I just finished putting out the advanced controls, and the beginner course has been flagged.  Here are a few notes about what to expect from the courses this Sunday:

Ticks are out in full force at this time of year.

The club recommends using Sawyer Permethrin spray for clothing. You can find this at outdoor-type stores (I believe that both GOPC and REI carry this).   Do not spray this on yourself.  Instead, a day or so before you head out, spray your clothes (I spray everything from the waist down: pants legs, socks, shoes, and gaiters) and then set them aside to dry.  This will tend to remain effective on your clothing through a half dozen or so washings.

(Also, be careful. Permethrin is particularly toxic to felines. Do not spray this, or leave your clothes to dry, in an area where pet cats might hang out.)

It is recommended that you wear protection for your lower legs. Long pants at least, plus gaiters over the shins if you have them.  There are not a whole lot of brambles out on the course this time, but there are a number of patches, particularly in the field area (which both the beginner and advanced courses pass through).

There will be some water out on the course, but it is recommended that you bring your own with you as well.  It is hot out there.

I have marked out 50m and 100m distances for measuring your pace length. This will be particularly helpful for any beginners at this event.  You will see this pace counting course marked on both maps.

The advanced courses are more like short regular courses than yellow/orange-ish sprints. (Course lengths: Brown 2.7, Green 3.5, and Red 4.6km.)  Josef Trzicky designed the advanced courses, and he chose a mix of both relatively easy and somewhat subtle features for the controls.

The map is pretty good in the area covered by these courses. There have been some updates made to the map to the trails and field area.

If you have any interest in plants, look for the Goodyera pubescens (common name: Rattlesnake Plantain), an orchid native to this area, blooming right next to control 53 (this is the center control of the second butterfly on the advanced course; the orchid is on the slope just to the NW of where the control is hanging). This is a terrestrial orchid, which you may have noticed in the past due to its distinctive leaves. It grows close to the ground, and has dark green leaves with a distinctive light colored network of veins.  The flower spike is about 30-40 cm tall, with a cluster of small white flowers.

Finally, I once again remind you to be careful when parking that you do not block any gate or road access.

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