Map & Compass Tutorial and Orienteering Hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park

IN A NUTSHELL:  This event is suitable for all AOCers who are interested in the use of maps and compasses and feel comfortable with occasional off-trail hiking.  The event will be held in conjunction with the Sweetwater Ck State Park "Orienteering Meet" on Sat May 9th, hosted by Charlie's friends in the GA Orienteering Club (GAOC).

EVENT PLAN:  We'll all gather initially at 9:30 AM just inside the main entranceway of the Walmart Parking lot (near I-20 Exit #44 - see Directions below).  After introductions we'll caravan (and/or carpool) the remaining 4 miles to the O Meet "Start" location inside the State Park.

  After checking in at the O Meet we'll conduct our own AOC tutorial session and refresher in how to use a compass in conjunction with a topographic map to find our way confidently through unfamiliar terrain.  We'll also discuss the basics of the sport of Orienteering and register as a "wayfaring group."   We'll then set off together on the “Orange" (intermediate) O course, practicing our map & compass skills to find about ten partially hidden “control flags” whose locations are shown on our topo map.   Along the way we'll take the time to discuss alternate strategies for reaching each successive "control flag."
  We’ll share 3 or 4 copies of the GAOC's Sweetwater Ck State Park topographic map specially marked for the Orange course.  Bring your own compass if you have one – otherwise you may use one of our free “loaner” compasses. We plan to take a relaxed “wayfaring” pace, although many O Meet competitors that day will be trying for max. speed between control flags.
   After we finish the Orange course you're welcome (on your own) to register for a different course and locate several or all of those flags.  Beginning at about 3:00 pm the control flags will be picked up by O Club volunteers, so it's important to check in back at the Start by then.

OPTIONAL "POTLUCK" LUNCH at O MEET PAVILION:  (Addendum on May 8th)  Pardon me for failing to mention this previously in this article.  Since this O Meet corresponds to the GAOC's annual planning meeting they're hosting a "Potluck Lunch" between about 12:30 and 2:00 at the same pavilion as the O Meet "Start."  If you'd like to participate please bring a small entree, covered dish, fruit or dessert item, a few cold soft drinks, etc. to share.  No need for your contribution to serve more than 4 or 5 people.  Our O Club friends normally have plenty of their own food & and drink items on hand for everyone to enjoy!

WHAT IS ORIENTEERING?  It’s a sport that blends the fun of a scavenger hunt with the adventure of navigating between flagged checkpoints in unfamiliar natural terrain. We “orienteer” using a detailed topographic map, a simple magnetic compass, and our judgment as to which route to take between partially hidden white & orange control flags whose positions and surrounding land & water features are shown on the map. Before tackling an O course we’re also usually given a "clue sheet" that describes the main topographic features in the immediate vicinity where each flag is hung.
  We’re fortunate to have in Atlanta a very active and friendly not-for-profit “O” club. GA Orienteering Club volunteers organize year-round “O Meets” and “O” education programs at parks and wilderness preserves throughout north Georgia.  Outdoor enthusiasts from the general public are welcome to participate in GAOC events without formal membership.  For those who wish to join the GAOC, dues are only $8 per year (or $12 per couple, $15 per family).
For more on the GA Orienteering Club click this link: http://gaorienteering.org/
The O Club has an free online "Tutorial" for beginners at:  http://gaorienteering.org/Education/BeginnerGuide/introduction.htm

ALL PLEASE MEET at CARPOOL LOCATION - See Directions below.