Hike of the Month 2007

[luckykoi]

Thanks... so where is the hike this month?

 

I went up South Mountain yesterday, wow what summit that is..

I'm looking at several locations right now. Mostly, the focus has been centralized around the Whatcom area so I'm trying to find something on or near the peninsula. I'm also looking at the snowshoe bookmark Hydnsek has as a guide.

 

Criteria for this month are easier elevation gain (than last month's) and no more than 4-6 miles round trip. There's a lot of effort in uphill snowshoe hiking and I'm trying to keep this open to a wider range of skill levels as much as possible.

 

I hope to have a suggestion out by this weekend. Anybody CAN feel free to pipe in a suggestion that fits the above criteria.

 

Does it have to be a snowshoe hike? There are some hiking caches in the Green Mountain State forest that might be fun. GCPR5Z is on the top of Green Mountain but not much of a hike without snows I suppose, the trail is very steep in spots though. I've not been up there, only looked wistfully at the trail while I was pushing a jogging stroller.

[+TotemLake]

Thanks... so where is the hike this month?

 

I went up South Mountain yesterday, wow what summit that is..

I'm looking at several locations right now. Mostly, the focus has been centralized around the Whatcom area so I'm trying to find something on or near the peninsula. I'm also looking at the snowshoe bookmark Hydnsek has as a guide.

 

Criteria for this month are easier elevation gain (than last month's) and no more than 4-6 miles round trip. There's a lot of effort in uphill snowshoe hiking and I'm trying to keep this open to a wider range of skill levels as much as possible.

 

I hope to have a suggestion out by this weekend. Anybody CAN feel free to pipe in a suggestion that fits the above criteria.

 

Does it have to be a snowshoe hike? There are some hiking caches in the Green Mountain State forest that might be fun. GCPR5Z is on the top of Green Mountain but not much of a hike without snows I suppose, the trail is very steep in spots though. I've not been up there, only looked wistfully at the trail while I was pushing a jogging stroller.

No... it doesn't have to be, but I have new shoes and want need to use them to justify their cost to someone else. Besides, I don't want to have bought the shoes to use them only once this year.

 

Like I said earlier, feel free to organize other hikes in this thread... the snowshoe hike is what I'm trying to organize.

[luckykoi]

Thanks... so where is the hike this month?

 

I went up South Mountain yesterday, wow what summit that is..

I'm looking at several locations right now. Mostly, the focus has been centralized around the Whatcom area so I'm trying to find something on or near the peninsula. I'm also looking at the snowshoe bookmark Hydnsek has as a guide.

 

Criteria for this month are easier elevation gain (than last month's) and no more than 4-6 miles round trip. There's a lot of effort in uphill snowshoe hiking and I'm trying to keep this open to a wider range of skill levels as much as possible.

 

I hope to have a suggestion out by this weekend. Anybody CAN feel free to pipe in a suggestion that fits the above criteria.

 

Does it have to be a snowshoe hike? There are some hiking caches in the Green Mountain State forest that might be fun. GCPR5Z is on the top of Green Mountain but not much of a hike without snows I suppose, the trail is very steep in spots though. I've not been up there, only looked wistfully at the trail while I was pushing a jogging stroller.

No... it doesn't have to be, but I have new shoes and want need to use them to justify their cost to someone else. Besides, I don't want to have bought the shoes to use them only once this year.

 

Like I said earlier, feel free to organize other hikes in this thread... the snowshoe hike is what I'm trying to organize.

 

Ok well I need justification for the flotation tails I bought last year and never used. I suppose mount Mueller would be a bit much right now though..

[+TotemLake]

Okay... we have a possible snowshoe hike to this cache. The projected date is 2/17 with a meet up at the TH at 9AM. I'll have a bookmark in place sometime tomorrow. There are 2 more caches on the trail before this guy. Bring your snowshoes and find a way to strap them to your backpack. The snowline is about halfway up, but it might move upward due to the weather.

[+hydnsek]

Okay... we have a possible snowshoe hike to this cache. The projected date is 2/17 with a meet up at the TH at 9AM. I'll have a bookmark in place sometime tomorrow. There are 2 more caches on the trail before this guy. Bring your snowshoes and find a way to strap them to your backpack. The snowline is about halfway up, but it might move upward due to the weather.

