Tulameen Turtles Geocaching Adventures

Blakeburn bottom

2011-11-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

First there is no cache at the cache location, however the cache is in the location above - Lover's Leap

Today my Gluteus maximus hurts, cause – numb icy toes, slippery rocks in the stream and my never ending pre-disposition to be caught up in the fantasy land I’m walking through and capturing every moment that I can. Which resulted in not only once, but twice in landing in the water with my backside meeting some rather large pointy rocks, the bruises will heal and simply means I get to spend the next few days recalling how amazing the hike up the stream was.

As we headed up the Blakeburn Road, recalling so many discoveries in these hills the last few years, still utterly amazed at each new hidden relic we find. We quickly made our way off of the Loadstone FSR to Arrastra Creek FSR, then down to the bridge below. As we made our descent, the familiar outline of Lover’s Leap could be seen high above against the mountains side. We parked to the side, surrounded by tantalizing wild raspberries and thimble berries, perfectly ripe and fit for melting on my tongue. Jordy prepped his backpack, wine, glasses, towels, hiking sandals, shotgun and ammo. I got out mine, camera, gps, SPOT & carrots.

Distance to the intended destination, directly up the creek a bit less than 800 meters. Caught up in the ideas of what may still be there, are the rumors true? Will we find carts still connected to each other hanging precariously on something? What will it be like to stand beneath Lover’s Leap staring up at it from below?

We started up the creek, comfy in hiking boots, until the first pool was discovered. Jordy tried skirting around, holding on to the edges, and backpack with shotgun hanging out. That didn’t go over too well; I kept anticipating him falling backwards. I stripped off the boots, switching to sandals, Jordy doing the same. His first attempt at walking through, well the cool icy water reached a certain body part, he retreated. I scampered through and up first, as he neared I grabbed his backpack so he could have full use of his arms.

The scenery was breathtaking, sound of the stream relaxing, water so pure and clear and the birds playing in their private baths. I entertained myself by taking 245 pictures and snacking on every berry that we came across. Jordy entertained himself by keeping a look out up the canyon walls for Cougar, luckily no signs of any the entire hike. The wind coming down the canyon, felt like a Chinook, embracing you and leaving a feeling like having a hot cup of apple cider on a snowy day. Some of the granite boulders we came across were so huge, and perfectly round, made you fear if you’d lean on them you’d set them off rolling down the creek and take out the bridge below.

Then we stumbled across the perfect waterfall, and pool below, a hidden gem that I look forward to returning to on a hot summer day next year and being naughty. How many people have ever seen this? Tranquility is sought by so many, yet so few ever achieve it in their chase for their belief they will be successes in the minds of others. Shortly after that the strange relic of a hockey helmet was caught up in the log jams; made me wonder if we’d find the remains of a body attached to it further up. We were nearing our intended destination; we could see the underneath of Lover’s Leap, the remains of the trestles stretched out and over the embankment.

In front of us were knots and knots of cable, bound up within its self, some of the cables still attached to Lovers’ Leap so high above that crossed the canyon and back up to a tree across. So many things to touch and feel; cables, bolts, abandoned kettles, a rusty flattened bucket hanging on to the side of the mountain, eventually Mother Nature reclaims of all its metals. However, even 80 years later, all of it remains recognizable and strong enough to hold the log jam back. When Mother Nature does push it all forward I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near as it could take down the remains of Lover’s Leap high above. We believe that there is truth to that story the coal carts did fall down, but they were likely retrieved via a pulley system. This is the only logical reason that the cable is attached from above; they would have lowered men down on the cable to attach them and then pulled the cars back up.

We pulled out the blanket and popped open the bottle of wine and toasted to our shared discovery; Grateful to have a backyard that allows us to explore, and live a life full of moments and memories. Sad that we had to leave, but knowing that we can always visit again. Knowing that opening up the portals between the present and the past brings us closer to balance in gaining a true perspective on this world around us.

Stave Lake CITO 2010

2010-06-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

Below the Video you will find my thoughts - but I think it's very important first before you ready my thoughts to watch the video. All credit for the photos go to my fellow cachers & off road enthusiasts.. I took from them what they captured. I usually am always behind the camera - but this time I spent the time watching others to really capture something..

First I have to ask - how are you? I mean really how are we as a people? I spend my life surrounded by companies telling me how green they are, we preach reduce, reuse recycle - but I still feel strongly that many companies only preach what will add to their bottom dollar. If you were to go around asking these big mega corporations that deal in millions of dollars that tote "Go Green Contests" where every contest entry is a paper entry & they are giving away a Car as a prize (yes a hybrid) to stop and donate the cost to cover dump trucks and to help do a clean up in their own back yard, in their community - you know what they will tell you?

They will say sorry, not sure if that fits within our corporate priorites, we'll get back to you. Yet you ask the little guys - like Mike Salo (who has helped year and year again), Lloyd Davies & Keith, Darryl & Glen Weed to help and they jump at the chance very year. They don't run multi-million dollar corporations, they contribute to their communities and put not only the cost up - but also dedicate their time - and time and energy counts for so much more then pure cash. How many people do you know that figure that to give back just "throw some money" - I'd like to see some of the big head honcho's that make disposable items - like shot gun shells get out of their suit's and fancy Mercedes and spend the day squatting 1752 items to pick up the 1952 Shot Gun Shells left by others.

The 4 Wheel Drive Association of BC - their entire board of directors & all their volunteers put so much effort into arranging this & the sponsors that helped out to make it an amazing "fun time" - you have made more of a difference in the world then you will ever know - thank you for that.

I'd also like to take a moment to address those that think that those of us with "big trucks", or "loud trucks" are the ones dumping the stuff in the gully's or ripping up the fields. I've heard it since Jordy's been building the truck - wow you're going to destroy the meadow's with that thing - I know I can't change people's minds - but I wish people would not judge others so quickly. That big truck of ours has hauled more garbage out of sensitive area's then gas we've burned.

I know so many off-roaders that dedicate their time to taking care of the environment and the areas we use, yes there is an ulterior motive - to keep the roads open & to show those in "control" that there are good people out there. But even if that wasn't at stake - I can guarantee that the same people would be out there. And that number is gowing past a small visable minority to a noticble amount - if we take a look at this year's Stave Lake Clean Up - this year we had 91 people there!

That is a record amount, in total 22,000 KG of Garbage and over 4,000 KG of recycled metal (not sure if that included the several burnt out cars or not). People of every age & size were there - it was great to see the familes with the young kids out there - that means we are not only walking the walk - but we are setting an example! Those that came out to clean - well they even resulted in converting a few people that were camping and not "part of it". By leading by example those around us followed, it's a natural "pack" mentality.

That sad thing is it is so hard in this disposable world of "me" to set that example, we all run around trying to fulfill the need to meet all these expectations of the worrld that we all often forget what is truly important. When was the last time that you stopped and turned back time to rewind a memory to the vision that you thought your life would be? I mean really rewind back to the years and years ago to when you were innocent - to when you thought the whole world would do right? Where you did right because well it was right - there was no debate over what was important?

Where life was alive, where you could feel the slightest touch of a hair on your arm, where all the synapses in your brain were clicking & the sky was filled with pink elephants floating in the clouds..

So I ask how are you? How are we?

Where did we as a society go so wrong, to where even if we don't agree - saying nothing is ok as well?

Where did we say yup - it's ok to watch that trailer drive past you filled with TV's, microwave's, garbage bags of dirty diapers - where it's ok to drive by it after it's been dumped and well we don't pick it up because we'll do that another day?

Why is it that those that care also find it so hard to stand up for what they believe in and just tell people they're f* up for doing this when we see it? Why is it when people stand up for things we stand up and tell them they are causing a big comotion for nothing? Wait until you have back up? Don't be the little girl standing up to the 6 foot 4 guy with a shotgun - (I carry a big Aura - it's all good)

Where is our accountability and responsibility as a society? Why is it we as a society don't enforce a community service law for CEO's that make disposable goods?

Perhaps tonight it is my existential depression, of sitting in bed with my 11 year old son the other night who equate pollution and the garbage disposal a bigger issue then War - and that life will be no good when he grows up because people just don't take care of the world - they simply want more and more.

Anyway enough of my "lecturing tonight" - How are you? Are you doing anything different tomorrow? Will you every walk by or drive by garbage without at least thinking of stopping to pick it up?

Anacortes - year 3

2010-02-24T20:38:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we made our annual trip to Anacortes, and I think that this year gave me more pause in my reflections on life then ever before. I never really realized why the location holds so much importance to me, but in retrospect I realize it is one of the few places that truly holds positive memories for me. From the memories of the ferry right, saving the baby whale, to the bunnies at the Deception pass campground, to the last three trips since we found geocaching. Every memory is a happy one - with no negativity which is rare in my life.

So tonight I sit back with a glass of wine and reflect back on the joys of a life more traveled, and the unconventional roads it has taken me as we look at the caches and adventures we uncovered over a few days.

Spontaneity - Some can't stand it, some can handle it, others of us crave it as if it's a drug. The unknown adventure that awaits us around the corner and inability to understand how one can find exciting the concept of picking paint. We wonder at how one can prize the glow of the "bling" as we would give it all up for the mere chance of creating a memory. A memory that stimulates and leaves you feeling as if a vampire has kissed the nape of your neck. Where every cell in your body quivers with the anticipation of what is around the next corner.

Fortunately or unfortunately I am one of those who lust after what is around the next corner, as for what it is - good, bad or indifferent it is better then anything that continues along a rutted path. Some wonder why I chase after the Tupperware - it's because you never know where it will take you - it's because on any given day I can recount hundreds of adventures that it has created in my life over the past 3 years, it's because I can write & share others adventures & I can see people prove to themselves that they can do something. I get to see people make a difference in others lives, their community & their world - and it's fun!

We arrived into Anacortes on Friday night, checking into the beautiful suite we booked at the Anaco Bay Inn. This trip we were indulging in the Honeymoon Suite, something about a beautiful jetted tub to lie down in after a hard day of hiking while surrounded by eucalyptus, bubbles, candles & a good glass of wine just had that appealing sound to it. Not sure why, but I think others might agree with me. After checking, we made our way downtown to grab a yummy burger & Cesar. Now I must give kudos to the pub for their ceases - pickled green beans, asparagus, onions & olives all part of it. I think I had my equivalent in vegetables for a day with just one! Dinner was delicious and we decided to try the Greek restaurant for Saturday.

We then settled in for the night, all ready for another amazing Anacortes adventure on Saturday! We woke up at 9 and were anxious to get going for breakfast at the Calico Cupboard, then off on our adventure! Since it had been a few weeks since we cached, and this would be "urban" caching we needed to do a warm up first.. lol We headed off to the Cap Sante Cache. The cache itself has had several challenges over the last few years as it's a very high muggle area, but it's the view you go for. Starting your day with a view of all below, Mt Baker in the background - while sipping on a home made hot chocolate with whip cream - what better way can you do it!

If you do decide to visit - we highly recommend that you also make your way down to the Abandoned Amphitheatre as well. We've made mention of it before - but it truly does feel as if you are walking into a scene from Indiana Jones and have stepped back in time to a slower day. Look for the gnomes in the tree roots on your way.

After that we opted to continue down the coast towards Washington Park, there was a new cache that popped up this year that sounded interesting -

Treble Clef. We've walked down this little strip of land before, but never this far. It's about 3/4 of a km down the beach, but well worth it. We found the most delightful little quiet beach that is away from everything! Bring a bottle of wine, blanket and indulge. While we were there over the weekend - we had the most amazing weather, it was warm, sunny & felt so intimate with the sun hitting your face. Almost like sitting across from a person and having them run their fingers across your cheek.

We then continued down the road towards Sharpe's park. We've been to Sharpe's park twice before, and it continues to be one of our favorites. As with all of Anacortes's trails - they are rocky & rooty with a few mild grinds. Nothing major, just make sure your shoes are tied! Over the last year 4 new caches have been placed. Of the new ones A Rocky View is our favorite. The views from the park are amazing, the sheer cliffs, the "naked trees" as I call them - I think they are really Maruba trees - but I like my way better.. lol We saw some amazing sights while here - including a porpoise or two swimming in the distance. I also saw poor Patrick (from spongebob) floating upside down in the ocean - alas there is beauty in destruction.

It was so warm in some areas, yet it almost looks as if the pond at the start of the trail still had ice in a few places - felt like I was experiencing an oxymoron.. lol We spending about an hour and a half walking through the trails signing or "Tupperware" before heading back to our nemeses cache for the last 3 years.

Before we move on I want to stop for a moment on a reflection - we as a society put so much pressure on the "do more", "push further", "you'd be amazing if you just...", and then we spend time "celebrating" things that really truly have no meaning. Do we really need to pad lists of accomplishments to make ourselves feel better? or are we simply trying to make up for the fact that we regret the ability to indulge in those little things that truly bring happiness. How many of us really spend the time doing the things we need to be doing - and instead do the things "we think we need to be doing". How much less could we do without and would we if we truly understood what we could get back in exchange?

But I'm digressing again - to live life with my chipmunks we know I would be happy sharing life with the monks in Tibet, or discussing the theories of Dabrowski and celebrating his poem "Welcome all ye neurotic", wondering if truly the Theories of Positive Disintegration would apply to me.. lol

Where was I - oh yes our nemeses cache! Mr. Erie! You see I seem to have one fear.. and that is standing over a cliff trying to "rock climb" to where I could fall and kill myself (although the cache wouldn't endanger me) but the problem is we can't find the crevice that cache is in! If I knew for sure where it was I would go get it - but I don't. And apparently my fear of personal injury is greater then my caching sense.. lol Jordy tried again - but to no avail. Later Saturday night we sent a note to titelines asking them as they were there recently - but even with their picture we can't figure out where it is. So we are missing something. It will wait.

After our failure there we then got the Woodpecker cache that has been on our list for the last 3 years to grab. Then we head the call of a good glass of wine, Greek food & a bath. We packed it up, headed back to the room for some freshening up and good "grits".. lol If you go - we highly recommend eating at The Greek Islands.. it is to die for - but we also recommend making reservations!

The next day we opted to take life a little easier - Jordy was still not feeling 100% and we did some "car caching". This was a good thing as we found a few places we wouldn't have - first we stopped and grabbed the earth cache at Deception pass. We then made our way down to Doqualla Bay. We saw a father and his daughter playing there - kind of neat - and found an irony. Brewermd had been there right before us - and she is a friend of our sisters who we haven't met yet. One day we will, we made our way back up the island and stopped in at one of the most uniquest beaches we know of - Powell Street Beach - public portion exactly 100 feet wide don't move to the right or left of the paved section.. lol

We then grabbed a few more before meeting my sister back in Bellingham for some great Chili - as well as their amazing pretzels & bread. If you do go to Bellingham - I highly recommend you take in the mouth watering treats they have Ralf's Bavarian Bakery. Then we came home and they listened to my pleas at the border and allowed me back into Canada. I will be so happy when that proof of citizenship shows up.. just because I didn't know I needed more then my US passport to prove Canadian Citizenship.. lol

One last thought before we go. The last 6 months have been very up and down for all that know me - the loss of my brother threw me for a huge loop. In the end I was standing there with everything I knew ripped away from me, all items of comfort no longer existed and I stood before my own judgement day due to the chain of events that followed that. I held my hands open to the skies and watched life as I knew it pass through my fingers left trying to grasp and grab at everything as it slipped through with no way to reach back in time. In the end you can't get it back - and I realized that in the end - so little matters. When you are sitting there and your breaths are numbered what will truly matter? Will what you did matter? no - it will only matter on why you did it, not what you did - such as we can explain Grendel's actions and explain them away - when looked at a certain way his destruction can be justified. In the end we answer only to ourselves - so if that is the case why do we spend so much time trying to get other's approval. Remember - live happily, taste life & we live forever, live for others only and we fade away.

2 Awesome Years of Caching = 1,194 km, 3 days and 38 caches

2009-12-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer - pictures in story are not indicative of the part of the story they are placed with - they are simply ones I liked from our weekend

Last weekend we set out on a 3 day adventure celebrating what is most important to us - Time with each other away from the hecticness of life. Celebrating 2 years of adventures, exploring and seeing the road less traveled the way others wanted you to see it. This totaled from leaving the house to coming back 1,194 KM over the 3 days and claiming 38 new caches. For many that we know that simply would be enough, but for us the caches are what leads us, not why we're there - if that makes any sense. It's about what we see - and if anyone knows us they know we get distracted easily!

From 2 year anniversary

We left here Thursday night to head to the cabin, we had originally planned on starting up the canyon. Plans changed at the last moment and we reversed our plans and started in Tulameen, then to Keremeos, Osooyos, Penticton, Merrit, Logan Lake, Ashcroft & then home. We wanted to take more side roads, but the snow is here so it makes it a bit challenging. A few of the caches will stand out in our mind for many more years to come, and but we've also learned that not every cache over the years will. Hard to imagine that at the beginning though.

We left Tulameen and headed in Princeton to try to find Mercs Rock "Playing in the Fountain" , it is his newer one that we hadn't had a chance to grab yet, and was kind of fun playing in the muggle zone. While there I scoped out to see if there were any new history books, and Jordy ran into Will and got to hear about his latest ways to make a few hundred bucks. He still so reminds me of my dad. We then headed down towards Hedley, but first attempting to make our way up to the YDC - VORTAC Station at Princeton cache that had escaped us in the Suburban. We've realized that the tank won't get you everywhere you want to, it's great on mud, dirt and other places - however snow and ice you need something else - this resulted in us trying out the Jeep with the lift now, Sway Bar disconnects, newer tires and we found that it got us all the way to the top!

From 2 year anniversary

A beautiful view was beheld, a true 360 degrees it felt like, not quite as high up as Botany or Hope, but still very neat for the area. Very happy to have this one off our list we headed down to Hedley to stop in to see if the museum was open, which they weren't then onto Keremeos & then to Spotted Lakes. We had originally intended to replace our cache at spotted lake as it is a film canister at the bottom of a sign. But when we got there to check on it we realized that the log is completely dry, it had survived a full winter there already and is truly unobtrusive. If we put it in a magnetic keyholder the magnets could come off, if we place it in a bison tube people will struggle to get the log in and out - so we left it as is.

We then go into Osoyoos & had lunch/dinner at the best pub (brew house) around - we've been here a few times and the food is so good! The murals on the walls are very endearing as well, afterwards we headed over to find one of the caches at the visitors center (Under the "I" in Osoyoos ) & met new cachers while were there. kaasi ! A very nice couple who had just had their first cache published and are becoming as addicted as so many of us, we talked for a bit sharing a few stories then headed our way up the road grabbing a few along the way. One of those included Road 22, one that eluded us last year do to the bug population in the summer!

From 2 year anniversary

We hit Penticton and settled in for the night at the Super 8, a nice place - however the hot tub was not hot enough, the water in the shower wasn't that warm either. Next time through we'll try another location. We did get a good nights sleep & then woke up in the morning and enjoyed Starbucks before heading out for the goal of the trip - a road less travelled! There have been a few caches that have been on our "home query" around Tulameen that we've wanted to get and now was our chance.

We were able to grab a few on our way, however we were very excited we we got to the first one on the list - Teddy Bears' Picnic. , it would take us to one of the Trestles along the KVR. Lets just say it didn't disappoint! We also headed up the KVR a bit further along the way and it took us to another neat spot (TCT Faulder -Nothing but a Hole-__- )- one where there was a cellar dug into the mountain with support beams that still stood. This was the first time we have ever gone into a "Hole in the wall", as we were without fear of something eating us or it collapsing! he he

From 2 year anniversary

We then continued on up the road attempting to go get Kathleen's cache, alas that wasn't to be, the elevation was just way to hi to get that one, but maybe next time, or if we can get a snowmobile and go.. lol We decided to continue on instead of heading to Mizzula lake, this lead us to the B-59 cache and a road we thought would continue through - however the road dead ended.. just our luck, so we had to make the long road back down to almost Kelowna and then back on the 97C over to Merritt to settle in for the night.

Once we hit Merritt we had some good Chinese & a bottle of wine and had the opposite result for water - the hot tub too hot.. lol We woke up the next morning and tried out the Home restaurant and it was ok, but way to busy on a Sunday morning for our liking - That was ok though - today's goal would be exploring Logan Lake - a first for us.

From 2 year anniversary

We left Merritt and headed west, the first cache we tried for was a failure - but not because of lack of trying. We ran into a tree across the road.. lol and we weren't willing to go where no other jeep had traveled by ourselves. So we went back down through the mud & muck he he and I got my dirty boy!

From 2 year anniversary

The next cache really struck a cord with us - it was a Gold Rush Cache and the first one that has really caught our interest very interesting as it took us somewhere we wouldn't have been other wise - Gold Country - Lafek Pioneer . We so wanted to go past the gate to see what the buildings were like, as even from a distance as I stood on the hood of jeep looking beyond at the house and school building I could feel him there. I could feel the love and hard work that went into here, and you know they haven't left here as of yet and that their spirits never will. Jordy and I would give almost anything to be able to walk away from our every day life and live like that. Hard yes, but in some ways so very much more rewarding.

From 2 year anniversary

We paid our respects then headed into Logan Lake and tried getting ahold of 5King Cachers to meet up with them, but while we were waiting explored some of their finder caches. The bike Park in Logan Lake is amazing with the frisbee gold & running across the road he he.. but here we found yet another one of our favorite caches - Logan Lake Bike Hill. It was a bit of a grind & hike to the top, but once you got up there you get amazed by the little things up here - the word Phantom written out in rocks that has stood here for how many years, the little pile of white rocks in a circle covered in manure (pet cemetery?) little lean to's that look like their covered in something - and the view great (also if you have Rogers you'll get 4 bars of cell phone service here.. lol)

From 2 year anniversary

We spent about 30 minutes looking for the cache and taking pictures, we finally found the cache in a logical place after reading Pappy90's log - it's not by the bench, but in the side of the mountain tucked away to keep it safe - along with it's few bite marks.. after finding it we headed back down to meet up with our friends and then head on over to Ashcroft & then back down the canyon as our adventure was coming to an end.

From 2 year anniversary

Can you see the jeep?

We got home Sunday at about 10 pm - almost on time which is a miracle for us, unpacked and settled in for a long winters sleep. But as we settled in we realized just how lucky we are to live this amazing life - looking at the mileage, the views, the sites and thinking were we really standing at the Vortec look out only 2 days ago - wow we saw a lot..

From 2 year anniversary

Is this a sighting of Stinky Pete from Toy Story 2

And then we realized that's why we cache, to see those things, meet those people and have those memories we would have any other way.. so thank you to those people who take us new places!

PS - We also placed a cache that we'll be offering up to Graf to place as it's a film canister in a skate park -we thought perfect for his skate or die series - and only he get's that one!

East Stave & A Great Weekend Holiday in Hope!

2009-11-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

The last week we've finally been feeling up to getting back out into this great back yard of ours and Cache again - It's been a while, but I think life is starting to balance out and return back to life as we know it.

On Wednesday we had the day off and found our way up East Stave in Search of a few caches placed by Geocanuck. We were unable to get to the first one as we hit snow at about 800 meters and couldn't go much further in the Turtle Tank. After our harrowing experiences the weekend before and almost rolling, my sanity isn't quite ready for anything more adventures then a "paved" FSR road right now if there are any cliff's involved.

We started at Kenyon lake and made our way back down, Kenyon lake is beautiful - especially this time of year!

From East Stave

I also got the opportunity to give santa my letter personally.. :)

From East Stave

We then cached our way back down the road stopping at all the little nooks and crannies that there were, luckily if you go far enough up you get past the items (like shot gun shells, fridges) that are left behind by the others. When we go out this way it always saddens us what people leave without thinking of the consequences. We could only clean up 2 bags this time as that was all we had with us. But it is still better then nothing.

Next up was a beautiful little lake below the snow level, knowing the cache owner - we are really shocked he didn't put it on the Island itself that was there.

