Morningside Spring Orienteering
forest orienteering event at J J Collett Natural Area, near Morningside
This is the first event in the AB Compass Series
Date: Sunday, May 5, 2019 (NOT Mothers Day!)
Map: Morningside 1:10,000; 2.5m contours; Original fieldwork – Kitty Jones (1983), latest update – Don Riddle (2017)
Location: 3 km south of Morningside, an hour south of Edmonton city limits. See directions and location map below.
Registration: on-site from 11:00am until 1:00pm (beginner instruction available at the same time)
Starts: 11:00 am until 1:00pm
Courses close: 3:00 pm – everyone must check back in by this time
Possible Courses (lengths are approximate and AS THE CROW FLIES – you may go much further on the longer distances!):
TD1 Absolute Beginners – Open 1: controls on or close to paths/trails/ fences, with no route choice ~2.5km
TD2 Novice – Open 2 (anyone) – Controls on linear features (such as fences, streams, paths) with simple route choices. ~ 2.8km
For AB Compass Series points: F/M 12 and under, F/M 13 and over+*
TD3 Intermediate – Open 3 (anyone) – controls off-trail, but with good attack points and catching features. ~ 4.1km
For AB Compass Series points: F/M 12 and under, F/M 13 and over*
Short Advanced technically difficult ~ 4.1km Open 4 (anyone) or
for AB Compass Series F/M 13-14, F/M 15-16, F/M 17-20, F/M 21+, F/M 35+, F/M 45+, F/M 55+, F/M 65+, F/M 75+*
Long advanced technically difficult ~ 7.8km: Open 5 (anyone) or
for AB Compass Series F/M 15-16, F/M 17-20, F/M elite, F/M 35+, F/M 45+, F/M 55+, F/M 65+, F/M 75+*
*more information about age categories HERE
Terrain: Aspen Parkland underlain by ancient sand dunes. Over 18km of trails wind through a mosaic of shrub-lands, aspen groves, stands of white spruce on moist shady hill sides, wetlands and grass meadows. Entire one-mile-square area is surrounded by a border fence (no need to worry about wandering away!) Area is detailed with many small hills, depressions and a few large marshes. variable vegetation ranges from open meadows to runnable open forest with some patches of thick undergrowth and dead-fall.
Entry fees:
Annual Orienteering Club Members: $10 per map, which may be shared by a family/small group. Fee includes SPORTident electronic timing card, plus, if necessary, compass and whistle. (Deposit of driver’s permit required for rentals)
$5 each junior annual member going out solo.
Non-members: $15 per map, which may be shared. Fee includes SPORTident electronic timing card, plus compass and whistle.(Deposit of driver’s permit required for rentals).
$5 each additional map for groups going out together.
NB: Entry fee is included for anyone registered for the full skills camp or registered for the Sunday only camp.
What to bring:
Whistle compulsory – any kind will do. A group needs only one between them. Compasses and whistles will be available to borrow.
Watch/ time piece strongly advised, to remind you of the 3:00pm closing time.
Long sleeves and long pants, tucked into your socks, or with gaiters, recommended as some protection against ticks. (plus bug spray)
Be prepared for any weather – jacket and warm underwear if it’s cool; hat and sun-screen if it’s sunny. Long sleeves and long pants recommended. Dry socks to change into. Water and cookies provided. Optional: camera, picnic.
Organisers:
Course Planner: Peter MacKenzie (O200)
Controller: Don Riddle (O300)
More Information: contact eooc <at> shaw <dot> ca
Directions: From Edmonton take QEII Hwy south to the Morningside exit #439. Turn left onto SH 604 and go under the bridge. After crossing Hwy 2A and the railway tracks, turn right into the village of Morningside. At the far end of the village (3 blocks), turn left. Follow this road (RR 261A / 261) for 3.5km. At the crossroads, turn right onto Twp 414. The entrance to the J J Collett Natural Area is about 800m on the right. Park in the parking lot or on the side of the road and walk in through the gate. Watch for orienteering signs, as well as NEW signs to the JJ Collett Natural Area.
From Calgary: take exit 431, follow Milton Road until RR262. Go north about 3km on RR 262 to the T-junction. Turn east/right on Twp414. The entrance to the J J Collett Natural Area is about 800m on the left. Park in the parking lot or neatly on the side of the road, and walk in through the gate. Watch for orienteering signs, as well as NEW signs to the JJ Collett Natural Area.
