tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63623344161052541092024-03-13T01:25:45.024-07:00Trees, Trails & TupperwareDawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01655828897037214499noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-85068282834713778932015-07-02T16:28:00.000-07:002015-07-30T16:44:12.803-07:00Galloping Goose GalsErnest Hemingway once said,<br />
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<i>“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLUm56Pt3J4q9o5WkLjBGOljSk3bta3E-2bjmMno7wIviZqXpYrLCualrl6dXhtm2t5wgqliWqFQwgyL2zBFbYs31mDjiISbOy_l9kSaGeWcx8C8o-moOlQ24xd3oqI0p60BWNOQEcfU/s1600/pat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLUm56Pt3J4q9o5WkLjBGOljSk3bta3E-2bjmMno7wIviZqXpYrLCualrl6dXhtm2t5wgqliWqFQwgyL2zBFbYs31mDjiISbOy_l9kSaGeWcx8C8o-moOlQ24xd3oqI0p60BWNOQEcfU/s320/pat.jpg" width="320" /></a>We just got back from our third bike tour in British Columbia and I've come to the realization that I totally agree with Hemmingway's statement... there really isn't a better way to experience your environment than on a bicycle. One website I visited called it 'slow tourism.' I think that slow tourism is my new favourite thing.<br />
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So in keeping with this theme my friends and I decided to visit Vancouver Island and bike the Galloping Goose Trail. Like the Kettle Valley Railway, "the Goose" as it is affectionately called, is an old railway bed that has been reborn as a multi-use regional trail. This 55km trail has is it all, showcasing all that makes the west coast so spectacular... from lush rain forest to our province's capital city of Victoria.... there's something for everyone along the Goose... even a Castle!</div>
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We spent 4 days exploring the Galloping Goose, these are just a few of our highlights.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">The Inner Harbour</span></b></div>
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While technically not on the trail, the Inner Harbour is so close by that you really shouldn't miss the chance to experience this bustling tourist magnet**. The Empress Hotel, the Royal Museum and of course our Parliament Buildings surround this beautiful harbour. After touring the Legislature we went to <a href="http://www.redfish-bluefish.com/" target="_blank">Red Fish, Blue Fish</a> for supper on the wharf. Don't let the long line-up deter you... it's worth the wait! Personally I recommend their deep fried dill pickle. Yum.</div>
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<i>**This is a very popular tourist area, especially in the summer, so we walked our bikes on the sidewalk instead of attempting to ride on the busy road. After crossing the Johnson Street Bridge it's just another kilometre south on Wharf Street. </i></div>
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<b style="color: #ffd966;">Hatley Castle (km 14)</b><br />
This incredible 40 bedroom mansion was built in 1906 by the Lieutenant Governor at that time, James Dunsmuir. You could spend all day exploring this 586 acre estate (which is now a university) but if you don't have all day, you could take the hour long Castle Tour. You'll hear about the eccentric Dunsmuir family (talk about drama!), why their home was designed to look like it a Tudor castle and even about their very own ghost!</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b><b>Sooke Potholes (km 46)</b></b></span></div>
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The potholes are a series of deep, polished rock pools and potholes carved naturally into the bedrock of the Sooke River. The Potholes Provincial Park is right beside the Goose (km 46) and is a great place to stop, have some lunch and check out these geological oddities.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Todd Trestle (km 47)</b></span></div>
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Giant old growth Douglas firs were used to build this imposing trestle bridge. It is one of the few original examples left of a timber bridge on the west coast.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Leechtown (km 55)</span></b></div>
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When we were preparing for this trip we had read that the section between Todd Trestle and Leechtown was narrow and difficult to navigate. Don't believe it. This is a beautiful part of the trail with many breath-taking views of the Sooke River below. When you get to km 55 you will see a small trail leading into the forest and taking you to what's left of an old house. It's hard to imagine that this area was once was a thriving lumber town.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Geocaching</span></b></div>
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Of course, what's a biking trip without stopping for geocaches along the way? Fortunately the Goose does not disappoint as there are hundreds of caches in the vicinity. We found about 25 along the trail which was just perfect. Here's a few that we really enjoyed. </div>
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<li>You will find an amazing view from <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1CFWG_3-dog-cycle-cache" target="_blank">3 Dog Cycle</a>.</li>
<li>This <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3R4JR_the-sooke-river-pot-holes" target="_blank">Earthcache</a> will tell you all about the Potholes.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4KM8K_21-yellow-jacket-stings" target="_blank">21 Yellow Jacket Stings</a> made us laugh!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3BY22_the-bosss-house" target="_blank">The Boss's House</a> will bring you to what's left of the Cameron Lumber Company Superintendent's house. </li>
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Hope you have as much fun exploring the Goose as we did.</div>
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<i>Helpful websites:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.gallopinggoosetrail.com/pdf/gallop_goose_info.pdf" target="_blank">The Official Guide of the Galloping Goose</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatley_Park_National_Historic_Site" target="_blank">Hatley Park National Historic Site</a><br />
<a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/sooke_potholes/" target="_blank">Sooke Potholes Provincial Park</a><br />
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-81134892395370176072015-03-11T23:17:00.001-07:002015-03-11T23:29:56.646-07:00Don't Worry. I'll be Fine. Nothing is Going to Happen to Me.The day was blistering hot. We were on a gravel road that was full of twists & turns and, in many places, only wide enough for one vehicle. On one side of the road the mountain was rugged and steep and on the other side, it was straight down to the Fraser River. As Tony navigated our 4x4, sometimes through spaces that seemed smaller than our beast of a truck, I reminded myself that we were doing this for fun.<br />
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This particular trip was our annual Anniversary trip and we decided to attempt a back-roads loop that had been on our "to-do" list for a long time. This road trip takes you past some of the most amazing views of the Fraser River but it is not a trip for an inexperienced driver or, for that matter, anyone with a fear of heights! The entire loop is about 125 kilometres...from Clinton to the Big Bar Reaction Ferry, south along the High Bar Road that parallels the Fraser River, east through Edge Hills Provincial Park and then back up to Clinton. The last leg of this loop is the most treacherous part. Six switchbacks up a 23% grade. They've put a sign at the beginning of the switchbacks. It pretty much sums up this road trip for me.<br />
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We were just starting up the mountain when we saw something ahead, glinting in the sun. "Oh no." Tony said. "This is not good." A few moments later we saw a man walking down the road. When he saw our truck he began to wave his arms, frantically imploring us to stop. It was his car that we saw, broken down in the middle of this desolate spot. You have to understand... this place is remote. We had been driving for over three hours and we never passed another vehicle. When we arrived, the look of utter relief on Chris' face was very apparent. We were his only hope to get out of a very bad situation.<br />
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Tony and Chris worked on his Volvo for over an hour. It was 38 degrees, the sun was relentless and so were the flies. To his credit Tony worked hard, trying to reattach the radiator hose that had been ripped to shreds. When it was apparent that it couldn't be fixed we took our new friend to Clinton where he found a motel and a tow truck driver that was willing to go back and rescue the poor car. Chris sent me an email a few days later and thanked us again for rescuing him. If we hadn't come along I'm not sure what he would have done.<br />
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<i><b>Don't Worry. I'll be Fine. Nothing is Going to Happen to Me.</b></i><br />
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Fast forward to this last weekend. We were anticipating a quick little get away to Merritt. Some hunting and geo-caching. Doing what we love to do.<br />
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That Sunday night Tony was driving in the mountains above Merritt when, suddenly, he saw a young girl coming down the mountainside, running towards the truck. "Oh no." he said. "This is not good." "Please," she said to Tony, "I left my friend up on the mountain. She broke her foot and couldn't go any further. I was going for help."<br />
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They drove back up the mountain and found the injured girl sitting, waiting for someone to come rescue her. When she saw her friend climb out of our truck she was overwhelmed with relief. She was expecting to wait for hours for her friend to come back with help and was getting pretty worried about spending a very cold night alone, high up in the Merritt grasslands.<br />
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After Tony helped her into the truck and they started to make their way down the mountain he decided to say what was on his mind. "Look" he said. "I have three daughters about your age and I'm going to tell you what I would say to them right now. I'm looking at what you have and all I see is a couple of little fanny packs and two bottles of water. You have no emergency equipment. Nothing that would help keep you safe during a night alone in the elements. What would you have done if I hadn't come along?" The drive to their car took about 45 minutes and he gave them a lecture the entire way. I'm sure that they are words they will never forget. At least I hope so.<br />
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<i><b>Don't Worry. I'll be Fine. Nothing is Going to Happen to Me.</b></i><br />
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Unfortunately these aren't isolated incidents. It seems that you can't turn on the news without hearing about another outdoor enthusiast that has been lost to the wilderness. Some are rescued and some, tragically, are still lost.<br />
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So this post is for all of you who love to be out there like we do. It's for you who love this great and gorgeous wilderness that we are lucky enough to call home. And it's for you who come to visit. Don't take this land for granted. Go out there and have a great time but please, be prepared for whatever may happen because...<br />
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<i><b>We do worry. You might not be fine. And it could happen to you.</b></i>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-21518652061990928592014-09-24T22:49:00.002-07:002014-09-24T22:49:56.059-07:00Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway - take TWOAs far as I'm concerned, one of the best ways to experience British Columbia is while riding on a bicycle. The sights, the smells and the sounds that you can experience in nature are so much easier to enjoy when you aren't racing by at 100 clicks/hour! Fortunately for all us who love our bikes, British Columbia is a mecca for trail riders. Whether you are a hard core mountain biker, risking all your limbs for that adrenaline rush... or you have a cruising bike that belongs in a Mary Poppins movie...BC has the bike trail for you!<br />
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Our latest adventure into BC involved my friends, me and, once again, our bikes! Last year we experienced a small portion of the Kettle Valley Railway between Princeton and Tulameen. Because we enjoyed that experience so much we decided to go back and explore more of this historic trail.<br />
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The first day of our trip we reserved for cycling in Myra Canyon. Myra Canyon, just east of Kelowna, is one of the most astonishing sections of the KVR. Tourists come from all over the world to experience this place (honestly, we heard more German spoken than English). Eighteen trestles cling to the canyon walls and can only be described as an incredible feat of engineering. It would be hard to accomplish this with today's modern equipment, I can't imagine what it would have been like to build this almost a century ago. <br />
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Today we reap the fruits of all that hard labour. You can enjoy the incredible vistas of Myra Canyon with ease since most of the KVR is no more than a 2.2% grade. We suggest that you park at the Myra Canyon FSR parking lot. If you don't own a bike or you're not able to bring it with you, you can <a href="http://www.myracanyonrental.com/" target="_blank">rent a bike</a> in the parking lot. Just make sure to book it ahead of time since they don't do last minute rentals. The round trip from Myra Station to Ruth Station and back again is 12km. For those of you who want to bike and cache there are at least 20 caches for you to search for. <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2F0Z7_weta-and-titos-loco-cache" target="_blank">This cache</a> was our favourite.<br />
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The next day of our trip we decided to tackle another section of the KVR...Okanagan Falls to Penticton. This section is not near as spectacular or as famous as Myra Canyon but I enjoyed it almost as much. I just loved traversing through the ponderosa pines with cliff walls on one side of me and lake on the other. The trail is definitely not as well maintained as other sections of the KVR but it is still doable.We started at OK Falls, home of the must-visit <a href="http://www.tickleberrys.com/scms.asp" target="_blank">Tickleberries</a>, and after cycling about 6 kms we stopped for lunch at the <a href="http://www.lindengardens.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=64" target="_blank">Frog City Cafe</a> in Naramata. After a terrific lunch on the outside patio we continued on, about another 7 kms to Penticton. Beautiful picturesque ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhvqikwfjWMTOdpIgWIlGGCKckqVYk7e-SjZYKCxKLIgsm7ilTxDRJZh9amOJwzpXYYtTFPFpXD13qGIMM6InZlp-kFd9hm7N77xoKz0dZ2gCOLYYfTuduapRj9W9rm3YPvkat6JQ34/s1600/wine+art.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhvqikwfjWMTOdpIgWIlGGCKckqVYk7e-SjZYKCxKLIgsm7ilTxDRJZh9amOJwzpXYYtTFPFpXD13qGIMM6InZlp-kFd9hm7N77xoKz0dZ2gCOLYYfTuduapRj9W9rm3YPvkat6JQ34/s1600/wine+art.PNG" height="320" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Glass GeoArt</td></tr>