From East Stave

We kept on caching until dark hit, then it was time to go - but alas one last cache would need to be found - however only the log can truly tell it.. :) It was dark - oh yes that's right we are winter night cachers.. lol here it goes Lost Murdo Creek FSR:Waterfall

The last cache - 5 today - which 4 were FTF's, This was the last stop of the day & daylight had run out about an hour before so we figured we needed to skip the Davis Lake one that we knew had some technical challenges we didn't want to do in the dark for this one which would have been a bit more straight forward.
We headed up the rocky road, glad that we had 4 wheel drive - we got to the 3 way intersection and headed straight instead of left and then had to back down - we got back to the three way and Jordy put the truck in drive forward - however the transfer cases didn't recognize this and was in neutral.. which gave us a bit of a jump.

he then put on the brakes and we waited until it went forward. We got up to the waterfall which was beautiful and stood where we neeed to stand - however it was not clear where it was - we were searching by flashlight with the rain coming down - Jordy looked - I looked then Jordy looked again - he took his Roo hat off as he was bending over to say he had it and in his excitement knocked the hat down into the stream and it quickly got covered in water - luckily it didn't continue down the stream - so he managed in the dark to climb down and get the hat and then climb back up - I signed the cache and he put it back in.
It was a perfect end to an adventure filled day.. :)

Thank you!

A few days later we made our way out to Hope for the Weekend, starting with the BCGA AGM, after that we had the opportunity to really adventure there, which we never have before - so we found a nice little hotel room (with a hot tub) and then went and explored - luckily we found Jeff & Kathy again.

Hope Exploring!

We spent the rest of Saturday night out with them finding the new caches that had been placed for the AGM, helping them find one that was on their "ARGGGHHH" list, and then settled into the hotel for Awesome Ginger Beef, a bottle of wine and some down time - knowing that tomorrow would soon be upon us and we could do what we love - taking the off beaten track.

The first cache of the day was Squeah Lake, it hadn't been found in over a year so Jordy called up Myrko (a local friend) and he joined along for the adventure - and we met Stuart! (a big black furry creature - without a stripe down his back) and were off down the FSR - which we had to wait for a train to pass.

From Hope

The Scenary was beautiful on the way there, and the road offered no challenges whatsoever - Easy to do in the Jeep. There were no Snowmen or Santa's this time - but it was still beautiful!

From Hope

We made our way back down to Hope said Goodbye to Myrko and then headed off towards Teddy2K's new puzzle cache - end of the Road. We had a bit of fun getting to this one intentionally detouring from the main road to see where all those little side roads went to. It was fun - Jordy is just now getting to explore with the new tires and lift in my jeep - so if it's mine then why don't I get to drive it?..

Big Jeep.. he he

From Hope

We then headed back to Hope, filled up on gas and made our way down the beautiful Skagit Valley. We managed to find all the caches we wanted except for 2 (the gates were locked) and we will be back - The photos are in the slide show above - I think it's more the video's that make this trip.. he he - Enjoy and see you all out there again!

Going Green the Turtle Way

2009-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

Taking Care of our Environment is so very important. Without it we are nothing. In today's day and age we hear so very much about be Carbon Neutral, keep our skies blue & go green. But how much of it is really geared towards being a marketing promo and how much is geared towards truly making a difference.

Take for example the "We're Going Green" contest - where every ballot is paper and there are 100,000 of them - how green is that?

In caching it becomes an even more aspect as we as cachers tend to drive to each and every cache that we get and in some cases if a prize sounds like we want it - well we'll even go out of our way and add a higher carbon footprint in search of a chance for that prize.

Well in caching I believe that we need to take responsibility and do our part for going green. What does that mean in caching? Well we all have our own views on this. Mine are only mine - they are no more then that - my opinions - so what would be an "Carbon Neutral" way to cache in our view?

Let's start with a caching container - If there is anyway possible it should be a recycled container. Those that know our preference is an Ammo box - but there are many other options - make your own from recycled wood. But before you go buy that next fancy lock & lock take a look at what your other options are. Is there something else that can fit where you want it and protect the contents? But alas Peanut Butter containers are a bit dicey as they may always hold the scent and attract animals.

Next up is the "Swag" that you put in it - Is the place you are putting the cache "animal safe"? Would people be tempted to trade inapproprate items in the cache that could attract animals? If so please make sure to leave a note - perhaps consider not leaving any Swag in it. Last instead of buying new "dollar store items" are there recycled items in your home that you can use? I'm not talking McDonald's toys - but what about Candle holders, coasters, tapes - we all donate tons of items to thrift stores do you have some that can fit in a cache? What about CITO containers? What about leaving rechargable batteries & a charger as an FTF prize instead of doing a coin run for a promo? (See the facts below on battery use and impact on our carbon footprint)

So do we have all this so far?

Next up - the all important Cache Placement! First is the cache container approrate for the area? Do you have a micro in the forest - WHY?? if you place a micro in a stump the stump will be destroyed by people looking. Are you placing it where a "geo trail" could be impact the area? If a person who isn't a cacher find it and get concerned about where you have placed it? Make sure you really think about how many people will show up to the cache and what impact they will have.

It's also important to make sure that you return on a regular basis to check to see if there are any impacts and take any action that you need to fix the situation. We all like to make caches fun and a challenge - but make sure you can help guide the cacher - offer dial a hints, puzzles, mysterious clues!

Next up - how are you going to get to your caches? Are you biking? bussing? biking? Let's be honest folks - most of us drive to the caches - as noble as we think we all are in our efforts if we truly do a pulse check on our behaviours we are far from doing the right think.

I suggest that you take a look at your cache to cache distance in any available calculator - ours is about 14,000 at this point for mileage driven alone. Based a Carbon Calculator our Caching Carbon Footprint (not including containers and other items that we use for caching) We have used 5.57 tons. So how can we offset that? Well there are many things we can do to help offset that.

We can plant trees, help in building windmills - it is a personal choice as to what we do - what is your choice? Tell me if you had a choice to either get a gift for finding a cache or a donation to help offset your footprint - what would you choose?

Let's talk about what to do once you get a cache - do you make a point of carrying bags with you to clean up what you find left by others? I hate to say this but no matter how "green" you live your life, no matter how carbon neutral we try to be - we each have a responsibility to clean up after others. Do you really want that garbage to leach into the lake, and why is it I hear from others "well I didn't leave it". Being Green is just as much about fixing what problems we currently have as it is in being preventative. CITO every day in every way - there is a really cool cache labelled Davis Lake Clean up Cache. The day the last big cache launch in BC occured - we opted instead to go to this one, don't know why but it made me feel so good about helping that lake. I think that others should place caches in areas that need help.

Last but not least - what are we teaching our children? Do we always lead by example? Do we reward them for doing the right things for the right reasons? or are we rewarding them by encourage them to do something because they are going to get a carrot? What happens when they get older and there is no carrot?

Oh yes - one last note - USE RECHARAGEABLE BATTERIES! Do you have any idea how many batteries are in the dumps and in our ground because people throw them away. Think about it - 2 batteries per day of caching in many cases - some more. If you multiply that by 50,000 cachers * 50 days a year = 5 MILLION batteries a year. An independent study conducted for battery manufacturer UNIROSS estimates that using a disposable battery to create 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity has a global warming impact equivalent to driving a car 283 miles; using a rechargeable battery is equivalent to driving 10 miles.

I know that my opionions don't resemble everybodies - but if we are going to go "Green" then let's at least be honest with ourselves about what "Going Green" is.

Off to go explore another tangent

One Voice

2009-10-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

First I know basically that I'm talking to myself here - and yes I will reply - so does that mean that I'm crazy - maybe yes but it helps me survive.

Anyone who knows me knows how value driven and ethical I am. Do I fully expect others to live up to the same rules and expectations I hold myself to - no. But what do I expect?

I expect others to think about the consequences of what they do.

I expect others to focus on something other then personal gain.

I expect others to speak out publically about something that concerns them rather then just keep quiet and to a few people

But then again over the last year I've learned some very hard lessons on the reality of life.

I've learned that there are some people who care so very deeply and passionately about things that they will fight for what they believe in no matter what the cost.

I've also learned that some people are afraid to rock the boat or fear the consequences so they don't speak up. I've also realized just how much pressure of peers can impact people.

I've also learned that for some people caching is a game to be played and won at any cost.

I've also learned that caching can truly make a difference in ones life. Who would have imagined that chasing a tupperware box in the forest could actually make a difference in a life and possibly save someone?

I know that 10's of thousands of people value it as a game that entertains them and it's nothing more then that. Perhaps that truly is the majority of people - but there are some that caching has "saved" their life or another aspect of it.

As a society we say that majority rules, but why is it that we as a society can not step back and do what is truly best and the right thing to do? I guess that depends on what the right thing to do is.

Perhaps we have a slightly altered view on the importance of caching and the beauty it can create and the difference it can make - why? Well:

- We know a person with Agoraphobia that this is how they get out of the house and are overcoming their fears that have kept them locked up for a few years

- We know a person who has Social Phobia and refused to talk to anyone they didn't have to, on a scale of 1-30 on an intravert they were a 30. Today because of caching they will interact and have friends

- We know a person who had brain surgery a year ago and this is how their family gets them to get out of the house and regain courage in life

- We know a person who was subject to depression and unable to work and felt they could do nothing right, they now feel as if they have accomplished something and we have seen them do things that we ourselves might not have been willing to do and given up

- We have seen people with physical disabilities (walking on hand crutches) hike several kilometers to get a cache

- We have seen people dedicate caches to helping to clean up an area abused by people

- We have seen people who cared so much about a fellows cachers daughter that they gathered up a care basket and delivered it so the daughter could smile

- We have seen people who lacked belief they could do something stand in the middle of a room getting aplauded by 100 fellow cachers and congratulated on such an amazing event and then repeat it to make it even better

- We have seen cachers adopt streams & the list goes on and on

Caching can make a difference in a life, so if it can make such a profound difference and I truly hope that if we were to stand up in front of a room of people and give them the option of doing something to help encourage these scenario's. But unfortunately I know the truth about the general public - If they have an option that will benefit them personally they will pick that.

Not anyone in particular - but society in general has a what's in it for me belief. Those we count as our close friends appear to be the exception to the rule on this, they care more about those in their lives and how can they help them.

I know that it is a pipe dream - but what if we all stood up and spoke in our one voice and united and made a plan to make a difference? Does that "big tupper wear drop" really help that? Why not spend the energies focusing on something that can reach out a hand to those that need it and make a difference in this world -

The original video won't allow embedding here - so I had to use a different one

Placer Mountain

2009-10-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Placer Mountain - A tribute to my brothers

In August of this year we ventured up the backroads of Copper & Placer Mountains - it started out as an adventure with the anticipation of using some of the sights we found for next years event. What we found were memories that were long forgotten, memories that would also take me back some years ago through the photos of time in an album of my own.

You see many years ago I roamed these streets of no name at the tender age of 2, the roads were different but many of the places are the same. It seems that time changes nothing & everything at the same time. I invite you to join in the days adventure as we take you through the Placer Mountain roads (alas we did not make it to the lake) through the Ashnola transverse & up along the back roads.

A copy of the GPS Routing can be found here (Thank you Ed for the link to the site - it will deffinitely come in handy as we learn to use it better)

Placer Mountain at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: Travel Community

We woke up early on the Saturday morning, with one goal in mind, to adventure - adventures had been so little this year and we wanted to see what there was to see. Jordy had read up on it & we had taken a good look at the map book and had an idea of where we would go - so we headed down to Princeton and then West on the Crowsnest to the turn off. The turn off can easily be identifed by the Cache that is located under the bridge.. :) Here you will find 2 roads - one that heads down towards Copper Mountain and another that is Placer Mountain. Placer Mountain was on the agenda today - as if you look at the backroads map book carefully you will see how it traverses across to Ashnola. Based on the backroads map book we had several options on the roads we would take, we were hoping that the map book was fairly accurate, but were up for the adventure.

The areas through most of the area are very stock friendly, I even know of several cachers who would be more then willing to take their Honda Civic's on a good portion of them. The first part of the trip we did not encounter a lot of scenary or much to mention, as there was a fair amount of clear cut through here. As well the road to Placer Lake can be located among one of these turn offs (not sure of exactly where as of yet). However if you take just the right turns you will soon enough find yourself back amongst the beautiful forests trees that smell so beautiful - and some of the more scenic views. - along with well some "Spirit Rocks"

We had almost passed by the rocks, but they had called out to Jordy and he had heard them - they called "Jordy - come up this road, Jordy - we want you to see us, Jordy - "

So we took the opportunity to see what was up the side road and what greeted us was absolutely breathtaking - We deffinitely located one of the locations for next years event - and Jordy will be calling it "Placer on the Rocks - a Spirit Cache" In some ways it is reminscent of Easter Island - We never finished finding all the faces & in one of the pictures we have someone who thinks they saw a cougar in it - not sure if he referred to a real one, or one in the rocks. We also identifed a few hidden animal homes, and there is a trail that we believe that will lead you to a better view. We didn't have the time explore it but will be back to see what is at the peak of the view.

A little further down the road you will find a make shift camp that contains a bit of a shelter for those that use it, happily we can report none of this area has been abused of late - and the view is neat - not quite as awe inspiring as the Spirit Mountains but still worth stopping for.

Continuing on towards are goal we zigged and zagged through the mountain trails looking for the road that went through, at one point something caught our eye but we opted to check it out on the way back or on the next trip through - little did we know what that suprirse would hold for us later.

We found the road that would lead us down to our next stop, but it was a little nerve racking for myself as a passenger. Close cliffs, loose shale and no holdy onny thingy on the jeep for me!

I will say that I am and always will be eternally grateful for Jordy's driving skill, and that he safely got me down the hill. However there was that matter of having to go back up this road. I was also greatful that we were in the Jeep & not in the Subruban. We made our way down the Switchbacks & at one point were required to do a 3 point turn in the shale in the Jeep. I could not imagine the depths of my panic attack I would be having if we had been in the Tank.

We safely made it down through the nerve racking experience and found our way to Ashnola - I think all told the transverse is about 17 kms - which if you do the math and you have the tires to do that section you will cut your gas bill in about 2/3rds of what it would have been.

We stopped in the beautiful August weather at a small spot along Ashnola for Jordy to try his Fly Fishing Rod again - it had been years and he had broken down and got the fishing license this year. It was kind of neat to sit back (getting eaten alive by mosquitos!) and watch him out there doing one of the things he loves the most. The river was running but not to fast, and the temperature was just right.

We continued on up the Ashnola River Road for a bit as we wanted to find out if the back roads book was still accurate and the access road that went through from there to Placer Lake could still be completed. To our knowledge and explorations it can not - the only option is to take the Transverse back up. However that is not to say that it is not worth the exploration time to see where the roads will lead you.

Many of the bridges have been pulled out of here, along with the culverts - the culverts can be found on the "flat ground" and if I had let him Jordy would have driven right through one of them - but I still appear to have a bit too much common sense for his liking. The roads we took were so much fun, a few a bit nerve racking for me as the edge seemed to be much closer to my side of the vehicle and the repair of the roads non existant. However many of the roads were perfectly fine. We do however offer our apologies to the cows that were forced to move & the Ground Squirrels who were wondering just who the world was driving over their home!

We do make a reccomendation of having a bit more clearance and less rear trailer hitch if going through a few of the side roads we did - as Jordy Titled This Picture "Who is knocking at my door - notice the trailer hitch marks)

We continued on to every mountain, looking at every view & even finding a road named "Lusted", but alas they all kept coming to a dead end so we opted to start our way back and take that daring Transverse. The benefit to this would be that we would get to take a closer look at what we had seen earlier out of the corner of our eye.

We headed back up the Snakey, Sharp Shale Road again doing the 3 point turn in the Jeep to the top - and then took the first right to see what there was - to our suprise we found the treasure trove that made the day. An old abandoned mining camp - with structures, left over cans, core samples galore & a flat tire on the Yeep (yes those swampers are coming they are currently in the back yard waiting for Jordy to do the lift kit next weekend).

I love seeing him so happy in these elements, the smile on his face - like a kid in a candy store as he goes "What was that used for, and look at that, and oooohhhh" It's like this magical energies just wafts into him and he comes alive like pop rocks when they land on your tongue!

Why do I love him? Because we can enjoy this so much together no one else could ever share this with me and be quite as excited. The rest of the pictures are in the slide show - and yes we will be taking you here next August - along with some other amazing locations.

We changed the flat tire & headed on out as the day was over and we couldn't chance losing another tire - and with our luck we would get a flat one.

On the way home I reflected back on how lucky I was as a child to have shared this with my brothers 35 years ago - and how the stories of their treating me like a princess & putting me in a back pack and rapelling off the cliffs or attaching me to a tree so not to lose me to the bears. I truly was lucky - they were the best brothers I could have asked for - even if Rod did break into the Legion in Princeton when he was 13 for beer and spent the night in jail.. lol

Treasure Mountain

2009-09-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend took us on a long overdue road trip in our own back yard, after a few weeks hiatus the latest words that were tripping off of Jordy’s tongue were “Treasure Mountain”. It seemed to follow him in the forums, in his dreams and he knew the trek was necessary soon before the snows of winter snuck in.

From Treasure Mountain

We headed off Saturday Morning with the 4 of us tucked away in the Jeep, now keep in mind that the Jeep is still stock with tires that love to slash their own sidewalls on the slightest of rocks. We knew that we have a few limitations and with 2 more than normal in the Jeep we would be carrying a little extra weight so the back end would hang a little lower.

We headed out from the cabin and headed down River Road. The River Road follows along the beautiful Tulameen River, many remnants of the mining days of the past and present can be found along the river. These include cabins, miner’s shacks & the occasional aerial tramway. Most of the tramways have now long since vanished, if you look hard you might find a cable or part of the platform – but luckily at least one full one still stands today. If you look carefully as you travel up, between the two bridges closest to Tulameen(about 6 km), one is still standing. Drive along slowly and you’ll see it on the river side, both platforms still in place – the Cable still intact and a cable car part way between the two.

We’ve not quite brave enough to try to bring it over to our side and take a ride, never know what to expect in these parts, so we continued on up the road continuing on the Tulameen River FSR. Where logically you would be able to go straight at the cross roads, a washout has changed the route a bit, you have to head up the Tulameen-Olivine FSR for a short ways and then ventures west.

From Treasure Mountain

Continuing to head West you’ll eventually pass the Champion Creek FSR, and then past the Tulameen Falls Sign at about the 31 km marker. Up to your right you’ll see a few trailers, these belong to our good friend Will, and then you will pass Vuich Falls, the Vuich Falls Rec Sight & Sutter Mountain Rec Sight. To this point a Honda Civic will traverse it with no challenges.
Shortly after that the road you’re looking for will be on the left hand side – the long awaited Treasure Mountain, it rose majestically above us. We headed up the main road, by passing a variety of off shoots that went left and right – not exactly sure of where they all headed, we stuck to the main road to start with. According to the back roads map book, one of these leads to Tulameen Mountain. As you start to peak the first crest, if you look below you will see the Yurt’s. The Yurts that are there, are part of a private resort and it appears to be a fairly large complex. The higher we went the more we could see.

From Treasure Mountain

We continued on after taking a look at the Yurts, past a “Danger – Keep Out” sign, we thought that the road to the high point might be a little further along. The road at first was fine for the Jeep, but we slowly starting loosing clearance a little bit at a time and after about 20 minutes it started turning into a Mini-Whipsaw run which was a bit much for the Jeep on tires with bad habits – so we turned back and opted for trying another way. – the “Danger – Keep Out”. There exists no gates, nor private property signs here – so we opted to try it and see at what point we would need to turn back.

The road continued on up and up, with our elevation ever increasing along with the nervousness of the condition of the road for one of the backseat occupants. In general the road is still in excellent shape, however I wouldn’t recommend bringing a tank on it at this point as some of the side edges are showing a bit of wear. The jeep was the perfect size and we finally crested the top of the mountain and arrived at the plateau. At the plateau to your right you’ll see an empty flat service, then to your left a trench remains, you can then either opt to go through the trench to the other side, or you can opt to drive up and around.

From Treasure Mountain

The views and experience are quite unique and interesting, as you can see the winding twisty road up – reminded us a bit of the Road leaving the Hedley area and passing Frenchies Mine. On the East site of the Trench you can park and walk up to the “lookout” (there is a geocache there if you’d like to look up the coordinates). The view there is impressive; there is even a benchmark up there. During the right season you can snack on a handful of huckleberries, but make sure to take your bear spray to be on the safe side. I wouldn’t drive a vehicle up to the lookout, but would recommend parking near the trench as there were several sink holes sighted along the quick walk up, and at several places the ground sounded pretty hollow.

A few trays of Core Samples remain as the only structure still present in a mining area that has been virtually untouched since left by those that mined there. We explored a bit and then headed back down the road to see what else awaited us for the day. Down below we decided to take the next spur to see what it beheld and it resulted in the base of a Yurt, along with being on the high side of some of the remnants of the old structure called Dornberg Gravity MIll that existed in 1930. We hopped back in the Jeep to go in on a lower road which would provide us better access to explore the skeleton of the building that was left. When you are in these areas it always feels like you’re intruding on the ghost of the pasts and interrupting their quite time.

From Treasure Mountain

Gareth has seen one other road that he wanted to explore so we headed down it, it added a bit of fun to the day – we wondered if it would lead to the main road? To a mine? To our surprise it leads down to a couple of old structures, along with an abandoned old motor home. It belongs to a family named McIvor’s who welcomes all visitors to use their cabin as long as you respect it, was very neat to see all the signatures on the door, along with the note about the Rat Poison inside. A quaint little creak runs behind it, we finished exploring the structures & the motor home. Thinking how did they get the motor home down there along the road, but time changes everything – and in the days the bus was brought in the road was likely in a bit different shape.

From Treasure Mountain

It was time to say our good byes to the McIvors and head on up the Tulameen River Road a bit more as we had one more goal to try to achieve. Jordy has had a theory about the Wells Lake and Tulameen FSR Road for a while, and recently had confirmation that someone had made the run between the two. We wanted to see how close we could get. We continued on up to the end of the Tulameen FSR past the Grizzly signs (remember bear spray please) to the “end of the road”.

From Treasure Mountain

The end of the road brings you to a clear cut with a treed area - unfortunately we didn’t have the exact coordinates of where we got to the other side, however the worst case scenario was 1.2 km as the crow flies from the lake. The area where we had tried to access this from the Wells lake area was about 400 meters from the lake & we were about 200 meters from trees when we did the reading – so we figure the treed area is between 400-600 meters wide. The Suburban is a bit too long to make it & the Jeep a bit to stock – so the cross over would have to wait another day – but it make Jordy happy to know that it was there and one day he will make it there. For most of this trip to this point a Civic could likely make it, and for those that geocache if you have bear spray and willing to walk a bit through the trees – perhaps next year you might find an easier way to a new cache in there!

Evening was starting to set and we had steak & prawns waiting at the cabin so we started the 50 km trek back to the cabin. We hadn’t stopped at Jacobsen lake on the way in so a few moments were spent reading up on the history and the interpretive board that was placed recently by Kelly Cook & then again when we passed by the recreation sights we stopped momentarily to take a few photos and then home again.

It was a great day of exploring, Treasure Mountain beat our expectations with the views, although we didn’t find as many abandoned structures as we had hoped – but we got to find a great view see some sights in our own backyard that had been on or to do list.

Full information on the mine can be found at : Treasure Mountain

2 weekends, good friends & 5 FTF's

2009-07-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Slide Show!

The last few weeks have found us busy again as usual, summer's hear and what better thing can two turtles do then spend the first weekend with good friends! Then of course the next with a very very long overdue weekend adventure taking us about 800 kilometers.

The weekend of the 19th found us in Tulameen playing host to several of our awesome friends. The first being Catapult Jeff & Iron Maiden - they were there to celebrate their 2500th cache with us. I'd love to tell the story in my words - but you know what Jeff's version is so much better - it can be found here:

Catapult Jeff & Iron Maiden's 2500th find!

