2004 Australian Championships
"The Black Hill" - 2004 Australian Rogaining Championships, SE Flinders Ranges, South Australia - 3-4 July 2004
First Overall (1st Men's Open) - David Baldwin, Adrian Sheppard, Trevor Jacobs (ACT)
2nd Overall (1st Mixed Open) - Tom Landon-Smith, Alina McMaster (ACT)
5th Overall (1st Women's Open) - Julie Quinn, Emma Murray (ACT)
Story by Mike Hotchkis: Dusk on the jagged Black Range. When we reach the highest point, Black Hill, we have the final glimpse of sunset. A pink, orange and blue mackerel sky hangs directly over distant St Mary's Peak, on the main range of the Flinders Ranges. A keen wind penetrates our light clothing.
Much, much later that night finds us in totally different country. Bare rounded hills, bathed in a diffuse grey light. The full moon is obscured by clouds now, leaving a view with no contrast, no shadows, no perspective at all. A distant hill and a nearby knoll appear indistinguishable, as if there are two hills where the map shows only one. We are wearing a few extra layers now against that cold breeze.
Morning sees us jogging again, along gravelly dry creek beds, or stepping through close-packed pines on the creek banks, or crossing broad open hillsides. The cloud has long gone and the sun warms us. The hours become minutes as we endeavour to clock up one more checkpoint before heading home.
Spinifex, or porcupine grass, covered some areas, and left more than just memories. Several days later I was still removing thorns from my hands.
Read MoreFirst Overall (1st Men's Open) - David Baldwin, Adrian Sheppard, Trevor Jacobs (ACT)
2nd Overall (1st Mixed Open) - Tom Landon-Smith, Alina McMaster (ACT)
5th Overall (1st Women's Open) - Julie Quinn, Emma Murray (ACT)
Story by Mike Hotchkis: Dusk on the jagged Black Range. When we reach the highest point, Black Hill, we have the final glimpse of sunset. A pink, orange and blue mackerel sky hangs directly over distant St Mary's Peak, on the main range of the Flinders Ranges. A keen wind penetrates our light clothing.
Much, much later that night finds us in totally different country. Bare rounded hills, bathed in a diffuse grey light. The full moon is obscured by clouds now, leaving a view with no contrast, no shadows, no perspective at all. A distant hill and a nearby knoll appear indistinguishable, as if there are two hills where the map shows only one. We are wearing a few extra layers now against that cold breeze.
Morning sees us jogging again, along gravelly dry creek beds, or stepping through close-packed pines on the creek banks, or crossing broad open hillsides. The cloud has long gone and the sun warms us. The hours become minutes as we endeavour to clock up one more checkpoint before heading home.
Spinifex, or porcupine grass, covered some areas, and left more than just memories. Several days later I was still removing thorns from my hands.
