Meet This Wednesday in FNBP at Mile 1.1

Wednesday’s meet will start at mile 1.1 of Basher Drive. There will be White (1.7 K), Yellow (2.6 K), Orange (4.2 K), Green (4.7 K) and Red (5.7 K) courses; starts from 5 to 7; finish by 9:00.  Our permit requires us to make sure participants are aware of bear and other wildlife issues; please see the thoughts below about hazards that include but are not limited to bears. While we haven’t seen a lot of bear sign while setting the course, bears are out there, and we have seen some scat and prints.

Are you prepared to manage the inherent risks of orienteering in Alaska?

Examples of potential hazards are:

  • bear and moose encounters
  • sharp sticks
  • logs and holes hidden by vegetation
  • stinging insects
  • prickly and toxic plants
  • cold
  • heat
  • slippery surfaces
  • uneven footing
  • disorientation (getting lost)

Please participate only in the level of orienteering that is suited to your skills, experience, equipment, and level of comfort. Partnering with another person or two may help you build skill and participate more safely.

We orienteer in bear and moose habitat and see animals regularly. Consider carrying pepper spray and being prepared to deploy it. And consider making noise sufficient for animals to hear you approaching. Some ways to reduce your risk are to participate with a team; talk with your team (if you are part of one); pace count out loud; wear bells.