The next day found us teaching Geocache 101 at the Tulameen Community Hall, we are quite happy with the turn out and do hope that all that attended will claim thier "attended". It was a good turn out and we walked to the nearest 3 caches as opposed to 5 as it was a very very hot day. But smiles were had as the cachers learned their way through some of the traditional caches and the one that is a bit trickier along the way. It was great to see Geo Canuck 77 & BCrockcrawler & Crossstitcher as well again.

We then came home and rested up for the weekend to end all weekends, 800 kilometers would be had! (or so there abouts), 4 FTF's, a false call to 911 due to thinking there was a fire and in the end an amazing waterfall!

We left Maple Ridge about 7 on Friday night, a little behind schedule due to poor planning on our part. We haven't been camping since last year and had a few last minute things to iron out - like pick up beer ahead of time, pack water - minor details. We then finally got out of town and headed up the canyon stopping for a few of the newer caches along the way. We finally made it into Boston Bar with a last minute thought! - Wait no ice!! It's 10:05 PM what will be open??

Well luckily the Husky was amiable, he was counting cash and I put up a sign in the window that said ICE!! CASH!!! He opened the door and let me get 2 bags, of which apparently I only needed one - but hey who's counting. We then continued booting it up the canyon to Lytton - our destination for the night. In a previous adventure we had come here in search of the Botanie Mountain Lookout and knew just where the perfect tenting place would be, on the lower portion of the road. We got there and set up about 11 PM and settled in for the night.

The next morning I woke up to find my favorite camping food.. berries - now why I love berries is because they are succulent, delicous, mouth watering and these I wasn't sure what they were but I'm venturing a guess that they were boisen berry.. if not Jordy had a picture so when he would have to take me to the hospital they'd know..!!

Cache #800 was on the horizon as we had claimed #799 the previous night, one of Ilovevacations - Blink and you'll miss it. We had opted for Lion's Den to be #800 or is it #801 - It was a place where 2 caches co-existed in happiness together. Was very neat to be there and see the park, I had to step in the beautiful stream that was there though as it was so refreshing!!

We explored for a bit then opted to move on down the line to Lillooet where our first weekend goal was upon us. Fools Gold in Shulaps. We had planned for this cache for the last year and this weekend was our first opportunity to get it. We had expected (since it had sat there for almost a year) to have some sort of challenge in obtaining it - So we were prepared with tow rope, chainsaw - you name it.

We made it into Lillooet and were both happy and sad at the same time, as the forest fire was in the town. Happy that it wouldn't impact our plans, but sad at the same time for the people who live here and the fear they must go through when the fires rage so close to their front doors. We sat in awe at the Helicopters as they picked up the buckets of water and dropped them on the fire, the precision they must have. As well how does water ever make it onto the fire, as it seems so much streams out of the buckets as they head towards the fires.

After cooling down a bit with a slushie and getting gas we headed on up the road that goes to our destination - Fools Gold in Shulaps, and what an amazing beautiful drive it turned out to be. The Horseshoe Canyon amazing, we didn't want to pull the Jeep to close to the edge as we feared we might be the next ones down it!

After making the stop there we continued on up until we passed the sweetest little river that looked so cool & refreshing, alas mean Mr. Turtle wouldn't allow me to play - I had to navigate him somewhere and to play would be my reward.. So I went along for the ride and we made the final turn on to the final FSR that would take us to the top. Along the way we passed Albert's house - how do we know's it's Albert - Well his Lizard told us so! One of those funny things you see, the huge lizard was just sitting in the tree guarding shrek's swamp.. lol

After the momen of humor we continued on up the switch backs, all the while getting closer and wondering when we would reach the top and what obstacles would be in our way - we made one wrong turn down a spur for a few moments but quickly turned ourselves around and headed up the correct route. We finally made it to the top and were in awe that there was nothing in the way, nothing that woud discourage one.. all that was left between us and the cache was 300 meters and a fear that someone had been here and forgot to sign the book - like last time!

We climbed to the top making sure not to look down and get veritgo and were greated with some of the most amazing sights we have seen, and reminders of the wa and reason we like to cache. It's about where it takes you, what you get to see and experience.. Not about the numbers. We took in the 360 degree view and tried to get some footage, my audio got drowned out by the wind - but I think you can get the idea!

It was then time to head back down the mountain, victorious that we got the FTF! The first of the weekend.. we headed back to Lillooet arriving in there about 7 PM, and watched the helicopters some more. Lillooet had had a farmers market running earlier and they were now setting up for a celebration of some sort. I can not think of a town that would need it more. To have the fire burning at your back door, less then 1500 meters up the hill would make even the strongest of people unsettled.

We then headed over to Cache Creek to head towards our next destination High Thynne - yet another FTF that Jordy had the fever for. On the way there we passed through Cache Creek, outskirts of Kamloops & Merrit. Never in my life have I seen such an amazing thunder storm. I tried and tried and tried to get pictures and video but it continued to ellude me no matter how hard I tried. We did manage to pass over the 5 mud slides on the road from Cache Creek to Kamloops without it stopping us.

But the lightening covered the entire area from Vancouver, up the canyon to lillooet, over to Kamloops and back down along the Coquihalla and the dancing lights had me more then a bit nerous and the thought of all that lightening and the consequences it would bring. I've always feared fire - for good cause, sometimes a bit anxiety and panic ridden but hey better safe then sorry. We arrived at the Brookemere turn off and headed up there and into the Misty Mountains in search of another Plastic Tupperware FTF! We headed on up past the FCC & Andy's lake, on up passed the turn off, on up the road, on up the turns and higher and higher until we rounded the corner and orange embers glowed in the distance.

NOOOO!!! There must be a fire, quick do we have cell service - yes we do, call 911 report forest fire says Mrs. Turtle she dials - thankful for Cell Service talks to the operator gives her the coordinates, describes the position and that they are about a mile from the Coquihall and the fire is bigger then a house - it's in 2 lines - must have been an amazing bolt of lightening that did it - and just as the operator has to go there is another call and she'll have forrestry call them back do I clue in.. although a moment too late - that it is not a fire, through the pouring rain at the top of Thynne Mountain I am seeing the lights on the road before.. DOLT!!! I am Now before I go on I am reminded that I did see the geocachers ultimate dream -Hudreds and hundreds of little green boxes!!

From 4 FTF's!

It is now midnight and I am tired, Mr. Turtle is tired it is dark and it is raining and it is lightening and we are at a fire lookout with radio towers around us - hoping they will take the lightening strike. And Mr. Turtle looks at the GPS - 130 meters or something that direction to which is ready to give up his precious FTF at this point. I tell him no! In my cranky state if you dragged me up here this late at night I want my find - grab your man card, a sweater and let's grab the dying flash lights to find it. To which we wander off hand and hand to the cliff in the dark (or what we think is a cliff) together by the dim light hoping to have to walk back to more then the light of the GPSR. We find what.. a lined rock pathway that leads to the helicopter pad.. lol We then feel safer figuring the grizzlies would safe in their dens so quickly find it. Jordy eccstatic that he gets the FTF after all that!

We then retire to the jeep and make the trek back down a bit quicker and off to the cabin for a good solid 11 hour sleep until noon. We wake up and noon & visit with Alvin and the munks feeding them some peanuts, have coffee on the back deck and plan the days adventures - 3 more potential caches - the new one on Rabbit Mountain and the 2 at the falls. The cabins up at Rabbit Mountain were special as Jordy & I had tried to find them some time ago but had failed. Thankfully for caching we got to discover them again - thank you for that. We made the quick run up there but after finding the caches had to turn around as now there was a log in the way the other direction.

From 4 FTF's!

We left the cabins and headed back down River road towards our final 2 stops of the day - Way to the falls and the waterfalls themselves. Great minds think alike and we had been planning on placing a cache here for the last year, just timing never seemed to avail itself. We climbed down the little hillside and found the mining equipment below. Pretty sure it belongs to our friend Will, who we think stays in the trailer above. Really cool guy - if you're on his goodside!

We hiked into the falls, reliving the same steps as we did almost 3 years to the day - when Jordy first brought me here (other then in 1974 when I lived here and don't remember.. lol)

It was an awesome weekend - the same as the one before full of memories - so thank you to our friends for sharing it with us, and thank you to our friends for placing the caches out there!

Cache on & 42!

From 4 FTF's!

Geocaching is a game – that’s it plain and simple.

2009-07-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

So why does it create so many politics & concern? (Photo’s to come later.)

Easy – because humans are involved. From the outside and from the point of view of someone who doesn’t participate in it they would view it as a game so why worry? For me it becomes a double sided sword, my sense of justice comes out with a vengeance – why though?

I must step back to what caching means for me, and I personally want to see it preserved in the same way as it came to me. However as with all things change is coming, and some of those changes are good – but they all will be called into question in one’s mind. And we all know how my minds twists things.

Being altruistic and doing things for the right reasons is such an important factor in my life. And if everyone could be as altruistic as possible and always make decisions based on my sense of ethics we would be living in my personal utopia. But wait we are in a society, and society needs a norm – which is far outside my sense of Utopia.

A norm is just that - the combined blending of ideals from all and we then allow for a standard deviation from that and if it falls within that deviation then all is good.

When we strongly care about something and feel passionate about it, we can tend to put our values forth as the values that all should uphold to – but why? they are nothing more then that - our own values. Am I perfect, no – I make mistakes. Mistakes in judgment and when we want something we can usually find a way to justify those mistakes. Does it make a person any less of a good person? No it makes us human.

Perhaps for me it’s that I’ve seen that other side of the coin and sometimes I can tend to stand on my soap box about certain things. Some of those are conflict of interest, taking care of our environment, and keeping out the commercialism. Over the past year they’ve hit me hard as I learn to integrate with others and try to be a social person. My life growing up I backed away from society as that is just simpler then trying to find the balance and getting hurt and ending up in a “fight” over ideals. Unfortunately my over excitabilities tend to get in the way when I’m feeling a bit passionate about things. Time to go reread Dabrowski theory of positive integratino again.

I try to keep these things under a private note when they occur; unfortunately at times they can get out of hand. I believe in ethics over morals. Morals offer no black & white – murder is wrong, adultery is wrong & thievery is wrong – however if a person had to feed a starving baby and no one would help is thievery wrong if it keeps the child alive? Again that is philosophy and getting beyond my intention here.

I can understand the other side of someone’s choice as long as that choice was not for personal gain. When I see personal gain (corporately or personally) as being the reason for doing something that doesn’t fit within my altruistic values then I call the entire motive and item into question and the entire thing becomes a “bad thing” and I struggle with seeing any positive to it at all. This I’ve been very guilty of (being human) over the last year.

I think we should all be out their picking up garbage, taking people to great locations and having people challenge themselves. Picking up garbage makes me happy – miserable that people leave the garbage there – but happy that I made the world better. But if they didn’t leave the garbage I wouldn’t get the happy feeling.

However for others it doesn’t make them happy to clean it up – they view it as it’s no concern of theirs as they didn’t leave it. And like children if you keep cleaning up after them they’ll never learn.

Is there really a wrong side to that argument? It depends on who you ask – Comes down to ownership, stewardship & integrity I guess. I once wrote a paper defending Grendal's actions based on the fact that he came from a dysfunctional mother and never learned the right way. But then again you can justify anything.

So where am I going with this entire conversation – I’ve been relatively quite about the Gold Rush & now the Shu Shwap, and another program that someone is working on that is causing a whole lot of political issues in the background right now in the caching world. A few very good friends of mine have put up with my venting about how can they do this it’s wrong. But it’s not that it’s wrong – I just see minor aspects, and people getting hurt that are resulting in a tainted view which is making my inner struggle very difficult.

To my friends I say thank you, I am starting to see the light. I’ve been given some guidance from good friends on views and they’ve presented. This weekend on a 5 day 4 x 4 run I opened up my eyes quite a bit on the real world. I’m just as guilty as the rest of the world – and realize it’s time to turn geocaching back to what it is intended to be – a game for fun without the politics, with the laughing and without the view on others rights or wrongs. They say judge not least ye be judged thy self.

I didn’t want to go this weekend, was dead set against going as it was people I didn’t know bringing things I didn’t want on a camping trip. Generators? Lights? Kegs of Beer? Well you’re going to keep my squirrels & birds away and I’m going to be a 5 year old spoiled brat and stomp and fight not to go. Pouting and my pity party, I had wanted to go on a 5 day caching adventure and wanted my way. To my husband to be I offer a huge apology for being so difficult and almost forcing you not to go - I'm glad I did.

Top this off with a bit of social anxiety with meeting new strangers and not knowing how they would treat mother nature, would I be out in the middle of no where with a bunch of people that would decide that burning pallets and making a bonfire that licked the trees and having to tell Jordy we needed to be rude and leave? (there was the Dead tree being cut I didn’t agree with – it was pretty – but Dead).

So if we take the Dead Tree, It is standing in the middle of a meadow and it is a dead tree. There are 2 views on this (and there was no immediate benefit to cutting the tree down other then occupying the children – we needed no wood and it was not posing a danger)
1. It’s dead you’re causing no harm, in fact you can help by cutting the tree down as it will leave to a lesser consequence later in case it falls on something and hurts it at that time
2. It’s a thing of beauty; leave it where it is for all to enjoy. Don’t interfere with Mother Nature as for every foreseeable consequence there will be 2 unforeseen if we end up in the laws of the chaos factor of life.

Well those that know me, know I chose #2, how dare you impact my beautiful view and destroy something that isn’t needed! To which I left the camp fire and walked back up to the truck not understanding how anyone could view it necessary to do this. And therefore the world is wrong, again tainting my view of the whole evening as per my normal response.

Through a conversation one of the guys on the trip, the one you would least expect this to come from agreed with my point as he made comment on it later. Mr. Turtle disagrees with my point. So then what should I do – fight with Mr. Turtle – or agree to disagree as a dead tree that children cut down is not worth my relationship over. It’s had enough issues of late.

But in retrospect the Dead tree really is a symbol of my beliefs and perfectly resembles why I cache. I like to find beauty in all that surrounds me, I like purity, wholesomeness with no ulterior motive to anything other then for the “good of the world” and all that jazz. I like peace & harmony and the serenity that standing on a mountain top represents for me. I like to know that the person who brought me there did so because it represented something important to them and they thought it was a beautiful place, or the place and meaning in their life. Work, personal memories and helps to make me a part of their life.

Being brought somewhere because of the need to generate revenue, or a cache filled with items that advertise to me about here’s a 2 for 1 coupon for Bob’s Chicken really doesn’t appeal. Kind of like those garbage bin caches that you’re crawling around underneath to try to find. So with the new plans I felt like (with so much unknown) that it what I will find and then as a consequence there will be less quality caches as people will start to think that’s what caching is about. However that is fear speaking, and aren't I the one preaching their is nothing to fear but fear itself.

But that is the beauty of caching; there is something in it for everyone. And Caching is exactly what you make it to be. It is a way of life, however it’s much more then that and represents so many important values to so many people I know.

We got a cache this weekend that when was placed was intended to be a 2 day hike, however we did it in 40 minutes as well we know the backroads. We didn’t drive anywhere we shouldn’t have and never broke my personal values, we walked on the intended trail from our location. However did we fulfill the values of the person who placed the cache, he may be disappointed that someone got it as easy as they did. We didn’t uphold his values, but that would be impossible to do through caching as you would have to uphold everyone’s values without knowing theirs. So what do we do? Makes you realize that you can justify anything if you want -

Back to where I was going I’m off again. The game is changing, but it’s not all bad – Underneath we have to look at the real reason why these things are happening. Taking some of the areas – they’ve been hit by a loss of revenue due to the pine beetle, which is what killed the beautiful tree the kids where chopping down, the revenue needs to be added back in so people can eat and feed their children so they don’t have to put their own ethics into question by looking at stealing and doing things they shouldn’t have to so that they can feed their babies.

What a wicked web we weave as humans – I think we all should move to the mountains, get rid of money and live in utopia of the 60’s.. oh right that would involve Drugs that I don’t agree with – but my views on pot in retrospect are due to my brothers death so again a bad experience has tainted them. So to help people that are being impacted by the fact that a beetle hitched a ride on a long boat from China part of the solution is to be putting plastic tupperwear in the forest - I'm confused on how we got here.. what was that again.

So in the end what am I to do? Well learn to see the otherside, stay off my soap box, let Jordy & I find more peace and balance between his 4x4 and my need to cache, understand that life is not full of people with my exact values – if they were then we’d all be the same. Judge less (hey I thought I wasn’t judgmental – boy did I have a wake up call) and stand at the top of a mountain shouting how beautiful it is and turn it back into a game full of memories.

By the looks the Gold Rush is far different then what I had imagined in my mind, it is true to the nature of caching and Brian did an amazing job. Taking people to similar places of what we would take them too and if we choose to do them because they look appealing we might be happy as they won’t be parking lot caches. Perhaps I should have asked more instead of coming to my own conclusions, perhaps I should just enjoy life and not take it so seriously as well..

Hats off on the Gold Rush and thank you for opening my eyes to both the 4x4 crew from the weekend & the Gold Rush .. Even though we didn’t go it has had a huge impact on me – more then you’ll ever know.

My aim for the next year is to be a better person and be more like the ones I care about and hold in deep regard.

Another Adventure

2009-06-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ok - no pictures as of yet - we do have a few but.. you can imagine this if you close your eyes..

Oh good news the formal website I'm building is taking shape very quickly!

www.turtlepetprojects.com - Will be about 2 - 3 weeks before fully functioning - but you can check it out - create an account if you want.. It will enable us to send newsletters & updates to everyone!

so last Sunday we really wanted this cache - Day's Gone By - we got it - and oh the memory.. lol this we will remember for a very long time - now don't do like we did and take your civic down there!

This weekend of caching we managed to turn into our normal adventurous of ending up the next day shaking our heads and tomorrow Mr. Turtle will laugh..

Mostly this story is about a very nice man named Will, why we are glad Tulameen Mosquito's do not carry West Nile and where you should not take a Honda Civic..

You see on Saturday night there was a person camped out at the proper location and we were tired so we opted to grab the cache on the way home Sunday. Now most people shake their head that we take the civic along the rocky River Road - but hey it's a car - a hunk of metal that we try to take care of but dents & scratches - oh well they happen.

So we enjoy a beautiful day on the deck have steak for dinner, a nice glass of wine, watch the birds in the bird feeder and wonder why the Squirrels haven't eaten out of the munch boxes yet - oh well time to go home until next weekend.

We get to the appointed location and walk down to the cache, but alas forgot the clue - so after 15 minutes of looking Mrs Turtle walks back up to the car with Mr. Turtle stating "why don't you bring the car back down, it'll be fine". Now if you recall Mr. Turtle has a tendancy to forget what he saw 2 minutes earlier and what the road looked like.

But Mrs. Turtle got back to the car and instead of doing what her instincts said opted to drive the car down with wondering about the possibility of high centering on the way out..
Oh well trust Mr. Turtle she says..

So down I go and it's fine a few bonks under the car again concerning her but have faith. She gets to the bottom and Mr. Turtle has found the cache.. awesome beautiful.. (and btw we do love the location ) And up they go.. part way.. then try again.. try a third time.. now 30 feet from where the car was parked originally at the top of the hill - they've almost made it!! Mrs. Turtle gets out and pushes it to get it oomph - now 7 feet left to go and the front tire spins.. so Mr. Turtle instructs Mrs. Turtle to sit on the hood..

She does and something seems off - Mr. Turtle revs and no movement.. then she gets off and checks the passanger side and lo & behold the tire is flat..

ok no this does not end here.. so ok pull out the Jack.. put the space saver spare (keep in mind we are pointed at a 45 % angle downhill on a 4 wheel drive road in the civic) on the rear tire - so we can put the full size on the front wheel drive..

We have one issue - not enough clearance, so Mr. Turtle (while Mrs turtle continues to fan the noseums, the mosquitos & every bug that is hungry - of course they have no bug spray, socks or jeans as they were just heading home) away from her frustrated Mr. Turtle - part 2 next

So Mr. Turtle continues to try to change tire, jack it up, it won't stay, find rock dig out hole..try again.. no wait that's not working - is that a car - run out to the road and flag down driver.. no that's an airplane dear they're a little higher..

Well at least you know the berries aren't out so we're save from the bears.. himm bear's - berries - wonder if that's why the call them bearies.. just a curiosity.

Try to find big stick to level vehicle, no try to find flat rock to put jack on - try jack again.. jack bends (this is the silly jack that comes standard for Civics as all of them stay on pavement you know.. ) and the jack is now useless as it will hold nothing - it's next getting a TB tag on it.. he he
So what do we do.. hmm walk, no wait there' s a car - run out to road (Mrs. Turtle) flag down completely camo'd paint job truck and she's thinking she's very happy that Mr. Turtle is there as the Young Old Timer stops and backs up with his prospector self.. yes he has a jack..

So he parks on the side road and helps assess the situation - meanwhile he's got his sluce, 12 inch knive on his belt & can of wildcat in his hand.. HIs name is Will and he will help..

So Will and Mr. Turtle work to jack up the Civic.. get the tire on.. and Will has a toe cable with a shackle to attach to the Civic's tow point.. and well Thank you Will we managed to get out..
Then Will offers us DEET & a beer - we like Will.. and we will be seeing Will next Weekend as we make our way out to 30 KM mark somewhere to find his claim and his 12 foot trailer to repay the debit..

Sometimes those old timers are the best (but he is Mr. Turtles age) - he goes out to his claim for a few months at a time to pan for gold..

He - we can relate to.. :)

The cache is a perfect container, log book is in plastic container - we'll stop by with a sheet to say what caching is next time (but walk down or take the Turtle Tank) - took the Cedar Rose to move on - (there is another option - turning it into a Travel Bug - let us know if you'd like this) and traded the Cherry Chapstick for a Piggy Light..

For others that come after.. Don't drive right down to the cache walk the last 170 meters and please don't leave any scented items or food in the cache.. it is animal territory!
Awesome adventure and Cache #770 will stay in our minds & hearts forever as a true adventure!

Again Thank You Will for being our hero!

Stave Lake Cito - June 6, 2009

2009-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Stave Lake Cito

My 3rd CITO, and with each one I feel better about my contributions and how much it's needed. Stave Lake is such a beautiful area if you can overlook what is left behind by those that abuse it. The 4 Wheel Drive Association held their 7th Annual Clean up, and we asked Steve if we could "tag along" and bring some extra people and were very grateful that he worked with us on this.

When we viewed the overall final talley's 26 Geoachers (with kids) came to clean up - which pretty much equalled those there through the other groups. In no particular order we had - HotRod2, GoalieGirl38, Ilovevacation, Peppy, High Maintenance, Hell Raisers, Agassiz Angels, Catapult Jeff & Iron Maiden, Grafinator, Best Red, Teskelly & the Curnews join us for the day.

High Maintenance donated the use of her trailer for the day & the Agassiz Angels brought along a trailer as well - which we are very grateful - if it weren't for the trailers we wouldn't have been able to bring out as much as we did. We have no idea how much we gathered - but it was a ton - alltogether 2,540 KG of Trash plus over 1 ton of recycled metal - my best guess is about 3 tons in actually. What topped it off for us were the smiles on those around us while they were cleaning, they weren't there just for the ICON but because they cared about doing the right thing -

A huge thank you to the 4 wheel drive association for all their hard work in doing the organization - in truth we did nothing for this one but put up a page asking people to come.. so we take no credit - A even bigger thank you to those that came out to help & to the BCGA for their donation of prizes!

We will be there again next year - as unfortunately it will be needed. Hopefully we will see more of you out there as well!

From the Four Wheel Drive Association:

On Saturday, June 6 2009, the Four Wheel Drive Association of BritishColumbia hosted the 7th Annual West Stave Lake Cleanup. This year, 65 individuals volunteered their time and through the course of the dayremoved 2,540 kilograms of garbage and x,xxx kilograms of scrap metalfrom the Burma Road area in Mission.The Four Wheel Drive Association would like to thank the followingindividuals and organizations for their generous support in making this event a tremendous success.