Wow, I know February is a short month, but I didn't realize it only had ONE weekend!

 

Every activity that anyone has planned/suggested is for Feb 17-18. Several folks are going down for the GeoCoinfest/Temecula events that weekend, and Criminal also suggested it for Weekend Shootout 2 (but everyone in that thread said they were busy already). And apparently, many non-caching outings have been scheduled then.

 

I would love to go on this hike, but well, I'm busy that weekend. Now, if it were the following weekend...

[+TotemLake]

Okay... we have a possible snowshoe hike to this cache. The projected date is 2/17 with a meet up at the TH at 9AM. I'll have a bookmark in place sometime tomorrow. There are 2 more caches on the trail before this guy. Bring your snowshoes and find a way to strap them to your backpack. The snowline is about halfway up, but it might move upward due to the weather.

Wow, I know February is a short month, but I didn't realize it only had ONE weekend!

 

Every activity that anyone has planned/suggested is for Feb 17-18. Several folks are going down for the GeoCoinfest/Temecula events that weekend, and Criminal also suggested it for Weekend Shootout 2 (but everyone in that thread said they were busy already). And apparently, many non-caching outings have been scheduled then.

 

I would love to go on this hike, but well, I'm busy that weekend. Now, if it were the following weekend...

Ooops. Good point made. Can't make it earlier or I won't be able to go, so the target date is now 2/24.

Edited February 4, 2007 by TotemLake

[luckykoi]

Okay... we have a possible snowshoe hike to this cache. The projected date is 2/17 with a meet up at the TH at 9AM. I'll have a bookmark in place sometime tomorrow. There are 2 more caches on the trail before this guy. Bring your snowshoes and find a way to strap them to your backpack. The snowline is about halfway up, but it might move upward due to the weather.

 

I never found enough snow up there in the winter to justify putting on snowshoes. But one time this year there was too much snow there for me to make it to the trail head in my car so you never know. Just for reference Last weekend the snow line on my hike in the Southern Olympics was at 2,500 feet.

 

I wonder about this cache GCHJB2.

 

The tangled and gnarled cache at Lena Lake is probably missing.

Edited February 4, 2007 by luckykoi

[+TotemLake]

Okay... we have a possible snowshoe hike to this cache. The projected date is 2/17 with a meet up at the TH at 9AM. I'll have a bookmark in place sometime tomorrow. There are 2 more caches on the trail before this guy. Bring your snowshoes and find a way to strap them to your backpack. The snowline is about halfway up, but it might move upward due to the weather.

 

I never found enough snow up there in the winter to justify putting on snowshoes. But one time this year there was too much snow there for me to make it to the trail head in my car so you never know. Just for reference Last weekend the snow line on my hike in the Southern Olympics was at 2,500 feet.

I wonder about this cache GCHJB2.

 

The tangled and gnarled cache at Lena Lake is probably missing.

 

That would make sense although I never put thought to it before. It would bear the brunt of the west winds.

I enjoyed reading your log!

 

Anyway my bookmark is up and I'm looking forward to hiking on the peninsula once again.

Edited February 5, 2007 by TotemLake

[luckykoi]

The tangled and gnarled cache at Lena Lake is probably missing.

 

That would make sense although I never put thought to it before. It would bear the brunt of the west winds.

I enjoyed reading your log!

 

Anyway my bookmark is up and I'm looking forward to hiking on the peninsula once again.

 

Here is my most recent Lena Lake Log

Here is another trip to Lena Lake and here is yet another trip to Lena Lake

 

One one of those trips I placed a cache in the Brothers Wilderness, I did not realize it was in the wilderness at the time but when I got home and researched it I realized it was a no no so I never did try to get it published. I still need to go back and retrieve it.

 

I'll be happy to go along, I've not found the two newer caches up there. I looked for one but that was before Santa brought me a really good GPS that does not lose it's signal on EVERY hike I go on. So far my new GPS has never lost it's signal in the woods.

 

BTW the trail has been cleared of downed logs..

Edited February 5, 2007 by luckykoi

[+Square Bear]

One one of those trips I placed a cache in the Brothers Wilderness, I did not realize it was in the wilderness at the time but when I got home and researched it I realized it was a no no so I never did try to get it published. I still need to go back and retrieve it.

