Loren :)

See, here's the thing, about Mountain Marsh. If you look at it's past history only one person has logged a find earlier than Mid May. When my son Dan and I logged the Cache in May of 2003 it was a sloppy wet snowy, rainy day, BUT FUN!! It was gated at the Snow-Park. Those interested in the Mountain Marsh Cache might also want to do the C.C. Bigfoot Hide-A-Cache. It starts in the same area and has a fair amount of history to it. Let's see, this guy flies into Portland, OR after a morning of Caching in NY. Rents a car, drives 50-60 miles, hikes in and out of the Cache site 22.4 miles, Probably has a quick lunch at the Cougar Bar and Grill Cafe. HEY!! I think I saw this guy. We were there for a late Breakfast. Har!!!!! Loren

I just visited the Mt. St. Monument Headquarters, about 2 miles from my house and had a nice long chat with the helpful gal at the front desk. Road 83 is closed as posted on their website. No motor vehicles. One can walk-in. 11.2 miles one way. The gal and I went over ALL the alternate routes coming in from the south. Here's the problem. Most of the land south of the 83 is privately owned and gated. We could find no way that did not end in a private gate. Others may know a way? A Forest Service personal did drive the 83 a couple days ago several times to break up the snow. He is doing the same today. 83 is expected to open in about 2 weeks. The gal made sure I understood that 83 will have to meet certain criteria to open. 1. The mountain judged safe enough. 2. Snow level high enough so the Forest Service can maintain the trail facilities. Mt. St. Helens Monument Headquarters 360-449-7800 When the menu comes up push O for Operator. New Road Conditions will be updated at : http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/curre...ons/roads.shtml and: http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/curre...s/special.shtml Loren