* The District of Mission - This event would not be possible without the continuous support of the District of Mission. The West Stave Lake area is contained within the district's Tree Farm License and they are very supportive of the recreational opportunities available within TFL26.

* Wanda Fairbairn and C&C Trucking - Wanda has been instrumental in ensuring that dump trucks have been available to assist in these cleanups for several years.

* Dean Anderson and Davies Sand and Gravel - Lloyd Davies of Davies Sand and Gravel has been supporting the Four Wheel Drive Association for several years by providing the use of a dump truck and driver for the Stave Cleanup. The use of the trucks provided by C&C trucking and Davies Sand and Gravel has been a tremendous time-saver for this event, allowing the volunteers to focus on collecting the garbage and consolidating it in the trucks, and allowing the trucks to make a single run to the dump.

* Mike Salo and Fraser Valley Metal and Electronics Recycling - Mike (representing both the South Coast All Terrainers and Fraser Valley Metal and Electroncs Recycling) provided the use of a metal collection bin for the day.

* T&T Auto Parts -T&T provided a number of prizes, including hand tools and off-road lights, which were given to participants throughout the day.

* Cloverdale Paint - Mission Cloverdale Paint provided two polar fleece jackets as well as a pair of gift certificates for this years event.

* Tim Hortons - A day of cleaning up the environment would not be possible without the extra burst of energy contained in coffee and timbits! Tim Hortons also provided t-shirts, gloves and travel coffee mugs for this year's event.

* Save On Foods - Save On Foods provided the refreshments for the day, including bottled water and soft drinks.

* Lordco Auto Parts - Mission Lordco provided gift cards and prizes for this year's event.

* Canadian Tire - Two participants walked away with beautiful hanging flower baskets from today's event in addition to cleaning up the Stave Lake area, two homes were made more beautiful!

* Mission Adopt-a-block - Mission Adopt-a-block provided the use of garbage pickers and bags for the day. Trust us....picking up some of that garbage by hand was not something we were looking forward to!

Wendy's - All of the kids attending the event were VERY happy to receive free Frosters certificates. A Froster is the perfect refreshment to follow a day of dealing with West Stave debris!!!!!

Johnston Meier Insurance - Day-glo pens can now be found in everyone's glove compartment....because we all know that you can never find a pen pen when you need one!!!!

PLEASE support these businesses and organizations as they havesupported our efforts to clean up a first-rate recreation area!In addition, the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC would like to thank the following organizations and all of the volunteer individuals for their participation in the day's event. It is a tremendous commitment in the busy month of June to spend an entire day cleaningup the mess left by others. Most of the participants in the day'sevent indicated that they did not frequent the Stave Lake area andmany stated that this event was their first visit to the area ? atestament to the dedication that recreation groups have in preserving our natural resources.

BC Geocaching Association
Coastal Cruisers
South Coast All-Terrainers
Herd of Turtles
Southern BC Xterra Club

An ending - a begining

2009-06-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Now that the Coal Rush is officially wrapped up, although there are still a few people who need to finish logging their attendance - they'll know where to find it. We will be putting our final wrap up below.. but it's also Spring and a time for new beginnings - The kids have finished another year of school, Another lazy summer approaches full of potential and excitement - new events on the horizon for the future.. but also new life..

We headed up to the cabin last weekend with 2 munch boxes, a bird feeder, a hummingbird feeder and hope in hand. Jordy happily placed them on Friday night in hope that we would have visitors - we got more then what we thought we would.. lol lot's of little yellow birds - I had our good friend High Maintenance look at the video - and they are apparently Evening Grosbeaks - Jordy wants to call them Jordy from StarTrek with their yellow goggles on.. lol

On previous visits we had noticed that Robins were building a next so on Saturday morning I went to go look where it was being built - and lucked out - right under where my Hammock was. This allowed me to watch them from a safe view point, so I snuck the camera down and took some video between the slats - yes a bit hard to focus and not worth putting here.. but it was amazing , they had just hatched and couldn't even hold their necks up yet. Hard to imagine in only 2 weeks they will be ready to fly. We came home and did a lot of reading up on baby Robins, and will miss them the next 2 weeks. But really puts the whole thing we call life in perspective... The simple things are the best.. the amazement of watching a baby crack through the shell of an egg to where it can't hold up it's neck - to flying in 2 weeks.. As humans we get a whole year to learn to walk..

Saturday is the clean up of Stave Lake and it really helps put in perspective of why we take care of nature.. so those baby robin's no matter where they next will surive..

What the Robins looked like

Now for a closing of the Great Coal Rush:

Geocaching and history go hand in hand, so do adventures. 9 months ago the idea of the Great Coal Rush came to mind after adventuring through the area and finding some of the amazing structures. We wanted to share it with our friends, and those who we have not had the opportunity to meet. We felt that everyone should be able to experience the area and be able to understand the importance of it. What better way to do that then with a virtual history tour!

The Mozey-on-inn team brought in the first “history” in a box geocaches through Blakeburn & Coalmont, we thought what an awesome idea. What if we could expand on theirs and add in some extra touches and offer up an open invite to every cacher out there to experience it together? Could it happen? Would it be enjoyed? Well we asked a few people and got a resounding YES! as we headed into the planning stages.

We have an awesome reviewer, who helped us every step of the way, including suggestions on mentioning the event in the forums to start with as it was too early to publish, ensuring the caches got published quickly after submission and offering suggestions on corrections to ensure a cache met the guidelines. Hats off to the huge amount work he does on a volunteer basis for geocaching, without his assistance we couldn’t have managed to get as many caches out there as we did. Thank you Mtn-Man!

From Great Coal Rush

There have been so many write ups, videos, photo galleries, blog entries to date that tell the story of the weekend, along with the logs on the caches themselves. It’s safe to say we received over 1000 e-mail logs since the event occurred, we also happen to know of another cache owner who had all of the event caches on his watch list – so he got those plus his own.

We do appreciate the tributes, the little gifts – however people are forgetting one thing - it isn’t us who made the event happen but you – those who came. If you hadn’t have come we would have had 3,025 envelopes sitting in 55 caches with no purpose, we would have had a whole lot of books with no use, and we wouldn’t have the stories and friendships that we have now. So to all of you we say thank you!

Mr. Turtle got to give the tours of the tram lines, to which those who listened to him I say thank you, it gave my ears a break... lol It also gave him an excuse to go back into the towers a few times over and over during the weekend – His avatar on a few forums is one of those towers.
The Coal Rush was a Love affair, a desire to see the smiles on faces and stories of what they saw to know that people pushed themselves to take those extra steps back up from the hike to Lover’s Leap but not regretting a moment of it, for people to see the beauty of our backyard. The memories that will last a lifetime, there were so many. Many that we don’t even know – now when we sit on our back deck looking at our new turtle, as he glows in the dark, we recall the weekend, the laughs and the smiles.

There are many moments we won’t forget – Watching Graf pull out of the driveway and watching pieces of his car fall off, the TT:911 call that (how do you get cell service in the middle of no where.. lol) where Mr. Turtle went and saw a future TB being made as the Swiss Army Knife cut his way through the log that wasn’t there that morning. Memories of Mr. Turtles sweater being wanted finally, Catapult Jeff helping Mr. Turtle at the last minute stamping franticially on the Ammo Can trophies, Fire Webkinz beating mommy in poker!

Teams competing, but helping at the same time by not making it a competition – the fellowship of it all, truly experiencing the “It’s not about the numbers, but the friends you make along the way”. Watching people team up with others and offering rides because people didn’t have a vehicle. Baja Betty’s tire getting shredded and mom jumping to the rescue to take the tire to Princeton to get the last one!

The marshmallows being roasted around the fire and the shape they were taking, the lack of complaints and quick recoveries over tire injuries. The stories and laughs that came out of the cabin that High Maintenance rented, and knowing that they had made sure there was space for everyone that wanted to join them that weekend and introducing new cachers that loved the weekend.

Mrs. Turbo’s for valiantly helping me at the end when all the cards came in at once and keeping my sanity, and our kitchen & clean up fairies who got everything organized. Savant 9 who made such a huge contribution to the weekend and no one really got to meet him. He donated a GPS, and did the video footage every 30 seconds of the whole weekend .

The support of the entire town of Tulameen and the Community Club for allowing us to place the Rocking Down Town Tulameen cache, the Museum in Princeton, the Princeton Castle, the other cachers for allowing us to use their caches. So many more memories from the weekend too many to tell but we know we’ll hear more as time goes on – the logs are still coming in.

I think one of the things that struck us the most was the ability to get to know people in a way we hadn’t before. Funny how you can have one opinion of people and then when you get to meet them and interact on a personal basis it can be such a turn around point and open your eyes to the true sides of people. For that we are thankful, we made some amazing friends, and got to share the weekend with our great friends already.

The next few months we will be enjoying a bit of peace and quiet, there is a Robin’s nest under the deck and we peaked through the slats and saw 4 baby birds less than 24 hours old (we have a bit of video tape if anyone wants) – they can’t even hold their heads up. And we’ll be getting back to the business of caching once in a while. Plans & research are being done for next year’s – and a logo & website being designed –

A special thank you to Bubba Ganush for putting a Cache that will forever mark the event that truly made it worth going down that road another time..

Again thank you everyone (now go claim your lost and found items ..lol) we couldn’t have done it without you!

Now to finish picking up the cards and Ammo Boxes - and we get to Cache again!!

Quinn's a Superstar

2009-05-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

As we head up to the cabin, we haven't had time to put up the recap from the coal rush yet - but last night we had Quinn's talant show.. he did amazing - only 16 performances in total and he was one of only 2 that sung without the original band in the background on the cd.. My future superstar?

Had to share that! - Yes I know we think it's better then ever because he's ours.. but still not bad for a 10 year old..

Tailspin 2 Rally!! Video Finally!

2009-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note.. :) We finally had a few moments to put the video together honoring Mrs. Turbos and Scruff in their event. Although in the photos Mrs. Turbo's seemed to avoid the camera - will have to make up for this in Tulameen. We continue to be ever busy with the Coal Rush and 4 weeks out.. but we had a few hours tonight to pay homeage to those we love!! (Video will be available shortly - still processing..lol)

May all events be this fun!

Coal Rush approaches.. he he he he he

2009-04-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

Well another quick note - We made our 2nd "caching video" - thought I'd post that up here before I get into the weekend adventures.. :)

This weekend rocked - we have the winch now and learned a few valuable lessons - but as always your slideshow!!

We headed up to the cabin on Friday night with the hopes of getting some of the cards for the poker run placed, check the snow levels but thinking that there is no way we will get as far as we wanted to. So at least downtime could be had - we never knew how wrong we would be. For those coming up to Tulameen - don't let the snow scare you - it will pretty much be gone in 2-3 weeks now..

Winter is over in Tulameen and Summer quickly approaches, there really ever are only 2 seasons there - Winter & Summer. Saturday turned in 18 degrees of beautiful t-shirt weather, woke up at 7:30 (yes us) and had to go explore. We packed up lunch in the Tank and headed out wondering where we could get.

From Tulamee - Great Coal Rush Planing

We quickly headed up to Dead Horse Bluffs knowing that the road is plowed, should be good and had no problems there - then thought let's try Wooden Monster. We head over the snow bump and Mr. Turtle goes oh sh*** we're stuck.. lol of course we hadn't ever tried the winch yet - and we wanted to try getting stuck where it is safe.. and we did! and it worked. We made it over the hump and into Wooden Monster without a hitch! We dropped off the poker cards and then headed off to the next few.

We made it up to the 12 km mark off loadstone, and could have gone further but a few snowmobilers are still utilizing that part - so will do that in a few weeks but we did almost finish Blakeburn. We walked the last couple of hundred of meters into the Coal pit and were able to place the cache there - don't ask me why but I love that little area.

From Tulamee - Great Coal Rush Planing

We then headed down to summer sands, well we took the one route in and thought let's try the other one out - ummm next time you head up a goat trail in a Suburban make sure you don't have to back down that trail.. lol - I must be getting better I didn't climb out and panic - oh that's right there wasn't enough space on my side of the door to get out.

We then headed up the Star Gazing lookout - again gettig to try the winch for a snow drift - and made it all the way up there to place another cache, then back down and then over and up Cook Creek FSR to the Cabin - not a problem and all the way to the Lookout! only had one little hitch there.. lol

We were heading up one of the steeper sections of the goat trail known as nestors trail and well we need to winch again.. so what does he do but tie it off to the nearest 8 foot stump.. I don't think I've laughed as hard as I did at that moment (see it at the end) I started crying from tears of joy - it was hilarious.

We got to the top of the lookout - not another track in site and are standig there at the edge by the cache and looking at the lake below - amazed and the beauty of it - and that people were still riding their quads on it and making words.. lol When we hear a quad at the truck. It was a local girl named Frankie and her friend - they were also the ones writing their names on the lake.. they take off and we start going down and run into them again - this time she ran out of gas. In talking to them they were going ride home across the lake - thought not safe - but not our call - we help them out and then follow them down and at the bottom of the hill - her rear u-joint busted - I think fate was calling another plan of action.

We then headed on back to hang out on our beautiful deck and enjoy that warm sun!

The next day and our "The truck got stuck story" deserves a dedication all on it's own - wait for the cache page for Boulder Cache to read it

From Tulameen - Great Coal Rush Planing

Oh yes - progress.. lol almost forgot - 30 caches and cards placed - 25 to go in total - of which 10 are new caches to place and list. Maybe next weekend - we just submitted 3 of them today and the final event for the weekend!

You will be going some beautiful places!

From Tulamee - Great Coal Rush Planing

Anacortes - our 3rd Home

2009-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Anacortes - town of history, beauty and memories!

Today, after a writing drought, we return to our lives of adventures - the next few months promise to be full of excite and stories to share..

Last weekend we took in a beautiful weekend in Anacortes, we call it our 3rd home as we have been there 4 times now in search of caches and each time amazed more and more at what we have found. So far we have explored most of Fidalgo Island, Guemes Island and the Deception Pass area.

Where to start one must ask - well first I'd like to invite you into the best caches (in our opinion) that bring you unexpected surprises!

From Anacortes

#1 - Ambandoned Amphitheatre - GCCFBO

When you arrive here you will feel as if you have stepped into the scene of an Indiana Jones movie - or at least we did. Amazing and breathtaking is all we can say - First visit Cap Sante and enjoy the views - the current cache there is disabled. While still parked there you can make your way down - first you will descend moss covered stone stairs to stone seats that are covered in moss. The full history here is hard to find - however it is where people used to watch the boat races 100 years ago - Amazing how much work was put into it and now it is a hidden jewel.

From Anacortes

#2 Guemes High - GCH19B

You'll feel like you've escaped from the rest of the world. Guemes Island is a quick $9 - 5 minute ferry ride from the mainland - check the schedule. But the entire Island is worth an explore - the puzzle cache between can be done on the ferry and is a quick find, and the multi-cache was kind of fun as well. The letter box we still have to finish, and we love the Donkey's on the island. But of the entire Island 2 caches stuck out - top vote goes to Guemes High though. We spent quite a bit of time figuring out how to get there - even the local high school kids didn't know how to get to the towers. (Perhaps that's a good thing..lol)

From Anacortes

- follow the hints and roads and enjoy the exploration - that is half the fun. Finally you will be able to find the right road. When we were there at the place where the road left the other direction there was this cool sponge guy on a tree.. lol

You'll be able to drive to a certain point and then have to walk up to the peak - you will pass the rain barn and keep ascending up for a bit. But when you reach the peak (near the radio towers) you will be rewarded with a full view of the ocean below and the surrounding little islands - you'll also have complete privacy up there to enjoy it. Another little secret get away on the island we discovered this weekend - Mulling it Over GC1ET7W When you go the correct way you will run across this suspension bridge - so awesome!

From Anacortes

The whole theme through our exploration was that we never knew how much there was. Miles and Miles of trails through the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, if you go we suggest that you pick up the map available at the visitor centre. For accommodations we recommend the Anaco Bay Inn, and for breakfast the Calico Cupboard. There is so much to see there, so many things to take pictures of - to try to rush in too much in one day you will miss out on so very much.

From Anacortes

The Wizard of Ooze is the outhouse supplier.. lol The cachers in Anacortes have placed some amazing caches that have been around for a very long time (and would meet the 42 requirements.. lol) They say a picture says a thousand words - and I believe most of our photo's say it all..

There's even a castle or two if you look around the town carefully enough - as well as a breakwater made out of a large boat that has been filled in and is growing trees... the restaurants and food divine, the people their incredibly friendly.

From Anacortes

A full year of adventures

2008-11-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend marks our first anniversary of caching - some really good moments and excitement and some very tired and exhausting times where we pushed ourselves to the limit but every moment so worth it!

We've experienced so many emotions with caching - moments of excitement, defeat, frustration, elation, happiness to name a few and have met so many great people over the past year. We've built some very interesting networks and met people we never would have crossed paths with.

When we do a recap of the last year so many memories of signing the little log sheets - all 654 of them.. and you know what I remember every one as we made sure to go out of our way to make sure we stayed true to the nature of what was important to us about it.

Our first caching trip took us from Vancouver to Tulameen, Princeton, Merritt and everywhere in between and over the last year we've chased down caches by Mercrocks, AlleyKatz, Zuuk, IRLPguy, TJguy98, Scruff, High Maintenance, The Beanz, Turbo's and so many more. Chased a little bug all the way to Woodstock, hiked in 7 hour to the top of a Mountain, been in snow in August at the top of Apex.

I think for me it's been important to prove that I still can physically do these things, - I might not always be able to as much in a few years, hopefully though by staying active it will allow me to keep doing what I love. It's also allowed me an outlet for creativity - though need more time.. lol and someone to carry the packs for me, I'm so grateful that Jordy understands and carries things for me.. lol I never was coordinated anyways.

The last few weeks we've done a lot - chased caches to the top of Mount Thurston for some Caches which had some awesome views, and then headed up to the Clear Creek Hot springs in search of another and placed a cache at some really nice waterfalls.. :)

Then the 1 year anniversary came we had originally planned a 3 day extravaganza however fate always intervenes at the strangest times.. we had to put off the big trip so Jordy could get his new tires for the Suburban.

So we choose a smaller route that would still offer up some memories.. :)

We started out with a trip up the Fraser Canyon with the first stop in Hope to grab one of our nemesis caches - Killdeer's Clutch.. lol can not believe it took us 3 tries once we found it - blends in so well!! Kudos's to the hider

We then went up a bit more to the old bridge that crosses the Fraser River and stopped to grab "Crossing the Mighty Fraser" - all I can say is breathtaking. The older structures really show how important aesthetic beauty was as important as structural integrity. When we were there and saw the log book it was neat as the FTF on this cache was gpooley (who placed Conair @ Stoyoma)

We continued on up the canyon grabbing a few caches til getting to Boston Bar, we then crossed the bridge to Bend and headed up to Nahatlatch. Nahatlach used to connect up with the East Harrison FSR, but from what we know now either it's washed out (the easy route) or you need 47 inch tires, lockers front and rear and a few trucks to get through. I think it's through American Creek if I remember Jordy's comments correctly. Our first goal was "My True Love" - it was located at an old abandoned Ranger Station that is used a a campsite. Was kind of neat to walk in the door and see a table with a vase and flowers(dried ones) along with a board game.. you could just feel the romance in the air. The owner asked for pictures of happy couples so how could we not oblige!!

We then headed up to our goal for the weekend, the Nahatlach fire lookout - it had escaped us last time we were there, and I'm glad as it forced us to come back again in the snow. You know I think one of my favorite things is to drive or walk through pristine snow - that pure white snow that crunches under your feet when you walk - the kind that literally glitters when the light hits it. It smells so beautiful and is so pure & untouched. Makes think for a bit there might be hope for this world.. We got up to the lookout and found the cache this time around - took a few minutes of looking at the wrong place - still learning how to do projections.

We then headed on up the canyon in search of a few more adventures and headed over to Kamloops to meet up with Couloir for a bit. Talked for a bit and got to know him & his wife - very neat people. Glad to know they should be back in May for the event.

We then decided to put a hold on any further caching, Jordy's been fighting the flu or a wicked bug so had to take it easy. We headed from Kamloops to Merritt and ran into a wicked snow storm - of which Jordy decided to run the high beams and low beams at the same time - not good for a jeep - both headlights died in the snow storm - we did still have the driving lights.. lol slow progress it was.

At Merritt he decided to try to fix, "knowing" that they couldn't have both burned out it must be another issue - so he removes a wire hanging down in the back to make a voltage testor (just call him McGyver.. lol) which only proved that the lights had died at the same time - but there was a consequence.. now the left turn signal wouldn't work.

We finally get back on the road to the back road to the cabin going slow and get into the cabin in time to fall asleep by midnight.. Now if I recall correctly he caused all the issues so can I tell him he can't drive the jeep anymore.. it's mine!!!lol it doesn't like him.. na na na na na..

We spent the next few days placing 5 caches for the event and exploring around. Our Sunday Morning after - we got lost trying to place it.. lol hoping that people have fun with it - no point to it - it's just there. We tried to get the thin/thyne/time cache placed as well but the snow was too heavy already to get up there. Maybe when it thaws - of course at the bc winter rate of late people will be able to snowmobile to some of these caches we've been placing..

All in all an awesome trip - no amazing stories, no breathtaking awwwwww just a weekend to memorialize how caching started for us - just out there exploring like we always have and will - no focus, no worries just 2 turtles in love..

A Few Quiet Weekends..

2008-11-17T21:40:00.000-08:00

For once I don't have a lot to say - life on the Turtle Front has been relatively quaint and quiet as our mind's are in high gear.

The last few weeks have taken us up the Thurston FSR for a day (Thanksgiving weekend) to retire to the cabin, then another weekend took us up the East Side of Harrison Lake for a Quiet Weekend (November Weekend). We so thank Zuuk for the great entertainment.

In between these times Kris has been busy running the United Way Campaign and finalizing a bunch of items at work- the hard work for the Campaign paid off. With an announced target of $28,500 and a personal target of $35,000 - We have beaten both and right now sit at $36,500 and still climbing. So I'm resting right now.

Jordy's continuing to work on his nervous breakdown by managing the job site and so far hasn't resulted in telling anyone exactly what he thinks. But also obsessed with Blakeburn and finding the perfect places for new caches.

However we have continued to do some exploring in our own back yard - which has taken up most of our energy and time of late - so we do apologize for not the normal excitement right now.

The new blog http://www.greatcoalrush.blogspot.com/ highlights our newest project, and what we're doing in the spring. We will be sure to share information between both where appropriate.

We are so excited to be working on this new project..

Don't dispair a full report of our adventures the last few weeks will be coming in the next bit with pictures - it's just a time thing.. new caches or photo's of where we've been.. hard to choose

Even our TB pictures haven't been posted yet.. yipes when does one get to sleep!

But will leave you with these thoughts I was working on a few weeks ago

Ok - no big adventures, the last two weeks have continued with our exploring Blakeburn, lying out multi-caches and the cache locations for the "Tulameen Coal GeoRush Experience" that will take place in the spring after the snow goes from Loadstone. But this week I want to take a moment to focus on those cute little friends of ours.

Now my video's may be sideways, but if you have an LCD Screen you can turn it.. I'm working on using video software to turn it around but haven't figured that out yet.

Squirrels - some find them the devil's minion's (better then FLOOPS from spy kids - but none the less a discredit to the cute little guys). Some who have gardens dispise them - but I think these may be the same people who dislike deer as well and put up huge fences around their property stating "private property, no trespassing, go away - Deer are not welcome you eat plants!".

We love all of our friends - Racoons, Squirrels, Blue Jays, Deer & Chipmunks and Rigs the Dingo!. At the cabin we have 3 Squirrels & a chipmunk - the Squirrels are called Twitchy and the Twins. You see we thought Twitchy was a boy til last spring well she wasn't visiting much - then out popped two babies with her and we found out Twitchy is a girl. Now Twitchy lives near the cabin and the twins across the road (we are putting up signs stating SQUIRRELS - GO SLOW).