 

I'll be happy to go along, I've not found the two newer caches up there. I looked for one but that was before Santa brought me a really good GPS that does not lose it's signal on EVERY hike I go on. So far my new GPS has never lost it's signal in the woods.

 

BTW the trail has been cleared of downed logs..

The Wilderness area shouldn't be off limits unless it's in the National Park or part of the National Park. Will be happy to have you along.

[luckykoi]

Anyway my bookmark is up and I'm looking forward to hiking on the peninsula once again.

 

There is a cache at the trailhead that did not make your list GCZX1Y

[+TotemLake]

Anyway my bookmark is up and I'm looking forward to hiking on the peninsula once again.

 

There is a cache at the trailhead that did not make your list GCZX1Y

For some dumb reason, it's not in my database. I have it added now. Thanks!

Edited February 7, 2007 by TotemLake

[+TotemLake]

Anyway my bookmark is up and I'm looking forward to hiking on the peninsula once again.

 

There is a cache at the trailhead that did not make your list GCZX1Y

For some dumb reason, it's not in my database. I have it added now. Thanks!

Bumping this just to keep it on the table.

 

Between lukykoi's snow level report and SquareBear's fly over of the general area, this is looking more to be a non-snowshoe hike.

 

However, it is still scheduled as is and I will at least be there rain or shine. The only thing that'll chase me out will be lightning strikes.

[luckykoi]

Between lukykoi's snow level report and SquareBear's fly over of the general area, this is looking more to be a non-snowshoe hike.

 

However, it is still scheduled as is and I will at least be there rain or shine. The only thing that'll chase me out will be lightning strikes.

 

If you are really desperate to use your snowshoes you could always go up the Upper Lena Lake trail until the snow turns you back. I think there are some avalanche chutes up there right at the end though and it's a killer hike even without snow. Another option is to hike up the Brothers trail into the Valley of Silent men but that trail was in REALLY terrible shape at this time last year and I don't know if it's been repaired.

Edited February 12, 2007 by luckykoi

[+TotemLake]

Between lukykoi's snow level report and SquareBear's fly over of the general area, this is looking more to be a non-snowshoe hike.

 

However, it is still scheduled as is and I will at least be there rain or shine. The only thing that'll chase me out will be lightning strikes.

 

If you are really desperate to use your snowshoes you could always go up the Upper Lena Lake trail until the snow turns you back. I think there are some avalanche chutes up there right at the end though and it's a killer hike even without snow. Another option is to hike up the Brothers trail into the Valley of Silent men but that trail was in REALLY terrible shape at this time last year and I don't know if it's been repaired.

Try to publish your cache and give us a reason to go further. If the listing is denied, post the coordinates here so we can put it on the list for a recovery op attempt.

[luckykoi]

Between lukykoi's snow level report and SquareBear's fly over of the general area, this is looking more to be a non-snowshoe hike.

 

However, it is still scheduled as is and I will at least be there rain or shine. The only thing that'll chase me out will be lightning strikes.

 

If you are really desperate to use your snowshoes you could always go up the Upper Lena Lake trail until the snow turns you back. I think there are some avalanche chutes up there right at the end though and it's a killer hike even without snow. Another option is to hike up the Brothers trail into the Valley of Silent men but that trail was in REALLY terrible shape at this time last year and I don't know if it's been repaired.

Try to publish your cache and give us a reason to go further. If the listing is denied, post the coordinates here so we can put it on the list for a recovery op attempt.

 

You would have to go past the cache to really start snowshoeing also I lost the coordinates long ago.. I can escort people to the right area though. It's in a pile of rocks to the right of the trail about 1.5 miles up The Brother's Trail from Lena Lake in a the first clearing where I could actually get reception with my old Etrex Legend.

[+Team Jac'd]

KidAce and I are trying to keep the weekend free so we can be there. Are people planning on staying near the trailhead for the night before? If so, what kind of accomodations are there available near the trailhead?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

KidAce and I are trying to keep the weekend free so we can be there. Are people planning on staying near the trailhead for the night before? If so, what kind of accomodations are there available near the trailhead?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

There is a campsite across from the trailhead. I don't know how primitive it is.