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Our last day took us to Naramata. One of my caching partners, Lillooet Lady, and I noticed that there was this <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC48XMV_riesling" target="_blank">geo-art</a> in the middle of Okanagan Lake. Hmmmm... wine and geocaching together? Count us in! Since the final for each cache is listed on its corresponding cache page, it's no spoiler to tell you that this series of caches starts at Naramata and ends at Hillside Winery....all you have to do is enter the correct coords into your GPS. This was a great series that took us through vineyards and orchards and past the most amazing views. After the last cache of the series we parked our bikes at the <a href="http://www.hillsidewinery.ca/" target="_blank">Hillside Winery</a> and had lunch on their outdoor patio Bistro. I've never been to Tuscany before but I can imagine that it is a lot like this. Just Perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillside Winery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN5LS-MXhrdTBEdkeK4Iy1k2CGG99J0tUNX8DBMIuCiZSW-vbNwnnbSQLZcqkiFQ_CeVQ2BkJZiyVRNezjMcq0qURYNZBTJcXhQEBRr3odff6yIplNt2_5CmxhpHFd5ZFUITggjcP0iY/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN5LS-MXhrdTBEdkeK4Iy1k2CGG99J0tUNX8DBMIuCiZSW-vbNwnnbSQLZcqkiFQ_CeVQ2BkJZiyVRNezjMcq0qURYNZBTJcXhQEBRr3odff6yIplNt2_5CmxhpHFd5ZFUITggjcP0iY/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's to good friends!</td></tr>
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We spent five days enjoying so much of what the Okanagan has to offer. We found about 50 caches and biked about 50km but we know we've only scratched the surface, exploring this incredible place. Pretty sure we need to go back!<br />
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-76767210431318405182014-09-01T17:32:00.000-07:002014-09-01T18:41:05.742-07:00The Most Epic of Road Trips - Vancouver IslandI have to admit that when I'm blogging about British Columbia I tend to go overboard with my use of superlatives. Words like <i>incredible, amazing and awesome</i> just seem to type themselves. Every time we go on a BC road trip I am in awe of this place that I am privileged to call home.<br />
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But this time I will use a word that I've never used before. Epic. The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines it like this...<i><b>ep·ic </b>adjective\ˈe-pik\ - extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-5TEMRKTDHh2lTqiWzh2l1j-Z6GCn_HDpLfS3NmwROXeMoHlSssZAFf0kDvPkI-qmGmtpEH6XPwG31tGU5NM84au56O7naZDoDddTrAEOGOS4isac2_jZOkuqsjBtw2C_iWS1J3-td8/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-5TEMRKTDHh2lTqiWzh2l1j-Z6GCn_HDpLfS3NmwROXeMoHlSssZAFf0kDvPkI-qmGmtpEH6XPwG31tGU5NM84au56O7naZDoDddTrAEOGOS4isac2_jZOkuqsjBtw2C_iWS1J3-td8/s1600/view.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>Yes...epic is the perfect word to describe my latest foray into beautiful BC.</div>
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I have a very long bucket list of places and things I want to see in my home province and I have been able to check quite a few things off that list. Beachcombing on Haida Gwaii? <i>check</i>. Climb to the top of Mount Cheam? <i>check</i>. Soak in the hotsprings at Sloquet?<i> check.</i> But there was one thing I hadn't done yet and, being a west coast girl, I'm embarrassed to admit that I hadn't accomplished this task yet. I had never been whale watching.<br />
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So when my friend, Laurie Anne, said she was coming to BC (from Saskatchewan) and we were deciding on what we should do...well, it was a no-brainer. Let's take a road trip to Vancouver Island and go whale watching.<br />
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About four days before our trip I got a message from my friend. She was wondering...Did I want to go on a helicopter ride too? Are you kidding? I think my exact words were "Yeehaw!" Let the epic-<i>ness</i> begin!<br />
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Monday morning we caught the 10:15am ferry from Tsawwassen to Duke Point and then started heading towards the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Before hitting Campbell River we decided to take a little side trip to Coombs and Cathedral Grove.<br />
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<a href="http://www.oldcountrymarket.com/index.php" target="_blank">COOMBS</a> was originally built as a small farmer's market with a sod roof and hamburger stand, serving tourists heading west to Tofino and Long Beach. About 30 years ago they joked that maybe they should put some goats on the roof to "mow" the grass. The rest, as they say, is history. If you are a foodie and you love a unique shopping experience then you really shouldn't miss Coombs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan/" target="_blank">CATHEDRAL GROVE</a> is one of those places that will take your breath away. This small park within MacMillan Provincial Park contains one of the most impressive stands of giant Douglas Firs on the west coast - some are over 800 years old! The stroll through the park is easy and worth every minute.<br />
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After spending the night in Campbell River we continued on to Port McNeill and our first adventure. Our helicopter ride! I had never been in a helicopter before and now I know why people love it. It was the most incredible feeling to soar just above the treeline and so near to valley walls. We toured the area northwest of the Broughton Archipelago, traveled up the Wakeman River and landed by some unknown lake. I wondered if anyone had ever been there before, it was so remote. Our ride ended with cookies on a snowy mountaintop to celebrate my birthday. Later, as I stood on the granite peak, I just couldn't believe how lucky I was to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. What a birthday!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epic Birthday</td></tr>
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The next day was our whale watching tour. I had never been to <a href="http://www.telegraphcove.ca/tcv/index.cfm" target="_blank">Telegraph Cove</a> before and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know what I was expecting but it sure wasn't this quaint and pretty fishing village. Telegraph Cove is the last boardwalk community left in British Columbia. The boardwalk is lined with colourful little cottages, built on stilts above the ocean. There is a well appointed Whale Museum and great little gift shop. The steamed mussels at the Old Saltery Pub were delicious along with the Killer Whale Pale Ale. We just couldn't resist the name! It doesn't get more west coast than this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telegraph Cove</td></tr>
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We booked our tour** through <a href="http://www.stubbs-island.com/" target="_blank">Stubbs Island Whale Watching Tours</a> and we were not disappointed. The staff was very professional and the boats very comfortable and roomy. We saw four humpback whales and a pod of orcas. One of the large male orcas came right up to our boat and checked us out! It was amazing to be so close to such an enormous creature. Our captain navigated the ship through narrow channels bringing us up close and personal with bald eagles and stellar sea lions. The tour was three and half hours long but it felt like 20 minutes! I couldn't believe how quickly the time passed. **<i>Tip: If you can, book the afternoon tour since there is a good chance that there will be fog during the morning tour.</i><br />
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Northern Vancouver Island is incredibly beautiful and rugged. If you're an outdoor enthusiast I would venture to say that this might be one of the best destinations in the world for you. Whale and grizzly tours, salmon fishing, camping, hiking, geocaches everywhere, kayak tours, helipcopter tours.. the list is endless. With so many things to choose from you'll have lots to add to your bucket list.<br />
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I hope all your adventures are as EPIC as ours was!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for joining me on this adventure LA!</td></tr>
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-14605260417100822162014-06-03T14:01:00.000-07:002014-06-12T10:25:06.200-07:00Kamloops - Can't get 'Knouff Caching!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO3-gvOADGE-ig9QZTDbOpGxzuSbF9K3Gj-qIbUisUA-opBcvo_jGdO-YBwJI82epY7YkktiJGJC-8s34ldhywuY-9I8VgTS6cl-Nc_dpILZeGXfMP-qyJaeyc0om9g6IO0fJZF1rPiA/s1600/knouff_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO3-gvOADGE-ig9QZTDbOpGxzuSbF9K3Gj-qIbUisUA-opBcvo_jGdO-YBwJI82epY7YkktiJGJC-8s34ldhywuY-9I8VgTS6cl-Nc_dpILZeGXfMP-qyJaeyc0om9g6IO0fJZF1rPiA/s1600/knouff_map.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a>Last May (2013) we went to Knouff Lake with our friends. We had such a great time caching and the guys<br />
had such a great time fishing that we decided that we would go back again this year. We knew there were many more caches to find and apparently many more fish to fry!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cabin on Knouff Lake - perfect</td></tr>
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Knouff Lake, aka Sullivan Lake, is situated between the North Thompson River and Sun Peaks Ski Resort. The area near Knouff Lake is simply gorgeous and perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are into hiking or skiing, geocaching or fishing... there is something for everyone.<br />
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We decided to spend our first day finishing up the caches near Lyons Lake. There are nearly 100 caches near this picturesque lake and we just couldn't get to them all last year. This year we decided to save time and park a vehicle at both ends of the trail. We parked one truck near <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3DZBG_snow-stomp-2012-12" target="_blank">GC3DZBG</a> <i>(yellow star on map)</i> and the other near <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC42GH2_lyons-lake-backroad-12-ss13" target="_blank">GC42GH2</a><i> (blue star on map)</i>. I need to interject a "Note to Self" here: <i>Remember to ALWAYS check the elevation of a trail before you start a hike!</i> We would have saved ourselves so much pain if we would have hiked in the opposite direction...downhill! Unfortunately we figured this out as we were climbing the hill that seemed to go on forever! But I digress.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCYJ2lkZUBOtheDNfmoaKCjMG0jD85SSqU-Q9LT4If84gTfaWKceYAKbVbEEqXiWvSxKkRmbLd_LP9OllLvciaNcPiyb8DWv9oC9aD6fswgEfZ3iB9koGmGGkBViEtW-bUGoWdaHHepk/s1600/knouff5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCYJ2lkZUBOtheDNfmoaKCjMG0jD85SSqU-Q9LT4If84gTfaWKceYAKbVbEEqXiWvSxKkRmbLd_LP9OllLvciaNcPiyb8DWv9oC9aD6fswgEfZ3iB9koGmGGkBViEtW-bUGoWdaHHepk/s1600/knouff5.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hiking beside Lyons Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">The hike along Lyons Lake is amazing and if you're a birder then this is THE place for you. The lake and the
shoreline are just teeming with birds! There are 8 caches that are hidden along the lake. They are all pretty easy finds except for the last cache which we DNFd which was too bad. We had lunch at the end of the trail and then we started the climb to our other truck. There is a cache hidden at least every 300 metres along this trail. Thanks to womantracker and T-Kam (who hid almost every cache on this mountain) we always had an excuse to stop and catch our breath!! But the views were amazing and the caches were (for the most part) pretty easy to find.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCzOm_dom8kHZz-iEMbukyqiKXEdrYwT8nilZVYnyMlKuyVMUJstQdVHLLfCVXgozuY4Mzup2WPowMs5A81SDUSut3f_Mu7AhAa3gPaxwWbH26CkH6s8khXZqvUxHdsvvvbbYwS1JpNE/s1600/knouff6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCzOm_dom8kHZz-iEMbukyqiKXEdrYwT8nilZVYnyMlKuyVMUJstQdVHLLfCVXgozuY4Mzup2WPowMs5A81SDUSut3f_Mu7AhAa3gPaxwWbH26CkH6s8khXZqvUxHdsvvvbbYwS1JpNE/s1600/knouff6.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top! Not...</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">Once we got to the top it was all downhill from there. Not! We were so tired by this time but for some strange reason I got my second wind, so while Lillooet Lady and Nurse Hatchett hiked (very slowly I might add) I managed to get every cache from the fork in the trail to our truck. I was pretty proud of myself! At the end of the day we had found about 27 caches. Time to head back to the cabin for appys and a glass of wine. We sure deserved it!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">On our second day we decided that we deserved a day of Park & Grab caches so we headed north west to the small town of Barriere. In 2003 one of the largest forest fires in BC history ravaged this area... lasting 75 days and in the end burning 26,420 hectares. Today, 11 years later, the devastating aftermath is still very visible. If you'd like more information on this historic event then make sure to stop at <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC1EYXY_triple-t-cache?guid=a8b6904f-3e81-4ba8-957c-d0b8514aa919" target="_blank">GC1EYXY</a> - a great cache hidden in honour of all the heroes of the Maclure/Barriere forest fire.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JOw-tENRSz6WIujO_yLtEg5SzjrMIZTVZ-AilUgD0zgie0ms6EIUOYQkHt2TgP8szoQZcSsrF7v8J9GqhEalTtvFEoaj4GcNAuP1ymE4fgyPhfudJuB2Tfzd3h2zN6cWdc4G04wI6vA/s1600/knouff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JOw-tENRSz6WIujO_yLtEg5SzjrMIZTVZ-AilUgD0zgie0ms6EIUOYQkHt2TgP8szoQZcSsrF7v8J9GqhEalTtvFEoaj4GcNAuP1ymE4fgyPhfudJuB2Tfzd3h2zN6cWdc4G04wI6vA/s1600/knouff4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">warning... spoiler photo!</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">After caching around Barriere we made our way east to </span><span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">Heffley Louis Creek Road to finish a series called <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3MXPW_meander" target="_blank">Country Road</a>. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed this series. Each of the 38 hides were unique and well thought out and the hints were very helpful. Names like Meander, John Deere and Sunday Best added to the fun and the hides often made us laugh. Kudos to <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=55a864b2-a801-470b-a41b-5624834cd02b&wid=1173f477-64e9-4c6d-b1dd-811a5dcca9e9&ds=2" target="_blank">canuckdog</a> for an exceptional series in a gorgeous valley. If you're in the area make sure to put this at the top of your to-do list.</span><span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;"></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 23.399999618530273px;">And before we knew it, it was time to go home. Why do these good days have to go by so quickly? Good friends and good times. Lots of caches and lots of fish. I'm already looking forward to next year.</span>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-53998966880855899582013-09-23T15:51:00.000-07:002013-11-02T16:52:25.818-07:00Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxl8vQpr-d0FAjJ_-xr0BJ_8qclt9WYV2K6tABo1HBDhnIQ8JWR-TLxmhlSDeyB7J7aJ-7qDDOCGJVd29mREaJuURsH2z5urNUlh5yOMDarVPAs38YfVEj8ZBR2fUr780K0mrdBtY3Sg/s1600/kettle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxl8vQpr-d0FAjJ_-xr0BJ_8qclt9WYV2K6tABo1HBDhnIQ8JWR-TLxmhlSDeyB7J7aJ-7qDDOCGJVd29mREaJuURsH2z5urNUlh5yOMDarVPAs38YfVEj8ZBR2fUr780K0mrdBtY3Sg/s200/kettle1.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
It's called McCulloch's Wonder. A railway engineering marvel that took nearly 20 years to build. It traverses incredible canyons, mountains & rivers, winding its way through some of the most breathtaking vistas and views on the planet.<br />
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In 1910 Andrew McCulloch was hired as the Chief Engineer of the Kettle Valley Railway. It would be the project that would forever define his career. He was an avid reader of Shakespeare and to this day you can still see that influence... Juliet Creek, Othello Tunnels, Iago Mountain. They all are names inspired by this passionate man. After the KVR opened, it was a main route for moving goods from the interior of the province to the coast and the railway thrived for many years. But then declining demands for moving ore, fruit from the Okanagan and other goods forced the inevitable closure of the line and, sadly, the last section of the railway was closed in 1990.<br />
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But fortunately for us the KVR has been reborn into a remarkable trail for hikers, walkers, cyclists and explorers. Tens of thousands of tourists, from all over the world, come to experience the wonder of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail. And since this 'wonder' is basically in our back yard we thought it was about time we did too. Together with four of my wonderful friends we started to plan our first biking/geocaching trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyszkTU1WFUa3PhM7ga3OG8eH4ERt8WHVWFhg1_ic15oq8JYDw0US2rQdaf-l2jTO8PhEuChmwqfyAQof2qKOyA67PmpTblDNBc6Q0eA-Pk6qgXwVceq5JUBfwriOg-5OkkV5CHa11zbQ/s1600/KVR2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyszkTU1WFUa3PhM7ga3OG8eH4ERt8WHVWFhg1_ic15oq8JYDw0US2rQdaf-l2jTO8PhEuChmwqfyAQof2qKOyA67PmpTblDNBc6Q0eA-Pk6qgXwVceq5JUBfwriOg-5OkkV5CHa11zbQ/s640/KVR2+copy.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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The KVR is approximately 600 km long so obviously we weren't going to tackle it in just one trip! The most <br />
popular section of the trail is the Myra Canyon route but we decided to save that for another time. On this trip we decided to visit Tulameen.<br />
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Tulameen? Where is that you say? Well let me tell you that <a href="http://www.tulameenbc.com/" target="_blank">Tulameen, British Columbia</a> is one of my favourite places in BC. It is a quiet little "cabin town" just north of Princeton and about 3 hours from Vancouver. Once upon a time this land was the hopeful destination for thousands of gold miners, searching for their fortune. Today the air is heavy with the echoes of their past. Ghost towns like Granite Creek and Blakeburn are waiting to be rediscovered and lovely little Coalmont lingers on still. If you're a history lover, there is no better place to explore in BC than Tulameen.<br />
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We rented a gorgeous little house right in Tulameen called <a href="http://www.frontporchvacationhome.com/" target="_blank">The Front Porch</a>. This adorable little cottage went way beyond our expectations. It was clean & well stocked, beautifully decorated and just a few metres away from the Kettle Valley Railway Trail. If you're planning a visit to this area we highly recommend the Front Porch as your home base.<br />
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On our first day, after a hardy breakfast, we got on our bikes and got started biking up the KVR. There are about 70 geocaches between Tulameen and Brookmere. We cycled along beautiful Otter Lake, water on one side and mountain on the other. It was just breathtaking. Most of the caches along the KVR series are pretty easy finds. They aren't meant to be difficult, they are meant to get you out there. And we were sure loving being out there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gbARh2xc3Jjhh1dkPI_Jv6amrYlg5UW9zuOolgdMC5VUHq8ZCKAC_7adInCYiqpdIKnh5t7eiG6zPEfi8lZD52NMBvHiKYvBUX0KMzpovCShP71Iq50sZewcmPFjd_idldN4xrKZ0y0/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gbARh2xc3Jjhh1dkPI_Jv6amrYlg5UW9zuOolgdMC5VUHq8ZCKAC_7adInCYiqpdIKnh5t7eiG6zPEfi8lZD52NMBvHiKYvBUX0KMzpovCShP71Iq50sZewcmPFjd_idldN4xrKZ0y0/s320/tree.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing the logbook</td></tr>
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We were starting to think, well this is nice. Nice bike ride, nice easy caches and then we came to <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2ZEJD_sitc5-thank-you-kris-and-jordy" target="_blank">SITC#5 Thank You Kris and Jordy - GC2ZEJD</a>. Once we read the cache page we knew that one of us would be "up a tree" - literally. At this point I have to digress a bit and explain that we are a group of "mature" women. Now we don't consider <br />
ourselves old, in fact we act like teenagers most of the time, but the reality is that 3 of us are already grandmothers! Tree climbing isn't something we do very often any more. But you know, there is something to be said for pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone. After a lot of encouragement from my fellow cachers I was the one who made the climb. I haven't been that excited to sign a logbook for a long time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl7PE986bSulxme8eZgUKlISnPXZDZfFO9twnVV40fHPIfw6nJ11tnbVhYKOunpWwBpQCFcV6R1V8EXc355nGOU2qvRLEBT0Q4aZRBP_xRMiFimIqoSuvBl9BK8HNy-CU6-AT05On0HM/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl7PE986bSulxme8eZgUKlISnPXZDZfFO9twnVV40fHPIfw6nJ11tnbVhYKOunpWwBpQCFcV6R1V8EXc355nGOU2qvRLEBT0Q4aZRBP_xRMiFimIqoSuvBl9BK8HNy-CU6-AT05On0HM/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPaiTWA25OHX-NhbXp5CNRLegYMX2jEfE13_qmVtAbTDizFLf-5GDWSOLSLAe09OQvaQspgtFbIsi32KWEU-1YkLKNKFZ5bPdu2OYDb51CrRsLX-9rD4mk_ZlLQenVhsrlCet8W1Cbdw/s1600/tunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPaiTWA25OHX-NhbXp5CNRLegYMX2jEfE13_qmVtAbTDizFLf-5GDWSOLSLAe09OQvaQspgtFbIsi32KWEU-1YkLKNKFZ5bPdu2OYDb51CrRsLX-9rD4mk_ZlLQenVhsrlCet8W1Cbdw/s200/tunnel.jpg" width="141" /></a>The next day we took our bikes to Princeton and then biked the KVR from Princeton to as far as the <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3PW4G_hoo-doos" target="_blank">HooDoos</a> cache. This gorgeous section of the KVR includes one of the many tunnels along the trail. This tunnel travels underneath the Hope-Princeton highway and is about 300 metres long. At first we thought, "piece of cake!" but then, when we got about half way through, we were very happy that we brought our flashlights along! It was so dark we couldn't even see the bikes we were sitting on! After the tunnel we crossed the Tulameen River and rode along some of the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen. Our main goal today was to reach an earthcache called <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC293J0_the-red-wall" target="_blank">"The Red Wall"</a> and we were so glad we did. This unique and historically significant site is not to be missed. Wow.<br />
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Before we knew it our first biking adventure was over. Fortunately we had no mishaps or flat tires.... just some aching, under-used muscles and some sore backsides! And it was all worth it...we collected a lot more "smileys" to log, spent time with dear friends and gained a hundred more memories to cherish.<br />
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<br />Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com0Tulameen, British Columbia49.54570674101651 -120.7521057128906249.463303241016511 -120.91346721289062 49.628110241016508 -120.59074421289063tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-1911267158381505652013-08-26T15:47:00.000-07:002014-04-27T15:28:36.642-07:00Caching in the Nahatlatch Valley<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nmSOjY4o-U1B6HKbhn8cJkihTkrF93j0WSvFO60S4br9_W6G-jNwKASXxjb-QBzsm3w9OyJQqyes_avMEAaPom9WTDC6py2_pTBlpzNHU1JfKM77cTxa2yQzx8XIt_upu2xvFbNsh34/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nmSOjY4o-U1B6HKbhn8cJkihTkrF93j0WSvFO60S4br9_W6G-jNwKASXxjb-QBzsm3w9OyJQqyes_avMEAaPom9WTDC6py2_pTBlpzNHU1JfKM77cTxa2yQzx8XIt_upu2xvFbNsh34/s320/IMG_2149.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">signing the logbook</td></tr>
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OK... I have to admit, I've always been jealous of cachers whose significant other is also into caching but today was my birthday and Tony, my husband, knows that this is the one day I will say... "I want to go geocaching all day with you and I don't want to hear any complaining." He gives me a major sigh and then goes out to pack the truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Lr0NlaIgUV-IgNtZf63535exVvSq_jrdALMrjXh1FpHtDpWBPbwxCYIPHCpfUs1ctbhfREsIdjzMURE-7VvrxN6WBezdq9TqdiIwm9A5_yfR995YKMTnz_1Pc27JtVtdifCWc5p2jw/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Lr0NlaIgUV-IgNtZf63535exVvSq_jrdALMrjXh1FpHtDpWBPbwxCYIPHCpfUs1ctbhfREsIdjzMURE-7VvrxN6WBezdq9TqdiIwm9A5_yfR995YKMTnz_1Pc27JtVtdifCWc5p2jw/s200/IMG_2167.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love our truck</td></tr>
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Fortunately for me, he's totally at home in the woods, he loves exploring logging roads and he also owns a great big Ford F250 4x4. When I need to get up to the top of a mountain, he is my hero.<br />
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So today, on my birthday, we decided to head up to Boston Bar. The plan? Getting up to the Nahatlatch Forestry Lookout Tower and grab all the geocaches along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pou42IdZ03JqNxiw0xGZPBmBrKA-wBQ0AdS1xAUlg-CfMn0u6WLz2RNxbMK9A93inSOYPZlrX7dM737z78Z51OefYFR-AAhPhK199anF8K-DEKij-EUloUpUrzXZ-CowzX_WoeddPPA/s1600/IMG_2165+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pou42IdZ03JqNxiw0xGZPBmBrKA-wBQ0AdS1xAUlg-CfMn0u6WLz2RNxbMK9A93inSOYPZlrX7dM737z78Z51OefYFR-AAhPhK199anF8K-DEKij-EUloUpUrzXZ-CowzX_WoeddPPA/s400/IMG_2165+copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the tower?</td></tr>
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We left Aldergrove at about 8am and were in Boston Bar by 10. Crossing the bridge into North Bend, we turned onto Chaumox Road and soon arrived at our first cache of the day...NV Series - The Fairy Ring Field (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3PQQH_n-v-series-the-fairy-ring-field" target="_blank">GC3PQQH</a>). The NV Series (NV is short for Nahatlatch Valley) is an awesome bunch of caches put out by the Hannilake-Harrisons. I was very impressed with each cache we found in this series... the hides were inventive & creative, they were clean and filled with interesting swag and they were all hidden at safe pullouts along the road. One hide (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3PRX7_n-v-series-rockys" target="_blank">GC3PRX7</a>) was especially well done but that's all I'm saying! You just have to see that one for yourself!! Then, surprise, surprise I even got a FTF! (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4E5JE_nv-series-the-guardian" target="_blank">GC4E5JE</a>) How cool is it to be first to find on your birthday? Only a true geocacher can appreciate how special that was for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6luGbOCv25LmaIsPWI2cK6ZJ-8NKuH6VzyCiCUsNPLkBIy3LqLXda0ds6joMKRZViUPEzU835zQW8Dg5t5674PYIEtmX_Ia-uBSI9GuxYE3KPHpsj4A_b_Ww1IAuc7cmsTVb6-RvipA/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6luGbOCv25LmaIsPWI2cK6ZJ-8NKuH6VzyCiCUsNPLkBIy3LqLXda0ds6joMKRZViUPEzU835zQW8Dg5t5674PYIEtmX_Ia-uBSI9GuxYE3KPHpsj4A_b_Ww1IAuc7cmsTVb6-RvipA/s320/IMG_2154.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing view from the top!</td></tr>
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So it was all smooth sailing, finding cache after cache, until we tried to find the road up to the forestry lookout. We had read some previous logs that mentioned that the road up had been a bit hard to find but we thought "we have our mapbook... we'll be fine." NOT. Turns out that the BC Backroads Mapbook is not quite accurate in this area and we ended up taking the wrong road for a while. DO NOT take the road to Keefers... take the road to "Wilderness Ranch" and you'll be good. In hindsight I should have printed the satellite map from geocaching.com which would have been very helpful at the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcWe2f7UBnaWOoQVMcFh9fgU8UdTWHZKJ7c6WMSQ49LmkC7138FhMHdjPBl9PchGH87qNauJA4rLZLGsNnBoSSpZx0iU0O-rDtt04ANRlD8Knp2bvTk3Tf_CPIRN6ED-djHF8Ya2gLuU/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcWe2f7UBnaWOoQVMcFh9fgU8UdTWHZKJ7c6WMSQ49LmkC7138FhMHdjPBl9PchGH87qNauJA4rLZLGsNnBoSSpZx0iU0O-rDtt04ANRlD8Knp2bvTk3Tf_CPIRN6ED-djHF8Ya2gLuU/s320/IMG_2151.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony and the tower</td></tr>
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Once we found the right road I was so excited and I was also very glad I wasn't driving! This is definitely a 4x4ers dream road and takes some skill to navigate. There are some serious hairpin turns, some major boulders to navigate around and quite a bit of deadfall after the tower. If you have a big truck we would recommend that you park at the tower and then walk to the last three caches in the series. We just made it through the deadfall with only inches to spare. There is nowhere to turn around at the last cache so you will have to back up for quite a while unless you continue forward about another 800 metres down the road. We found a grassy spot there that was big enough for our truck.<br />
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The Nahatlatch Forest Fire Lookout was rebuilt by the Four Wheel Drive Association, SWATT, some geocachers and BC Rec Sites & Trails. What a project to undertake! Wow.<br />
The "<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3W631_15-nahatlatch-forest-fire-lookout-rebuild" target="_blank">Rebuild" geocaching series</a> was created by Trixnbun in honour of the rebuilding of the Lookout Tower and the entire series is such a great tribute. The hides are not difficult and I love that the hints are good so that there is no unnecessary wear & tear on the environment. Every once in a while we'd get a glimpse of the view of the Fraser Canyon and it would just take our breath away. Finally we arrived at the lookout and we were so excited to see the brand new rebuilt tower. The view from this spot is truly amazing. I'm sorry to say the pictures just don't do it justice. You have to see it in real life. Spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQR7V-ytFsIvIhX-bmeo9gOB0pE97iC0_n_Mrs8K_2JH23HmH-eet2OV7JwEDlP-FGo2vD_n-F789hU4Wdsn51Jh3tGPwcVFN8ZWitX_PmTdMUsr99olaP2g5OZTKP-bNBb3MC8n9HGI/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQR7V-ytFsIvIhX-bmeo9gOB0pE97iC0_n_Mrs8K_2JH23HmH-eet2OV7JwEDlP-FGo2vD_n-F789hU4Wdsn51Jh3tGPwcVFN8ZWitX_PmTdMUsr99olaP2g5OZTKP-bNBb3MC8n9HGI/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making lunch inside the tower</td></tr>
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After a great lunch (with birthday cake of course) inside the tower we finally decided it was time to head back home. 26 caches later we are a lot more tired, a little more bruised and I was, apparently, another year older!<br />
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And it was SO worth it.<br />
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-25241032841976175502013-01-25T19:29:00.002-08:002014-04-27T15:28:01.543-07:00The Sunshine Coast - Our Journey to Texada IslandAround the beginning of December we start to dream... of green forests and quiet beaches, ocean views and no traffic. We dream of our next trip to Texada Island.<br />
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Travelling to Texada Island requires a trip up the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. This road trip is one of my favourites in our province. It involves windy roads, three ferries, great big forests and lots of geocaches! And so much more for the explorer in you.<br />
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After getting off the ferry in Langdale we make our way first through Gibsons. Now if you're from Canada you know that Gibsons is home to Molly's Reach of the Beachcomber's TV show that ran from 1972 to 1990. If you have no idea what I'm talking about just <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beachcombers" target="_blank">click here</a>. It's a Canadian icon and part of our genetic makeup! This great cache (GC137C1) will give you an awesome view of 'the Reach'.<br />
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Continuing north we meander through the beautiful little town of Sechelt and then through places with lovely names like Redrooffs Road, Halfmoon Bay and Maderia Park. Just past Maderia Park, to the north, is Mount Daniel. Historically Mount Daniel served as a spot of local aboriginal importance. Young teenage girls were isolated at this spot to assemble rocks in "moon circles" as way of entering puberty. The hike up to to the top of Mount Daniel is about 3km one way. The view is incredible and of course there is a cache there... (GC20PZK). If you have time then make your way up Mount Daniel.<br />
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After Mount Daniel we're almost at Egmont and the next ferry to Saltery Bay. But wait... before the ferry, no trip up the Sunshine Coast would be complete without a side trip to the Skookumchuck Narrows. Skookum means 'strong' and chuck means 'water' and that's exactly what you will witness at this incredible display of nature... very strong water. Skookumchuck Narrows forms the entrance of Sechelt Inlet and before broadening into Sechelt Inlet, all of its tidal flow, together with that of Salmon Inlet and Narrows Inlet, must pass through Sechelt Rapids. On a 3 metre tide, 200 billion gallons of water flow through the narrows connecting Sechelt and Jervis Inlet. The difference in water levels between one side of the rapids and the other sometimes exceeds 2 metres in height! There are, of course, a few caches in Skookumchuck Provincial Park including a very educational earthcache (GCMXRA).<br />
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Now it's time for the ferry to Saltery Bay (don't you just love that name too?). This ferry is a little cozy one compared to the ferries that cross to Vancouver Island but we just love it. We grab some soup & crackers in the gift shop and settle down by one of the big windows and just soak in the incredible scenery of Nelson Island and Captain Island. It is just spectacular.<br />
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Finally we are on the last leg to Powell River. As the crow flies we've only traveled about 144km but really there is no where in British Columbia where you can travel "as the crow flies!" Going around inlets, skirting mountains and the odd ferry trip makes the trip to this point about 6 to 8 hours long, depending on ferry waits and how many geocaches you stop for!<br />
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<a href="http://www.discoverpowellriver.com/" target="_blank">Powell River</a> is a gorgeous little town with beautiful views of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait and Vancouver Island (waaay in the distance). Originally home to world's largest pulp mill, Powell River has grown into a adventurer's playground. From hiking to beachcombing, from geocaching and everything else in between... Powell River is the destination for outdoor enthusiasts!<br />
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We spent the night in the cozy <a href="http://powellrivermotel.com/sub01.php" target="_blank">Westview Centre Motel</a> which we love. It's clean, very affordable and minutes away from the ferry to Texada (though their driveway is an experience!) and then, the next morning, we treated ourselves to an awesome breakfast at the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g184843-d3404970-Reviews-Marine_Inn-Powell_River_Sunshine_Coast_British_Columbia.html" target="_blank">Marine Inn</a>. There is nothing like a cup of tea, delicious eggs benedict and a view of the ocean all rolled into one!<br />
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Finally it's time to take the last ferry to "our island." Yes, we have to admit that Texada Island has become our island. It feels like coming home. We drive up to our <a href="http://www.texada-retreat.ca/" target="_blank">'Retreat'</a> and the weights and worries of reality slip away. We are here once again and it has been worth every mile to get here.<br />
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<i>If you'd like more information on exploring Texada Island, check out some of our <a href="http://treestrailsandtupperware.blogspot.ca/2011/01/texada-island-our-happy-caching-place.html" target="_blank">previous posts</a></i>.<br />
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<br />Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-20636372912414237382012-08-29T11:13:00.001-07:002014-04-27T15:29:13.036-07:00A Golden BirthdayAbout two months ago Tony asked me what I wanted for my 50th birthday. I told him I'd get back to him.<br />
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Not long afterwards I found out that one of the Gold Country Launch Events was happening in Clinton and it was happening on my birthday! "I know what I want." I told him. "I want to go to this event, I want to geo-cache ALL day and I want you to be happy about it ALL day." "Really?" he said, "Can't I just buy you some jewellery?"</div>
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Honestly it was the best day and I thought it was very appropriate to be celebrating my 'Golden' Birthday by seeking a bunch of Gold Country caches.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goldtrail.com/Images/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gold Country Geo Tourism program geocaching" border="0" src="http://www.goldtrail.com/Images/logo.png" height="76" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.goldcountry.bc.ca/geocom" target="_blank">British Columbia's Gold Country GeoTourism</a> program you really should check it out. Recently featured in the Wall Street Journal and listed under <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/adventures/geotours" target="_blank">GeoTours</a> on geocaching.com, Gold Country GeoTourism is a world class program that draws geocachers & explorers from all over the world to our beautiful province.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWYXPQc01b_iFa7617cYiH0yk4vHTzsGyAvJgHIrPjEBEFbEvAOP2xU2u5oa5m08zJM9sAMzaZgutYiVFkCCMghwl2YcnLRqBf7pZfNYNvlwZjyDOpYhlvfXiVXgbM1JnlyEIR4oQ9_E/s1600/Along+for+the+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWYXPQc01b_iFa7617cYiH0yk4vHTzsGyAvJgHIrPjEBEFbEvAOP2xU2u5oa5m08zJM9sAMzaZgutYiVFkCCMghwl2YcnLRqBf7pZfNYNvlwZjyDOpYhlvfXiVXgbM1JnlyEIR4oQ9_E/s200/Along+for+the+Ride.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along For The Ride 1 & 2</td></tr>
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The morning of the launch, August 26th, we all descended upon Reg Conn Park. It's always so great to meet up with old caching friends & make some new ones. Even Tony made some new friends as he hung out with the guys we had dubbed "Just Along for the Ride." I think they're planning to start their own support group!</div>
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After a speech by the mayor of Clinton and even the local Member of Parliament we were off and running. Literally. The thirteen new caches we were given that morning took us to amazing vistas, historical sites and even filming locations - a new twist in Phase 2 that I absolutely love! Every cache was well researched and well written and fun to find.<br />
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So thanks everyone for the awesome weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXgMZjfuxw_ncTON78ibKhKOy-tdd3Sr0RvpNxW8AJf3xgxoiND-5PVg_HHwOFAllk9fi0yrEiv3grG_BFsEMZadBDuKc28kQUzCB_T9MOX7GtydZZ4N9wt7ZPUszJrwmTVPf1LlAqnA/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXgMZjfuxw_ncTON78ibKhKOy-tdd3Sr0RvpNxW8AJf3xgxoiND-5PVg_HHwOFAllk9fi0yrEiv3grG_BFsEMZadBDuKc28kQUzCB_T9MOX7GtydZZ4N9wt7ZPUszJrwmTVPf1LlAqnA/s200/IMG_0782.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DisneyGirl & the Wild Thingys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeo9upxzsLPS5OcLJNTowFnHD9n66DJjkC-6qlU0SqIqFmnypNQWXUtH7ZhPOhJ3me7D1IbzEFv_EcM3DPKFXkSeYbRHN7bKJpU4OeCYK4animluWAyvB6p6WqMnoUKT9_8VWgqmTd4Y/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeo9upxzsLPS5OcLJNTowFnHD9n66DJjkC-6qlU0SqIqFmnypNQWXUtH7ZhPOhJ3me7D1IbzEFv_EcM3DPKFXkSeYbRHN7bKJpU4OeCYK4animluWAyvB6p6WqMnoUKT9_8VWgqmTd4Y/s200/IMG_0803.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Knitting Chick & fisher007</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Thanks to the Wild Thingys (aka Peppermint Patti, Rallymaster, Nature Owl, laphamclan & Chilcotin Sam) for hosting a great Meet & Greet on Saturday night. I haven't heard so many good caching stories (or laughed that hard) in a long time!</li>
<li>Thanks to Knitting Chick & fisher007 for joining us on the hunt and the adventure. What we won't do for a smilie eh?</li>
<li>Thanks to the people at Gold Country for their GeoTourism program. I love that it encourages us (and the world) to get up off the couch and explore.</li>
<li>And a big thanks to my very patient hubby, who searches for 'geotrails' and 'geopiles' like an expert and who has put thousands of kilometres on the truck just for me. And thanks for asking me what I want for my birthday!</li>
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-58693668756625434772012-03-10T11:56:00.001-08:002012-03-10T12:10:19.307-08:00Leap, Leap, Leaping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 29th.<br />
It only comes once every 4 years. For most of the world it is just an extra day in the year but for a geo-cacher February 29th represents the 366th day. The chance to fill that elusive square in your 'Each Day of the Year Calendar'. It's a huge motivation to take the day off!<br />
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And that's just what a whole bunch of us did this year on February 29, 2012. Our fellow cacher, Adroit Seeker, planned an event called <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=42632244-2e0d-423a-b0a5-36431bb2f8ac" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ffe599;">"Leaping From Cache to Cache"</span></b></a> that took us along the Suiattle River in Washington State. The plan was to hike the trail and then get as many caches as we could along the road on our way back. This power trail includes more than 100+ caches in all. It meant that many of us would break records that day. It sounded like a whole lot of fun.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuKfeokDwrSWBMjpAiggeMgVI8GRfS3UrKEQVgzU1SOQeaw8BVAI0gaCYEbrrAv01ZbURK9J7DOrDyq_EGkZSB2hpJcDMvUFlX9AqwPE9QNry0ltCbad2BPewRbJYWpi0ajTAxgeJpak/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuKfeokDwrSWBMjpAiggeMgVI8GRfS3UrKEQVgzU1SOQeaw8BVAI0gaCYEbrrAv01ZbURK9J7DOrDyq_EGkZSB2hpJcDMvUFlX9AqwPE9QNry0ltCbad2BPewRbJYWpi0ajTAxgeJpak/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a>5am is so early!! but it still astonishes me what I will put myself through just for a whole whack of smilies on my caching profile page. I met tabbywmn at the border, we picked up Fisher007 just across the line and then we made our way to Bellingham where we met Adroit Seeker, Cyclepath Cacher, sweet-marie, 32fordroadster & Team ItTakesTwo. From Bellingham we travelled an hour & a half to the Snoqualmie National Forest where we met our American cacher friends. It was time we got started on our Leap Day!!<br />
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The road to the Buck Creek Campground has been closed for about 7 years but if you're up for an easy 5km hike then I highly recommend it. We were treated to beautiful views of the river, waterfalls along the way and towering trees. We had lunch at the end of the trail in a great log shelter with a view of the river, watching the snow drift down as we ate. It doesn't get much better than this.<br />
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I had never cached on a power trail before but now I know what "power trail" means! With about 20 of us we literally leapt from cache to cache and we made short work of the series and a bunch of us broke our 'most caches in a day' record. On top of that we also had the privilege of watching fisher007 find his 1000th cache. As you can see he was pretty excited!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6H_S7KntRtPEwiKU49iaYdJxzXLMGGJbdcoxtHqL2gnXcQYf4DIYIPcq2Ht6HO2iLwK2K_ftxmuds1mlbv_2q22tw2_AQ_JAlVmhvh8cpInmf6027ec-gKWNMCloesDUOdVr9q9vab4/s1600/big+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6H_S7KntRtPEwiKU49iaYdJxzXLMGGJbdcoxtHqL2gnXcQYf4DIYIPcq2Ht6HO2iLwK2K_ftxmuds1mlbv_2q22tw2_AQ_JAlVmhvh8cpInmf6027ec-gKWNMCloesDUOdVr9q9vab4/s320/big+rock.jpg" width="320" /></a>After we finished the trail and the road (in record time I might add) we made our way back to Bellingham for<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=5ce3f4cb-576f-45d2-b766-de3eac94012e" target="_blank"> <b><span style="color: #ffe599;">one more event</span></b></a> hosted by the Three Bottles family. Yummy Mexican fare, an ice cold Corona and meeting more cachers. What a perfect way to end the day.<br />
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Thanks again to Adroit Seeker for planning such a great day for us and thanks to all my caching friends, those kindred spirits, who made the day so fun and enjoyable. I had an awesome time. Hope you did too! I'm sure we'll all remember Leap Year for a long time....too bad we have to wait 4 years to do it all over again.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-75946546934307878372011-10-15T23:10:00.000-07:002014-05-18T21:05:43.195-07:00Finally.... Haida Gwaii!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been married for 30 years. Yeah us!!<br />
And for most of those 30 years we've talked & dreamed about making a trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii). As our 30th Anniversary drew closer we thought... "What better reason did we need?" Celebrate 30 years of marriage & exploring British Columbia by going on the ultimate road trip!<br />
So the planning began. Those of you who know us know that we don't go anywhere without a plan & without doing a lot of research ahead of time. For us that's half the fun! If you're reading our blog right now because you're thinking of a trip to Haida Gwaii I hope you'll find this entry useful & helpful. I've written it with some how-to's, recommendations & must-do's!!<br />
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Before we left on our trip there were a few things we needed to do ahead of time. We reserved our spots on the ferry for there and back. Since the trip there was an overnight run we also booked a sleeping berth. I was very pleasantly surprised at our cozy little room on the Northern Expedition. With our own TV & bathroom and very comfy beds we actually slept a lot better than I expected. Another thing we did was book all our accommodations. We decided that we wanted to move around and explore different areas of the island so we reserved three different places - the Hecate Inn in Queen Charlotte City, the Sand Dollar cabin at North Beach Cabins near Massett and for the last three nights we stayed at Chateau Lawnhill in Lawnhill. The last thing we did (OK..I did) was put together a "Our Trip to Haida Gwaii" binder complete with copies of email correspondence, ferry confirmation numbers, special places we wanted to see and even a copy of tide table on the dates we planned to be there. The binder was also handy for writing down all the caches that I found during the trip. Yes I'm a geo-dork and just a bit of a type A personality!<br />
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Exploring Haida Gwaii was like being on the pages of a National Geographic magazine. Everywhere we went we were struck by beauty. I think Tony got so tired of me saying... this is soooo beautiful! But it was true. We spent a week exploring from one end of Graham Island to the other. Here are some of our favourite spots that we found...<br />
<strong>RENNELL SOUND</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black bear at Rennell Sound</td></tr>
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Almost everything we read about Haida Gwaii said don't miss Rennell Sound so we figured that we'd better make sure to go there. Well the books weren't wrong.<br />
We went to the sound on our first day on the island. We sure enjoyed the drive there....driving through beautiful forests on gravel roads has always been one of our favourite pastimes! We knew that there was a steep hill at the end of the drive but Tony managed the 24% grade like a pro! After the hill we continued on to the trail head for Gregory Beach. I was excited to learn that there was a cache hidden on this trail... just another bonus for visiting here. After we found the cache (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=e2602f22-5410-4990-aaff-5a234eb33809"><span style="color: yellow;">GCX55R</span></a>) we continued on down the trail to the ocean. Wow is all I can say! Rennell Sound is the only west coast beach that is accessible by road and apparently one of the best beach combing beaches on the entire west coast of North America. We didn't find anything special that day, no beautiful sea shells and no coveted glass fishing floats, but we did see an enormous black bear walking along the beach ahead of us. A once in a lifetime experience! Thanks to geobyrd for the great cache...absolutely one of my all time favourites and one I highly recommend!<br />
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<strong>THE GOLDEN SPRUCE</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sad end to Kiidk'yass</td></tr>
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A beautiful legend & a mystery all rolled into one....that is the story of Kiidk'yass or the Golden Spruce. Kiidk'yass was a tree with a rare genetic mutation that made its needles yellow. For centuries the Haida Nation had revered Kiidk'yass as a mythical force... sitting on the banks of the Yakoun River, it was a thing of beauty and according to the Haida, would be there till the end of generations. Then in 1997 an eco-terrorist named Grant Hadwin cut the tree down as "a wake-up call" against industrial logging. The logic of this act escapes me but that is not the end of the story. Released on bail, Grant Hadwin disappeared while on the way to his trial. His broken, abandoned kayak and belongings were found on a remote island but no trace of Hadwin was ever found or has been found since. <br />
Fortunately, about 20 years previous, cuttings had been taken from Kiidk'yass by a group of botanists from UBC. After the Golden Spruce was felled UBC offered one of the new golden saplings to the Haida people which they accepted and planted near the base of the original tree.<br />
Today, beside the Yakoun River, you can still see the once mighty tree, now lying on its side, with a brand new yellow spruce planted at its roots.<br />
The 10 minute walk to the Golden Spruce is accessed from the road to Juskatla and takes you past some of the most amazing old growth forest we have ever seen. Of course there's a geocache there too - thanks geofran - (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=feaed44d-b97b-484a-a387-f8a5776c8b75"><span style="color: yellow;">GCXE4C</span></a>)... just another reason to come to the wonderful place.<br />
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<strong>NORTH BEACH</strong><br />
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We arrived at our cabin on the very northern end of Graham Island on a beautiful sunny day... perfect timing to explore this amazing area. If you love long walks along the ocean (like me) then this is the place for you... sandy shoreline as far as the eye can see. Just to put it in perspective, Long Beach, on Vancouver Island is about 25km long. The continuous length of sandy beaches on Graham Island starts at Massett, continues all along the north coast, around Rose Spit and down to Tlell on the east coast, approximately 100 kms of sandy beach. Incredible and just waiting to be explored.<br />
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<strong>TOW HILL & NAIKOON PROVINCIAL PARK</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">below Tow Hill</td></tr>
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Tow Hill, on the northeast end of Naikoon Provincial Park is a volcanic plug that stands out above the tree line, easily seen from miles away. The 45 minute hike to the top is an easy one since the whole trail is a boardwalk! First time I've ever seen that. At the top you'll find a cache appropriately called "Beware of Cliff" (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=e365354e-32a8-4ad1-b599-adcd6a838550"><span style="color: yellow;">GC2X0VQ</span></a>) and a view that is awesome. On a clear day you can see Alaska. Really.<br />
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<strong>THE WRECK OF THE PESUTA</strong><br />
The Pesuta Shipwreck was the one "must-do" that we never made it to. Weather, time constraints and high tides all made it a little difficult to get to but we have some friends who went there this summer and they really enjoyed the hike there and exploring the wreck. <br />
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<strong>HAIDA CANOE</strong> <br />
It's one thing to see history in a glass case or read about it in a book. It's an entirely different thing to see it and touch in the middle of the rainforest. That was our experience when we hiked to one of 4 Haida canoes that have been abandoned on Haida Gwaii. No one knows why these half finished canoes were left to rot but they were. Were they not carved properly? Did they crack? It's a mystery and we love mysteries. You'll find the trail head for the Juskatla Canoe at N53 36.145 W132 16.913 and the canoe at N53 36.121 W132 16.701.<br />
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<strong>HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE</strong><br />
This 26 million dollar museum & Heritage Centre in Skidegate is incredible. From the huge authentic totems to the tiny baskets woven with spruce roots... well worth the $15 entrance fee.<br />
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<strong>BALANCE ROCK</strong><br />
Balance Rock is a huge glacial erratic just north of Skidegate that sits perfectly balanced on the point of another rock in the middle of a beach near Skidegate. "Rock-In-Out" (<a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=d627c92e-cc0d-4859-a8e0-f60e74c7236e"><span style="color: yellow;">GC21AMY</span></a>) is the perfect cache at this location. You've got to see it to really appreciate it.<br />
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There are many places to stay on Haida Gwaii... from campsites to B&Bs. The pitfalls of reserving a place through a website is you never know if it's as good as it looks in the pictures! We were fortunate to find three very good ones and I'd highly recommend each one of them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hecateinn.ca/"><span style="color: yellow;">HECATE INN</span></a> in Queen Charlotte City was clean and quiet. We had our own apartment with a separate bedroom and kitchen which was great for making our own meals. They also had internet access which can be pretty important if you need to keep in touch with your family. <a href="http://northbeachcabins.com/"><span style="color: yellow;">NORTH BEACH CABINS</span></a> was the most rustic of the three places we stayed. The Sand Dollar, which was our cabin, had no electricity but it was cozy with a propane stove & heater and the incredible North beach was only minutes away. Lisa, our host, has added all sorts of beautiful touches to make her place special... even stained glass windows in the outhouses! <a href="http://www.chateaulawnhillcottage.ca/"><span style="color: yellow;">CHATEAU LAWNHILL</span></a> was the last place we stayed and from the moment we arrived Ron, our host, made sure we felt at home. We appreciated all the advice he gave us for exploring the island and sure enjoyed the huge salmon steaks he brought us!<br />
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Before we knew it our week had come to an end and it was time to head home. We really hated to see it come to end... there was so much more we would have liked to see but well, reality beckons. <br />
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The wonder & beauty of Haida Gwaii is not something we will soon forget. It truly was the trip of a lifetime.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-50861032816839241792011-09-01T15:18:00.000-07:002014-04-27T15:29:51.476-07:00My Day with the Baerg Family <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Cheam, British Columbia</td></tr>
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When I was about 10 years old my dad went on a mountain climbing hike with a bunch of guys from our church. Their goal? To climb to the top of Mount Cheam. I remember him coming home that night absolutely exhausted but full of stories to tell. Later when I saw the photos...all these guys standing at the top of the peak with nothing but glorious blue sky all around them...well I knew that someday I wanted to be there too.<br />
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Fast forward to 2011... almost 40 years had past and I still hadn't achieved my goal. And I was getting a little frustrated. Every time we would drive by the mountain on the freeway I would say, "Someday I'm going to get up there." I think Tony stopped listening to me. Then I discovered geocaching and sure enough, before I knew it, there were a bunch of caches hidden along the Cheam trail and two on the peak! Now I really have to get there!<br />
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Climbing Cheam (or any mountain for that matter) is not something you do lightly or something you do alone. Unfortunately for me, Tony is not interested in climbing any mountain unless hunting or fishing is involved, so if I was going to get up there, I had to figure out how to do it on my own.<br />
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Enter my good friend Carol (in geo-caching world aka Nurse Hatchett). Carol's family, the Baergs, have a family reunion every three years and every six years one of their family reunion traditions is to climb Cheam. They've been climbing the mountain since the 1970s & this year Carol invited me to join them. <br />
I've decided I really like this family.<br />
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So on August 27th, one day after my 49th birthday, I became a member of the Baerg family for a day. I was so excited.<br />
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The forecast was for perfect weather and it did not disappoint. Not a cloud in the sky. Perfect.<br />
We all met near Bridal Falls and 15 of the Baergs, plus me, packed into some borrowed trucks to make the trip up the Chipmunk Creek FSR to the parking lot at the trailhead. The road up to the trailhead is rough, to say the least. In order to keep the snow melt from turning the road into a river in the Spring, there are cross-ditches dug every 200m or so... makes for a very interesting ride in a big pickup loaded with people. Once we got to the parking lot we noticed that the truck with all the teenagers was no longer behind us. We waited a bit and finally we asked some other hikers who came up shortly after us. Had they seen a truck full of young kids? "Oh yah," he said, "They had major car trouble." Great.<br />
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I wondered what we were going to do. Were our plans to climb the mountain all for nothing? <br />
But it soon became apparent that the Baergs are not a family that gets into an uproar too easily. By the time Rick (one of the dads) decided to head back down to rescue the kids most of them had already hitched rides up to the parking lot. Thank goodness for Good Samaritans! So let's hike...we'll worry about the truck later!<br />
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The alpine meadows on Mount Cheam are incredible. I lost track of how many different mountain flowers I saw and the geocaches were placed just right so that I could use the excuse that "I am looking for a geo-cache" instead of "I can't breathe anymore & my legs are on fire."<br />
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There are 12 caches on the way up to Cheam Peak and we found 8 so I was pretty happy with that. I really wanted to find at least one cache on the peak and was happy to find <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC1F94M"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">CHEAM - GC1F94M</span></a> at the top....wow! is all I can say about this cache location. There's another great view from <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC2EJ9G"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">GC2EJ9G</span></a> and <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GC1FCKC"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;">GC1FCKC</span></a> really was a great spot to take a break! All the caches we found that day were well done and I highly recommend them all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the north from Cheam Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary & Elizabeth</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Carol & Me at the top!</td></tr>
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The family trudged on & on, the younger set moving at a quicker pace while the rest of us went just a little slower! At this point I have to tell you about the two oldest members of our hiking crew.... Mary & Elizabeth are Carol's aunts... they've been on almost every Cheam hike since the Baerg family reunion began... and they are now 80 & 82! I was pretty impressed by all the beauty that surrounded me but these two ladies and their determination impressed me the most that day. <br />
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About 2 hours later we stepped onto the ridge at the top of the mountain. I was absolutely speechless which is, if you know me at all, quite something. The view was overwhelming. A 360 degree view of the Fraser Valley. Unbelieveable. I had waited 40 years to get here and it was worth every minute.<br />
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And that should be the end of the story shouldn't it? But it turns out that our day of adventures was not over yet. Once we all got back down to the parking lot, piled into the one truck that we had left and started backing out it soon became apparent that there was now something wrong with this truck. The power steering was gone! But once again, the Baerg family did not panic... the truck has just enough maneuvering capabilty to navigate the road and our driver, Rick, has, apparently, pretty strong arms. As we start down the road I hear Rick's wife, Annette, ask him quietly, "How's it going?" And he says (also very quietly), "I don't think I want to tell you.... we have no brakes either." <br />
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Are you kidding me?<br />
I thought coming down the trail on Cheam was tough but this was brutal. Hairpin turns, gravel road, cross ditches & major cliffs. It took us almost 2 hours to drive 6 kilometres... the whole trip in first gear. But you know, as we turtled our way down the mountain, with Rick white-knuckling the steering wheel, that family visited and reminisced and laughed....mostly they laughed. And I realized then that they were making another family memory. A great one. One that they'll talk about in 6 years when they climb the mountain once again. They'll laugh and say "Remember the last time we were here and the trucks all broke down? Wonder what adventures will happen to us this time?" And maybe they'll ask me again if I want to come along.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Baerg Family - at the top! August 2011</td></tr>
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Thanks, Baerg family, for the awesome adventure. And thanks for the memory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally did it!</td></tr>
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-69233301359765382412011-08-09T14:42:00.000-07:002014-04-20T14:24:14.246-07:00History Lessons <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">under the overhang on the Birkenhead river</td></tr>
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There are some places in our province that just exude history....where you can almost feel the past enveloping you and hear the voices of those who walked before you. Lillooet Lake is one of those places. <br />
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This past week my daughter and I had the pleasure of joining our friends at their cabin on Lillooet Lake. Joan & Werner built their cabin almost 30 years ago and so they already have a rich knowledge of the area's history but they are always willing to go exploring again, especially when they have an amateur historian along! (that would be me!) And, as it happens, there are new things to find & discover, even for them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Goats?</td></tr>
