Tails of the Goat

Just a brief note from the Peter in charge of weather. I think that I did a heck of a job. I kept the rain to the south (for the most part). It rained all day in Hartford and points to the west (like Kent, Ct.). It was raining quite hard as I drove through Holyoke. Those in charge of weather have to do the best we can.

Note: It is a fact that it rained to the south and west all day. Rumors indicate that it did everywhere in New England except for a small area near the "Notch" where there were only sprinkles and showers.

- Peter in Charge of Weather

During the past year, my 3 children (ages 10-16) have paid no attention to orienteering newsletters or to Jeff Saeger's junior team announcements, so it came as a surprise when my 14-year-old son Kevin smiled to mention that he had received an email message, and was considering doing the Billygoat. I felt it my duty to quell any ideas of his earning a Billygoat T-shirt, based on my knowledge of his running abilities. I added that he would not have Dad to lead him around the course, as I had my own pace to keep. Though Kevin voiced no doubts about whether he could take on this challenge, my decision not to forbid it outright was based on a lot more knowledge of his temperament and abilities than just his routine success with Yellow O-courses. He was going to decide, I had given sufficent discouragement, and I had every expectation of another great event -- on my own.

Then while we were at the Deja Blue, Kevin made up his mind to enter the Billygoat. This was a shock. I spent the week establishing a few strict guidelines for safety's sake. With 3 days to go, it dawned on me that I had a distinct wish to be able to share the experience, as when watching kids play soccer from the sidelines. But by then it was too late to suggest a collaboration -- Kevin allowed as how I could go with him to the first control, but after that he "wouldn't want to slow me down".

Preparing Kevin during the week prior to the Billygoat doubled my anticipation. We wished each other luck when leaving the first control. Later I had the double satisfaction first of finishing my race, and after a few minutes of seeing Kevin trot in to the finish area proud after 3 hours and 10 controls.

- Scott Turner

Have your own "Tail of the Goat"? Send it to Phil Hawkes-Teeter.

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last updated: --Tue Feb 13 22:46:38 EST 2001--