 

Speaking for myself, I'm not planning on any overnight stay.

 

Luckykoi, let's play that cache by ear based on time, stamina and trail conditions.

Edited February 13, 2007 by TotemLake

[luckykoi]

KidAce and I are trying to keep the weekend free so we can be there. Are people planning on staying near the trailhead for the night before? If so, what kind of accomodations are there available near the trailhead?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

There is a campsite across from the trailhead. I don't know how primitive it is.

 

Speaking for myself, I'm not planning on any overnight stay.

 

Luckykoi, let's play that cache by ear based on time, stamina and trail conditions.

 

The campground across from the trail head is closed for the season, I think all the forest service campgrounds are closed until spring... Potlatch State Park (to the South) and Dosewallips state park (to the North) are open though.

[+-Hawk-]

Was REALLY hoping to make this one, and was highly encouraged and motivated to make my first hike by TL via e-mail(Thanks so much by the way), but now that I have seen the date,unfortunately it's a bad weekend and wont be able to. I will try for the NEXT hike and see if I can make that one.

[+TotemLake]

Meeting up at 9Am at the trailhead.

 

Use Trailhead #810 Lower Lena Lake coordinates to get to the trailhead.

 

N 47° 35.997 W 123° 09.078

[luckykoi]

Meeting up at 9Am at the trailhead.

 

Use Trailhead #810 Lower Lena Lake coordinates to get to the trailhead.

 

N 47° 35.997 W 123° 09.078

 

I would like to carpool with anyone who would be passing through Shelton on the way there and back.

[+TotemLake]

Meeting up at 9Am at the trailhead.

 

Use Trailhead #810 Lower Lena Lake coordinates to get to the trailhead.

 

N 47° 35.997 W 123° 09.078

 

I would like to carpool with anyone who would be passing through Shelton on the way there and back.

We're scheduled to swing past there by about 8:15. Is there a good place to stop near 101 and Shelton-Matlock Rd?

[+Team Jac'd]

 

We're scheduled to swing past there by about 8:15. Is there a good place to stop near 101 and Shelton-Matlock Rd?

 

Can we get a profile for what the hike will be like for this? I will be there regardless, but KidAce kinda wants to know how tough it will be before she decided if she is coming along for the hike. So, elevation gain, total length, whether to expect snow on the trail, etc would be appreciated.

 

So, depending on the KidAce factor, I will have some room in our geo-mobile if someone else from Kent on over wants a lift.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

 

We're scheduled to swing past there by about 8:15. Is there a good place to stop near 101 and Shelton-Matlock Rd?

 

Can we get a profile for what the hike will be like for this? I will be there regardless, but KidAce kinda wants to know how tough it will be before she decided if she is coming along for the hike. So, elevation gain, total length, whether to expect snow on the trail, etc would be appreciated.

 

So, depending on the KidAce factor, I will have some room in our geo-mobile if someone else from Kent on over wants a lift.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

Roundtrip is expected to be about 5 miles, maybe more and it also depends on whether or not we try to chase down Luckykoi's unpublished cache.

Elevation gain in the first 1.1 miles is 950 feet. I'm measuring a grade between 8%- 34% for that gain. AFter a short respite, it flattens out after a minor 200+ gain.

With the recent bout of weather, SquareBear and I are bringing our snowshoes. The snow may not be that deep or even there at our target, but we're going in prepared. Expect it to be cold.

We also don't know the level of maintenance that has been done since the windstorms, so this may resemble Lime Kiln with blowdowns.

Edited February 21, 2007 by TotemLake

[luckykoi]

Roundtrip is expected to be about 5 miles, maybe more and it also depends on whether or not we try to chase down Luckykoi's unpublished cache.

Elevation gain in the first 1.1 miles is 950 feet. I'm measuring a grade between 8%- 34% for that gain. AFter a short respite, it flattens out after a minor 200+ gain.

With the recent bout of weather, SquareBear and I are bringing our snowshoes. The snow may not be that deep or even there at our target, but we're going in prepared. Expect it to be cold.

We also don't know the level of maintenance that has been done since the windstorms, so this may resemble Lime Kiln with blowdowns.

 

This is a good family hike

 

 

Thats my two girls and a friend standing on luch rock last summer.