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We started our history lessons that first evening by boating down to the north end of Lillooet Lake and into the Birkenhead River. Joan had recently read in a magazine of a kayaker who had spotted some pictographs on the cliffs along the river so we had our mission. It took about an hour to get to the mouth of the river. I think that maybe Joan had a few frayed nerves wondering if the river was deep enough for the boat but it was all good. As we quietly floated down the river one could not miss the tangible change in the air around us. "This is spooky." Joan said and I knew we were in the right place. There they were... up on the cliff right above us... the bright red drawings that we now recognize so well. We landed the boat (not as easy as it sounds!) and bush-wacked our way to where, long ago, someone decided that for whatever reason this story needed to be told. There are only two paintings there but both are in great shape. One of an animal under a arc and the other... two mountain goats climbing a hill. The paint is still so bright and the images so clear, it could have been painted yesterday.<br />
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The next day we geo-cached around the Pemberton area. The walk around One Mile Lake was especially lovely and we really appreciated the <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=ec0a821b-7ccb-47da-b989-2439ad3f743a">7 cache series</a> that had been hidden there by fisher007. Each hide was inventive and unique, the hints were fun and the whole series takes you around this pretty little lake where you end up right back where you started. We also appreciated the caches hidden by Tourism Pemberton. Well done! Hopefully more towns in British Columbia will follow your lead!<br />
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Our next history lesson took us down Lillooet River Road which was, for the most part, built over the old Douglas Road. We especially wanted to see the Church of the Holy Cross (in Skookumchuck) and see what we could learn about the Mile Houses built along this road.<br />
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The Douglas Road or Harrison Trail was conceived by Governor Douglas to accommodate the steady rush of men heading to the Cariboo Gold Fields. Paddlewheelers & steamers on the lakes made parts of the journey relatively easy - it was in between the lakes, the portages, that was the trouble - so the Douglas Road was born. Of course it didn't take too long for enterprising men to realize that travelling over this rugged, mosquito infested land would create some very weary travellers and before too long "Mile Houses" (hotels) were springing up along the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old graveyard beside the Road</td></tr>
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Today, as we pass the occasional house or car, it's hard to imagine that over 30,000 men used this route in just a few short years. By 1861 it was all but abandoned for the Cariboo Wagon Road and now we have to use our imaginations to picture this as a busy road. The Mile Houses are all gone - there's the occassional apple tree here and there - but at one time they were full of hungry and tired men looking for a meal and a place to sleep.<br />
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One place that does still exist is "20 Mile House" or "Hot Spring House" - the home of <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=1805b5cc-2ba2-490c-9ed4-9fdfba12a476">Skookumchuck Hot Springs</a>. Though none of the original buildings are standing today it is not hard to see why this would be a most welcome place to stop along the journey - the chance to have a hot bath. One book we read quoted the aid of Judge Matthew Begbie as saying "This is the first time I've been clean since I left San Francisco!" Yuck.<br />
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After leaving the hotsprings we continued south to the village of Skatin (formerly Skookumchuck). This is the location of the Church of the Holy Cross. I don't know what I was expecting when we drove up to Skatin. This place is remote... there isn't a town for miles & miles, so I think I was expecting a little country church. This is <u>so not</u> a little country church! Inspired by prayer cards they had been given by visiting priests in the late 1800s, the residents of Skookumchuck, who had no architectural training and no power tools, designed a wooden gothic-style 'cathedral.' European cathedrals are made of stone but the builders of Holy Cross used the resources that were available to them. Huge cedars were milled for the foundation and placed on stones taken from the Lillooet River. Inside, the altar and stain glass windows are gorgeous and all handmade. Unfortunately time & the elements of the west coast have taken their toll and the church is in bad need of restoration. We left a donation in the drop box inside the church but I wish I could have done more. This spot really touched my heart. Maybe it's because it was such an unexpected & wonderful surprise - a huge church in the middle of the forest - or maybe it's because I work as an church administrator and I know how hard it is to keep a church building maintained. If you'd like to read more about the Church of the Holy Cross (or even make a donation) you can visit their <a href="http://skookumheritagechurch.ca/"><strong>website</strong></a><strong>. </strong> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior & exterior of the Church of the Holy Cross. Amazing!</td></tr>
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If you're ever in the Pemberton area I highly recommend a road trip down the Lillooet River Road. We explored & geocached, visited a beautiful old cemetery, saw a black bear, visited a hotspring, took in all the breathtaking scenery and stepped inside a 100 year old church. As far as I'm concerned that's about as good as it gets! <br />
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Once again our time at the cabin has ended all too quickly. We had such a good time with our awesome friends and we appreciate their hospitality. We're already looking forward to next year and, hopefully, a bunch of brand new history lessons to learn!</div>
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-51215061077837774902011-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-30T21:31:16.406-07:00Back in Time to BarkervilleI had barely got home from Alaska and two days later I found myself on a road trip with my 'sisters.' I knew this was coming but still felt like I needed a little time to catch my breath. No such luck! Every year I take a trip with my friends. We call ourselves the Seven Sisters though, sadly, there is rarely a time when all seven of us manage to get together anymore. Last year we went to Disneyland (incredible) and this year we thought we'd try for something completely different. <a href="http://www.barkerville.ca/default.htm">Barkerville, British Columbia</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ppowY-iDwBIaog3jBGadwiHFuX2TL0KNtjS5FPTF704HH3sgqBAwErKkHlLFGc82tzA6dfosOQ13HMGusr1W3xvq6TM4wYiP2yRA9mkoAsNItMoZn7c_bdKva9m4uZCapPKXEwSextM/s1600/barker-billy-4319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ppowY-iDwBIaog3jBGadwiHFuX2TL0KNtjS5FPTF704HH3sgqBAwErKkHlLFGc82tzA6dfosOQ13HMGusr1W3xvq6TM4wYiP2yRA9mkoAsNItMoZn7c_bdKva9m4uZCapPKXEwSextM/s200/barker-billy-4319.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy Barker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In 1862, Billy Barker came down the Williams Creek valley from the town of Richfield in search of a rich strike. After digging through 42 feet of hard clay he found the richest strike to date in August of 1862. After spending the winter of that year in Victoria, Barker returned to his claim in the spring only to find that an entire town had been built around it and was named in his honour. Barkerville had been born!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPc8INGLPKOHhu6oAVLjVIgWFR84cEkRL18X9YKnIdH-bUfQKwbU2suGS3-IyoUa0TIJmMzJX3S6C2m96diEyEg_ytHKXeFi1BpzmNAYUPWaQDZW2m75QpQMvDfxHWIaqv5QcbaJd_iE/s1600/drunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPc8INGLPKOHhu6oAVLjVIgWFR84cEkRL18X9YKnIdH-bUfQKwbU2suGS3-IyoUa0TIJmMzJX3S6C2m96diEyEg_ytHKXeFi1BpzmNAYUPWaQDZW2m75QpQMvDfxHWIaqv5QcbaJd_iE/s200/drunk.jpg" width="133" /></a>The wonderful thing about Barkerville is that that same excitement (read 'gold fever') and historical accuracy have been painstakingly preserved to this day. Over 100 of the buildings are original and many are standing in the same spot they were built. Townspeople wander about, seemingly oblivious that you are from a completely different timeline. A hurdy-gurdy girl told us that contrary to what we had heard "she didn't do that sort of thing" and a wobbly lawyer weaved down the street in front of us after one too many visits to the "apothecary." At least he never forgot to tip his hat. To really enjoy Barkerville here's my advice. Just let yourself be transported back in time.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For those of us who live in the Fraser Valley, a trip to Barkerville means travelling up the Fraser Canyon. It is one of my favourite road trips. After you pass through the historic town of Yale you can almost feel a palpable change. Time slows down just a teensy bit and the history envelopes you as you travel along the same road that so many went on before, risking their lives for that one thing. Gold.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Now, almost 150 years later, we whiz along in the comfort of our automobile. It doesn't take long and you go through the first of seven tunnels. Do you know the names of the tunnels off by heart? Thanks to my father, the school teacher, I do. I've tried to make my friends memorize them but they don't seem very interested. Not sure why but since this is my blog I'm going to recite them for you. They are (from south to north)...Yale, Saddle Rock, Sailor Bar, Alexandra, Hell's Gate, Ferrabee and China Bar (the longest).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the 8th tunnel</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is at the Hell's Gate tunnel that we make one of our first stops. Did you know that there is an 8th tunnel? I didn't either until we went to look for GC29TEX - what a wonderful surprise that was! If you're travelling and caching up the Fraser Canyon this is one cache that I highly recommend.</div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The Sisters at the Kelly House</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There are far too many wonderful spots to explore and caches to find along the Fraser Canyon to list in one blog entry so instead I will recommend two excellent books you should have for a trip like this... especially if you're a geocacher. The first one is Gold Country's "<a href="http://www.goldtrail.com/GeoTourism%20home.html">GeoTourism Adventures</a>" and the 2nd is New Pathways to Gold's "<a href="http://newpathwaystogold.ca/geocache/">Chasing the Golden Butterfly</a>." We love them both, especially when someone reads them aloud to us while we're driving! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>When we arrive in Barkerville we are pretty excited because, months ago, we booked the "<a href="http://www.kellyhouse.ca/">Kelly House</a>" as our accomodation. A Bed & Breakfast right in the heart of Barkerville means that we can explore to our heart's content and go back whenever we want - to rest, to eat or for a glass of wine! Not only is it convenient but the back-in-time illusion continues with feather beds (honestly, the best sleep I've had in a long time), clawfoot tubs, no TVs & a Cariboo breakfast every morning. Because there was no TV we read aloud in the parlour every night from "Cariboo Runaway." Great story. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We spent three days exploring Barkerville and yes, you can and you should spend at least that many days there. We took the Barkerville Cemetery tour, panned for gold, took the Barkerville town tour, took the Chinatown tour, visited with an archaeologist, hiked to the Richfield courthouse, rode on a stagecoach and of course, got our portrait taken at Louis A Blanc Photographic Gallery. We found all seven caches around Barkerville and they're all great and well done. My favourite though was GC12A7A because, in order to log this cache, you need to watch the Cornish Waterwheel show.. one of the best shows in Barkerville!</div> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a wonderful three days it was time to road-trip home. We drive south, through Spences Bridge, Lytton and Boston Bar and then, before we know it, the familiar Fraser Valley farmland stretches before us. We're home. It is good to be home again but we know that life is going to speed up any minute now. The illusion was wonderful while it lasted.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-83379665860449089892011-06-15T21:40:00.000-07:002014-06-12T10:29:12.967-07:00Cachin' & Cruisin' Alaska Style<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5jceQdpadhdaDpwtEkIDurW1Wvg5jA7njHD7_iaMtAdUiCgwh0bVCaZ9iV1XuMfsJUbb8DzxvdsNPSMuZSdzZDDzmuNb_VnNMeJmezO8wwKsK7NoCTN5doV3AwojUIQyR84ifCeL5Kk/s1600/IMG_8185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5jceQdpadhdaDpwtEkIDurW1Wvg5jA7njHD7_iaMtAdUiCgwh0bVCaZ9iV1XuMfsJUbb8DzxvdsNPSMuZSdzZDDzmuNb_VnNMeJmezO8wwKsK7NoCTN5doV3AwojUIQyR84ifCeL5Kk/s320/IMG_8185.JPG" height="213" i="" true="" width="320" /></a>I've done a lot of geocaching & exploring in my life but nothing like this last trip!</div>
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On June 7th my daughter and my parents and I set sail on the <a href="http://www.disneycruiseline.com/">Disney Wonder</a> from Vancouver to Alaska. People told me that cruise ships are luxurious and that you are treated like royalty. Well that was an understatement. The moment we stepped on the Wonder we forgot that we were regular people! It was beyond our expectations.</div>
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I could tell you now all about our Disney experience but that's a topic for a different blog. What I'd like to share with you is our experiences in the towns of Alaska.... Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and the fjord of Tracy Arm. </div>
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I am a West Coast BC girl so to be honest with you Alaska is not a whole lot different from home. But still, as far as I'm concerned, there is no place like home! The coastlines of British Columbia and Alaska are breath taking and each port of call gave us something new to see and explore and, of course, caches to find!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family & me in Tracy Arm Fjord</td></tr>
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Our first Alaska experience was Tracy Arm. Tracy Arm is approximately 48 km long. The cliff walls of the fjord loomed high above us as we made our way slowly towards Sawyer Glacier. We saw many seals with their pups and an eagle sitting on her nest. We scanned for mountain goats but unfortunately we didn't see any. As we got closer to the glacier the ice floes around us increased. Some of these chunks of ice were as big as a car. Suddenly we heard a loud boom, like two railway box cars banging together. The glacier was cracking! We didn't see any 'calving' (parts of the glacier falling into the sea) but even the sound of it was awesome. The forces of nature at work are pretty humbling. At this time I got to experience my first "cruise-friendly" cache. <a class="CacheCodeLink" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=3c23b4ce-6d29-4e5f-9e2b-78ab5f925e6d#" jquery15203346610462052991="21"><span class="GCCode" id="ctl00_ContentBody_uxWaypointName">GC1DG1T</span></a> is an awesome earthcache that you can complete from the deck of your ship. All you have to do is answer a few questions and have your picture taken with your GPS and the glacier behind you. Since our ship made sure that there were Park Rangers on deck available to answer all our questions as we passed through the fjord, this was the easiest cache I had done in a long time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Pass Train </td></tr>
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The next morning we awoke to find that we were already docked in the tiny town of Skagway. Skagway is one of those places that exudes history and there's not many things that I love more on this earth than history, especially when I can walk amongst it. This was the day that I had been looking forward to for months. Today we were going to ride on the Whitepass Historic Railway. The White Pass Railway was built in 1898 and has been declared an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. The 4 hour ride took us through tunnels, over trestles, past the cabin where the North West Mounted Police checked every miner entering the Yukon (to make sure they were carrying at least one ton of supplies with them) and into British Columbia. We were allowed to walk around inside our train car during the trip and we could even step outside onto the small decks at each end of our car to get some awesome photographs. If you're in Skagway I highly recommend this excursion. </div>
