Ambush Adventure Sports - Paint Creek Multigaine Results

Paint Creek Multigaine Results
July 18, 2004
Paint Creek State Park Bainbridge, Ohio

Team	Score
Scott Humbert	890
Hartless	850
Aaron Rourke	820
The Buff Bettys	710
Simpson Sportraxx	670
Sizzle & Tizzle	640
Bill Donnelson	Late

It was a close call - the race was nearly marred by perfect weather, but fortunately a few early morning showers eliminated that possibility. The rest of the day was cool for July and provided for some very fast times.

Most people said they got out on the water before the wind picked up too much, so the paddling element was enjoyable. The navigation seemed to be right about where it needed to be - not tricky, but every team seemed to have a little bit of trouble finding one checkpoint or another. 80, especially seemed to give some people problems, but those who persevered found it, right here it was supposed to be. There was a least one person that found out if Race Director Brad Hunt says "it's a little thorny" that he means it!

Scott Humbert rappelling at Harmony Wall In the multigaine format it is always difficult to tell who is ahead, since each teams' routes are different. You would have never guessed, from his la-di-da attitude as he cruised through the rappelling element that Scott Humbert was on the way to posting the winning score; but in the end, that's exactly how it worked out, with Ron Hart and Aaron Rouke coming in close behind.

It looks like the Buff Bettys may have a new teammate and Jerry and Sherry Simpson continue to improve at every race.

Team Sizzle & Tizzle adapted well to this unique format race and had enough time to do a little exploring of the ATV trails. we hope to see them back.

Bill Donnelson was having so much fun that he almost didn't return, but eventually came back all smiles and happy for the adventure.

July 16, 2004

BLACK BEAR SPOTTED IN HIGHLAND COUNTY

Adult female black bear making her way through Ohio

XENIA, OHIO - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has confirmed sightings of a black bear in the Highland County Area.

"The bear was trapped and tagged with a radio collar in West Virginia," said Dave Kohler, assistant wildlife manager. "On July 2 she was released in Mason County, West Virginia and later that day turned up some 30 miles away in Gallipolis, Ohio. This bear has traveled as far north as Circleville. The female black bear weighing in at 198 pounds has not caused any problems and does not stay in any one location for any length of time."

"The adult female bear was seen on Tuesday and Wednesday night in the Greenfield areas," said Kohler. "She was last sighted on Thursday between Paint Creek State Park and Bainbridge, Ohio. We expect she will head for more suitable territory and move out of the area over the weekend. She could be heading for Ross, Pike, or Adams counties."

Ohio has approximately 50 resident black bears. Most of Ohio's bears can be found in the northeastern and southeastern forested areas of the state. Although, most bears are reclusive and stay away from humans the young bears that are about 18 months of age that are being forced out of the adult females territory tend to wind up near humans.

These mobile bears are referred to as transient bears. Some of them travel to the Buckeye State from West Virginia and Pennsylvania but most return to their home state in favor of familiar territory and no people.

"People might encounter the rare chance to see a wild black bear which is exciting," said Kohler. "But, we want them to remember it is a wild animal and should not be approached or fed. Keep a safe distance between you and the bear, as it is a wild animal. Remember a fed bear is a dead bear." The ODNR Division of Wildlife encourages people who have sighted a black bear to call the district office at 937-372-9261 to report the sighting.