 

Here is what it might look like this week

 

 

The trail has been cleared of downed trees all the way to the intersection with the Brother's trail . A group who call themselves the "Mount Rose Trail Crew" took care of that right after the storm. The incline is VERY gentle some people find the switch backs maddening because they are so long and gentle. The trail was lengthened by over a mile when the switch backs were put in.

 

There is a forest service PFD with a nice description off the hike. It is 6 miles round trip with 1,250 elevation gain to lunch rock add another 2-3 of miles if you go for my cache in the Brothers.

[+Team Jac'd]

 

The trail has been cleared of downed trees all the way to the intersection with the Brother's trail . A group who call themselves the "Mount Rose Trail Crew" took care of that right after the storm. The incline is VERY gentle some people find the switch backs maddening because they are so long and gentle. The trail was lengthened by over a mile when the switch backs were put in.

 

There is a forest service PFD with a nice description off the hike. It is 6 miles round trip with 1,250 elevation gain to lunch rock add another 2-3 of miles if you go for my cache in the Brothers.

 

Thanks... I just checked the weather for Hoodsport and it seems to be indicating light rain the day before and day after, and heavy rain on Saturday.

 

Does this affect the plans? As someone who does not have that much wet weather gear, any suggestions for good stuff to get?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

 

The trail has been cleared of downed trees all the way to the intersection with the Brother's trail . A group who call themselves the "Mount Rose Trail Crew" took care of that right after the storm. The incline is VERY gentle some people find the switch backs maddening because they are so long and gentle. The trail was lengthened by over a mile when the switch backs were put in.

 

There is a forest service PFD with a nice description off the hike. It is 6 miles round trip with 1,250 elevation gain to lunch rock add another 2-3 of miles if you go for my cache in the Brothers.

 

Thanks... I just checked the weather for Hoodsport and it seems to be indicating light rain the day before and day after, and heavy rain on Saturday.

 

Does this affect the plans? As someone who does not have that much wet weather gear, any suggestions for good stuff to get?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

Rain or shine I'm there. I generally only get to do this once a month so my freedom is at hand regardless of the weather (unless lightning is striking).

 

One thing I've discovered is no matter what rain gear you get, you will get wet on the inside from perspiration. The important thing is to get something that will break the wind and allow you to wick the moisture away from you. Light raincoats do an effective job at breaking the wind and should have some venting in the armpits for venting. Some will have a zipper that will run along the inside of your arm and down the side for you to control the venting with. The chill down will happen when you stand still so handwarmers will be effective against the chill.

 

A hat with a good bill in front will go a long way in keeping the rain out of the eyes.

[luckykoi]

Patchy snow at 1000 feet in the Olympics today so maybe there will be a little bit of snow to muck around in at 1,900 feet on Saturday. I will pack my snowshoes and then make a final decision at the trail head.

 

I have Mountain hardware Conduit rain gear and a Seattle Sombrero hat, it's expensive gear but I use it a lot (I camp in the pouring rain during mushroom season) so it's worth it to me. I bought it all online for less then I would have paid in a regular store. I don't sweat unless it's over 90 degrees outside or so it seems. I've never had my rain gear soaked on the inside from perspiration.

 

I don't ancel a hike due to rain unless I'm bringing my toddler along. I've gotten to the point that I only think about the weather forecast in terms of what to pack. Down if the forecast is dry and synthetic if the forecast is wet.

 

I've been sick for three weeks now. I think my entire family had the flu. I'll be ready to hike by Saturday but I'm sure to be a little weaker than usual.

[+TotemLake]

I might be able to keep up with ya then.

[+Criminal]

FROM THE WTA SITE:

 

7 FEB 07

Upper Lena Lake #811

The Olympics | Link to this report

The trail to Lower Lena is clear and dry. Problems begin soon after continuing to the Upper lake. Snow was deep and melting out, making for treacherous walking. I kept sinking in in many places. Sharp branches are concealed in places under the snow.

There are tracks of several persons who got at least as far as I did. Maybe this was earlier in the winter when the snow was a little firmer. Presently it has an icy crust, so that when you poke it with your stick it feels firm but this only conceals the melted-out slush underneath. An iceax would be a good idea. I don't recommend ski poles, since the little baskets on the end prevent probing deeply.

