Orienteering

Finding one's way in an unknown area, stretching one's own ability and precision when reading maps, working out the right direction using a compass, going through a series of compulsory checkpoints and all this in the least possible time, running towards the finishing line through woods and over fields. Orienteering is a sport which origins lie in the countries of the far north where finding one's position on the tundra plains is taken for granted - which practised at a competitive or amateur level - has developed rapidly in Trentino since the end of the seventies. Areas like Folgana and Luserna are particularly suitable for this sport in which physical attributes are married to the readiness of your reflexes and precision. Therefore, it is not always the case that the fastest runner is the winner. Numerous competitions, including international events, are held every summer in Trentino as well as other events open to all visitors regardless of age who want to try this unusual experience. The centers supply special maps for the various areas, compasses and essential equipment.

Read the text and answer the comprehension questions:

1. What is a participant of orienteering session presupposed to do?

2. What does the sportsman need a compass for?

3. Why do the origins of orienteering lie in the countries of the far north?

4. When did orienteering become popular as sport in Trentino?

5. What skills are necessary for being successful in orienteering?

6. Are there any age restrictions in orienteering?

7. What do orienteering centers supply participants with?

Task 1. Read the texts (“Hiking and trekking” and “Orienteering”) and choose the correct versions of answers.

1. A starting point for mountaineering is considered to be … .

1. ascending a rocky spur by French soldiers;

2. discovering America by Christopher Columbus;

3. climbing the mountain during Napoleon intervention.

2. Peaceful woods and mountain pastures, a network of paths dotted with 140 mountain lodges and beautiful natural sculpture are necessary prerequisites for developing …in Trentino.

a) mountaineering;

b) pot holing;

c) hiking and trekking;

d) ice climbing.

3. Mushers are experts, who … .

1. pick berries and mushrooms;

2. cook and eat mush;

3. make sleddogs run .

1. Orienteering as a sport originated from …

1. sea navigation;

2. finding one’s way in Northern countries;

3. oriental culture.

Тext 3. Why weight distribution is important when packing a backpack

Then years later, which seems like a lifetime later actually I was with a scout group at Mount Washington. I had years of backpacking behind me. Yet, one morning, I packed my backpack all wrong. It was top heavy. I had put mostly heavy stuff up top and mostly light stuff in the bottom. It must have been the lack of coffee. It was by no means as heavy as the grocery lumberman's backpack, but it just gave me all kinds of grief halfway up the mountain. Finally at lunch break, I had the opportunity to repack my backpack.

Pack your pack bottom heavy.

This is very important as gravity is the dictator in this regard. When the heavier weight is on the bottom, the comfort and efficiency is so clear. If the backpack is top heavy, it will strive to turn upside down and you will find yourself struggling needlessly with you backpack. It will be very difficult to put the pack on your back once you've stopped for a break. Call for a halt and tell all you need to repack. Invite all to do the same as necessary.

Weight distribution Make sure the heavy stuff is not to one side only. If one side is heavier than the other, you will also tend toward on side. You will tend to lurch to the heavy side. Further, you will get fatigued one side of your body and stress your knees and foot to one side unnecessarily. Repack as soon as you notice that your weight distribution is to one side.

Proper distribution It can really make a big difference. You can with a poorly packed backpack or carry double the weight with relative ease. Packed your backpack right. Then you will do exactly what you did come to do; enjoy yourself and the great outdoors.

by Jobie Weetaluktuk

http://www.helium.com

Task 2. Express your point of view on problem of packing a backpack. Do you share the author’s opinion?