URBAN ORIENTEERING

Dragon Slayed

Monday, 19 January 2009 The Park & Street Orienteering event at Camelot Rise in Melbourne in mid-January was something right out of the box. In this case the box was a small pirates’ treasure chest and there were magic swords and bejewelled objects to be seen all round the starting arena. Dragons’ fire had bestowed a hot evening on the participants but they still came in vast numbers to try their hands at solving the riddles and secrets of these Camelot courses. Lady of the sword and chief course setter, Katherine Dent, takes up the narrative:

Treasure Clues

Camelot Rise

Twas seven o’clock in the two thousand and ninth year on the nineteenth day of the month of Janus, the god of gates. The sun was still high in the sky, its torturous rays beating down on the grassy clearing as the troops started to arrive. All involved in the battle eagerly awaited the cool of twilight. At the request of Lady Katherine and Sir Kristian of the Kingdom of the Yarra Valley, the soldiers had arrived. Most were all aware of their roles although a few newcomers had to be briefed for the mission. Once briefing was complete infantry A and B charged away in all directions. They were closely followed by cavalry C and D, and then the agility and stealth of the PW fighters. The last a speck in the distance disappeared and the dust settled. Silence reigned. Lady Katherine held down the fort and prepared for the soldiers’ triumphant return. Many minutes went by and at first it seemed like the heat had engulfed the lot of them. Then the pounding of feet was heard and one, then two soldiers could be seen over the horizon. The first, Lady Emma was followed closely by Sir John. Then more and more returned, rejoicing to have completed the mission and to be out of the heat. Sweat dripped down their dusty faces and they enjoyed great swigs from the gushing fountains of Bottle. The majority of those who returned spoke of a great and successful battle. Some regretted venturing all the way to the castle tower and the haunted tree. Others spoke of their encounters with Sir Lancelot, Gareth and Galahad. Overall it was a prosperous event and there was only one casualty – Sir Trevor, who was unable to complete his mission on time but retuned nonetheless, nursing his wounds (well a wounded ego maybe). And Sir Len returned with 18 injuries (lost points). Those who returned in good spirit passed on congratulation to Lady Katherine for a fortuitous evening. Furthermore King Ian of OV spoke of his exciting adventure and gave his report although it was hard to tell if he thought the mission successful or simply mind-boggling. Lady Katherine was gracious nevertheless for his Highness’ presence. The sun began to set and most set forth to retire, apart from a band of straggling revellers who stayed on to enjoy a traditional banquet feast and ritual burning of the meat. All eagerly await the next adventure.