Twitchy loves her peanuts (and sunflower seeds)- and well so do the Bluejays (did you know Tulameen BlueJays have blue eybrows..). She completely trusts us - and we're slowly gaining the trust of her babies.

When we first put the jar out it had the lid on, I wanted to see what our friends would do - the Blue Jays landed on the deck and pecked at it, Twitchy came running and kept an eye on the Blue Jays - which I caught on video.. lol (sorry for the sideways)

I then removed the lid and Twitchy explored - eventually realizing it was safe and grabbing the peanuts all in a hurry thinking the birds would scoop them on her so she rushed & rushed..
Now the bluejays and Twitchy fight over the peanuts - and no offence to the blue jays - what are they going to do with peanuts? As far as I knew they didn't eat them (til this weekend I saw the bluejays swallow the peanuts whole - was prepared to go preform CPR on the thing) so was rather protective of the peanuts trying to get them to the Squirrels. The Blue Jays are quite crafty and they will work with 3 or 4 of them to manage to get something - alas even after standing by and watching the Squirrels go in through the top of the Peanut jar - they continued to peck at the bottom until giving up and giving me a loud SQWAKKKKK and looking at me in distane.

Then twitchy watching the occurance eventually clued in that the birds couldn't figure it out.. needless to say humour quickly ensued as she teased them

I vote for the Squirrel anyday.. at least they're cute

A Skunk, Two Turtles and a Dingo Walk into a bar..

2008-09-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Coalmont Hotel Bar that is –

History, a driving force – it is said if we don’t learn from it we’re bound to repeat it – Jordy & I go up there so often that we often overlook the beauty of the remains as they slowly decay – only through taking a friend up there did we get to see it from the perspective of one who is in fresh awe of it – Yes this is a long blog – read what you want and skip what you don’t, either way enjoy!

A little over a week ago Tjguy98 took Scruffster on a one day tour from Maple Ridge, Manning Park, Princeton, Tulameen, Brookemere and then back home over the Coquahalla (ha you had to pay toll) – this trip sparked something in Scruffster – a desire to see the history more & to have more time to see the Castle and the Coal History. The day after that trip I was talking to Scruff and he sounded so excited at the trip and in awe and mentioned that he so wanted to see the Princeton Castle but didn’t get to ... that and the fact that they didn’t see the note we left them in the cache at the house.

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

Monday night arrived, and what to our wandering eyes should appear but 8 new little green boxes in Coalmont & Princeton – well there were new caches to get and I turned to Jordy (who is very stressed from trying to play in the grownup world too much) and suggest taking someone up to the cabin – and a plan in born – it did take some convincing of the intended victim of a Turtle Caching weekend – and some bribery did occur – but worth every bit of it (amazing what the promise of Sausages, Steak & Asparagus will do for someone) The countdown began!! – 72 hours, 48 hours, 18 hours, 5, 3 blastoff!!!

Friday at 4:30 arrived, Scruff was here, TB’s were ready & we were packed with a surprise – he he MINI-MI for Scruff – (we’ll let him tell you about him – but apparently he’s got a Pirate Bed now and likes Bananas!)..

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

We then headed up the Coquihalla watching the guys “tape” over the cost to use the toll booth – now it’s just “_____ Booth”. We didn’t have to do the cachless bypass on the way there, we did a quick stop at the cabin to turn on the water, unload the jeep and then we were off on a night caching FTF adventure.

Picture this, the cache states “night caching not recommended” – however we will not let this deter us - Mr. Turtle with a flashlight, Scruffster in the Middle and Me in the back lighting the way.. did you know when you sit on windfall it can poke you in the butt.. We all learned that the hardway. We were so hoping to get the FTF on at least one of them – alas we missed out. Think Scruffster said it best..lol

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

"Just what part of NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NIGHT CACHING don't you understand," I said as we stumbled up the very overgrown remains of what might have been a road. But there we were -- two flashlights and three cachers -- two of whom were very determined Turtles. You see, if there was one FTF to be found this was going to be it. Alas, no FTF was in the cards for us on that dark night. And no FTF prize either. Poor Mr. Turtle. I still see him in the glow of the flashlight crumpled in utter despair on the compressor pad. Missing the FTF prize shattered his dream of buying Home Depot remote controlled car disablers that automatically activate when new caches are published. Is there really such a thing??? I want 20. I miss too many FTFs.

But the history was amazing here – we have two sources to recommend for history on the area Mozey-on-inn & Blakeburn, forgotten ghost town

We did 3 midnight caches.. he he and when we got the third one realized that Ron49er and Agate47 had cleaned up every FTF in the area (all 7 of them.. sigh) but they were fun.. when we got to the third one we were starting to miss photographic moments so we headed back to the cabin for snacks and some downtime – this was at about 11 PM – we all settled in for a long “nap” and Scruff was up well before us – apparently he woke up at 5:30 and communed with the Dingo, Twitchy and the Twins, and the bluejays (who have eyebrows) later he walked into town cuz he had to see the store.. and he found the shoe trees that have replaced the dead shoe tree.. (Should I mention the skunk shoes..)

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

When he made it back, we were just getting up and made a yummy breaky of bacon, sausage, Cinnamon French Toast (yes we eat like that every weekend) and Rigs the Dingo joined us (think Scruffy fed him more then himself..lol) and then we were off to a few caches then to Princeton to see if we might get the Electric View FTF – (which we missed) and then to the Princeton Castle – I’ve never seen two guys have more fun playing.. lol

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

But I got my revenge he he he he

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

We then headed back to Princeton with a few goals in mind – first grab a few caches on the way up – but to show Scruff the Peak of Loadstone Mountain and the 360 degree view it offers – we made it in perfect timing – Then we headed down checked out our Let’s Shack up #3 & we heard hoots and hollers and had to go check them out – and when we did – a ZIP LINE!! He he and guess what I caught on tape..

We then ventured on a bit further and found my beloved Muppet flowers!! – I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard as I did watching the two of them play with them.. he he

Then it was back down the mountain with a stop in at the Mozey-on-Inn where the couple that placed all the new awesome caches live and see the Inn that they run – the work they have done is absolutely amazing and awe inspiring – I wanna retire!! We spent some time visiting and Scruff was in awe at the history and research they’ve done – It was so amazing seeing him so captivated by it – and it’s inspired me to start a new blog (in my spare time) attached to this that will feature the history only.

We then made a quick stop in at the Coalmont Hotel, which has some amazing history to it, then ventured home – Dinner still needed to be made! We do up the Steak, Asparagus, Ceaser Salad & Prawns and have a feast fit for hungry cachers!! Delicious it was – we then put in the movie MASTER OF DISGUISE.. he he (turtle turtle)

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

Next Morning we get up and soon the phone rings – it’s our friends at the Mozey on Inn (so thankful someone up there has computers) with news that a new cache was placed – so we raced up to see it!(ok claim it) – Thank you – we finally got our first FTF on the weekend at Blakeburn Bottom, then we continued on the history tour – seeing the Blakeburn Coal Shoots, the rootceller, the coalpit, then Jordy had a slight remembery of the tramlines as a kid – so it was.. let’s just see what’s down this road.

We saw the first one – amazing to see it still standing, he said he was done but just wanted to go a little bit further (famous last words.. lol) and off the adventure goes – one then another then another – so neat!!I think we found about 20 all together and have our idea for our first Multi-cache. We also saw the City boy learn to open a farmers gate.. he he

From A Skunk and Two Turtles

The really neat thing about the old timers that live in this area is that as long as you are respectful you can cross their property – they only ask that you don’t let the cows out, or stir up too much dust if passing by their house. Jordy kept calling Walt Smart by the name of “Wilf” every time his name came up (he is a local old-timer with so much knowledge of the area) – after getting home and doing research – turns out Wilf was a foreman that was left to shut down the coal mine after the explosion – Guess he was hearing things from the other side.

We then went back into Coalmont and grabbed the last new cache and jordy walked across the river for us – then we took Scruff up to the Tulameen Lookout – then alas it was time to head home..

I know I’ve rambled on for far too long – but it was so much fun – apparently Scruff doesn’t go away much, so for those that know him wanted them to feel they were there. An amazing weekend – with an amazing new friend..

Stay tuned – we are planning an event in Tulameen (a poker run) for next spring as soon as the snow goes – it will be able to be down with a car as long as you don’t mind the dust – and you will be able to camp at the cabin (sorry the couch is spoken for..lol)– or we can recommend places to stay.

Hope that Mini-mi is sleeping good in his pirate bed and yes what happens in Tulameen Stays in Tulameen..

Whipsaw & The Tailspin Ralley, Harrison & Botanie -

2008-09-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Slideshow!!

The last two weeks have been hectic as we get back into the swing of the new school year. All 7 kidlets are starting to settle in, we're getting up to date with the new schedules - but still managing to fit in our needed adventure time. Without it we would go to the looneybin!

Last Weekend we managed to be in 2 places at the same time. Jordy headed up to the cabin with his kids (& GPS) while Kris stayed home and attended Scruffster's Tailspin Ralley. While up in Whipsaw Jordy managed to finish placing the last 3 caches for the run, so now there are 4 in total from start to finish. Luckily this time he didn't do in the rear axle.

Last year while doing the run he managed to bust the rear axle while going up Falcon Hill. This resulted in having to be winched up to the top by Wes's Jeep and having to leave the truck there for over a week. After getting home he had to frantically find a new one, pick it up in the Honda Civic (yes full size rear axle's for a Subruban will fit in the back of a Honda Civic - much to the surprise of the guys at the shop!) Make arrangements for Earl to take him up there, switch out the rear axle while the truck is attached to a tree to keep it from going down the hill and all while it's still dark - completing by the lights of Earl's Suburban!

Not an experience we wanted to repeat this year. Jordy headed off with his 4 kids on the run, and luckily made it all in one piece - along the run is a really cool hill called Janzen Rock - not sure the history behind the plaque that is there - but Jordy climbed up it!

He placed the first cache at Huff's mine - and that will be Gotta Go #2 (what will happen when we get to #3 - what is that exactly) - then up to Let's Shack up #4 - then finally - Can you Spare a Rear Axle? - Falcon Hill. Can't wait to see who claims the FTF on these ones - we've got our eyes on a few people to run up there. Jordy forgot the FTF prizes - so we have them here to share with the winners when we get to meet up with them.

Meanwhile Kris stayed behind and had a blast with fellow Cachers while attending Scruffster's Tailspin Ralley! That was so much fun - I think that the blog by Left Coast Floyd's say's it best - so click here to read theirs. I met some new great friends that day and realized that I can do things by myself and actually not get panic attacks when in a social setting.. lol

Jordy Returned back to my arms on Sunday night and we spent the next week trying to play catch up and get ready for this weekend. This weekend we had so much fun! Friday night we stayed put and got ready for our trip up Harrison to Sloquette. We had two goals in mind - Have fun with the group on Saturday and make Botanie Mountain before coming home Sunday. Anything else would be a pure bonus!

From Whipsaw, Harrison & botanie

We got up Saturday morning and headed off to Timmy's in Misson for the Breakfast at Harrison Event - of course we went to the wrong one.. lol didn't depend on our coordinates - went by "of course it's there" - when will we learn to listen to the GPS? of course when we do we're supposed to listen to our geosense - always an excuse.. lol

We found the correct one and met up with everyone and suggested meeting at the Fish Hatchery - forgetting to clarify which one - we were meaning the one up at the start of the Harrison FSR - everyone else thought Inch Creek - apparently we missed the hugest fish ever - they even have a picture to prove it - (wonder if he photo shopped that - we'll never know will we Scruffster). Think we need to take a drive up there - we then as a group headed up the West Harrison FSR and did each of the caches on Ed's list - he made a perfect list and had the timing down pat. We were able to make it there and back with still some daylight - if we had ventured off for some of the more challenging caches we never would have made it.

Funny how we do so much of the exploring, we take for granted our ability to get out there. We travel these roads, see the sights - stand at the top of the mountain and shout out AMAZING!!! See the results of the landslides, hike to the top of the lookouts - but so many people can't do these things for one reason or another. So happy that we got to help them get out there and see it... Think I learned more from that then I have in a long time - just seeing their smiles on the faces when looking through the pictures.

Read the log entries for the whole story - and TJGuy98's write up. Just give him a few days to get it up there is a lot to tell! and he's even doing a up the video footage!!!

From Whipsaw, Harrison & botanie

We then took our passengers back to their cars, and headed up to Sloquette - first stopping in at Mystery Spot! - What an amazing little Cache - the Stumps there are so huge!!! and the road there so much fun. We now know why we didn't find it the first time - about 100 meters out - amazing what you clue into when you read the hints and now know what that stands for. Cache was safe and dry after over a year - and Jordy had a blast on that little quad trail. After claiming the cache we headed up to our final destination - Sloquette - a welcome area after along day. We set up camp, blew up the air mattress - played a bit of music enjoyed a yummy dinner and crashed.

We got up the next morning and who should be next to us but Steve & Wendy (Zuuk's friends he brought up to Stoyoma.. :) We chatted for a bit - he had the unfortuante incident of a bad tire, but was successfully going to repair it. We made our way down to the Hotsprings and Established our first DNF in a while - Still can't find that cache. Before we go next time we'll clarify with the Beanz in to which stump they placed it. We then hiked up the hill, it is getting a bit easier each time - does that mean that we're getting in better shape? I didn't have to stop this time!

We then packed up and headed back up the FSR towards Pemberton, grabbing one of the caches. What an amazing cemetery there was - I still swear I heard voices, and after the events of Monday morning thing they were the boys guardian angels. We continued on up the FSR til we hit pavement and then traveled towards Lilloet - passing by the Pemberton ice fields (think that's what they were) - amazing. I've never done this part of the drive during the day, this time Jordy was driving so I was able to take photos - I took tons of them - still sorting through the final ones, but put quite a few in the slide show.

The lakes, the mountains - all so unbelievably beautiful!! We then made it into Lilloet and stopped for a few moments at IRLP's Hanging Tree Cache - Funny on one hand we seem so advanced, on the other things were much simpler back then - here's the crime - here's the punishment. But history none the less is amazing -

From Whipsaw, Harrison & botanie

We then left Lilloet and continued our way down the Canyon til right outside of Lytton and headed on up the Botanie FSR to our ultimate destination - the lookout and towers up there and the Botanie Mountain Lookout Cache!. Still not sure if we'd need to use the chain saw - we were completely prepared! Some awesome sights on the way up - a ladder along the cliffs of the river (I'm not that brave) - what I can only call a tinkerer's shop - lot's of interesting creations. We then turned off of the paved road onto the FSR and saw a bear. Not a huge one, but not a cub - he just stared at us for a moment then went back to munching on his berries - not really interested in us.

From Whipsaw, Harrison & botanie

We slowly made our way up the Switchbacks, ensuring to take the right turns instead of the lefts when we got near a cliff and climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed (at least this one there was no hiking for.. lol) til we plateued for a bit going past Devil's leap - beautiful views from here. We then stayed level crossing the ridge til - when what to our wandering eyes should appear but a radio tower and some cliffs ahead.

From Whipsaw, Harrison & botanie

We gulped and we gasped and we said - up there? how scarry the thought is when one has a bit of fear - so we buckled back in and set off on the road - with rocks under wheels and not an inch to spare - we slowly drove up - not looking down til we reached the peak and said what a trip.

We were so excited.. See Video - sure we had the FTF

But alas - twas not to be - but none the less we would have done the cache anyway - that would have just been a bonus - but why come up here and not claim the cache - we each have our own reasons for doing this.

To Ed we say thank you - (well to both Ed's that is - you both made our weekend!!) - Til we adventure again- so hmm that Chilliwack Lake FSR is looking a bit of fun and we have lots of caches to get up there - anyone up for an event that way?

Our First Video

2008-09-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note - we put together our first ever personalized Video.. Don't worry we know it's cheesy and a bit choppy - but it will get better with time - first time I've played with it.. :) Technology - amazing but at the same time when do I have time to learn to perfect these things.. lol

Enjoy!

Snow – Vacation – Stoyoma

2008-09-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

Slideshows!!

What can I say but my life rocks – no other words can even start to describe my life – it is amazing. No – nothing will ever be perfect, I could still stand to win the lottery – but overall it’s only money. Money can’t buy you those things that are important. It’s important to relish every moment we’re given on this earth, put in 110% and make it our own – we control our own destiny and life gives you back what you put into it!

As I finish tonight putting up the TB pictures from the last month, an writing this, updating and thinking I’ll never get this done before tomorrow when the next adventures start – I shake myself realizing how lucky I am to get to write this – so here goes.. 2 weeks off 1 ½ of those with 7 children in a cabin with not so great weather, 2 start of the day emergencies and a lost Dingo (yes the kind that eat babies), an Event, Conair @ Stoyoma an 2 trips to bridal falls – one planned an one was Karmic – and yes – Kam is staying for a bit.. yeah.. finally! – so ready for the ride – here goes.

We started out our trip in the best way possible - Jordy got to stop and see Ed again, funny how connected he feels to him - he always is happy to speak to him - talks to Ed more often then his own dad.. kind of neat to see him have that connection as he doesn't with a lot of people - Ed had his FTF prize for Hope Mountain - now we're hoping to claim some of those other FTF's a bit more North of here so we can have them engraved as well.. :)

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

Ever since Jordy picked up Jingle Bells we keep running into Snow – at the top of mountains where we hike, top of mountains where we camp, top of mountains where we 4x4 too – imagine that and in August.. frustrating.. lol We started off the first day of vacation, Sat with a knock on the door at 8:30 – on Sat – neighbour needed help – late for work car problems. Cancel the sleep in – we then spend all day getting ready and finally get to the cabin. Sunday morning at Cabin at 9 AM, motorcycle in Drive way saying need phone, call 911 – dad hit deer on motorcycle. We call 911 an Jordy goes and help. Later that day we get adopted by a dog, figure don’t feed it, he’ll go home. No Dog didn’t go home – so spend all day Monday finding who dog belongs too – after calling SPCA, putting up signs, buying dog food (this is in Tulameen.. lol) turns out dog belongs a few blocks down and is a sneaky little Dingo.. lol named Rigs – very nice dog – wanted to keep him – but alas no room in the in – besides right now my cat has fleas.. lol

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

We then spend the remainder of the week trying to entertain children in the lovely weather we were having, and decide let’s go camping – so we make our way up to Apex.. yes cold, no fire won’t start wood too wet. Fine make hot chocolate, go to bed will be better in morning – in morning snow all over everything – we still swear it’s Jingle Bells fault.. lol so quickly pack up an back to cabin for remainder of week – finally Thursday – go home.. give kids to other parents and recover sanity.
Now to the fun stuff..

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

Friday we get up excited - tomorrow we leave, we spend all day getting ready. Ribs, Prawns - wine, beer and yes dry Fire wood so we can leave nice and early Saturday and cache on the way up. We were to met Ashton, Natasha, Best Red & Teskelly in Boston Bar at about 2. Zuuk was to meet us at the campground - all should be good. Well you know those best laid plans, we got out of the house to have the #1 closed due to an accident so we made the best of it and figure still grab a few caches - 5 minutes in that traffic won't make a difference. So glad we did - we found Beastman's Evil genetic twin without the dog tag mutation.. lol

We get in the truck and go wait in line then all of a sudden are given a start when someone pops there head in the window and goes "hi" - lol it was Best Red, they were worried we might leave Boston Bar without them but were very pleased to know we were in the same line up as them just a bit further up. We finally make it to Boston Bar and meet up with everyone then can start the trip in. We went up the Utlize FSR out of Boston Bar, as the Spirious route appears to be closed. We then worked our way through the maze of trails - and yes we took wrong turns.. lol even though we've been there before. We finally made it into camp at about 6:30. Luckily Zuuk was already there, however he has his own adventure to tell. For the full version - best to read the logs on the Event.

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

But going to just paste the logs for best effect to capture the feelings.. It was great meeting Best Red & Teskelly, Zuuk and his gang.. :)

We made it - such an amazing journey there - and so happy we could make it with friends.
Funny, one of the last logs was from non-cachers who found it - and we know them, Jordy grew up with one of them in Tulameen, they were there July 9th - a few days after we tried.
We loved the hike in, glad to find out it was only 2 hours to get there at a non grueling pace and that there were no severe "mountain climbs"

For future cachers we suggest to be prepared for every possible weather pattern - you will likely experience snow, hail, sun - and if it does start to snow just hold on for 15-20 minutes it will likely stop and the sun will come out and melt it quickly. We had sudden and severe weather pattern changes every 15-20 minutes. Going from short sleeves to full bundling up back to short sleeves again.. :)

When we rounded onto the final meadow of Heather near the basin (Jordy now realizes the trail is not named after a woman but the fact that there is Heather at the Basin..lol) we we crossing it and we looked up and saw the plane on the mountain side - amazing as it looked like a shiny pile of snow.. the hail then started to pour in buckets but we moved towards the plane we refuse to turn back..
From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

30 meters away from the plane the hail stopped, the clouds moved away and sun came out keeping us warm - we then spent about 45 minutes - Jordy & I - along with Ashton & Natasha (two friends we took with us) climbed up to the very top portion of the plan - absolutely amazed - but be careful up there as footing can be a bit loose.

we then took our pictures with us, then the TB's of course and made our way down again - thinking how amazing after all this time so much of the plane survives in such good condition and how we're happy the cache is placed here as other wise we never would have made the journey and would have missed this!
From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

As we moved away from the cache at about 30 meters away the hail started coming down in buckets again, so thank you Eric for allowing us to explore in sunshine. We then headed back to camp and the hail turned into snow flakes - which I caught with my tounge - then back to sunshine.. :)

Thank you for placing the cache here, thank you to our friends who came with us - we'll be posting the pictures up in the next few days :)

Now Caching Karma comes around - Zuuk left at about 3 pm from the campsite with all his vehicle issues, left us 2 mike's in exchange for the use of the tools and truck to help save them while we were hiking - very glad he made it out. On the way out the fuel filter/pump was having issues and we never made it to Zuuk's Nahatlatch cache - figure it wasn't safe and came home. So we looked at the available caches on Monday, still a holiday for us - thought let's go grab his cache in Bridal Falls - we can also work on Ed's Bunker cache.

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

Well apparently a huge coincidence (and regardless of what people think there was no conspiracy here.. lol) Zuuk happened to be out in bridal falls that day as well. He was running behind us - we figure about an hour at most. We had finished with the "hoser' cache and came down passing paragliders going to the take off- in his picture the paragliders were flying.. when we left Bridal falls paragliders were landing..

We worked our way through the 4 caches in the park, and the 2 above - also getting to meet Mr. & Mrs. Gigabyte and seeing the trailer that Zuuk's smart car towed. Well at work on Tuesday I was looking at the geocaching site at the caches we went and go and up pops caches still in Bridal falls - that can't be right.. Zuuk had placed 2 new ones up there and moved the FVRT there as well. Now I know we said we'd never go get that one again but being his mention of "turtles" in the cache pages couldn't resist - so thank you Zuuk - you made a great day.

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

I can only reiterate it as I did in the log for the one with the best view..

Yeah - our 2nd FTF for the day - well the adventure continues - on the way out to the caches we phoned a friend to see if they were out on their way to the cache - quite happy to know we were still in the running, but slightly feeling bad that we were past the point to pick them up.
We thought they would be able to get their in their Dodge Dualie - never realizing that it might not be the right vehicle to go up the road and that the Jeep would probably be a better choice - we will keep that in mind next time, as long as they let us know of new caches that we might want to get together on.. (hint hint)

We continued up the road from the last cache to what is litterally the end of the road - then walked up the trail - something tells us that there may have once been a cache up here as how else would 2 people know that the end of the road leads to a trail with an amazing view!! We walked along the trail, a bit scary at times with the drop offs and knowing that you are on sheer shale!

But none the less a breathtaking place to take in the sunset and hold each others hands as we realize how lucky we are to live in the best place on earth and have people help us discover these amazing places that we never would know exist..!!
From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

We picked up the coins - hard to trade in the little container -however left the equivalent to our bottle of wine that we forewent tonight..the celebration was in the view and memories of the trip :) We'll likely hold on to the one coin for just a bit as we want to get some good photos of it..

Thank you.. for showing us how addicted we are - but more importantly why this is such a great sport for us - and for the distraction of helping us think we were on vacation for one more day, however now the budget kicks in and we have some reality calling us for the next bit as we fix fuel pumps, vacuum and get kids back to school (hint we can't rush out at the last minute anymore this week.. lol)

As I sit here Friday night looking back at the last two weeks, with Jordy up Whipsaw placing caches with the 4x4 club, and me running off to the Rally tomorrow and realize how blessed I am to have this amazing life. If you had asked me a year ago what I'd want to do and if I'd enjoy being around people, as anti-social as I am I would have said just let me be.. I never imagined that I would enjoy a group of people as much as I have those we've met through geocaching.. they're true, genuine, caring - a bit eccentric like I.. but all so good hearted - the ones we've met anyways.. I'm so genuinely happy right now with so much in my life - now wish me luck in the Rally and Jordy to not break a rear axle in this whipsaw run and the caches get places safely!

As we came back from Stoyoma - 2 guys in Jeeps pulled in, at 4 pm they decided to try to get to the plane - I hope they made it in and back ok - they seemed really cool. I'll leave you with one thought..It's about living, it's about caring, it's about just doing it.. no matter what you can be happy - it's all a choice

From http://picasaweb.google.com/trixnbun/ConairStoyoma

Wells Peak, Chahlis & Hope Mountain

2008-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Slide Show of the Adventures!

An Amazing couple of Weekends - going from our First attempt at the Hope Mountain cache and ending up at the top of Wells Peak, to take off to Butler Lake for a 4.5 FTF then to Blakeburn, then the family reunion then back out to Chilliwack Lake FSR for a couple of quick caches - meet with Jordy's Caching Idol - to have Kameron come up for a bit - then out the next weekend to Chehalis and then climaxing in the ever enduring final climb up to the where the adventures were supposed to take us originally - Mount Hope.. 8 days over 20 KM of hiking and in that 20 Km - climbing up over 5000 feet in total elevation..

Alpine Meadow at top of Wells Peak

Boy are we tired - but still thriving in the excitement of it all. Here goes the longer version of the story.. :)

We had rested up the whole week in anticipation of our Saturday Goal - but being that we're not avid hiker's we didn't do all our research. We followed the instructions on the page to the parking location but beyond that were depending on our instincts - can't be hard should be one trail only. We get there see the "bowl" that we are in with all the logging roads that surround us and see a trail marker. The trail marker states "Wells Peak" - hmm well there aren't any others - let's follow that. Even thought it's in the opposite direction of where we want, we figure it will match up with a logging road and then we can zip over to where we are going.

Those Roads look drivable - don't they?

How could we know just how wrong we were, but still an amazing journey and well worth the extra trip up. We first beat our way through the grasses and bushes getting very wet, then found the trail markings and found our way to the "trail". Was very neat you come out of the grass to this extremely well worn in trail with a sign on a tree asking for no campfires. We figured - yeah we're all set! So we continue on up - and up and up and up and up.. well you get the idea.

Up and Up and Up

Ensuring to stop and notice the incredible views that surround us, the beautiful forrest area and everything else. We keep looking at our distance and we're getting further from the cache, not closer. The clouds are still in the horizon so we can't even see the views of the mountain tops. We continued on up for about 3 hours to what now turns out to be Wells Peak, we look at how far we are and very confused. So we turn on the PDA (yes we finally have one!) and manage to get an internet signal and send IRLPguy an e-mail at 1780 meters with our coordinates.. lol asking him to send help we're lost!!

The peak was beautiful, there was a rock slide there from years ago and the terrian that we had traversed - so many varities of it. Although feeling a bit frustrated that we had gone all that way and not gotten the cache we were shaking our heads that we didn't have one to place up here.. lol Just as we were about to head down we stopped and the clouds disapated off and we saw the peak we were supposed to be climbing up about 4 km off into the distance and went.. ohhhh there it is..

Mount Hope - the big one in the distance!

We got back onto our feet and made our way down the hill to the jeep, however just as we found our way off of the top of the hill into the forest section we heard a "rock slide" and really didn't want to know what had caused it, just glad we were elsewhere now, and slowly made our way back down. Did you know going down those inclines at 20% is just as hard on the body as going up.. lol

We then took off to the cabin, stopping long enough to turn on the hot water then made our way out to Butler lake for Mercrocks new cache out there, we used a bit more of a creative route - going back up the Stringer Lake roads, down the gas line and then up the power line to the closest point we could get -which was about 700 meters and walked our way into it - which seemed like nothing after our 7 km hike earlier in the day. Really neat little lake in there, we made it in and back to the cabin at about 1:30 in the morning. We ran our bath and promptly fell asleep.. lol we were exhausted.

Our Friend at Butler Lake at 1 AM

The next morning we went up to Blakeburn, which is on the way to loadstone, to grab a new cache that was placed there. I haven't been there before and was amazed at the old coal mine that is still there, and did a quick tour around to see the buildings and the coal pit that is still there. A smaller version of the huge one that still runs there to this day. We then had to boot it home to make the family reunion.

We stayed there long enough to do what was needed, then made our way home to sleep. The next day we had plans to meet up with Ed (IRLPguy). Jordy and I have been wanting to meet him for months, and it has never worked out til now. We spent a few hours there discussing what else - geocaching!! He he - was great to see Jordy in his glory. We didn't have our full coordinates and querries with us so Ed tossed a few of his to us. After a great visit, that we'll have to repeat soon, we made our way out Chilliwack Lake FSR up to Foley lake.

Ran accross an abandoned camp fire that was still burning, so we stopped to put that out and clean up a bit of trash as well, then continued on up to Foley Lake. The typical idiots out on a long weekend, and some kids that actually were cleaning up after themselves.. wow we thought! About this time we started heading back as Kameron should be up here at any time and we needed to be back in Cell Phone range. We made one last stop, to find a puzzle cache that I had figured out months ago - IRLP's Artifact - we finally found it. Excited to be the first finders of the year and it's already August. It's nice to see someone else has been here since us.

We then headed back to civilization to meet up with Kameron - did some logging and fell asleep exhausted.

Blakeburn Abandoned Mine

Now fast forward from Tues-Friday and do you think we'd want to repeat this - of course we love a good beating.. lol Our goal for Saturday was to go complete Hope Mountain and then on Sunday take the easy drive out Chehalis - well we switched around our plans do the weather changing - and I think fate directed it. We drove out Chehalis wondering if the gates would be open/closed grabbing the caches along the way and then got to the gate and it was open!!! very excited we were.

First stop on our list was the AlleyKatz Cache - we managed to get the jeep within about 700 meters after going through a few incredibly large cross ditches til we finally got to one that just couldn't be crossed.. lol so we hiked our way on up to the "big rock" then quickly identified the cache.. now this cache has a bit of history it has been chomped by a bear in the past and then put back. Well all the holes have taken there toll on the cache and the ants have opted to use it as the egg laying next right now.. and well we all know that I don't like ants.. Jordy cleaned it up, got rid of the ant eggs and did what we could with it. If we can get up there again we'll bring a new container.

Waterfall Near AlleyKatz Cache

We then continued on up to grab the Agassiz Angels cache that was still an FTF and the view was incredible! WE took the hard way in of course, then got there and discovered there was an easier route.. lol We then went up and found the last "traditional" cache that was on our list. Almost didn't find it - luckily we had flashlights, we had to use them at 3 in the afternoon to find it.. he he. Last cache on the list for the day was Ed's Chehalis Lake Earth Cache, well the roads all seemed to be closed so logic stepped in and we figured we'd take a walk down to where the gates were closed to see if we could get the picture we needed.

We were lucky enough to be right. We parked at the top of the hill, the gates were "open" but they had closed off the road with a 5 food cross ditch - would take a tank to cross that. Couldn't figure out why at first - but then the hill might not be stable, but people may also take this opportunity to drive out where they shouldn't. Turns out after talking to a few people that we were lucky the gate was open. Apparently it is supposed to be closed, however people keep cutting the locks and opening it. Had we known this we wouldn't have gone in - however there were no signs stating don't go.

Bugs at Chehalis Land Slide

The next Day - our last cache in our adventerous weekend - Hope Mountain. We had woken up to rain and figured we might not make it, but then the rain stopped and started and stopped and started.. lol We got up and headed out and decided let's see if we can do it. We got back to the parking lot at 1 pm this time. We had researched it during the week and knew the proper trail head and had 7 sets of coordinates to help us get there. Thankfully we did it completely broke up the hike into nice mentally bite size pieces that seemed doable.

20 minutes into the hike I was ready to turn back, my feet were soaked, my pants were soaked - all due to the descent into the blue berry bushes and the slight rain/mist that was in the air. I didn't know how I was going to do this hike. Jordy looked at me and asked if I wanted to turn back I thought really hard and said no - if we turn around we'll never do this cache. So we marched on.

We made it to the first sign which said Wells Peak and Mt. Hope.. lol could have used one of those last weekend, we took the Mt. Hope way this time.. lol we then made our way up the switchbacks to the top of the ridge. We finally made it to the top of the ridge - which was about 45 minutes into the hike, 2 beautiful benches up there to set and take in the mountains and the valleys below - amazing. We crossed over the ridge down onto the old logging road and discovered that the roads aren't really driveable anymore.. lol then up the next forest area - I left my jacket here at this point as it weighed about 15 pounds and was soaking wet and continued on. At this point we had about 1.5 km left and were about 2 1/2 hours into the hike. We also still had about 350 meters in elevation to finish climbing.. lol

We were wet, tired and exhausted but still persevered til we got up to the Alpine Meadow with the pond - quiet - misty - serene! perfect. AT this time the clouds moved away and we could finally see our final ascent that we had to climb - gulp is all we can say.

We then crossed over the "minor" rock ledge, up the rock hills and on up and on up - till we reached the top - but only our initial log and pictures can share our excitement so I will leave you with those.. :)

In the end - so worth it, I'm still exhausted but so looking forward to the next one in a few weeks - Stoyoma!

Walking back down after leaving the peak of Mount Hope

An amazing Journey is all we can say - ok I can say more. We proudly claim the FTF on this one!
We got back to the same parking lot as last weeks journey at about 1 pm and took the correct route this time, descending into the valley of the blue berries, but there were no blue berries on the branches - but I guess that is better as there are also no blue berry bears either.
We were lucky enough to have researched the hike this time and came up with a set of coordinates that we could use along the way to break it up into bite size pieces of about 600 meters each. That helped us more mentally that you could ever guess. First we knew at all times were on the right track, but also you actually reach "goals" along the way.

The views along the way were breathtaking, even though we were walking in the clouds through some of it. Cache #539 will always stand out in our mind of the one that pushed us to see how far we could go. When you stand back at a distance and look at that mountain top we first thought there is no way to do this, however as we reached each of our mini-goals it became closer and closer. About 2 hours into the hike it became real that we could do this.

We made it to the peak of the ridge and sat for a moment on the benches up there, then continued on our way to the logging road and then up along parallel to the logging road keeping an eye open at all times for the flagging tape. We then made our way into the "foresty" area with trees and no deciduous bushes. Beautiful - reminds me a bit of the redwoods - don't know why but it does.

We then kept climbing up in elevation to the "rocky" area that we quickly traversed that let up to the alpine meadow. Amazing!! the mist slowly rising off of it the quiet solitude that you feel here. At this point we were only about 910 meters so we were very motivated to continue as it was almost in reach! We then continued across the very minor "rock ledge" the old rope that is referred to in references couldn't be seen - we might have missed it though. But it was only about a 2 foot section that you have to be careful at.

We then continued making our way up til we were about 190 meters and then saw the peak in front of us and did a gulp - we have to climb up there - but you know what it wasn't that difficult. It always seems more difficult looking at it then when you're doing it.
Jordy finally left the back pack at the bottom of the final climb as it was only 50 meters we figured if we needed a first aid kit in the next bit one of us could climb down and get it easy.
We then crested the final climb and stood in amazement at what we could see (and knew what we couldn't) in the distance and just how high we were!!

We found the log in it's happy hidey hole, left our turtle calling card and took a look at the towers - amazed at how they got here - we're assuming some helicopter brought them in.. :)
We then slowly made our way down and back to the Jeep - reflecting on how excited we were that we made it - and that we have now done over 20 km of hiking/climbing over the last 8 days and amazed and the fact that we did it and reflecting on how amazing it is to stand at the top of these mountains and look below and see mother nature in her glory -
Would we do it again - yes Was it worth it - Yes
Thank you for putting it up there and helping us learn that we truly have no limits when we put our minds to it - So the question is where do we go next? We've got some ideas

Cold, Wet, Windy but Victorious - at about 5:30 pm

Find #500, 2 Terrain 5 FTF’s and a lost GPS

2008-07-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

SLIDESHOW FOR THE WEEKEND!

Well what can I say it’s been a hectic couple of weeks – but a blast!! Find 500 loomed over us for the last couple of weeks – just what do we do? Where do we go? How do we mark this momentous event? So many special caches, so many placed by great cachers that we know – but what is going to be important about it to us?

We also knew that we needed some down time, time to get back to some relaxation time so we could sit on the deck in the sun, sleep on my hammock – steak, ribs – you know those things we love so much about being in Tulameen. So how do we balance both? We scavenged through the caches, got up to #498 – and put a hold on things for the weekend til we could find what suited us... we wanted it to be a Terrain 5, and would prefer a FTF if we could. Most of those were going to involve a 6 hour hike up an incline training hill – hard to combine that with the cabin time – but wait what is that we see on the cache page up near the cabin – 2 Terrain 5 FTF’s!!

Perhaps we could end up with the best of all worlds – so plan was set.
So Friday night we leave work, pack up the jeep, grab Quinn – drop him off at his dads, then hit the store for bacon, steak, shrimp and asparagus and finally get out on the Highway at about 8:30 – now we were headed to Stringer Lake (about 30 minutes North East of Princeton and I think we took the most non paved route you could to the caches.. lol

CACHE #499 - COMPLETE WITH ANIMUGGLE TEETH MARKS!

We headed up the Coquihalla way, did the Cashless Bypass (link here for the mid-way cache), came down the other side of the Tool booth (we don’t like paying that $10 – we’ll take the unmaintained road... lol We were just starting to head up the bypass and said “Where are our bear friends?” Not 30 seconds later they darted out in front of us – the mama and her two cubs running as fast as they could after her.

We then joined back up on the Coquihalla and headed to Brookemere, when we got into Brookmere, we then drove down the KVR (there are no signs and a guys house is half way down the road so assuming this is ok) all the way to the Otter Valley FSR – then drove south down the Otter Valley FSR up to Ricky lake area and joined up with the Pike Mountain FSR – after joining the Pike Mountain FSR we drove on it for a bit – over near Robertson Lake, then joined up with the Merritt-Princeton Road down to Allison lake then up the Stringer Lake FSR (not sure if that’s the title but works) and found the area for the first cache!

Jordy stops the Yeep – jumps out races off with only flashlight, no GPS, no bear spray, nothing to protect himself with ... except his own animal instincts - away from the cache you creatures! Mouse - squirrel - marmot - beware! Lol it’s only 32 meters. He finds it however we weren’t the first to find it – it was ANIMUGGLED!!! Wonder if it was a Cougapine? Nah more likely a coyote or something – not too much damage just a few teeth marks on the lid. We put it back nice and safe and sound with a few more pieces of camo to “stick” it in place and make it harder for the animals to sneak off it with it next time.

We then all pumped up, but worried – 500 was next – what would happen if an animal disappeared with it – what would we do? Get a lamppost cache for 500? Noooooo ok with baited breath we get back in the Yeep make our way on up the road to the lake – looking this way and that making sure the cache wasn’t being carried off – watching for the animuggles along the way – 500 meters, 400 meters, 300 meters and closing in – what’s that campers? Lights.. No how do we keep this quiet – ok past the campers – and park – down by their fishing gear... hmm where are the campers???

It’s 12:15 AM and we quickly got out of the Yeep and quietly make our way to the cache – I mention we should take it back to the Yeep to sign the log – just in case the guys come over… well good thing we do – a few minutes later 3 guys come visiting. Can’t blame them as I’d be wondering too about a strange vehicle pulling up and staying for a while by my fishing gear too – Jordy took the opportunity to edumacate them in the ways of the cache. The GPS, the swag, the excitement – they seemed a bit interested – but really think their scotch had interfered – lol but great guys – they took a picture of us so we have a memento of the moment.

We then retired to the cabin for the night a sleep so we could have our bacon in the morning. The next day we decided to unvirginize the jeep – it’s no longer a topless virgin – we took off the top and headed up Loadstone to the lake, cabin and the peak to get the waymarking points for the benchmark – (However now we’ve lost them with the gps.. arrrggghhh) Placed a cache there for Let’s Shack up #3 and went back down the dusty road. Funny we did that on Saturday – and someone was up there Sunday and placed a cache right below near the coalmine.

Sunday we finally felt a bit more rested so we took off through Princeton, then up to Kentucky & Alleyne Lakes as we had 2 caches there – this is a special area to us, as it represents our first caching trip where we fell in love with the sport – as well as we did our 200th cache here – we hiked up to the Kentucky Cairn cache – talk about incline training. We’re hoping that when we go do Hope Mountain next weekend that it’s not 4 hours of that – if it is Jordy will need to find me a hot tub Sat night... 

Beautiful views – completely see now why it’s called a Turquoise lake – from a distance it is! We then went to Ramshackle Ranchero – name caught our interest – as it sounded like our Let’s Shack up ones – and it was only better! There are 4 buildings here, in great shape – would make an awesome camping location… but the pictures speak for themselves. The cache was in the old outhouse... lol they think like we do. Why someone hasn’t been there in 2 years – no idea as this cache can be gotten with a Honda Civic – just look at the pictures.

We then took the Kane Valley FSR back around to the Coquihalla to the over and around back home again. Grabbed a couple of caches through the week – then the new ones as part of GeoRush popped up – and of course being in Maple Ridge – had to at least give it a shot.. There were very special mementos in here – coins!

I got off work, rushed home to grab Jordy – and we darted out there – no one had yet logged they had been there and I knew where the cache was by the hint and Google map! We quickly hiked down the trail (don’t let the 1 km scare you – it’s 15 minutes and so well worth it!!) We found the cache – and weren’t the 1st, or 3rd – but we were the 5th... so we actually did get lucky enough to get to keep a coin. This we will treasure always! But we learned don’t put your GPS in the mouth of a monster – we got home and somehow have lost the GPS – it’s not in the car, or the living room, or the kitchen – something ate it!!

GPS Monster on the way to North Beach, Alouette -

So what do all good geocachers do? Well we go get a new GPS – Desperation calls for desperate moves – so we picked up a new GPS – the Triton. It has some great additions to it – however there are some things I don’t like as well – I’m hoping that the firm ware upgrades will continue – as it kind of merges all your caches together and you can’t mark any as found. Guess I’ll just have to become more fluent with GSAK so I can continuously link the queries together… as I don’t want to be searching out for disabled caches. I did learn however that no matter what the program the pictures don’t save when you’re offline... hmm oh well we’ll get this figured out – reception was great on it – hit ground zero and picks up signals quickly – It’s all just change and you know us we don’t like change that much..

Well that’s the report for now – stay tuned for the August long weekend adventures soon to come and see if we do make that FTF on top of Hope Mountain! (If it doesn’t kill me off first)

(Edit - Sunday night - well Kris is a dolt - I left the GPS at Save-on foods - so I guess we get to have two now - so no more fighting over them.. lol)

Stoyoma to Sloquet and 4 Earth Caches

2008-07-12T14:43:00.001-07:00

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SLIDE SHOW!First Let me say that the Slide Show does encompass two caching adventures. First On the Long Weekend - Jordy went out with his kids on his own and Kris stayed home with her. On Canada Day Jordy had to work so Kris Ventured forward on her own .. she had fun, only 1 DNF on her own - but lots of frustration - so the first pictures are from that.However the remainder are of our awesome weekend of 2AM pitch a tent nights going from Maple Ridge up the #1 (taking the Canyon) up to Stoyoma Mountain then up through Lilloet and Pemberton and back down the Harrison West FSR - so if you want to know about our adventures - then read more.We know that all of our good aventures come from lack of planning, lack of print out and just letting the wind take us where it does. We know we should consider that investment in a PDA - as we'd have better luck in finding the caches - but then would that mean less adventures? and higher numbers or would it mean more adventures as less time spent on each cache? The debate continues when funds allow we'll try it and see how GSAK actually works - took a gander and it looks interesting.It was Friday on a warm summer hot day, minds were at work wandering the thoughts away - oh where do we go tonight oh where do we go? We have a jeep and sleeping bags delight - let's try the mountains of Stoyoma. Now in the heat of the moment all plans sound good - somehow since we live an unplanned life - it leaves all the adventures but lack of sleep. One day we will value sleep but for now.. too much fun. After all our running around and dropping kids off, getting food etc - we finally made it out of Abbotsford at about 9:30 PM. And caching was on the agenda finally! But time.. hmm we can make it to our goal tonight.. we know we can. So we watched the little green boxes fade away on our GPS knowing they would have their own day and made our way to Hope - the Start of our adventure! It's been years since I've been up the Canyon - and can't wait to go again as seeing it in the dark vs day is so different. We made 5 finds on our way up to Boston Bar and got the Fraser Canyon Earth Cache! The caches were neat - our first Spirit Quest - nice thing about these that they are NOT in a cemetery. I have this thing against caches in a cemetery - it just doesn't work for me - those spirits will be out chasing me.. lolWe then easily found our road off the #1 and turned on the FSR, we passed Spious Creek FSR, the one that Kris tried to navigate us through the snow passed where even the snowmobiles turned around last year. One day we will have to head up there to see where the problems lie. We quickly found our road (at about midnight) and travelled the hour and half to our general area. Then you see the gps map didn't match the Backroad book and Kris was tired and well... a few turns a few dead ends a few frustrations trying to find cabin lake. We finally decided to call it a night and pitch the tent at about 2 AM on the side of the road. Well Jordy decided for some strange reason we shouldn't camp in the road (even though it was a dead end) what would happen if someone was to come through here..

Well how could he have made a better prediction? We got up at about 9:30, made our yummy breakfast in the forest fire safe mode.

When the bacon was cooking and fresh, 2 bikes came riding through.. lol they were also trying to find their way to cabin lake. Think it was the smell of the bacon, at least it only attracted them not the bears! We chatted for a bit and Jordy handed them our "geo-business card" and we're hoping we may have helped new cachers find their way to our fun sport.

We packed up and headed over to Cabin lake, we were 1 road away from it - and if we had persevered last night we would have made.. lol next time at least we know where we are going. We made our way there, said hello to our new friends again (remember bikers not bears) and got to see the beauty of Cabin Lake. This is also where Kris learns the value of printing off the pages or obtaining a pda - we went up there without printing off the cache page.. lol

Is that not beautiful? The campground is the clearing on the right hand side (yes there are outhouses) At the far end of the lake is where your trail starts for going to Conair @ Stoyoma - the Cache we've dreamed about getting for months (since Nov 24, 2007 to be exact). We found the trail head after a few false starts, and no - you don't have to go straight over the mountain range - there is a trail. It's called the Heather Basin Trail. We also found snow at the trailhead and opted to try for another day. So disapointing to think we went all that way and couldn't get it - but we found the next best thought -Hold an event that will allow us to go get the cache together! So we're now proud to be hosting our first Event.

We also saw why it's called Cabin Lake - and thus placed LET'S SHACK UP #2 This weekend as well. We didn't place the cache right at the cabin, but within 50 meters of it.

I will forever be amazed at how these people ended up here in the middle of nowhere - how they survived and what led them here. The whole area has an amazing history, highlighted in the Backroad Adventures. We did manage to find out some information about the place Crash which can be found here: BACKROADS ADVENTURES It is chapter 6, and you can't read the whole story. We're working on trying to find out the entire history. We know we aren't the first to DNF on it - but hopefully September will work out better for all of us. Better to be safe caching in these back areas then try to for something up a bit higher in elevation when you've got snow at the start of the trail.

We then left and headed back down to Boston Bar - we got into Boston bar at about 5 PM - goal Sloquet Hot springs by 9 - not a problem.. right - you should know us better by now - we got a bit distracted by a cache by Zuuk - a terrain 4 we say - hasn't been found in a few years - let's go! Again the PDA would have been handy, the cache was not where the coordinates stated - our own fault - but not a loss. When we go back for our event we'll be going back for this cache. It took us up the trail to the Nahatlatch FSR to the old lookout. It isn't used anymore but still in great shape!

Had a helicopter pad and everything! You can still see the Heli pad!. We did manage to get rained on.. lol and the mud on the Yeep came off when we went through the Boston Bar Car Wash!.

Youtube is acting funny, is failing our uploads so we made a new account - so you won't find our other videos with this one. We went back down the FSR and made our way out quicker then getting up there. Isn't that always the way.. lol Went back down to Boston Bar - headed up towards Lytton for our next Earth Cache - The Jelly Roll, Jordy said it sounded like something Hostess would make - and then off to Lilloet for the Jade Earth Cache, then over to Skoomumchuk Hotsprings for a quick photo op.

I find that we're really starting to enjoy the non traditional caches now, at the beginning they seemed strange and almost too complicated. But now after doing this for a few months - they are truly fun. I have 2 earth caches to place on my list, but want to make sure that I'm doing it right. We finally made it into Sloquet at about 2 AM (seemed to be the trend for the weekend) - and were amazed at how empty the campground was on a Saturday night in the middle of Summer. For those that haven't been that way - if you go the Pemberton way in, a car or mini-van can make it. You will get dusty, you may get a flat tire, or a rock chip in your window - but other then that you will enjoy it.

Sloquet Hotsprings are beautiful and Clean, Skoomumchuk are ok - however you're going into manmade tubs - Soquet are all natural. I just wish people would not leave their beer cans around it at night. You may find naked people in the springs (not us.. lol) . We got up the next morning after sleeping til 10, made our bacon .. hmmm bacon.. and eggs. Then went down to the hotsprings. We couldn't find the Beanz cache, but couldn't get GPS to settle down. Soaked for a few hours then made the hike (incline training..lol) back up to the Cache. Then headed down the Harrison West FSR - to find we get.. A flat Tire.

At least the tires are covered under Warranty still (Jeep is replacing it for me) as the whole was too big to patch. We tried our first cache, got it - tried for the second cach (Tipella by Mr. Gigabite) and didn't find that one - but the rest we did. Went by Corn Creek falls - beautiful. The cache was sitting by the side of the road - signed by a few muggles so we tucked it back safely in it's spot.

Next on our list was Legacypac's Jeep Fjording, we got a FTF on this one and it didn't take us 5 hours.. lol Although there had been a couple of finds - they were there the day he placed it so they didn't claim it - so we get the glory! Yeah 3 FTF's now.. he he We then meandered down the West Harrison and grabbed a few that were on the beaten trail - until we tried to get 5 in the bush. It alluded us - 1.5 km away and the trail was blocked by trees down. We needed to get within about 800 meters to walk it. We decided our time was limited as it was about 6 pm and we wanted to be home by 3. So finally, for once sticking with plans, we headed home only grabbing the caches that were withing 15 mintues of the main route. We can not wait to go again! I hate leaving little green boxes on the map.

We took one last picture - I know what it looks like to me - people dancing to the geo cache gods - but I'll leave it up to your interpretation.. he he

And that was it for last weekend, not a lot but still better then sitting on the couch - finally caught up with photos and blog so now I get to go again - think it's Skagit Valley tomorrow.. first laundry is calling.

Indulgent Moments of Tantlizing Tension

2008-06-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

That's what geocaching is to me.. it's indulgent, tantalizing, almost like those really hot summer days when you can't breath - and someone stands above you with an ice cube and you can imagine that first drip drops on the nape of your neck the tension it creates while you wait, just the anticipation of it sends shivers up your spine but it feels so good.. if you close your eyes you can feel it even before it begins.

Life - should be like that, it should be delicious, enjoyed, indulged in. Take it to the brink where you sit there and look over the cliff and wonder what will happen should you just take that step.. too many people sit back and let the normalcy of the world and mundaneness take over - Really when we're gone what will we leave behind? Well if I died tomorrow there would be 450 little log sheets saying I was there - lots of little TB's with our names on them.. and memories shared.

As I sit back and ponder this life, and what I remember about those that left before me and those that are soon to go - and realize I've made the right choices - Take for example this weekend - no sleep and all play makes for an amazing tour!.. sit back and enjoy the ride.. The pictures are from the last two weeks but the story from this one..

That 5 AM alarm goes off, and they stumble out of bed heading off to that dreary day of work - why? Oh yes - a weekend at the cabin.. sit on the deck and have a cold glass of lemonade while soaking up the rays.. maybe go topless, the Yeep that is.. and christen it with some good exploring - little did they know the adventure that would await them that night - ending in a 26 hour day..

They think on it - there's a new cache up there.. they haven't had a reply on if they can go get it.. it said it was for a poker run - hmm well maybe we should - maybe we shouldn't in the end you know what side will win - they opt yes we'll get the cache - but it shouldn't be too long - the back road map book shows it right there. Perhaps we should start off through Manning? grab some of those.. yes they both concur..

Well 7 PM rolls around and they're finally ready to leave the house - head up to Hope and have their first DNF - what.. a DNF - hmm perhaps our turtles should learn not all caches are on the ground again - amazing what happens when you read the cache page before you go.. but alas we read it after we went - and lesson learned twice this weekend.. They meander on up the Crowsnest grabbing a cache here and a cache there - til they get to the Cascade lookout - when what to their wandering eyes should appear but a miniature astronomer and all his gear..

Telescope and Jupiter hand in hand - we saw the rings around it, but there was no fan.. ok poetry quitting.. lol

We got to the lookout, and yes we DNF'd (we did find all the other caches between though all 5 of them that were left) but the guy up there helped us look - and we got to look through his telescope - this was at about 11 at night and the moon was amazing! Saw Jupiter - think this is my first ever time looking through a telescope at night time at the top of a mountain - breathtaking is all I can say..

We then decided to head up to Princeton and go grab our FTF cache so we can get to bed.. well it never is as simple as one things is it - we started the hunt for the cache at 1:30 - claimed it about 5:45 AM.. here's the video after the find..

And here's the blog - Yeah.. FTF!!! we are a bit excited - not sure if we should log this as the 20th or 21st as it was a bit of both days.
Only our 2nd FTF - but again took us 5 hours after we got to the start point to claim.. :)
We thought we knew where the coordinates took us, we compared to back roads book and gps map - well they sometimes aren't 100% accurate - we headed up the first option out of Princeton and go up the long road to where we know it has to be - now it is 1:30 in the morning and we are a bit tired - but still up for the hunt - we disturbed some poor cows who were trying to nap - but ventured on past them - we followed our instinct - which got us to 910 meters from the cache as the crow flies - not good enough - don't feel like walking in the dead of night through bear and cougar country under extreme darkness - so figure the next road has to be it
So reverse out, and go down the next road.. nope that gets us even further away.. hmm ok back to the next plan - so go back up the road and try it - nope that's 1.3 km away - hmm let's try another route - we try about 7 different ways and finally decide that it's just not going to work at about 3:45 in the morning - so head out - on the way back (it's not getting light) we notice this flagging tape hanging from a tree that says polaris..
Hmm thought - isn't that an ATV thingy? well we follow our instincts and listen to the tap and then see a sign that says - ATV HOME - and realize that we're probably at the end of the poker run - perhaps it's on the other side of Princeton.. arrgghhh - ok plan b.. so we head back into Princeton and get gas (jeeps eat a lot of it you know)..
We then head up the other direction - and Jordy says I know where the road is - and he starts heading up it.. nix says Kris - wrong road - so again we turn around and try the last possibility - (if it wasn't it we were going to go home to sleep..lol it's now nearing 5 AM) so we head up the road and see more tape this time Canam tape - this time we knew we had it - so we followed the tape up this long road - till we come to a dead end.. hmm we think the tape has to lead to a route (why didn't we think of this on the other side.. lol)
So we turn around and find the other little road.. well quad route it is - along a fence line.. we follow up the fence line (at this time thinking terrain 2.. can't be oh well it's worth it) - getting closer we hit 910 meters, then 700 (now it's daylight and kris is saying - I don't care how close we get I'm walking) then 500, 300, 100 and then 50 and the perfect little FSR appears before them.. lol
Shaking head they now know which road it is that gets you there with a terrain 2 - however it would never have been as fun or as memorable.. it's now about 5:45 in the morning - The clue made it an easy find once we go there - thank goodness.. :)
Took only our memories and left a log that probably will read strange as we were over tired - but an awesome way to start our summer!! -- Now back to the cabin for the adventures tomorrow.. :)

But worth every moment of it - exhaustion and all.. we went and took the 20 minute drive back to the cabin and slept til noon then got up - realized it wasn't going to be sunny and decided to grab the tent, lock up the cabin and see what other adventures were in store for us - we went through Keremeos, Cawston, Osoyos and ended up in Oliver grabbing some neat caches that hadn't been visited so far this year, found a TB along the way who had been locked up since October as well. Loved the hike we made up there (yes those are TB's hanging all over me)

.. then had to go find camping accommodations for the night. Well first we had to find the FSR road (remember we don't do campground) and the book and gps weren't exactly matching 100% so took us a little bit - but we persevered and found an awesome sight!

Now they say Red in the morning sailors warning red and night sailor's delight..

Lots of firewood, and a nice little clearing - there had never been a fire pit there before - so we made one (ok I was the one insistent on the rocks - as if they really do a lot of good.. but made me feel better) lots of wood and we put up the tent. Never underestimate the value of a goooood tent - at this point I am thrilled that he had a good one and not a cheap one. Now have you ever slept outdoors in a thunderstorm? Talk about Tension..

We were woken up about 2 hours later, wishing we had the camera with us, that red at night sunset was a bit disconcerting.. picture scene..

You're all cuddled up in your tent, fell asleep to the sound of the crickets and nature noise and get woken up by the ground shaking beneath you, the thunder claps around you and you can almost feel the energy from the lightening bolts go right through you - the rain pelts down in buckets on the tent, and even with your eyes closed under the sleeping bags you can still see the flashes of lightening and the thunder comes right at the same time - so you know it's right next to you.. The lightning goes and the thunder booms again .. and you feel the ground shake again..

That is what makes a tantalizing moment where you can taste life, kind of like the poison oak run in - wouldn't want to repeat it - but wouldn't give it up for the memories it brings.. in the morning the sun was out and you couldn't even tell it had rained (except it washed my mud off of the Yeep!!)

We quickly packed up and headed back down to Oliver so we could move on with the day, grabbed a few caches in nature reserves - absolutely beautiful spots! But think we saw the neatest thing to date.. :)

She was only about 30 meters from us, wish we would have had the radio down a bit. After she walked past we watched her and she had meandered further down the road - she crossed but we couldn't see the baby - she paused checked that no traffic was coming, or threat to the baby and then signaled her to come across - amazing!

After that moment we continued on up our litte road to another reserve and hiked the 2 km into the cache up the incline training hill to find out there was an observatory on the other side - wonders never cease.. lol apparently there are also rattle snakes in the area -but think about that snake bite kit - not sure how well bear spray will work on them.. lol - oh well what we don't' think about can't hurt us..

We found yet another benchmark on the trip, must get waymarking caught up soon.. running behind on that.. lol still haven't finished the cali trip.. signed some amazing logs - got to wear my hat! We grabbed a few more with one goal in mind.. to get to 450 by the end of the day.. We managed to claim the cacheless by-pass mid-way point. Of course had to try both attempts at it, as we had figured that we couldn't make it the first time when we found snow - not realizing it was only 180 meters of it - and couldn't' have won the battle. Funny this cache was supposed to have been our 2nd one - and it ends up marking our 450th.. And it was still a bit of a tension getter - we had seen a bear only about 300 meters down the road - so we made this one as quick as possible.. lol

An amazing trip - but I know you're bored now and as we know I can type for hours - so will leave you with a thought - as I raise my glass of batteries and cheer to my view on life - it isn't for all and that is good - but for me without challenge in all aspects, physical, intellectual, personal life is not worth living - and to stand outside the fire - I am incapable..

A poker run, 4 kids and poison oak - but all worth it!

2008-06-18T21:46:00.001-07:00

June 8, 2008 Slideshow for the DayI think the title about sums it up - It was an awesome time! We had been on the waiting list for the Poker Run and had figued we wouldn't be able to get in, however on Friday Morning we got a message asking if we still wanted to come, as they had a last mintue cancellation. We quickly grabbed it up and were all set for the day!We started by getting 4 of the kids up bright and early at 6 AM so we could be in Chilliwack on time - boy were they excited - not - lol but the promise of pancakes worked for them. We then made our way out to Chilliwack, after spending the $180 on gas - headed for the starting point. Made it there and got seated and tried to order breakfast. I have always liked that Pantry, but I don't think the waitres was ready for 40 hungry cachers first thing on a Sunday Morning - the kids got their food - so that was a good thing.We put in our coin for the bound (thank you to the Turbo's for bringing them) and got our instructions and headed out towards the first cache. Now keep in mind we hadn't updated the Chilliwack query in quite some time, about 3 months.. so we then went to go get the first poker cache - succeeded, and thought we'd stop to grab a couple of the Chilliwack caches - but to no avail can't find them, gps is jumping all over the place and the muggles are circling in .. lol can't find the caches - (Now that we get home we realize that ohhh they're archived)We follow the cache instructions and go from one to the next making our way from Chilliwack through to Abby - all together there were 8 "poker caches" - we also managed to pick up 12 other caches along the way. 2 of them were mystery/puzzle caches that I had worked out months ago - we got to claim them.. yeahhhhhh Felt so good. My favorite all time cache so far is the Music Box Cache from GotLost - many people would think it's not.. but it was my all time - we worked so hard and still feeling the effects of the poison oak..

Here's our log.. First Jordy had tried to follow me to the cache through the first bush whacking way, til we ran into the devils' claw - then when I went up this trail he stayed below - he got the worst from the poison oak, but was wearing shorts..

First - can we add the attribute of the stinging nettles.. lol
Solved the coordinates months ago, but never got to find it as time just didn't work.. so While doing Your Poker Run today.. We pulled up to the park and Kris was very excited as she said we can get one of those puzzle caches!!! Yeah!!
We went up the hill to go down the hill, to try to bushwhack to hit - to figure out that bushwacking through devils clawas and stinging nettles is not a good idea.
Then to find the right trail that Jordy swore was only an animal trail as it was a bit "weedy". Kris volunteered to go up and try to find it - and leave the kids behind. I then (kris) lost my shoe half way up the hill.. (reminds me why I should be wearing hiking boots when we go do these..lol) and couldn't put it on as everywhere there were nettles and it was at a steep slippery part and so I had to walk part way up the hill with one shoe on and one shoe off with my stockings on.. lol
Finally get the shoe back on, to get up to the hill and the find the cache and have to figure out how to get it as it's entrance is covered in stinging nettles.. lol well got it - signed the log (no trading - as wasn't planning on doing this one.. ) then to get the cache back - well managed that but to camo it.. well it was at that point the arm touched the stinging nettles .. lol while trying to retrieve the cammo..
Excellent cache - excellent adventure!

We had left Quinn in the truck with Chandler, who is a legally certified babysitter and old enough.. and figured the two of them would be ok for the 30 minutes. However Quinn decided to be play his stubborn obstinate one and leave of his own accord to come find me - well we lost him for a short while - we did get him back 10 minutes later but has tauht me that he still has a lot of growing up to do and perhaps leaving him wih Chandler is not the best solution as the two of them will always have that mutual stubborness.. lol

But overall the kids had fun which is more then I expected, and we had a blast!! Can't wait til the one next year. We were one card away from winning the poker hand if we would have had one more spade.. oh well.

But thank you to Mike! for a memorable and awesomeistic day!!!

California - Bakersfield - Original Cache

2008-06-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Slideshow of the Trip!

California, where I'm from and Jordy's first time here. Coming over from the coast we made a quick stop in Taft to see the cemetery. Stopped by Mama's house as well - they've done a great job with renovating it. No longer the clapboard siding, but all stucco - considering the other houses in the area
No longer the clapboard siding, but all stucco - considering the other houses in the area it's done quite well. We grabbed one cache in Taft, as it was right outside the cemetery. Nice - most of the cemetery caches we were seeing happened to be "inside" the cemtery - I personally think they should be a no no. We did one, and it was almost midnight and just felt wrong (either that or my nerves got the better part of me) We hit Bakersfield and found a hotel, which was right beside the local mini-golf, and met up with Kameron and his friend Justine. Very nice girl - took them out for dinner. Couldn't believe he would be graduating. The ceremonies were done so well, and it was a very teary eyed moment for me.

He looks great, I look like a chipmunk still.. lol

We took him out for some games on Thursday after the ceremonies and he choose some pizza place - one where you pay like $30 for a bunch of tokens for which on th games you get tickets - and with those tickets you get a 39 cent prize.. lol It' what he wanted so was happy to oblige him being a kid. With our tickets we redeemed them for a 4x4 toy van - which we turned in a TB - calling it Kameron's Grad Travel Bug! We released it a few days later on our way up the coast at a perfect spot - called Sunset Boulders.

Funny I don't miss being there at all - the beaches yes, and it's so hard to think back and know of all the time I missed with him growing up - 16 years later he's turned out to be an amazing young man, graduated now and ready to take on the world. I hope that everything we've done to raise him will work and he can fufill all his dreams - once he realizes what those are.

We left on Thursday later afternoon and made our way up to Lodi, (of course for a TB goal) and then over to Santa Rosa - out of all the things to that point 2 stick out in our mind as being the most interesting - 1 was a McDonals of all possible points of interest - why .. well a pig in the sign? Still have to figure this out..

Second favorite all time sight was of course... drum roll please!

We were too late for a tour, but next round we must!

We stayed at Santa Rosa, opted not to go caching in town that night as in the 30 minutes it took to go from the hotel to the store and back to the hotel we saw 17 police cars, 3 surrounding 3 kids sitting in a park.. thought searching for plastic tupperware by flashlight might be not the right choice that night.. lol Don't mind being questioned by the Hope Police, or even some of the coastal towns..

We got up the next morning and made our way through the Napa area again and headed back to the coast. Picking up a few of the caches along the way that we missed the first time through and then got to the coast about an hour later. We saw the neatest artistic renditions of cows, dogs and fishermen! (see the slideshow - pics about 2/3 of the way through)

We worked our way up the coast spending that day as a full caching day with no agenda other then to cache - we got in total 25! and were very excited. We simply went from cache to cache to cache. We kept running into caches signed by HwyGuy from langley.. lol and he had been the last one to sign. Figure that some people will think we were travelling together if they ever check - not the case but a strange twist of fate.

We picked up 2 coins along the way - 1 was "unnecessary bushwhacking" - I think her legs so resembled this by the end of the two days - but it was necessary as some had no trails.. lol and another one that was called "TB get out of jail" modelled after monopoly - was awesome so fitting. We used the TB get out of jail to free a Shrek TB later in the trip.

We visited some amazing beaches and sights that day! Only down side was Jordy got bitten by a tick on his chest. He's been tested for Lyme disease - as shortly after getting home he felt "flu like symptoms" so far he seems to be recovering.. lol But taught us a fe valuable lessons.

We got great pics, visited Glass Beach and some of the redwood areas such as the Chandler tree (a tree you can drive through) - one of our favorite pictures is this one - it's of DEAD SOUL - we kept trying to turn him to the good side!

We made it up to Crescent City that night - and knew our free time would soon be over - we never made it up to the Oregon Coast this time - shows you how quick the time goes when your caching your way through it. We never thought we would enjoy spending the entire week together, not one issue - what a shock.. lol Can we go back again. We've decided for the 2 weeks that we're taking in August that we're going to take the kids down to the Oregon coast and have a seaside family holiday! (they can stay at the beach and we go cache he he).

On our way back home we knew that we had to get to cache #399 before we headed home as we were going to be claiming the original stash and needed that to be #400..(gotta be a milestone if we're going to this much work) Towards the last 1 or 2 we met a fellow caching family and they donated the TB they were carrying to the cause - Belly Can a very cute Pelican.. and we gave them Padi our water guy. The kids were happy for the trade.

We then put on some quick and hasty miles as it was about 11 AM and we were still in Cali on the coast and had to get home to Van and hit the original cache outside of Oregon. We did get to the original stash. After exploring every country road that was near it up - down - around - sideways.. lol We finally get to where my coordinates tell us we should be and that it's like 5 meters and we just go - it can't be here.. not realizing it was right on the ground. We had always pictured it to be on a pedestal.. lol

In true turtle fashion our TB tour group pays homage!

After the anti-climatic moment we pack up and head home to get there at 2:30 in the morning to get up and go to work at 6:30.. tired but every moment worth it.. :)

California - Woodstock - Bakersfield

2008-06-07T17:30:00.001-07:00

SLIDESHOW OF THE DAY
The slideshow is of the entire trip after Woodstock, but breaking up the adventure story into two parts. We still had Kameron's graduation to make, Bakersfield was the goal by Tuesday night.We got back to the hotel after the geocoin event on Saturday -and tired - don't even think that begins to describe how we felt. And knowing we'd paid for an overpriced hotel room, due to being the last one in town - oh well it's all part of the adventure.We were staying in Yuba, and should have checked the local caches as we missed out on the opportunity to get one of the oldest unarchived caches out there (100 oldest caches) - guess we should do a bit more research on the area's we are at - but then again if we researched everything it would take out part of our fun.We got up and hastilly left Yuba, at 11 Am (I don't think we've ever made it out of a hotel prior to that.. lol) and headed towards Napa Valley - that was on our agenda for the day - and our end goal was the other side of San Francisco. I've driven this route dozens of time and can always gauge the time well - however when you throw caching into the equation - totally shoots any version of a time schedule down the drain.. lol We left with the new TB group in hand and headed over on the 20 - was supposed to give us a direct route over to Napa, however we didn't have the GPS on - and were so busy enjoying being tourists we completly missed the turn off at Colusa - even though it had signs to go that way - oh well it's all part of the adventure - eventually we did notice it - however we got to experience vultures, bumble bees, fields of Dill and a few other really cool sights we would have missed if we'd gone where we were supposed to.. We did turn around after about 40 minutes and made our way back through Colusa, but got side tracked when we saw the Casino sign - there was a TB with a Casino mission.. we must follow that TB!.. lol so we wandered up the road and just when we figured we were lost we found it - a brand newly renovated Casino.. we took the pictures and moved on down the road towards Napa - Jordy and I were both in Cache withdrawal at this time so we turned on the GPS and counted down the kilometers to the nearst one - 70 - 60 - 50 -40 all the while going through the twisty windy country roads.. so beautiful!We drove through some of the little towns in the valley, saw the wineries - never quite made it in for any tastings though - that would cut into the caching time, but then again on average we only got to about 12-15 caches a day. Loved the Cowpoke Cafe that we drove by, and almost magnolia like tree covered lanes.. we also go to drive by what would be the best caches in the world.. he he It was sad at how many caches would couldn't grab because we just didn't have time.PERFECT CACHE CONTAINERS! In the Napa area - pretty much all the cache containers we saw were "traditional" in the sense, it could have been the caches we were doing, but nothing stuck out in our head that made us go.. hmmm I wanna take that idea home. They were fun - and helped us see the scenery - but then again it helped us get the caches.. lol One Cache we started to get but decided not to, as when we turned the corner there were a few tents under the bridges - it was a beautiful bridge, was over 100 years old - and it was a disapointment not to find it - but figure it was better to keep the cache safe.As 5 oclock approached on the first day we were nearing the end of our query and had to make to the other side of Frisco by hotel time so we needed to put some mileage on quick as that was still about a 4-5 hour drive ahead, but we still had to find some more caches.. lol We found some big comfy chairs!

