This cache is a Tasmanian version of the
Karamatura Orienteering. (Auckland)
Orienteering is all about using a highly detailed
topographical map to find the most efficient route around a course
defined by a set sequence of controls. Competitors in the sport are
individually timed for the whole course, and the fastest orienteer
wins. Each control is precisely plotted on the map and has an
associated control description, giving the relation to the
particular topographical feature on which it has been placed, so
the orienteer knows what to look for. They are not hidden, but are
easy to find if you are in the right place. Each control visit is
verified, typically by punching a gridded card, or electronically.
The skill is not in finding the controls, but in planning the
best route to take on each leg to each control on the course.
Elevation, physical boundaries, runability, navigability are all
taken into account.
Orienteering Controls in Queens Domain: There is a
permanent orienteering course in Queens Domain available for public
use. This geocache orienteering course uses 8 of the many permanent
orienteering controls established in the park by Orienteering
Tasmania. Each control is a post with a marker plate. On each
marker plate there is the revelant control code number and a letter
code. See Orienteering Control photo
link.
The objective of this geocache is to read an orienteering
map and complete the course in the correct sequence by finding each
of the controls in the given sequence. All of the controls in the
park are shown on the map as circles, each with a unique number.
The controls used for the course are shown on the attached Map and
the Clue Sheet. The start is shown on the map as a triangle; the
finish as a double circle. In this case, Start and Finish are the
same and so the triangle and double circle are superimposed. Note
that there is no control at the Start/Finish.
When you visit a control, write the letter/s marked on it into
the Letters column. You then use the table below to convert the
letters to numbers. Add up the two numbers together and put the
result into the Digit column. (The sum will be less than 10). Eg,
'IP' = 9.
| A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
| 9 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
THE FINAL CACHE:
In order to find the cache, you need to complete the coordinates
below. The degrees and whole minutes are given. The decimal minutes
are given by the digits calculated for each waypoint. Fill in each
digit in the cells given by the waypoint in this table:
When all the cells are filled in, you have the location of
the cache.
THE MAP & CLUE SHEET:
From here you can download the
Map and the Final Clue
Sheet. (Note that the map is aligned to magnetic north.)
PUBLIC ORIENTEERING COURSES:
If you enjoyed the orienteering and you would like to try some
more, please contact Orienteering Tasmania here at the
Public Orienteering Courses section
EVENT CAUTIONS:
- Footwear: It is advisable to wear good
boots, or rubber studded sports footwear to avoid slipping on the
steep park terrain. Your feet may even get wet.
- Water: It is advisable to take some
water with you. You WILL sweat.
- Course Time: Depending on fitness and
navigating skills it is expected that the course will take between
30 minutes and 2 hours.
- Dense Vegetation: Some parts of Queens
Domain are densely vegetated with scrub etc. DO NOT bush bash a
direct track through this dense vegetation. It is much quicker to
go around.
- Roads: Take care while walking beside
the road. Even though there is very little traffic, there is no
footpath.
- Course Direction:
Clockwise.
- Fences: Cross fences or gates at
strainer posts or styles. Leave gates as you found
them.
- Tracks: Since this map was last
revised new tracks have been formed and some tracks are now
overgrown, so when you come across them check and make sure that
they seem to go in the right direction.
- Lost & Found: Tell someone you are
going to Queens Domain - so that, if you fail to complete the
course, they can organise a search party
Thanks to DnA for your advice and checking
the planning on this one.