. Theoretically, I knew where everything was. I wouldn't tell them where the controls were, of course (that's not fun). I'd let them make their own mistakes, but ask Socratic questions if they ran into trouble.

The leg to 6 provided a lot of route options!

Also, this would be Julie and Dana's first impression of orienteering and I had told them that it would be rugged and amazing. The intermediate course enabled a lot of trail running, whereas the advanced courses forced much more off-trail travel, which is where it gets really fun. I suggested that we try the Short-Advanced course and having no idea what they were getting into, Julie and Dana were up for the challenge!

My hunch was right-- these ladies caught on quick! They gobbled up the map, creating and executing well thought out route choices. Then 3 hours later at the finish, they asked when the next one was. Wow. GREAT JOB, LADIES!! I am impressed. You're true adventurers!

Here's a video recap of our experience, with some instructional morsels laced throughout: