HOTM 2013

[+TotemLake]

Last year's debilitating cold has put me back to square one at regaining my hiking wind. Yesterday's warm up hike with LandRover and GreivousAngel has shown me my current limitations. So, I propose a nice easy hike on Lime Kiln Trail outside of Granite falls as a good beginner hike and a good time for you beginners to get out and start enjoying what our great outdoors has to offer.

 

Hike will start at 8:30 AM, Saturday 1/26

Coordinates if the gate is closed to the trailhead are:

N 48° 04.603 W 121° 55.911

Theme for this hike at GA's suggestion will be HIKING 101.

A NW Forest Pass is required.

 

This is a kid and pet friendly trail. A small part of it does traverse through some private property and is clearly marked to stay on trail. It is 3.25 miles to the end of trail at the bridge washout, making this for a relatively flat follow the river 6.5 miles round trip.

 

Expect cold weather and if last Saturday was any indication, some crunchy snow on the trail. Dress accordingly in layers. Bring hand warmers, energy bars and juice paks for the little ones. They burn a lot more energy and will need the boost.

 

Beginners and those with youngins need not feel bad for turning back early. I make these assesments for myself all the time and have turned back when I know I'm reaching my limits. That's the most important hiking skill you can pick up.

 

IF you have any questions, please feel free to post in this thread. As usual, please post if you're coming so I can have a good headcount.

 

Hope to see some new (as well as the familiar) faces out there this year!

[+TheWinterTrio]

This is a hike I've wanted to do for a long time, just never got around to it... There will probably be three of us coming along, but will know for sure as the time gets closer...

 

-TWT

[+Ambrosia]

Really wish I could come along, but not up to something like this yet. I was looking forward to lots of hiking this spring, like last year, but it's looking like I'm going to be busy this spring and so all my energy will be taken up with that! Gotta prioritize, but I don't wanna. Really can't complain, though, when trying to prioritize between too many good things (trying to convince myself of that, still).

[+hydnsek]

Great way to start the year! I would love to join you, as it's been years since I did this hike, but I'm attending the Snohomish event, which starts at 11:00.

[Moun10Bike]

At long last, I have received permission from the boss to attend a HOTM outing! I will see you on Saturday!

[+TotemLake]

That's very cool! It'll be good to see you again!

[+LandRover]

I'm a maybe on this one.

If I'm not there by 0830 don't wait around for me.

[+TheWinterTrio]

Looks like 2/3rds of the Trio will not make this one... They have been fighting colds all week, so it will just be me. (I've eluded the bugs so far...)

 

-TWT

Edited January 26, 2013 by TheWinterTrio

[+Prying Pandora]

Plaidguy and I plan to join in.

[+TheWinterTrio]

Thanks for the HOTM today! Yes, it was wet, but still had a great time and met some cachers I hadn't before! -TWT

[+TotemLake]

I let February escape me as personal issues took over and this weekend is looking no better for me. So, I'm targeting March 2 for the next HOTM. More details to come.

[+TotemLake]

This target cache has the capability of being a short hike if the right door is picked.

 

Lost In The Wilderness hasn't been found since 2011.

 

I'm aiming to be at

 

N 47° 33.058 W 122° 49.625

 

by 8AM on Saturday, March 2, to commence the hike at 8:30AM.

 

If this is found quickly enough, there are nearby caches we can freelance till we get bored then its beers and a burger.

[+GrievousAngel]

This target cache has the capability of being a short hike if the right door is picked.

 

Lost In The Wilderness hasn't been found since 2011.

 

I'm aiming to be at

 

N 47° 33.058 W 122° 49.625

 

by 8AM on Saturday, March 2, to commence the hike at 8:30AM.

 

If this is found quickly enough, there are nearby caches we can freelance till we get bored then its beers and a burger.

 

I'm in! I'll solve the nearby puzzle for us just in case. Carpool?

[+LandRover]

I'll be there

[+TotemLake]

This target cache has the capability of being a short hike if the right door is picked.

 

Lost In The Wilderness hasn't been found since 2011.

 

I'm aiming to be at

 

N 47° 33.058 W 122° 49.625

 

by 8AM on Saturday, March 2, to commence the hike at 8:30AM.

 

If this is found quickly enough, there are nearby caches we can freelance till we get bored then its beers and a burger.

 

I'm in! I'll solve the nearby puzzle for us just in case. Carpool?

Sure. I'll PM a time to be at my house.

[+Belleterre]

I'm in! Might be able to drag Dad along too.

[+The Jester]

I'm in! I'll solve the nearby puzzle for us just in case. Carpool?

Which one? There are 5 or 6 stacked on each other...

[+GrievousAngel]

I'm in! I'll solve the nearby puzzle for us just in case. Carpool?

Which one? There are 5 or 6 stacked on each other...

The only one I've looked at/solved so far is Halfway There

[+Plaidguy]

Prying Pandora and I will be there.

[+TotemLake]

Thanks to WM for pointing out a nice cache I've had my eye on for a long time. This is a short 1 mile hike which we can add more miles to before we get to it and I'm open to suggestions.

 

This is my 10th year anniversary and number 500 cache I want to find. That leaves me with 4 caches to find before I get to this one. I'm open to suggestions for the first 4 to find and a backup if the Mohican is missing.

 

Tentatively scheduled for 4/20 and subject to change for weather and other circumstances I'm aiming for GC1C8TX - Last of Mohicans.

[+hydnsek]

Thanks to WM for pointing out a nice cache I've had my eye on for a long time. This is a short 1 mile hike which we can add more miles to before we get to it and I'm open to suggestions.

 

This is my 10th year anniversary and number 500 cache I want to find. That leaves me with 4 caches to find before I get to this one. I'm open to suggestions for the first 4 to find and a backup if the Mohican is missing.

 

Tentatively scheduled for 4/20 and subject to change for weather and other circumstances I'm aiming for GC1C8TX - Last of Mohicans.

Oh, I would so love to do this one, but that's the international CITO weekend and I'm hosting my annual Cougar Mountain CITO that day. Have fun! (Ironman had me at "Last of the Mohicans" - loved that movie, well, ok, DDL in that movie. )

[+TotemLake]

I'm not locked in on the 20th. So if I hear a concensus, moving the hike to the 21st or the following weekend can be a reality.

[+LandRover]

I'm not locked in on the 20th. So if I hear a consensus, moving the hike to the 21st or the following weekend can be a reality.

The following weekend doesn't work for me as I already have other plans.

[+hydnsek]

I'm not locked in on the 20th. So if I hear a consensus, moving the hike to the 21st or the following weekend can be a reality.

The following weekend doesn't work for me as I already have other plans.

Sunday 21st would work for me (unless I have to travel 50 miles by 8 am ), and I checked, and there are no Puget Sound or Olympics CITO events that day.

[+TotemLake]

Ok, so we will plan for Sunday the 21st. Time to be determined.

[+AndrewRJ]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

[+LandRover]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

[+TotemLake]

I wonder how much latitude I have at the homestead..... hmmmm

 

Edited to add:

Got my permission to camp that weekend as well. The start time to hike will still be reasonable to allow those driving in to not have to start driving at 5AM.

Edited April 11, 2013 by TotemLake

[+AndrewRJ]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

Looks like it is $16 for the tent sites there are 24 of them, $29 for a site with water and electricity hookups. Its first come first serve until May 1

[+LandRover]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

Looks like it is $16 for the tent sites there are 24 of them, $29 for a site with water and electricity hookups. Its first come first serve until May 1

I plan on taking the trailer down on Friday and camping for the weekend. There should be enough room on the site for a small tent or two "if" you wanted to stay at my site. You would still have to pay a $10 extra vehicle fee.

[+TotemLake]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

Looks like it is $16 for the tent sites there are 24 of them, $29 for a site with water and electricity hookups. Its first come first serve until May 1

I plan on taking the trailer down on Friday and camping for the weekend. There should be enough room on the site for a small tent or two "if" you wanted to stay at my site. You would still have to pay a $10 extra vehicle fee.

Are you guys talking about TAIDNAPAM PARK near N46° 29.6253' W122° 12.3630' and just off of Hwy 12? If so, it's no longer a little ol' 24 camp site. I can't seem to find any other TPU sites nearby according to the web site. Can the coordinates be confirmed. I'm thinking of this or a nearby area to group up at around 10:30. There still may be snow so plan for it.

 

Jeff, will you you emai me your inReach address? Mine is totemlake@ . I'll send a message when I'm on the way Saturday morning.

[+LandRover]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

Looks like it is $16 for the tent sites there are 24 of them, $29 for a site with water and electricity hookups. Its first come first serve until May 1

I plan on taking the trailer down on Friday and camping for the weekend. There should be enough room on the site for a small tent or two "if" you wanted to stay at my site. You would still have to pay a $10 extra vehicle fee.

Are you guys talking about TAIDNAPAM PARK near N46° 29.6253' W122° 12.3630' and just off of Hwy 12? If so, it's no longer a little ol' 24 camp site. I can't seem to find any other TPU sites nearby according to the web site. Can the coordinates be confirmed. I'm thinking of this or a nearby area to group up at around 10:30. There still may be snow so plan for it.

 

Jeff, will you you emai me your inReach address? Mine is totemlake@ . I'll send a message when I'm on the way Saturday morning.

Thats the place I'm talking about. It's by no means a small campground.

[+TotemLake]

I have been planning on trying out some new camping gear so I may go over the night before and meet up in the morning.

There's a Tacoma Public Utility camp ground at the east end of Riffe Lake and Cherie and I will probably be taking the trailer out of hibernation and making a weekend camping trip out of it.

Looks like it is $16 for the tent sites there are 24 of them, $29 for a site with water and electricity hookups. Its first come first serve until May 1

I plan on taking the trailer down on Friday and camping for the weekend. There should be enough room on the site for a small tent or two "if" you wanted to stay at my site. You would still have to pay a $10 extra vehicle fee.

Are you guys talking about TAIDNAPAM PARK near N46° 29.6253' W122° 12.3630' and just off of Hwy 12? If so, it's no longer a little ol' 24 camp site. I can't seem to find any other TPU sites nearby according to the web site. Can the coordinates be confirmed. I'm thinking of this or a nearby area to group up at around 10:30. There still may be snow so plan for it.

 

Jeff, will you you emai me your inReach address? Mine is totemlake@ . I'll send a message when I'm on the way Saturday morning.

Thats the place I'm talking about. It's by no means a small campground.

Awesome.

 

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

After this, and depending on weather, freelance hunt for caches in the area. Sometime towards the late afternoon a celebratory burger and beer.

[+TotemLake]

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

No takers on the brunch time start? Then I'm dialing it back to 9AM at the fishing bridge on Sunday morning.

[+GrievousAngel]

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

No takers on the brunch time start? Then I'm dialing it back to 9AM at the fishing bridge on Sunday morning.

 

I'll be there at 9. Is the road passable for a sissy sedan?

PS What is 499?

[+TotemLake]

PS What is 499?

Found.

 

As for the car, It's a gravel road but I don't know how well maintained it is. Perhaps Ironman can kick in a comment if he's keeping up in the forums. I know he's been pretty busy of late.

 

Or, instead of chancing it, you can hitch a ride with me.

Edited April 16, 2013 by TotemLake

[+hydnsek]

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

No takers on the brunch time start? Then I'm dialing it back to 9AM at the fishing bridge on Sunday morning.

