And so another year has passed – where did it go?!

There were a couple of events to finish off the year; the first being the classic Boxing Day Canter hosted by WIM. This is always a cracking event, and the weather was the most benign I think I’ve ever known. The turnout was the highest ever  – 200 on the main individual Score event, plus another 28 family entries. The organiser’s gave us a bit of help in finding the 3 bonus controls – Father Christmas, the Elves and a decorated tree – by telling us that they would be found if you followed the controls from 131 to 138 (the beginners course, in effect). So having picked off a few controls off this route, I decided to follow this sequence  – and, sure enough, found all the bonuses. A first for me! And I also managed the only non-bonus 50 pointer towards the end. So I was well pleased with my final tally of 460, out of a possible 700.

Out of the several WSX members there, mention must be made of James (2nd- 670 pts.), Roger (6th – 650), Graham (13th – 580) and Rob (14th – 570). The full set of results is here. A brilliant effort by everyone.

Today, I went with Ian and Kay to the Southern Navigators event at Wellington College, near Sandhurst, as did Rob Hick. Wellington is a magnificent public school with fairly extensive grounds, including several areas of woodland, and many majestic Wellingtonia trees.  As a consequence, the courses were really challenging, alternating between the woods and the complex of school buildings. This is illustrated by my Green Course map. I, and many others, made the mistake of following the line from 2 to 3, only to find that the gates were shut across the path between the two lakes! Curses. There were some tricky legs where one had to think carefully about route choice, particularly amongst the buildings where there was a complex of canopied paths. We all had a great time although no outstanding results, I’m afraid. Here are the full results.

So 2019 is just around the corner. Don’t forget the upcoming events – New Year’s Day (Sarum); SOC’s Lyndhurst event (7th) and ours at Canford Heath on the 10th (PLEASE pre-enter on the event page!))

So it just remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful New Year.