 

The windstorm of December seems to have hit the area particularly hard. There were many fallen trees, I soon quit counting. Be ready to limbo, straddle, and scramble over, under, and around in deep snow on steep terrain. This made for very slow going.

 

I only reached the point where the trail runs along the bank parallel to the creek. Here, the deep, slushy snow was compounded by the bank of the creek slumping out, along with trees blown down or tipped over. This took an hour and a half, but my guess it was only about one mile traveled. Gave up and turned around.

 

The trail should be considered closed for winter and until some devoted workers with hand tools (it's "Wilderness") cut away the many logs. What is always a strenous trip is presently only for the brave/crazy. Whether it's possible at all, I can't say. I didn't get that far.

 

Reported problems: Blow-down, Mud-slide, Snow on trail

Edited February 23, 2007 by Criminal

[luckykoi]

Good thing we are not trying to go to UPPER Lena Lake then..

 

I've been up there twice and would not dream of trying it in the winter, it's a pretty good workout any time of year.

 

The Mount Rose Trail Crew has cleared all the downed trees from the LOWER Lena Lake trail all the way up the campground I did this hike right after the windstorm (but before the snow) and blogged it, someone from the trail crew posted comment to let me know it was clear.

 

Jan 08, 2007 by Mt Rose Trail Crew

Lena Lake #810

The Olympics | Link to this report

The trail has been cleared of blow down from the trail head to the campground at the Lake.

 

Of course more trees could have fallen since.

Edited February 23, 2007 by luckykoi

[luckykoi]

I might be able to keep up with ya then.

 

Did you get my email re: transportation? If not my address is webmaster at dougwilsonphoto dot com

[+TotemLake]

I might be able to keep up with ya then.

 

Did you get my email re: transportation? If not my address is webmaster at dougwilsonphoto dot com

I did and replied back at ya. Of course, the addie you gave here isn't the same as what came across.

csxii at schizoaffective dot org

 

That P&R will work just fine. See you then!

Edited February 23, 2007 by TotemLake

[+Team Jac'd]

I might be able to keep up with ya then.

 

Did you get my email re: transportation? If not my address is webmaster at dougwilsonphoto dot com

I did and replied back at ya. Of course, the addie you gave here isn't the same as what came across.

csxii at schizoaffective dot org

 

That P&R will work just fine. See you then!

 

Just so I can get things clear in my head, so we are doing the ones near the lake on the bookmark, but not going beyond that? I thought a couple of the caches were on the other side of the lake and hard to get to from what I read previously?

 

KidAce and I will be there tomorrow morning, but may be stopping to do a cache or two right before as we want to make #1500 one of the caches on the hike itself.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[+TotemLake]

 

Just so I can get things clear in my head, so we are doing the ones near the lake on the bookmark, but not going beyond that? I thought a couple of the caches were on the other side of the lake and hard to get to from what I read previously?

 

KidAce and I will be there tomorrow morning, but may be stopping to do a cache or two right before as we want to make #1500 one of the caches on the hike itself.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

 

The upper lake is in the Olympic National Park, and that has the crusty snow report as hazardous.

 

There are other caches in the area, but not on that particular trail with exception to luckykoi's unpublished cache which we might try to rescue or find and get good averaged coordinates for her to publish. The unpublished cache is beyond the lake by 2 or 3 miles.

 

For the cache rich area, I'm not adverse to hitting the other caches after the hike.

[+Criminal]

Just got this email from a person at the ONF:

 

The Lena Lake Trail will most likely have wintery trail conditions particularly since the snow that area of the Hood Canal received last night. I would be prepared for that. The Lower Trail had been clear of snow and starting towards the upper trail was icy requiring cramp ons about

3 weeks ago. There may be some down trees on the trail but passible. If you go there please let me know what you run into by emailing me.

 

If you have more questions the Brinnon/Quilcene Chamber of Commerce is in our Visitor Center on the weekend from 9 -1 on Saturday and Sunday.

You can stop by or call us at 360-765-2200.

[luckykoi]

 

Just so I can get things clear in my head, so we are doing the ones near the lake on the bookmark, but not going beyond that? I thought a couple of the caches were on the other side of the lake and hard to get to from what I read previously?