Of Course there is a cache in this picture.. lol how could someone pass this opportunity up! We then headed over the Golden Gate Bridge - but missed the opportunity to turn off so that we could take a few pictures of Jordy and the TB's there - we got some cool ones while driving over it -Jordy knew we were close as all of a sudden he saw 'fog' and said - oh the Golden Gate Bridge must be near.. lol

It's funny - San Francisco and the 'core' area is kid of neat - but that whole section from San Fran - Monterey on the 101 just sucks - Silicon valley and everything is just another bunch of buildings - we moved through it as quick as we could so we could finally find a hotel at about 11 pm.. We had the goal of the beach - Jordy's first California Beach in the morning - and what a beautiful place to start..

I must say we did enjoy the Cache placers of Monterey they were very creative, fun to get and took us to great places - so we offer up our Kudo's to them! On the way there we drove by some neat sights - one of our favorites is a Mural that we saw.

We were just trying to get from the 101 to the 1 and came through this - so neat! Both sides are like this - they even have a fake fruit vendor as well on the corner. Finally over the horizon the ocean appears and so do the dunes.. we can smell the salt air and feel the warmth of the sun!

We did stop and the first "beach" area so that Jordy could feel the sand between his toes - and I was in heaven it's been a few years since I've been back - and I so miss it. At Monterey he got to see his first Gekko and first sprinkler cache.. he he all in one 5 minute span. He loved both! We grabbed the cache then went back along the pier to enjoy the boardwalk and find a few other caches - we did find and enjoy both and got a side show as well!

Love it! - Everywhere we turned there were more Sealions - we continued on down the coast exploring so many nooks and crannies and stopping at one point with a blanket at the top of a peak and sitting there with a good cold bottle of bud enjoying the serenity - (would have been wine but we had none) everywhere we went it was so beautiful and just like this. We made so many stops along the way until we got to Big Sur. We then stopped for dinner and had a really good bottle of wine - rooms there were a bit over our price tag - so after dinner we got back on the road and booted it down to San Simeon.

Well this was the end of day 2 and we had one more semi-day to play - and that was this beautiful area that I call home - or well used to when I was 6 months old anyway - some people refer to as Hearst Castle area, but there is also Pismo Beach, Elephant Seal Beach and so much more to the area. We did let Jordy go up to the parking lot and see Hearst Castle from a distance - but we were more interested in the caches and beach - and the gekko's he kept finding.. lol Gekos Everywhere! I could tell you about the sights - but you're better off simply viewing the slide show.

Then our last stop before the jet to Bakersfield was in Cambria - It was called Nitt Witt Ridge.. a very interesting story behind it.

The following is from Wikipedia, I wish we had known about before- would love to arranged for a tour - but another amazing example of where geocaching will take you!

Nitt Witt Ridge is a house on two-and-a-half-acres in Cambria, California, located at 881 Hillcrest Dr, Cambria Pines. Artist/recluse Arthur "Art" Harold Beal (d. 1992) bought his hillside lot in 1928, and spent most of the next 50 years carving out the terraces with only a pick and shovel, and creating his own "castle on a hill."
Arthur Harold Beal is known as Der Tinkerpaw or Captain Nitt Witt. Beal was garbage collector for the town of Cambria in the 1940s and '50s, and made good use of what Cambrians were throwing away, as well as the natural materials on the property, in the nearby pine forests, and on the area's beaches. Some parts are also reportedly remnants from Hearst Castle where he reportedly worked for a time. Other common building materials are beer cans, abalone shells, and concrete. There are also washer drums, car rims, tile, car parts, and old stoves.
After Art died in 1992 at the age of 96, his ashes were spread around his favorite redwood on Nitt Witt Ridge. The house still is full of knicknacks and architectural uniqueness, despite the deterioration and ransacking it suffered after Art's death.
In 1999 Michael and Stacey O'Malley became the owners of Nitt Witt Ridge. They have repaired some of the house and cleaned up the gardens. Their enthusiasm for Nitt Witt Ridge is apparent in Michael's guided tours of the property. Tours are available by reservation only and include a four-minute video. For information call the O'Malleys at 805-927-2690.
Nitt Witt Ridge is California Historical Landmark No. 939. It is considered a thematic landmark, in connection with the Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments [1]. The plaque reads:
Nitt Witt Ridge, one of California's remarkable twentieth-century folk-art environments, is the creation of Arthur Harold Beal (Der Tinkerpaw, or Capt. Nitt Witt), a Cambria Pines pioneer who sculpted the land using hand tools and indigenous materials, inventiveness and self-taught skills. A blend of native materials and contemporary elements, impressive in its sheer mass and meticulous placement, it is a revealing memorial to Art's cosmic humor and zest for life. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 939. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation for saving and preserving arts and cultural environments with the Art Beal Foundation, non-profit and educational corporation. June 26, 1986.

We then booted to to Bakersfield to meet up with Kameron and his friend Justine for dinner. Was so nice that he brought a girl - hope that someday his life balances out for him.

Woodstock!

2008-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Slide Show for the Day!

Ok - amazing is all we can say- we ended up there as a matter of fluke and fate.. All due to a little TB - here's the story of the TB and us -

Discovered at GWVI - was so very cool to be there!However he is part of the reason we were there to begin with - so we had to try to hunt him down.
While on our first geocaching trip we found one of his brothers, (up until today thout it was him) we never knew to take the tag number and discover him - when we got home after our first trip (3 days, 1200 kilometers and 22 finds) we went to see what he was, then apparently went meandering through his fellow brothers and put him on our watch list so we could find him again later.
Well a watch list note came in saying he'd been picked up by geocachers who are friends and live close to us - we figured they'd drop him in a cache near us - no they released him in Tacoma.(on the way to geowoodstock)
Well we had planned on coming this way as of Saturday morning (California - for Kameron's graduation) so figured we'd pick him up on our way here. Well Friday morning we get another message saying he was picked up and being taken to Geowoodstock by another cacher.
Well now its 10 am on friday morning Kris calls up Jordy and says honey want to have a road trip - so together we make the decision to leave after work from Vancouver BC to drive to Geowoodstock in the hunt for the TB that escaped us. So we drive the 13.5 hours straight overnight with no sleep to get here - we manage to be lucky enough to find a hotel.
We shower, change and head to our final coordinates to enjoy our first mega event - but still wondering how do we find this one TB.
We get to the TB trading area and Jordy almost passes out from the excitement and vibe of hundreds of TB's in front of him - but he can't have them all.. lol
We were talking to one of the people manning it - and turns out he was the one who picked up the TB in Tacoma and helped us find it.. :)
However we look at each other realizing this is not the TB from Kamloops .. lol so now we have to go find him..
But thanks to your TB we had the trip of a lifetime to Geowoodstock - funny how fate works isn't it!

Well it was the start to an amazing 1 week trip, Woodstock made Cache #300 and the original Cache #400 - how much better can you get.

Woodstock was great - beyond our wildest dreams.. and we were amazed and how many fellow Cacher's were there - Graf, Beanz, Huggy Family, Turbo's, Canadian Bacon, MSBrain & Pinky, GoalieGirl38 and many others. The last month really opened our eyes to the neatness of Events. Both Jordy and I have always struggled to 'fit in' as we're not the run of the mill crowd - we couldn't care less about TV or other such nonsensical stuff - we'd rather be in the great outdoors - well we love the people we've met through geocaching and realize that there are others out there like us - those who get excited about plastic tupperware, are down to earth and enjoy a good challenge.. :)

We also got to meet Mountain man as well - which was just strange timing, we were standing in line for food and someone said high mountain man - we said the mountain man and he said yes - we introduced ourselves and he said that he had heard we made it down..

We explored the Cache site thoroughly taking in all the opportunities, using a metal detector for coins (he he kris could have gotten addicted) and then did the poker run which was cool! We got to run all around town looking for tupperware boxes - however Kris (knowing her success when entering in coordinates) at one time had us out in the middle of a farmers field.. lol (read our first multi cache to get the idea) - When Jordy came within 2 inches of a BeeHive in the field unexpectedly he took over and double checked and led them out of there.. lol

We were dead tired - if not would have claimed more caches that day - but then again there wasn't a lot of challenge as you just had to look for the groups of people standing around and stand in line to sign the log - we wonder how many of the caches are still safe - hoping most of them made it through safely.

The entertainment was amazing, the atmospher impressive and it all a little overwhelming - you could go through the parking lot and claim about 100 TB Car's.. lol too bad they dont' have their own icon on here.

Almost lost Jordy at the TB exchange he was drooling over them choices - still can't convince him to give up Beastman though and no one has asked for him to move on - so we'll indulge him a bit longer with the obsession - and the TB pictures we took - amazing. I have to build a seperate TB slideshow on here when I get a change. Tonight (5 days later) finally finished loading the TB pictures onto their own pages - still have to do the cache photos, the waymarking and the next set of blogs.

We dropped/exchanged all of our TB's - then Jordy sat around at the end waiting for the chance to grab more.. lol like a vulture in wait.. they all didn't get picked up so we got to grab 4 more in total between the two of us and our TB Tour group went up to 10.. and they all had a great trip - we actually helped many of them with their goals and were able to release them before coming home to BC..

After Woodstock we made our way over to the geocoin event - wow is all we can say, knew people liked their coins - but didn't realize how much.. neither did the hotel - they figured sure geeks with trading coins - the room will be big enough.. lol it wasn't by the end I think over 342 teams were there, so that probably makes it 500 people.. all trading and wheeling and dealing to get the latest coin - some people make lists of their coins and give those to people so you can "discover them" but in the end that didn't seem right - to take sheets of paper and use those numbers - we like the beauty of 'discovering it" that proud one that people carry around.. or in a cache.. to simply sit there and plunk in 150 coin codes to have the icons kind of would be like discovering TB's at the TB exchange.. but it was still a cool experience!

While we were standing there we did receive an awesome gift from the Turbo's and Beanz - a coin.. the one they had made marking this trip.. we so appreciate that - and it's gotten great use..

Wish we coudl have gotten a "BC geocachers" picture.. but alas it didn't happen - perhaps next year in Tennessee - So who all is going?

Tulameen - Keremeos - May Long Weekend

2008-06-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Slide Show for the Weekend!

This is of course a little overdue, seeming that we've gotten back from that trip and attended Woodstock in Cali!

But have to share a few of the key points 1. If every time you go towards snow and in it you get stuck, know if you choose not to turn around when you hit snow you will get stuck!

We had a great time, we let the boys claim the trestle cache, down by the tunnel in Tulameen - and learned lesson #2.

2. If waters are very very high and you don't want to have to feed and water children any more send them out after a cache!

All the kids managed to survive the weekend and we got one of the caches we were after. There was a cache at Red Bridge lake, it's called Reb Bridge. It's the cache we tried to get a few weeks ago and didn't manage to because of the snow. This time we did manage to claim this one.. such a fun trip! We ran accross a few people on the way up that said you couldn't get to the lake as there was a part of the road that was "ice" - well we made it past there with no problem. And claimed the cache that hasn't been seen since last year!

Unfortunately while we were up here we missed High Maintenance and Puddle Duck 21 who had not only solved Kris's puzzle cache that had been released on Friday (amazed at the speed.. lol) they then made a trip up to Tulameen to see just how many of the 4 caches that had been published the week before they could claim a first to find on .. they got 1 out of 4 - not bad but apparently they had a blast in the process!

We are truly honored that they went to that much work - can't wait to get back to the job of placing caches again so we can give them a bit more fun - let's just see how hard we can make them this round. They also left us some goodies so we can place new caches.. don't worry they'll be used soon - very soon we just have to wait to get to our next "target" he he..

Mountainsideman also claimed a few of our new caches - and he's got the 4x4 coin - we know he'll get it to an awesome place! Perhaps we'll have to venture to where he puts it so we can claim the cache.. he he

The next day we headed back into Tulameen with 1 goal - to claim a multi-cache that hadn't been seen in 3 years - well we followed each step and it was such a neat idea - the way they put the coordinates - would never have even realized that's what they were for if we hadn't been on the hunt - thankful for hints! Took us out to the area of Osprey Lake in the end and about an hour and 15 minutes - but well worth it - we claimed 2 other caches that were out there.. :)

So if you're in Princeton follow that multi-cache and set aside the time to do it! we highly reccomend it. We're hoping to do the other multi-cache in Princeton in the very near future.. :)

Then for the last day we had a few great experiences - sans caching..

The Great Tulameen Cow Chase

And this is why we don't let the children out much.. lol

Ok - that's the quick highlight - perhaps I'll have time to add more later but at least this is up.. lol

now to go post all those TB pictures and finish our caching journey and try to write the blogs for that..

Twin Twisters, Two Turtles and Tulameen Time!

2008-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

May 2 - 4, 2008

A trip to Tulameen with Just the Girls and Us

Slide Show for the Weekend!

It was an amazing weekend full of getting 6 caches and placing 4 new ones, I still have to finish putting the cache pages together and submitting them. Now that we've gotten to add creativity to them they take a bit longer to put together - but in the end so much better in appearance. I'm catching up on my html coding again, amazing how quick you can pick it up again.

We picked up the girls from their mom's on Friday night, and headed up to the cabin grabbing 2 quick caches in Hope to break the monontony and then continued in our new route. Take the Coquihalla - With our new route you can take the Brookemere exit, then head East on the Kane Road til you hook up to the Voght Valley Road then turn right. If you take this route you'll be able to grab a couple of caches, and there is no 4x4 needed, the Civic could have gotten us there. (And yes we placed one at Kris's alien tree)

The route will take you up past Davis, Shea, Boss and Thalia Lakes which offer you some great fishing, camping and all out relaxation time with the ability to hook up with good old mother nature. We drove past here at about 10 and here amazed at the total amount of campers in there already for this time of year. Sure that it's only a sign of the summer to come, since we've been cooped up all winter long and still getting snow at the higher elevations.

The cabin was a welcome sight for sore eyes, as it's been a few weeks - and it was so nice not to have to worry about frozen pipes, or freezing this time around! And the weather for the weekend - could not have been better. Jordy got me a hammock for my birthday, set it up on my back deck and let me just lounge in it on Sunday - he he was so nice to lay there in the sunshine and be treated like a princess.

On Saturday we took advantage of the weather, and took the girls and burb out for a few hours to explore Headley, grab a few easy caches, place one and try for some higher elevation 4x4 caches - we had baited breath would we finally be able to claim some good ones ...

First we ventured up to the cabin above cook creek to place our first "Let's Shack Up" Cache- Jordy has driven past this off and on his entire life and never stopped til Kris came in the picture. She has a love of old cabins (Waymarking is going to love her this summer) and when he took her up there she got out and he saw just how amazing this one used to be. The love and history here, the quality of how it was built for it's time. It had an enclosed porch and you can feel the good energy coming out of it. We had go place a cache here to honor it, we're hoping when the people come up for this cache that they'll take the time to really appreciate it.

We headed first down the Coalmont Road, and were wondering if that little side road we'd had our eye on all winter just might lead to the Twin as the Bridges Cache being that we had the Twin Twisters with us thought it was fitting. Jordy had the right idea and we worked our way down to the the tunnel that is down there and got to walk right up to the cache. Quite a fun little diversion on our way to Hedley. Jordy was so excited that his idea worked! of course when we got back and looked at the cache page turns out that the coordinates for our trail were right on there.. lol

Just how big is that tunnel! We realized as you put it in perspective, this was only built in 1949 - how times change so quickly - that's the year Kris's mom was born. Take a look at the pictures in the slide show for more on this area. Kris was very excited to capture a very need photo though, she's been working on her macro photography on the side.

The fascination with just little drops of water and how they truly are tied to the chaos theory in quantum physics has always mesmerized her. (Think Jurasic Park) Water is so very necessary to life, and is so fluid and mobile, yet strong enough to cut through canyons. Heat can evaporate it, but can also cause it to exist and it's made out of Oxygen the very essense any living creature requires in one form or another - but that's getting off track again.

We claimed the cache! and then headed for Headly, grabbing a few more caches and took the girls to the Hedley Nickle Plate Mine - a very neat place and we made a friend - a Hoary Marmot - she was so cute (or he)

Timon!

The girls completely loved the mine and didn't mind when we decided to continue our trip over to Cathedral Park area and venture up a small little FSR in search of the Red Bridge Lake cache - we tried in vein - however the snow eventually over came and we had to go back without our 4 star terrain cache.. oh well another trip will prevail - we're hoping possible for may long weekend. The views were amazing though, and Kris didn't have an anxiety attack on those narrow litle roads - that must be a first for her!

We then went back to the cabin to have a relaxing evening, some burgers and think about the caches we were to place tomorrow - to where or where shall our little caches go - where or where shall they go? Well we actually had them planned. One went around the alien tree, one in an outhouse (Gotta go!) and one at the Lookout at Otter Lake. Really makes me wonder if working is worth it - there is so much to explore and see out there in our great country! oh right I need money to pay for the gas.. aww that's why I work.. he he but ya gotta admit we've got an awesome life..

I'll leave you with a few final photos (remember there's 51 up above if you want to click through to the photos through the slide show) and the cache's you can't see til they're approved.. Til I post the next one - have a great life and remember - be a kid - really why get stressed over being an adult!

4 New Caches Placed, 9 found and an Alouette trip!

2008-04-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Slide Show for the Day!

Some days I love our life, even though hectic it's awesome. We didn't get as many caches as we wanted as one of the mini turtles turned 12 and we had a sleep over for him and his buddies on Saturday - and on Friday a cousin was in town from Pennsylvania for the night so we did dinner - so our Caching time was seriously cut into.. lol But well Worth it.

We managed to grab 4 on Friday and experienced a sad sad moment - a freshly muggled cache.. very sad for us - the papers were all around from the log book - we grabbed what we could and sent a message to the owners.

It was however an amazing weekend!

Kris and Cousin Lou!

Ok - so I will never like my pictures - still think I look like a chipmunk in them.. :P

We did find 3 very healthy caches on friday, tried to find one that apparently had been archived since my Vancouver querry a few weeks ago, but was worth the stop anyway!

We happened to have 4 of our caches posted this weekend - we're really enjoying placing them - it's a bit all obsessing now, People are going to think it's because of the blitz - but it's not - we just finally are starting to pull our ideas together and the roads are opening.

Finally we've been able to get some out of the box thinking going on for them - Jordy's creative juices have started flowing and we're using some ideas that we havent' seen before! For Kris it's just the fun of building up an idea - theme - from the cache page to the cammo.. he he she's thinking a Nursery Rhyme theme could be next!!

We did manage to claim 9 this weekend in spite of the limited time, but it's not about the numbers it's about what you see while you're out there.. take this picture for instance:

The Sweet Bliss of a Honey Suckle Moment

How often do we get to capture these moments in time, where for that split second you can stand still and just take in the power of something so small?

Then of course you think the coordinates will get you to the cache if it's a traditional one - boy were we wrong.. lol we went up almost the full km to the cache (in real hiking time) to find out it was a traditional cache we needed the sheet for as it was 180 'paces' from the coordinates - so back down to the Yeep we go.. :P and on the way back..

Woody Warns Us Away!

Think the whole trip up and back and up again was well worth it - besides the excercise we got. We explored the area rescued two TB's and left two behind.. and took them on a few photo op adventures. We had wanted to get 10 caches done today to do some catch up for missing the gorgeous sun yesterday but fate didn't allow that. However we are proud to boast we have now done our second multi-cache (and this time Kris figured it out in only 3 steps - not the 5 normally required!) and didn't land us 12 km away!

All in all a great Weekend.

Trip Up Stave and another cache Placed

2008-04-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

Slide Show of the Day!
Well on the 20th we finally got to celebrate our 250th find - quite a sneaky one I might add - we expected one thing and got another - B08: Douglas Tunnel was our goal, found it and think we were a bit disapointed, but laughing. We really had wanted to believe the story - aww but that is part of the creativity of the cache. Chandler had some fun on the logs - so all was not lost.
The TB Crew Discovers the Douglas Tunnel

We then ventured over to pick up the Colony Farms one which had been on our list for a while - we had missed it on our first Merry Hill Bypass night and thought we should get it off our to do list. Still swear those plants are tarantula plants - and really makes you wonder what they're doing over in that prison.. lol Beastman Wrestles the Spider to the Ground
After that we picked up Gareth and headed up Stave to see in Jordy's words "The Gong Show". We did grab the one cache, the Rolley Falls Trail, learned sometime hints are literal - it said base of stairs - well where we were at GZ there were mother nature made stairs - didn't seem to be there so I started wandering and found "real stairs".. lol

It really is too bad that people "dump" stuff there, we came back out of the trail with a bag full of garbage, cans etc to come accross guys at the bottom unloading the contents of a trailer including picket fences etc - sometimes feels like the effort is for naught.. but I know we're doing the right thing.

We then headed up and watched a few people playing in the mud - nothing too bad at least, then ventured back up the FSR and who do we run accross but the guys from yesterday who were kicked out for going around a gate (small world isn't it.. lol) and continue on up to get as far as we could towards the lookout. Didn't quite make it - a little too much snow - but Jordy thought he'd have a little fun at least he he..

Since we couldn't get to the very top we decided this would be a perfect place to put our last cache of the weekend - Between Stave and Allouette. Of course this cache had a lot of meaning to us - as the first weekend we spent together Jordy took me up to the top with a picnic and I got to pick thimble berries - think it was part of the reason we fell in love. He was so happy that I was happy to be there -think he was shocked as well. The view from the top is so amazing as you can see Stave on one side and Allouette on the other

Almost two years later and we're still very very happy and sharing our new addiction of GEOCACHING!!!

We Rescue Goin' Home and Place 4 Caches

2008-04-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks our first placement of caches that we considered 'worthy' of us. It involved two trips, one up the West Harrison FSR in search of TJGuy98's 6 new caches of which we got 5, lol because Kris didn't double check they all loaded before leaving. Luckily Mark came through in a pinch and Jordy called him. Even though he's complutely a geocache newby - he rocked!

We started out our trip at Horse Thorns, and picked up Goin' Home - unfortunately George (The Tic-Tac-Toe) ended up being sacrficed. We didn't have the coin we had planned on dropping with us. On the way there - the Werewolf Roosters were out and trying to attack us - luckily there was a gate between us.

After there we placed two caches before heading out to West Harrison - one was for "A Cache of Cache's" - the second "Let's Try Again". We ended up at a Cache of Cache's the night before - all due to a miscalculation - but so happy we did - it's an amazing little place.

Cool is all we can say about it - so thank you the gods of fate for directing us here.

We then proceded to head up the Harrison West FSR in search of a few new caches, which we managed to get 5 out of the 6 (a bit of a technology glitch). We first headed up to see what the status of Look Out for that Well was - still a bit too much snow to do the 1.2 KM hike up the 1000 foot elevation. Hoping to come back in a few weeks to try to master it, and hoping no one that goes up there claims it - we want to rescue Jingle Bell!!!

Ran into a few people who I won't call names but were upset because they had gone beyond the gate and got yelled at by the person down there. No reply needed, Grabbed the 5 new caches and made our way out to Walian Creek FSR to a quick remembery of our FTF Which Way Now - and placed our best cache yet!! "A Way to Which Way Now".

We know it won't see a ton of action, but it's one of those that i think truly resembles Geocaching at it's finest - highlight something you might never see otherwise, and you have to work to get it!

Jordy remembered all those cross ditches on the way there, so thankfully we didn't hit anything too hard, Gareth and Chandler were with us as well and loved spending the day with their dad that way.

We then turn around and headed back down, claiming the remainder of the caches and tried to get a specific one for #250 - Morris Valley View - unfortunately the road we tried didn't lead there - but did lead to placement of cache #4 "Weave a View" - The road there can be reached via the Weaver lake campground or from down below - and is another amazing place.

We wanted to try the other route, however the boys were tired and wanted to get back to civilization.. so we gave in and will have to wait for another day for that one. But as anyone who knows us - that will be a side trip - first priority will be Look out for that Well!