It was an itch that needed to be scratched, a tummy rumble that simply had to be fed: why are we not orienteering over summer? How can we fix this?
That was the scenario 30 years ago, and it led to the biggest money-spinner and most successful innovation in ONSW history: the Sydney Summer Series.
Today's event at Waverton - with special access to Balls Head thanks to North Sydney Council - commemorated 30 years since the SSS started on the same map in November 1990.
You can compare the original map with today's course.
We had 250+ attendees, including nine students from nearby Shore school whose headmaster Tim Petterson - a long-time SSS devotee - making his return to action after a couple of idle years.
Course length was perfect: Richard Morris (Bennelong) the best with 590.
And did we mention the views? Harbour Bridge, the CBD, the former BP site, the coal loader with its tunnel linking #10 and #23, Berrys Bay and more - on a glorious sunny 25C day with a nice noreaster.
Perfection indeed - but how did we reach this nirvana?
Much like Australian Rules football was invented to keep cricketers fit over winter, the SSS was a way to give orienteers some navigational exercise over the summer months - when it's too hot to 'go bush' and snakes are most active.
Ross Barr was the man who got the ball rolling, with a 1990-91 series of 5 events. Today was SSS event number 622 and in that time we've evolved to coloured maps, electronic timing, online entry, Ross' weekly blog, live results, a free MINI course for kids, a season ticket, a new website - and some incredible statistical analysis by Richard Pattison.
Carol Jacobson won the 30th anniversary quiz and nice bottle of Moet.
Thanks to setter Warwick Selby, hosts Garingal, ONSW for supplying the commemorative mini cupcakes, and of course Moses himself - Ross Barr (pictured starting his course). Raw results are here.
Here's to another 30 years.
