On Saturday, April 8, 2023 in lousy weather conditions, 17 hardy souls trekked about Camp Grier and the surrounding area, including the Copper Ridge section of the Fonta Flora State Trail. The weather was in the low 40’s and raining, though the first part of the day was a very reasonable slow drizzle. Still, miserable conditions with lots of shivering people anxious to get warm and dry.
Despite the cold, dark, and damp environment, some great performances were seen as everyone proved me wrong in that the course is “probably not clearable.” I’m going to work on my predictive skills, because I got it completely wrong this time. Close to half the field, which was comprised of highly experienced navigators (there were no beginners at all) cleared the course.
Charlie Roberts took the win in a closely contested race at the top, clearing the course of 25 controls in 145:22. He bested Philipp Trummer, who came in second just five minutes later, and Brandon Smith just thirty seconds later. Charlie took home a $25 gift certificate from Highland Brewing and though we all, of course, enjoyed the cold beer afterwards, some hot soup might have been a better idea!
Special mention for Tripp Anderson, who sought out only 50-point controls, and did so by literally walking right past lower value controls. The Trippest thing possible.
Thank you as always to Camp Grier and the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina for hosting us.