 

KidAce and I will be there tomorrow morning, but may be stopping to do a cache or two right before as we want to make #1500 one of the caches on the hike itself.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

 

The upper lake is in the Olympic National Park, and that has the crusty snow report as hazardous.

 

There are other caches in the area, but not on that particular trail with exception to luckykoi's unpublished cache which we might try to rescue or find and get good averaged coordinates for her to publish. The unpublished cache is beyond the lake by 2 or 3 miles.

 

For the cache rich area, I'm not adverse to hitting the other caches after the hike.

 

 

The cache called underware is on the road going in.

Hamma Hamma Vista cache is not far off and is awesome

but snow might be an issue.

 

I hope lots of people look for my "Geocaching 101" series along the Hood Canal tomorrow, they are mostly quick finds. I have a Spooky Night Cache in Shelton on a trail that has two other caches on it. I also have a terracache on that trail.

[luckykoi]

 

Just so I can get things clear in my head, so we are doing the ones near the lake on the bookmark, but not going beyond that? I thought a couple of the caches were on the other side of the lake and hard to get to from what I read previously?

 

KidAce and I will be there tomorrow morning, but may be stopping to do a cache or two right before as we want to make #1500 one of the caches on the hike itself.

 

cheers,

Poppa J

 

The upper lake is in the Olympic National Park, and that has the crusty snow report as hazardous.

 

There are other caches in the area, but not on that particular trail with exception to luckykoi's unpublished cache which we might try to rescue or find and get good averaged coordinates for her to publish. The unpublished cache is beyond the lake by 2 or 3 miles.

 

For the cache rich area, I'm not adverse to hitting the other caches after the hike.

 

My unpublished cache is on the Brother's Trail (not the Upper Lena Lake trail) in the Brothers Wilderness and I need to move it out of the wilderness. I placed it a year ago and at that time the Brothers Trail was in terrible shape. I'm tempted to put it near trailhead register for the Upper Lena Lake trail or maybe near the start of the Brothers trail and make it part of my trailhead series.

[+Criminal]

My unpublished cache is on the Brother's Trail (not the Upper Lena Lake trail) in the Brothers Wilderness and I need to move it out of the wilderness.

Why?

[luckykoi]

My unpublished cache is on the Brother's Trail (not the Upper Lena Lake trail) in the Brothers Wilderness and I need to move it out of the wilderness.

Why?

 

I know this can be a controversial issue but the ONF offices in Quilcene told me that geocaches are not allowed in their wilderness areas. I went there and asked them personally, they sent out a superviser to answer my questions. It is against the wilderness rules to leave anything behind for more then 24 hours.

 

So I never tried to publish it. Also I no longer have the coordinates for it.

 

DD # 2 is sitting on my lap and she wants to see lots of "people" so here goes..

 

Edited February 24, 2007 by luckykoi

[luckykoi]

Weather Forecast

FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

 

* OLYMPICS-

Light showers decreasing with partial clearing Friday

afternoon and evening. Increasing clouds later Friday

night with light snow redeveloping. Light to moderate

rain or snow increasing Saturday morning and becoming

moderate to occasionally heavy later Saturday morning and

mid-day, heaviest south and southwest slopes. Moderate to

occasionally heavy rain or snow decreasing and becoming

showery early-mid Saturday afternoon. Moderate snow

showers later Saturday afternoon and night.

[+Team Jac'd]

Weather Forecast

FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

 

* OLYMPICS-

Light showers decreasing with partial clearing Friday

afternoon and evening. Increasing clouds later Friday

night with light snow redeveloping. Light to moderate

rain or snow increasing Saturday morning and becoming

moderate to occasionally heavy later Saturday morning and

mid-day, heaviest south and southwest slopes. Moderate to

occasionally heavy rain or snow decreasing and becoming

showery early-mid Saturday afternoon. Moderate snow

showers later Saturday afternoon and night.

 

Well, I hate to be a wet blanket (no pun intended), but as I am hiking with 9 year old KidAce, I think we are going to bail on this one due to the above weather report. Between that weather and the 5-15mph winds that they are forecasting, I think it is beyond KidAce's skill level.

 

Sorry guys, was really looking forward to this one.

