Hemlock Overlook

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March 6
Sunday

Pre-registration for this Sunday event is required, opening Monday Feb. 28 at 6pm and closing Saturday Mar. 5 at 12 noon; there will not be day-of registration.

For our Hemlock event this season, parking and check-in will be at Kincheloe Rd Soccer Park adjacent to the southern end of Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, same as last year. (Click here for a printable graphic overview.) Orienteers will again be able to enjoy a different perspective on Hemlock as well as the large and easily accessible parking area at Kincheloe, which was a big hit last season when we used in for the first time. Note, however, that the graveled lot is in need of regrading, and driving through it is a little bumpy. Use minimal speed inside the gate.

For this event, the dynamic duo of Mark Thomsen and Paul Morris have once more collaborated to prepare a full set of classic courses; course stats and course setter comments are below.

As usual, everyone must be out of the woods and back at the registration/finish area by 3:00pm when we will begin picking up the controls. See the course notes (to be posted below) about the remote start/finish, and allow yourself time to get back to the registration area and download regardless of whether or not you finished.

Update on the status of Hemlock Overlook Regional Park: For those interested, the main entrance at the northern end of the park continues to be closed and locked. NOVA Parks is still deciding how to manage the park in the wake of the closure of Adventure Links, the outdoor activity organization that had been contracted to manage the park, so we will continue to use Kincheloe Rd Soccer Park until such time as we can alternate events between the north and south ends of the park.

COVID Risk Reduction Protocols:

As with all 2021-2022 QOC events, this event requires pre-registration via the link below. QOC’s COVID risk reduction protocols, as also enumerated somewhat here, are in effect. Please read these guidelines carefully. Key points:

• PROPERLY WORN MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED at all times when near registration, epunch and any other areas or queues where volunteers and/or participants are congregating.
• No water will be provided. Provide for your own hydration needs before, during, and after the event.
• There is no planned, on-site beginner instruction, but beginners are encouraged to watch relevant videos such as this one created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst.
• There will be eight 15 minute check-in windows followed by two 45min windows (as for most QOC events this season).

• Any large groups planning to attend the event or anyone with questions please contact the Event Directors.
• There are no pavilions or park shelters at this registration/parking. Bring appropriate clothing for winter conditions.
• The size of start teams (groups of individuals orienteering together with one e-punch) on a course must be no more than four (4) individuals (juniors and adults combined).
• Port-a-johns will be located next to the parking area.
• Pets are permitted in the park but must be leashed at all times.
• You're Invited! QOC veteran Sidney Sachs will host a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 8pm to review selected course legs and analyze the routes various orienteers took. Please contact Sid Sachs for the invite link.