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Skagway had some fun caches. One, called Altoids Alaska, was an easy find and just steps from our cruise ship. I sure appreciated that. We found a great TB hotel not too far away as well but our favourite cache was a Virtual called "Camp Skagway No. 1" <a class="CacheCodeLink" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=1e3783c1-b5ff-405c-9125-1fc417d41e65#" jquery152007654294000336714="18"><span class="GCCode" id="ctl00_ContentBody_uxWaypointName">GCGJ2Q</span></a>. If you're caching in Skagway this cool virtual should not be missed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wonder from Mount Roberts</td></tr>
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The next day we docked in Juneau. The captial city of Alaska is beautiful and has the distinction of being the only state capital that is not accessible by road.. the only way in and out of Juneau is by boat or plane. Before we disembarked we had breakfast on the ship while watching the floatplanes coming in and out of Gastineau Channel. We commented on how much it reminded us of Vancouver... a city surrounded by ocean & mountains. Once again we felt right at home. We had previously decided that we weren't going to do any other excursions during the week but, after we got off the ship, my dad took one look at the tram going up to Mount Roberts and said "I want to go on that!" Well my mom does not enjoy heights too much so Tess, Dad & I took the trip up. It was a great ride up (a little pricey) but it was beautiful at the top with views that were amazing. My advice if you're planning on visiting Juneau is to wait and see what kind of weather you have that day when you arrive. If it's cloudy I don't think it would be worth the cost of a ticket since you won't be able to take in the great view... and if it's nice you can easily buy your ticket after you dock.</div>
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All too soon it was time for our last stop... Ketchikan. Ketchikan, the "Salmon Capital of the World" was such a cute little town with most of the shops right beside the docks. We enjoyed walking the streets, dodging the jewellery merchants just a bit (lol) and, of course, finding a cache or two. Unfortunately there weren't too many to find right by the cruise ships and we didn't have much time at this stop but we did manage to find one micro <a class="CacheCodeLink" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=25642043-e796-4c40-a2f7-1fc3aec75ca4#" jquery15207931435896153108="15"><span class="GCCode" id="ctl00_ContentBody_uxWaypointName">GC2D1CH</span></a> after a great walk along the pier.</div>
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And then, before we knew it, we were heading home, back to Vancouver.</div>
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What a vacation that was. We were spoiled beyond belief, ate like we had never eaten before and explored to our hearts' content. Alaska was just as welcoming, breathtaking and beautiful as I expected it to be. I'm sorry that our trip is over but the memories we take home with us will last us a life time.</div>
Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-68510675914540302652011-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:002011-05-19T22:37:00.558-07:00Road Trip!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know that most of you who read our blog are from British Columbia and you love exploring our beautiful province as much as we do but I hope you'll indulge me for the next couple of months. Two of our major "caching holidays" this year are taking place in 'other places' - one will be a Disney Cruise to Alaska (in June) and I just got back from the other trip... a long awaited ROAD TRIP to South Dakota!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you have read some our previous posts you know that we LOVE roadtrips. I was never the child who said "when are we going to get there?" There was just so much to see along the way! And I'm happy to say that nothing has changed. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUymD9l94GcSZp3-YSQpn1lktiQ9J0F9lDjPrlxy055bSVmK1-mP7ZqK4dPX_BJ6DMNgu24NeCNntPNEf0Vco3bIKKkl_s5NOXzRHPnQ0NBaZ6BUDCwZNPIil-Sm3J_H5uVw-ds6ppL8/s1600/Getting+ready+to+leave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUymD9l94GcSZp3-YSQpn1lktiQ9J0F9lDjPrlxy055bSVmK1-mP7ZqK4dPX_BJ6DMNgu24NeCNntPNEf0Vco3bIKKkl_s5NOXzRHPnQ0NBaZ6BUDCwZNPIil-Sm3J_H5uVw-ds6ppL8/s200/Getting+ready+to+leave.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Leave!</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last week I flew to Saskatoon to meet my friend (who lives there) and, the next morning, along with two of her friends, we started our journey.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The key to good geocaching is planning, especially for a road trip. I started building our pocket queries months ago for this trip... 'caches along a route' is so great for just this kind of journey. I loaded about 400 caches that took us along a 'paper clip' shaped route so that we would hit as many states as possible. From Saskatoon we headed south, through Montana and Wyoming and into South Dakota. We realized then that we were pretty darn close to Nebraska so why not make an extra trip there too? After we spent 3 days exploring the Black Hills we headed north through North Dakota and back into Saskatchewan. We were gone six days and it was the perfect road trip.</div><br />
The Black Hills are an unexpected, awesome experience in, let's face it, a mostly unassuming prairie. They kind of sneak up on you.. suddenly you are in mountains. For someone from British Columbia, where mountains are an every day occurence, this was a pleasant surprise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets of Deadwood, S. Dakota</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our first task was to find a place to stay and so we decided to spend three nights in Deadwood, South Dakota. <br />
Ahhhh.... Deadwood. A whole lot of casinos, laughing laid back people, great food and a ton of geocaches. It was like stepping back in time and living right in it. We ate in #10 Saloon where Wild Bill Hickock was killed and in the Midnight Star that is owned by Kevin Costner. We visited the grave of Calamity Jane, saw wild deer walking along the canyon walls of Deadwood Gorge and of course found as many caches as we could. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a town so much. If you're in South Dakota DO NOT miss Deadwood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXMwo-HmlhrkPZEe6GSc1W7CFrivd5-ZWTRzQGzmWE6LmhE4W2BEjrcFRsOYZwjoC_KWtN1FuWVDBMrniuJAI79lZTZxSbw_pn69htFEvC5n9KEI80FJhNuNByqODpdz-kMfKMKIoh6o/s1600/crazy+horse+mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXMwo-HmlhrkPZEe6GSc1W7CFrivd5-ZWTRzQGzmWE6LmhE4W2BEjrcFRsOYZwjoC_KWtN1FuWVDBMrniuJAI79lZTZxSbw_pn69htFEvC5n9KEI80FJhNuNByqODpdz-kMfKMKIoh6o/s320/crazy+horse+mountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Horse Memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once we had set up 'base camp' at the Holiday Inn in Deadwood we got down to some serious sightseeing & geocaching. On our first day we decided to see "Crazy Horse." Work on the world's largest sculpture began in 1948... Crazy Horse is a massive undertaking.... a sculpture of the Lakota hero to match the presidents on Mount Rushmore. His face alone is 9 stories high. Our favourite cache at this site was an earthcache <a class="CacheCodeLink" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=ebfc618f-7af0-4ad0-84ed-c5c5c062fa1e#" jquery152058728463820985="18"><span class="GCCode" id="ctl00_ContentBody_uxWaypointName">GC2C5RG</span></a>. By the time we explored everything to see at this site the weather had turned and the clouds were looking pretty dark. Instead of continuing on to Mount Rushmore we decided to head back to Deadwood and hope for better weather the next day.<br />
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The next dawned bright and sunny but it sure was windy! We found out that those black clouds brought a tornado with them so we were pretty glad we had called it a day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIyb51vZiF4xN9sAvv3QfTPCU6b2x-YyBRkys1i6zNTTY6kUVMxYkUcLei_7D_h2ozf4QqESTO1iuEziOWEw5FW6lPfzWoIaX-OlLjHgYHUHgQ4ChGg6hxunf_Eajjn2JnlhPfeo_GPw/s1600/IMG_7854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIyb51vZiF4xN9sAvv3QfTPCU6b2x-YyBRkys1i6zNTTY6kUVMxYkUcLei_7D_h2ozf4QqESTO1iuEziOWEw5FW6lPfzWoIaX-OlLjHgYHUHgQ4ChGg6hxunf_Eajjn2JnlhPfeo_GPw/s320/IMG_7854.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mount Rushmore was everything that we had hoped for and more. Pictures do not do it justice. The first time I saw those gigantic faces on the mountain it took my breath away. For the next 4 hours we just enjoyed the experience. We ate at the Carver's Cafe, took the guided tour, watched the documentary and snapped about 100 pictures. And of course we geocached. There are no caches on the official site of Mount Rushmore but there are plenty in the vacinity. Our favourite was "Wrinkled Rock: What's Really Behind Mount Rushmore?" <a class="CacheCodeLink" href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=8cca85e3-8ae2-4e0a-888d-f33259dedac6#" jquery1520307330592650504="14"><span class="GCCode" id="ctl00_ContentBody_uxWaypointName">GCY8HG</span></a>. Great little hike in the Black Hills.<br />
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After leaving Mount Rushmore, rather reluctantly I might add, we decided to travel the Needles Highway a bit. Wow! I consider myself a seasoned BC mountain driver but this highway was something else. I had never driven a 'pigtail' before... let's just say it puts a whole new spin on hairpin turns! Near each 'pigtail' is a single lane tunnel and the dakotahillbillies have hidden a cache at each tunnel. Each of these caches was an awesome experience.<br />
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All too soon it was time to head home. Out of the 400+ caches that I loaded we found about 60 of them.... besides the ones that I mentioned above, here are a few more of our favouries: Rocky Wall (Montana GC2RPTN), Open Range (Montana GC1157M), Sunday Gone Wrong (South Dakota GCGDGG) and the Deadwood series in the town of Deadwood, South Dakota.<br />
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And that is just a small taste of our latest road trip. I want to say thanks to LaurieAnne, Leona & Anna for joining me on this journey. Sure enjoyed the ride.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjSprgHVlV1Bfrrfb1UCFXvoOc32ZGdkAlz8ggaKs4p3IrSv2pz45nHeWvfa2SE4Ff871Bsk8e-l3mgtOX8Nlbn4zM-gF3fzFGlNtNLOvQ7CAM1TuQjsV93qfdycyTdQbWijB5k8-HRk/s1600/IMG_7759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjSprgHVlV1Bfrrfb1UCFXvoOc32ZGdkAlz8ggaKs4p3IrSv2pz45nHeWvfa2SE4Ff871Bsk8e-l3mgtOX8Nlbn4zM-gF3fzFGlNtNLOvQ7CAM1TuQjsV93qfdycyTdQbWijB5k8-HRk/s320/IMG_7759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-89521702014224110122011-03-16T22:40:00.000-07:002011-03-19T00:01:53.933-07:00What 2000 Caches has Taught Me<div>I am sure that Tony, my skeptic (here he would say 'realist'), my "the-glass-is-half-empty" husband, was sure that this "geocaching thing" was just another phase that I was going through. And I have to admit that he did have reason to think that. I have gone through a few phases (OK, a lot of phases) during our marriage...ceramics, tole painting, plastic jewellry and countless cross stitch projects, just to name a few. But after nearly 4 years of exploring and hiking, seeking and finding... well, I don't know why but geocaching is still as fun for me as it was when I first started.<br />I would really like to tell you why. Why has this hobby 'stuck' and the others haven't? Not sure but here I am celebrating 2000 finds!!<br /><br />My 1000th find was just Tony & me in Vernon, my 1500th was with my friends Carol & Joan at the remote Crater Lake in the Cariboo. This time I wanted to include as many of my friends as I could who have helped me get to this point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBBUiU47VV8WCEgnTFTQsBn6K8FJxE1bZUCODCDzXgKo4pIwrSFe9p9eNwF7_sLirq2lG5xAG-Q8Bv34cIqgkggpcshrhSlEzTZ2pWSrLU-BTfi0JWkiPOl7ohG0DGlTYxzFk9U3dnmU/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585641402558209346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBBUiU47VV8WCEgnTFTQsBn6K8FJxE1bZUCODCDzXgKo4pIwrSFe9p9eNwF7_sLirq2lG5xAG-Q8Bv34cIqgkggpcshrhSlEzTZ2pWSrLU-BTfi0JWkiPOl7ohG0DGlTYxzFk9U3dnmU/s200/IMG_7526.JPG" /></a>It wasn't easy to arrange.. between work schedules and days off we finally came up with March 13th. The day dawned bright and sunny... NOT! This is the west coast in March after all... we haven't seen the sun in, well I don't know how long.<br /><br />So, after church on that Sunday, we all met at my house. We brought the appropriate and requisite rain gear. My friend Lorraine had a bright blue suit from the Vancouver Marathon. I only mention it because Lorraine can barely say the word 'marathon' without grimacing let alone participate in one...but I digress.<br /><br />The spot I chose for my special day was the Cheam Wetlands... quite ironic since we were trying to say dry! Really, this was a beautiful spot, a birders paradise. Apparently up to 200 different spieces of bird have been spotted here. Cheam Lake Wetlands became a park in 1990 and is popular for hikes, picnics, and or course, bird watching. The 93 hectare park is recovering after being mined for marl limestone deposits for 50 years beginning in the early 1900's.<br /><br />My 1000th and 1500th caches were both Traditional finds so I decided that this one needed to be different. I LOVE earthcaches and so I chose the Cheam Lake Earthcache to be my milestone. Earthcaches are always so rewarding because, in order to get that smiley, you usually have to meet quite a few requirements and usually I learn something that I never knew before. This one had five requirements... not too bad and not too hard. We were doing well when suddenly I noticed that we had to find some 'marl' and post the coordinates of where we found it!! Trust my friends to rise to the challenge... the hunt was on!<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BdV1GD4N3YlskLIa3-B4Ap1nSYTnEQ_vioK3_isd4TgP01243fpyE7GNgwOErIKp9mNpj5ikUKw0J4eNsX946Pp5UBV6_2-5XsyzTb6lCZiRLtHhUGq7gxr9tz_OphmRezv9ZkQ5HcI/s1600/IMG_7528.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585674490950642450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BdV1GD4N3YlskLIa3-B4Ap1nSYTnEQ_vioK3_isd4TgP01243fpyE7GNgwOErIKp9mNpj5ikUKw0J4eNsX946Pp5UBV6_2-5XsyzTb6lCZiRLtHhUGq7gxr9tz_OphmRezv9ZkQ5HcI/s200/IMG_7528.JPG" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>I had never heard of marl before today so I had no idea what we were looking for. We re-read the cache page notes and then started looking. We finally found some near another cache site. Marl is like clay only kind of spongey. We were celebrating the find when I realized that this was it... 2000!! "This is it" I said, "We need to take a picture!" That's when my friends surprised me. Joan had made a wonderful banner just for the occasion! We took a bunch of pictures and I did a little dance on the trail right there. Yes, I am a dork. </div><div><br /></div><div>It<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDsTePqiziGwyQxyvS7E45r0yW8KDnl2tr_AeI-kLJhksoCIAdC4it_MoUEqtoaKpXJgB79EyiBH27gR8dG9jKYpstKDatfH4XSyvcevsD6HWHQ-ice1kUQvLMCyS1gaSoMyMLrDQZUU/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585682389024046370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDsTePqiziGwyQxyvS7E45r0yW8KDnl2tr_AeI-kLJhksoCIAdC4it_MoUEqtoaKpXJgB79EyiBH27gR8dG9jKYpstKDatfH4XSyvcevsD6HWHQ-ice1kUQvLMCyS1gaSoMyMLrDQZUU/s320/IMG_7532.JPG" /></a> was a good day, actually a great day. Not only because I reached another milestone in this hobby that I love so much, but because I was reminded about how lucky I am to have such great friends to do this with me. They have been there with me on so many hikes and walks, on trips into caves and under waterfalls. They have been bruised & scraped, fallen & tripped. They've (very reluctanly) eaten lunch in parking lots and have bushwacked through unrelenting blackberry bushes. They did all that and m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU-Ut_9yiz5P5-uRHBsPPMR8SqxB2Fkkqr6Ep3JWBUl7ZNVvdTcqj78lMryHc3eq5XnUpGhLMgGoTsG_Z3kFWIIDKrxmoFieMKDAyqSxCfTxZqyB-tHxqC6_445LyRIfJDj1YJEB15R0/s1600/IMG_7534.JPG"></a>ore just for me.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ9H6s2wROX4kJQsAkv75SSTylJXWkWUJektkB5pejcb68QQMI7pmyVDtShHh5mVQnUknZ8L2FZBXY64RWFc3OfBUhJzHU2hpCnjHksoQCze2j3fBqpo8v4hBFYMyI8iriLNN8qslzQM/s1600/IMG_7535.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585679390769267538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ9H6s2wROX4kJQsAkv75SSTylJXWkWUJektkB5pejcb68QQMI7pmyVDtShHh5mVQnUknZ8L2FZBXY64RWFc3OfBUhJzHU2hpCnjHksoQCze2j3fBqpo8v4hBFYMyI8iriLNN8qslzQM/s320/IMG_7535.JPG" /></a><br />I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate 2000 caches.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-55132688038533439492011-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:002014-04-27T15:27:16.458-07:00Texada Island - Our Happy "Caching" Place<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBu5iMvwtg6-RsoA3Bu2uiPzKEU7R1DE33CAOb13j8Q_udmP7-hkZhOTla9lByEujCnwljWwtuMiFC4fkYcSW1ZWR_woTyTQ4IqhrHnvBFky1uW_r20Gt9HoQ7cAomOB401MkDTn2nGU/s1600/IMG_6066+cropped.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBu5iMvwtg6-RsoA3Bu2uiPzKEU7R1DE33CAOb13j8Q_udmP7-hkZhOTla9lByEujCnwljWwtuMiFC4fkYcSW1ZWR_woTyTQ4IqhrHnvBFky1uW_r20Gt9HoQ7cAomOB401MkDTn2nGU/s200/IMG_6066+cropped.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566714152594951122" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 133px;" /></a> Well we just got back from Texada Island. Our 5th visit and it was of course just as wonderful as it's always been. We rent the same little place with an incredible view of the ocean right beside Shelter Point Park. It's quiet and peaceful and we just renew & rest.<br />
