Only a small number of SOC members attended the Scottish 6-Day International Orienteering Event based around Tayside (incorporating Fife, Angus and Perth & Kinross). Perhaps the spread of the events over a large area and the recent trek northwards for the JK may have been factors. Those that did go will remember it with great fondness, for as a 6-day first-timer, it was a truly memorable event.
[img_assist|nid=241|title=Tentsmuir Forest|desc=|link=node|align=center|width=481|height=353]
There were so many highlights: the amazing weather (only one day of rain, and that was perhaps expected near one of Scotlands highest Munroes), the variety of Orienteering terrain (Coastal/Mediterranean forest at Tentsmuir, Perfect coastal dunes at Barry Buddon to Exposed hillside at Tullochroisk), the organisation (daily newsletters, car parking for 3500 people, huge number of friendly volunteers), assembly locations, and excellent competition across all age classes.
If I wanted to be really picky, I could say the last day (even given the good weather during most of the week) was a bit of a heathery bog for the first 1/2 of most courses and was a test for all - those that secured podium places with good finishes on that last day truly deserve it.
SOC Finishes: Robert Jackson 18th M75L, Ray Massey 51th M65L, Sam Massey 10th M35L, Simon Bevan 14th M40S, Paul Whipple 14th M16B, Matthew Whipple 7th M20L, Simon Whipple 41st M55S, Gill Tomlinson 41st W60L, Jean Velecky fell unwell during her 1st run - I hope shes now fully recovered.
The 6-days in 2011 is to be held around the town of Oban on the West coast. The events are much more localised, and you can be dragged by the kids to see Balamory (Tobermory on Isle of Mull) on the rest day.
