The weather forecast calls for only a 10 per cent chance of rain, so the first southern California radio-orienteering practice session of 2008 will take place at Lake Los Carneros near Santa Barbara on Saturday, February 2.

This event is being hosted by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. The site area is slightly less than 140 acres and relatively flat. Full-color orienteering maps will be available. Some practice transmitters may also be on the air for you to find.

The main 5-fox hunt begins at 10:30 AM. Hunters may start any time until 12:30 PM. Courses close at 2 PM.

LAOC's electronic scoring equipment will be in use elsewhere, so standard punching will be used for this event and there will be no charge for participation.

Meet at the Stow House Parking Lot just off of Los Carneros Road.

From US 101 about 8 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, take the Los

Carneros Road exit, head north about 1/4 mile and turn right into the parking lot. There should be plenty of free parking. Look for the orange-and-white orienteering flag. A map for navigation to the site is at www.homingin.com.

This will be the first in a series of events leading up to the USA ARDF Championships in Texas this May. Mark your calendar for upcoming events at Hillcrest Park in Fullerton on March 8 and Schabarum Regional Park on April 19.

73, Joe Moell K0OV