Patapsco Granite

The woods are mostly white on the map, and that is true on the ground as well. There are some areas of thorny bushes, but they are easily avoided. In the warmer months much of the forest is thick with the invasive wavy leaf basketgrass, making it a bit harder to run through. The plant is still around, but now it is yellowed and low to the ground. In a few places you may still have trouble seeing your feet or get your feet caught in them, but for the most part they are not a worry. None of the invasives are shown on the map in any way.

The map has not been updated, and you may find a few minor vegetation differences or even a new trail. This shouldn’t adversely affect you. Many of the point features are quite small, and the rootstocks (green ‘x’s) are out of date: the ones on the map are often worn down, stripped of their dirt, while new ones not on the map are large and obvious. I suggest not navigating by the rootstocks!

Granite is unusual for Quantico terrain in that there is an area with a lot of rocks (granite, I’m guessing ;-). You’ll have to take care to read the boulders and cliffs, not something we’re used to! Across the pipeline cut the terrain is more typical QOC ridge and valley. There are also some overgrown fields with signs of human habitation. The fields have high grasses that at this time of year are beaten down, but are still slower to get through than the woods. Visibility in the fields is very good.

The White and Yellow courses both go off trail. These courses follow a stream. You do not need to be right next to the stream, just close enough to see it or know it’s there. Depending on which side of the stream you go on, competitors may have to bash through some downfall. There isn’t a great deal and it’s not too hard. Consider it training for the harder courses! These courses will also pass a large water-filled quarry. Please, swimming is not allowed.

The trails are apt to be muddy, and most courses will cross a stream or two. You may therefore get your feet wet. The streams are all shallow, however, and you may be able to find rocks to get you across dry. The smaller trails often have a lot of leaves on them; while they’re easy to follow, you might cross one without noticing it. The leaves can also be slippery, especially on slopes.

The Orange course might be a bit on the difficult side for Orange (perhaps not the meet to move up from Yellow). It shouldn’t be too hard for the thoughtful Orange runner who pays attention to the contours, trails, and vegetation.

Have fun and enjoy the much nicer weather than we had last time we ran here!
Peggy Dickison