continued from p. 6

selves that we had heard it we looked in the direction of the noise.  Down a very narrow rift, full of mud, we found an exhausted cow buried up to its neck.  We passed a message on to the farmer and next day found the rift filled in.  I don't know whether or not the cow survived its ordeal.

As for the competitors' ordeal,  looking at the results the majority of winning times were within or very close to recommended winning times.  Notable exceptions were the W20 and M/W 35 classes whose winning times suggested that the courses were too long by about 1km to 1.5km.  However the M55/W35/W20 course, had a winning time in the middle of the recommended time slot.  Of more concern were the courses for older competitors; M70 and M/W75 winning times were longer than anticipated.  In hindsight it may have been better to provide a separate shorter course of a less physical nature.   The M/W 10 and 12 courses were difficult to plan.  Once the start had been finalised, technical terrain and the need for line features left few options other than to head via walls to the southern footpath and follow it back to the finish field. 

I enjoyed most of the day sitting in the sun watching many of you out on your courses.  Some appeared to have no difficulty and moved well through the terrain.  Others found the going hard and mistakes were made.  On collecting controls some paths had appeared during the day and showed that competitors had used different route choices between controls.  My main observation on the day was that careful navigation and traffic lighting paid dividends.  Some competitors ran at speed into detailed areas only to reappear, relocate and then head back in for the control.  Many faltered as they came back up the slope behind Attermire Scar to controls 125 and 126.  This was intentional as it was the only way to get a longer leg between the walls and make better use of the complex area.  The physical nature of the leg increased its difficulty.

Regardless of your course I hope you enjoyed your day.  You saw the area at its best with sunshine and magnificent views.  I hope you all had legs enough left to enjoy Chris's courses at Langstrothdale.

Tony would be pleased to have comments on his courses.