I'm probably out then. Last I saw was 10-10:30 which I could make. Y'all have fun.

[+TotemLake]

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

No takers on the brunch time start? Then I'm dialing it back to 9AM at the fishing bridge on Sunday morning.

I'm probably out then. Last I saw was 10-10:30 which I could make. Y'all have fun.

Sorry Abby, I must have missed the thumbs up.

[+Plaidguy]

Prying Pandora and I are driving down that morning and will be there.

Edited April 18, 2013 by Plaidguy

[+hydnsek]

For those meeting us on the day of the hike, I'm thinking of grouping up at the fishing bridge just before crossing the river at N46° 27.8904' W122° 9.9166' between 10:30-11:00. This is a short hike if we get all the way to the trailhead with one more cache to locate before we get to the falls. I intend to be at 499 on Saturday so will bypass the first cache to get to the waterfall then look for the Bear's Den on the way back out. Elevation suggests we could encounter snow on the drive in.

 

No takers on the brunch time start? Then I'm dialing it back to 9AM at the fishing bridge on Sunday morning.

I'm probably out then. Last I saw was 10-10:30 which I could make. Y'all have fun.

Sorry Abby, I must have missed the thumbs up.

Sorry, didn't know I needed to give one quickly.

[+MtnMutt-ProDuckShins]

TL Congratulations on hitting #500 at this Special HOTM. I wish I'd not had other plans as I would have wanted to be there.

 

Well, I'll have a Special Beer in your HONOR on Sunday afternoon.

 

Once again CONGRATS to you!!

 

Mutt

[+TotemLake]

Thank you! This was not an epic hike but it is an epic destination. The waterfall isn't a must see, but must be experienced. It is absolutely amazing. The drive to the trailhead is a very easy gravel service road with ver few potholes to negotiate.

[+TotemLake]

I've been agonizing over this the past couple of weeks and finally came to the conclusion due to some personal events converging together, I need to take some extended time away from Geocaching and HOTM and put my focus on the home front.

 

I want to take this time to thank everyone for joining me these past 9 years of Hike of the Month. It's been a real blast and I have a lot of great memories to carry me till I can come back.

 

Cheers all!

 

Greg

TotemLake

Tarn_Loon

[+GrievousAngel]

I've been agonizing over this the past couple of weeks and finally came to the conclusion due to some personal events converging together, I need to take some extended time away from Geocaching and HOTM and put my focus on the home front.

 

I want to take this time to thank everyone for joining me these past 9 years of Hike of the Month. It's been a real blast and I have a lot of great memories to carry me till I can come back.

 

Cheers all!

 

Greg

TotemLake

Tarn_Loon

 

Thank you for all the great hikes you've led, TL. I've enjoyed each one that I've attended.

[+MtnMutt-ProDuckShins]

Please come back soon as it has always been a fun adventure each time and the great laughs afterwards.

 

Keep the coin close at hand to guide & protect on this next adventure.

 

Until we laugh again may you know we are out here for you.

 

Just one of the many members of the HOTM.

 

Dudley aKa MtnMutt

[+hydnsek]

I've been agonizing over this the past couple of weeks and finally came to the conclusion due to some personal events converging together, I need to take some extended time away from Geocaching and HOTM and put my focus on the home front.

 

I want to take this time to thank everyone for joining me these past 9 years of Hike of the Month. It's been a real blast and I have a lot of great memories to carry me till I can come back.

 

Cheers all!

 

Greg

TotemLake

Tarn_Loon

 

Thank you for all the great hikes you've led, TL. I've enjoyed each one that I've attended.

+100. Your HOTMs have been a wonderful gift to the geocaching community, and I thoroughly enjoyed those I was able to attend. Take care, and don't be a stranger!

[+BrewerMD]

Hey TotemLake, take care and come back when you can. I guess this means I need to step up my game a bit so I will be doing a north HOTM in July, 2nd weekend. Will post on my thread.