Wallace State Park (near Cameron, MO)
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Open shelter at the northwest corner of the lake
Registration and first start 10am, last start 12 noon

Courses--white (1.6 km), yellow (2.2 km), orange (3.1 km), green (3.9 km), red (4.8 km)
     --The courses are shorter than usual for several reasons:  the park is small, there are lots of hills, there is a chance of having bad weather   in February (cold and rain/snow), and the woods are thorny in places.  People might not want to be out very long that day. :)  If you would like to do a second course, you are more than welcome to do so.  There are a few repeat controls/legs, but for the most part each course is different. 

Map
     --I have finished mapping the far side of Deer Creek (western part of park), so O/G/R courses will be crossing the creek.  At this point there are a few places to cross without getting wet, but if the water level rises or you can't find those spots you will get your feet wet.  Bring a change of socks/shoes for afterwards.   The big creek will be mapped as crossable, however there are spots that have steep banks.  I will try to get to the park to map them as earth banks  before the event, but if not you shouldn't have to travel too far up or down stream to find a place to cross.   (Also, I found muddy, slippery areas on the trails and along the creeks, esp. after the snow melted--you might get dirty if you fall.)  There are hash/thicket lines on the map--if you have gaiters or other leg protection, wear them.  Otherwis e, you might have to take the long way around to stay scratch-free.  I want your orienteering experience to be as pleasant as possible! :)    The black circles are the geo-caching sites that we know about.  You can use your map later to go back for some treasures!!     

I hope these notes haven't painted too negative a picture in your mind of Wallace SP--I just wanted you to be aware of what to expect when you come.  This is my favorite park in the KC area--it is so beautiful, very few people, lots of trails (however, too many to make great advanced courses) for walking/running, creeks and streams throughout the hills--a great place to spend the day!!!  I hope to see you in 2 1/2 weeks!

Angie Barrett