A number of permanent orienteering courses available for public use have been established in Spencer Park courtesy of the Peninsula and Plains Orienteering Club and the Christchurch City Council. This cache makes use of some of those controls. Copies of the detailed orienteering maps can be purchased at the Spencer Park Campstore for $3 each, but be aware this cache uses controls from a number of different courses plus a special, non-mapped, BaldEd validation control. For those wimps who require some backup for their gps, I suggest you purchase one map (it won’t have all the controls) and use that only as a fall-back guide. Note: Orienteering maps are generally fieldworked without the benefit of gps so expect some minor inaccuracies.
This cache requires a moderate level of walking fitness and will take approximately 2 hours to complete. The course distance is approximately 3.8kms (as a bird flies).
Though there are many tracks in the park, all the orienteering controls for this cache are situated off-track. It is recommended that you utilise the tracks as far as possible – if you find a track that looks like it goes in the required direction then follow it until you need to leave it. Be aware that most tracks are multi-use and are popular with runners, baby and dog walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders etc. Some tracks (narrow, hard packed gravel) are designated for mountain bikes so be particularly alert and move off those tracks if you see/hear a mountain biker coming.
Orienteering Controls: Each control is a post with a orange/white marker plate. On each plate is a two-digit number and a two-letter alphabetic code. The special BaldEd validation control will be of slightly different appearance and will have a plate with just a two-letter code. See orienteering control photo links below.
Instructions: From the start location (posted coordinates) you are required to visit 11 orienteering controls to obtain details that will enable you to calculate the final cache location. At each control note down the two-letter alphabetic code. The first letter is used to calculate the cache’s decimal latitude minutes and the second letter is used to calculate the cache’s decimal longitude minutes. Convert each letter to a number value in accordance with the following table: A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, ……. Z = 26. After visiting all 11 controls add up the values you have obtained for each of the latitude and longitude letters.
Formula: Now apply your totals to the cache location. Cache location: S43 25.(776 + your latitude total) E172 42.(493 + your longitude total).
Cache: Is a 2 litre camo container containing logbook, pencil and swap goodies.
CAUTIONS:
- Clothing: As you will be travelling at times through areas of low ground cover it is advisable to wear gaiters or long trousers for leg protection.
- Water: Do take some water with you and don’t forget the sunblock.
- Trees: Some waypoints and parts of the course will be under trees. Satellite signals may be lost so before entering tree cover take careful note of the bearing and distance to your next waypoint.
- Mountain Bikers: Be alert to mountain bikers.
I trust that you will enjoy your exploration of Spencer Park. Don’t forget to pack the picnic meal.
CHRISTCHURCH ORIENTEERING INFORMATION: The Peninsula and Plains Orienteers hold regular orienteering events in and around Christchurch. Everybody is welcome to participate in events the club holds. Check the web site for details.