 

Any chance of doing Long Live House Redstone for the next hike? Its a beautiful area just east of greenwater, and the cache we placed there the last time we were there hasn't been found yet.

 

cheers,

Poppa J (with hike envy)

[+TotemLake]

Bummer to hear that but probably the right thing to do.

[+ironman114]

My unpublished cache is on the Brother's Trail (not the Upper Lena Lake trail) in the Brothers Wilderness and I need to move it out of the wilderness.

Why?

 

I know this can be a controversial issue but the ONF offices in Quilcene told me that geocaches are not allowed in their wilderness areas. I went there and asked them personally, they sent out a superviser to answer my questions. It is against the wilderness rules to leave anything behind for more then 24 hours.

 

So I never tried to publish it. Also I no longer have the coordinates for it.

 

DD # 2 is sitting on my lap and she wants to see lots of "people" so here goes..

 

 

Now you've done it!

 

 

Not only don't they allow geocaches it seems that they don't allow geocachers or anyone else for that matter.

 

A note posted at the trail head says that the Brothers Wilderness is closed to everyone (without special authorization or fire or emergency) starting at trail #831 which starts at upper Lena lake.

 

The sign was posted at knee height. I guess that was so trolls could read it.

 

 

edit: Sorry I had to delete the emoticons from your post. With the four I used I received an error message:

 

You have posted a message with more emoticons that this board allows. Please reduce the number of emoticons you've added to the message

[luckykoi]

Weather Forecast

FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

 

* OLYMPICS-

Light showers decreasing with partial clearing Friday

afternoon and evening. Increasing clouds later Friday

night with light snow redeveloping. Light to moderate

rain or snow increasing Saturday morning and becoming

moderate to occasionally heavy later Saturday morning and

mid-day, heaviest south and southwest slopes. Moderate to

occasionally heavy rain or snow decreasing and becoming

showery early-mid Saturday afternoon. Moderate snow

showers later Saturday afternoon and night.

 

Well, I hate to be a wet blanket (no pun intended), but as I am hiking with 9 year old KidAce, I think we are going to bail on this one due to the above weather report. Between that weather and the 5-15mph winds that they are forecasting, I think it is beyond KidAce's skill level.

 

Sorry guys, was really looking forward to this one.

 

Any chance of doing Long Live House Redstone for the next hike? Its a beautiful area just east of greenwater, and the cache we placed there the last time we were there hasn't been found yet.

 

cheers,

Poppa J (with hike envy)

 

That's too bad. I took my 9 year old up there on December 20th (ok she turned 10 the next day) and it was in pouring rain and the trail was covered with blowdowns (as was the road) since it was right after the storm.

She has good raingear but still we were cold and ready for the car when we reached it.

 

She has not wanted to go hiking with me since then..

 

 

[+ironman114]

You probably won't be able to drive to the Hama Hama Vista cache.

 

1.3 miles from the cache the road has been covered with gravel from water washing over it. Its a little rough but would have been crossable except for the snow. There is 6inches of snow @ 1,600 foot elevation at this point. I didn't want to chance getting across and not finding a suitable place to turn my long truck around in the snow. It looked like older ruts under the new snow beyond this point.

 

It might make for some snowshoeing at this point and there is parking at the Putvin trail head.

[luckykoi]

You probably won't be able to drive to the Hama Hama Vista cache.

 

There is 6inches of snow @ 1,600 foot elevation at this point.

 

Good news for snowshoers then since Lower Lena lake is at 1,900 feet. It is supposed to snow some tonight and some tomorrow. I hope I don't need my flotation tails because I don't plan on packing them.

[+Team Jac'd]

So for those of us that didn't make it, how did it go?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

[luckykoi]

So for those of us that didn't make it, how did it go?

 

cheers,

Poppa J

 

It went well and there was snow on the ground in Shelton this morning so things looked good for snowshoeing. But there was not enough snow for that. We DNF'ed two of the four caches. I've been home for about 1 hour. The others are going to take much longer to get home.

 

 

 

I don't really understand the mileage, it's supposed to be a 6 mile rt hike and I don't think I walked 2.7 miles looking for geocaches. I think the official mileage for this trail may be off.

Edited February 25, 2007 by luckykoi