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There is only one thing wrong with our perfect retreat now... there's only one more cache left on the island for me to find!<br />
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So I thought that I'd write this post as my "How to Cache Texada Island" entry. If you are planning a trip to this wonderful place and you want to do some caching this should help.<br />
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There are 12 caches on the island and there isn't one that I wouldn't recommend. But first you need to get there. If you're coming from the Lower Mainland of BC and you'd like to cache along the way you probably want to do a couple of pocket queries for the trip. You are most welcome to use my public query. It's called "Horseshoe Bay to Powell River." It will give you every traditional cache that is within 2.5km of the 101 Highway.<br />
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The trip to Texada is a beautiful road trip but it's also a long one. As the crow flies it would be pretty short but, well where in BC can you travel as the crow flies?<br />
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You'll need to take three ferries, one from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale... then drive about an hour to Earl's Cove where you'll take a 40 minute ferry ride to Saltery Bay. One more 30 minute drive to Powell River and you're almost there. A 35 minute ferry ride to Blubber Bay brings you to Texada Island, the Emerald Island. Welcome.<br />
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1. The very first cache is <strong>GCRMDY - Blubber Bay</strong>. This cache is just a few metres from the ferry terminal in some large boulders. Save it for when your waiting in the line-up for your ferry ride home.<br />
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2. The next cache is <strong>GC1C1QR - Texada Geo Guide</strong>. This is the cache that you want to grab first. It's absolutely brilliant in that it has a printed guide for every cache on the island. I really think we need one like this for the lower mainland! Kudos to Batwinged Hamburger Snatcher for coming up with this great idea. Perfect for the cacher that doesn't have any time to waste in an area that they may not know very well.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqCXs1jWEvHpCCK1dmYtse2XhAwuvLiKQ7TkxBK7-KAre63EaTgXJgz0YjWze99wsMn-2IZ5FhPwqfhxbYkuVVCk_NQyp7ug0RDWdl35w_eI6eC1W2cxlsagsc4OOPXIn-jSsq9EzSAk/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqCXs1jWEvHpCCK1dmYtse2XhAwuvLiKQ7TkxBK7-KAre63EaTgXJgz0YjWze99wsMn-2IZ5FhPwqfhxbYkuVVCk_NQyp7ug0RDWdl35w_eI6eC1W2cxlsagsc4OOPXIn-jSsq9EzSAk/s200/IMG_1938.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566712188960437426" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 134px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
3. <strong>Glass Beach - GCXZPW</strong>, is next and it is one of my all time favourite caches. In 5 years of caching I've never enjoyed a site more than this spot... not so much for the scenery, which was awesome, but for how this spot touched me in a personal way. You can read more about my experience at this cache <a href="http://havewegotanypeanuts.blogspot.com/2008/01/parable-of-glass-beach.html">here</a>. Don't miss this one.<br />
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4. After Glass B<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm-eI3-y_KZiss1aDhcE8E7ZlAwragRPfJ4bRt46XoQ0zAyefq9UHrCaTF0m2qF85YVdYWuRJgBPa_isBD3plT31QUI3fzf8cqB9Bo4ZoHWSHjzPs3EgoOBEFk82_XGn41jZCMlBIpcU/s1600/IMG_7381.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm-eI3-y_KZiss1aDhcE8E7ZlAwragRPfJ4bRt46XoQ0zAyefq9UHrCaTF0m2qF85YVdYWuRJgBPa_isBD3plT31QUI3fzf8cqB9Bo4ZoHWSHjzPs3EgoOBEFk82_XGn41jZCMlBIpcU/s200/IMG_7381.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566712608184131490" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 134px;" /></a>each is a multi <strong>GCW6D8 - Nearly Cache a Woozle</strong>. This one involves about a 20 minute hike so I'm sorry to say that we had be putting it off, every year we'd say we'd get this one next year! But this last trip was the time and we found it on a beautiful cold day and so glad we did. What a great cache and why did we put it off? Make sure to pay attention to all the pink flagging tape. Once we got to the cache site we had a special treat - about 50 sea lions playing in the bay! It was awesome.<br />
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5. GCVEE4 is called <strong>Texada's First Macro</strong>. The view from this spot is wonderful and the history lesson is well done. Just make sure you don't drop the cache.<br />
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6. Turtle's Rock is the only cache we haven't attempted so I guess my advice for this one will have to wait until next year.<br />
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7. <strong>Pocohontas Bay - GCRTX8</strong> is next. What a beautiful drive through green forest down to the ocean, though it is best taken with a 4x4. Follow the directions on the cache page and you'll have no trouble. Make sure to take your camera as we saw many birds at this spot.<br />
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8. <strong>Post to Post - GC11WW0</strong> is a very well done multi that begins at the RCMP detachment at Gillies Bay. Stage 1 begins at some some great local artwork and then stage 2 & 3 are just a short walk away. The final is in a great container and was fun to find.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ0t3h1wJaRqLzD3SM9h6D6Ib67D6AlrAdxyAbUx8mPYxuCdjXcQ61hDAsrcynZCsAEfBZ24Hfe04raVoeAVt3B2szkzg_8grz7MjXeMk48pnvH3f75Bj-UuwEe5QrEYlEKhXQOjpkY0/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ0t3h1wJaRqLzD3SM9h6D6Ib67D6AlrAdxyAbUx8mPYxuCdjXcQ61hDAsrcynZCsAEfBZ24Hfe04raVoeAVt3B2szkzg_8grz7MjXeMk48pnvH3f75Bj-UuwEe5QrEYlEKhXQOjpkY0/s200/IMG_7393.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566715132258332162" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 134px;" /></a><br />
9 & 10. After caching in Gillies Bay travel down the road a bit to Shelter Point Park to find the next two caches. <strong>Gnomes Shelter - GCR2G1 & The Boardroom</strong> <strong>GC11RY9</strong> are on the great trail in this park. You'll see amazingly huge old growth trees along the way. I was in awe. After finding these two caches make sure to take some time to go down to the beach. The beaches on this part of the island are made almost entirely of small pea size pebbles. When it's quiet the waves on shore make a beautiful tinkling sound. And if you're very observant you may find a Texada Island flower rock. This is the only place in the world where you can find one. <br />
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11. As far as I'm concerned <strong>Lily's Lookoff - GCVKFR</strong> has the best view of all the island caches. Take your 4x4 and don't forget your camera.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnvqReGBl9ROjNLvPnez5yPxC_p5Nu5MLdg7ATmAJjHNrW0DWD_IcBhmIhbaM-_OYLzjXjehMM-LG8GwPTDVIpxGk6I9H9mM-iwLCCOeMkcjWnibSn5iOHXgZzqisRWWOzpHZnA8lqc/s1600/two+of+us.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgnvqReGBl9ROjNLvPnez5yPxC_p5Nu5MLdg7ATmAJjHNrW0DWD_IcBhmIhbaM-_OYLzjXjehMM-LG8GwPTDVIpxGk6I9H9mM-iwLCCOeMkcjWnibSn5iOHXgZzqisRWWOzpHZnA8lqc/s200/two+of+us.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566715400390119986" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 140px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>12. <strong>Cache Anything Bob? - GCVKF9</strong>, at Bob's Lake, is a great place to camp if you don't mind Forestry Campsites and/or a perfect spot for a picnic. We sure enjoyed this cache... beautiful spot, even in January and a great drive to get there. The hiding spot was a bit of a challenge but if you use your geosenses, or you bring along your eagle-eyed hubby like I did, you should have no trouble. Just look for the inukshuk, hopefully he's still there when you are.<br />
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And that's it. 12 wonderful reasons to visit Texada Island. We hope you enjoy your visit as much as we have enjoyed our visits. Can't wait to go back.</div>
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Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-83993724871099704762010-09-08T21:23:00.000-07:002011-01-27T22:16:27.904-08:00All Good Things...So in my last post I mentioned that for our 29th anniversary this year Tony & I decided to go back to Princeton. We went there last year but, because of the circumstances in our lives at the time, well... let's just say it kind of sucked. So we thought it would be good to go back and come full circle and put some closure on the past year. What a great idea that was I must say.<br /><br />Thanks to the incredible Tulameen Turtles and many other awesome cachers we had so many places to choose from to explore. And you know how we love to explore! We missed the Great Coal Rush Event but at least we got to experience some of the fun albeit a bit late.<br /><br />We cached our way through Manning Park (I love that area) and then, after settling into our motel room, we decided to not to waste any daylight and went up Whipsaw Creek. We travelled as far as we could before dark and found one cache (GC2AM74) "Strawberry Fields Forever". On the way back to Princeton we grabbed the flashlight and did a little night caching... (GC25NYK) "Entering Princeton From the West."<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftdguenther%2Falbumid%2F5516564043629256177%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />The next morning Tony decided to do some wildlife scouting and, according to him, you must be up before the sun to do this properly. Since it was our anniversary he did the gentlemanly thing and let me sleep in. Good man. I didn't sleep in too much though - Tony doesn't do urban caches, he refuses to "look like a dork" he says, so I figured I'd better grab all the 'in town' caches that were within walking distance of our motel. It was a Sunday morning and soooo quiet. I so enjoyed walking through the empty streets grabbing the caches at the fountain, museum, restaurant and high school.<br /><br />Once Tony got back we had breakfast and made our way north along the Princeton/Summerland Road, headed West on the Belfort Road and then went north on 5A to just north of Allison Lake. Our plan was to explore the backroads in that area and come back out by China Creek. According the mapbook those roads should go through... they don't. Now maybe we missed a turn somewhere but we just couldn't find a way out (if you know where it is please let us know) and the roads drawn on the map just weren't there. Oh well... at least we know that area really well now!<br /><br />The next day we went up towards the Copper Mountain Mine. I wanted to find the caches at Allenby so we headed in that direction. We found the two caches that were close to the road and then Tony noticed another old logging road heading down towards the river. "Let's go down here" he said. We drove down slowly, the new 4x4 faithfully navigating all the ruts and bumps and hairpin turns. When we got down to the bottom my Nuvi sounded with the now familiar "ding!" "There's a cache here?" I said. A quick look and sure enough we were right by GCQ3B1 'Standing Wall, Sinking Shaft.' I was so excited to be so close to another cache that I didn't read the cache page. BIG mistake! Tony decided to get me as close as possible, drove up the old hillside as far as we could go (very close to the 'wall') and then BANG... the truck's front wheel fell right into a hole... hence the 2nd part of this cache's name - Sinking Hole - well we now know what that means to say the least. The look on his face when he got out of the truck... well I knew it wasn't good. He did a little surveying, put the truck in 4 wheel drive, I said a big prayer and... it backed right out!! We couldn't believe it! We really thought we would be there for hours. What a huge relief and quite the excitement for our anniversary day.<br /><br />After all that we finally got a chance to find the cache that we came for in the first place. Wow.... I know I've said it before but this is why I geocache... for places like this. You would never come to a spot like this otherwise... not in a million years. If you're ever in this area go find this cache (just not the way we did it)... pictures do not do it justice.<br /><br />All too soon it was time to start heading home. We made our way on the connector road to August Lake, back into Princeton and then eventually back to the Valley.<br /><br />They say that all good things must come to an end but for us it was a wonderful and incredible way to end a very eventful, wonderful & stressful year. And it's all good.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-13961408138263608932010-08-23T18:23:00.000-07:002010-08-23T18:47:19.037-07:00What a Year!Wow it's been a loooooong time since I've written anything here. That's probably because I haven't done any significant caching lately. And why is that you ask? Let's see... an anniversary, a wedding, a baby, a wedding, a funeral and an anniversary!! <br /><br />Yes, in one year we have gained two sons-in-law and one grandbaby and lost a beloved nephew. It has been quite the year to say the least.<br /><br />And of course every time I want to sign up for an event it has happened during one of OUR major events.... the Tulameen Turtles Great Coal Rush happened on our daughter's wedding day (can't believe they didn't discuss the date with me first! lol), Teskelly & Curnew's Super Secret Hike happened on the day of my nephew's funeral and the Amazing GeoRace 2 is happening on our anniversary... for some reason I cannot convince my non-cacher hubby to spend the day racing against 19 other crazed geocacaching teams... if that doesn't scream romantic I don't know what does!? <br /><br />So we've come full circle, my partner of 29 years and I, and this year we're going back to Princeton, Coalmont & Tulameen to celebrate the milestone that is most important to us. He asked me what I wanted for an anniversary present and I told him all I wanted was to cache all weekend with no complaints from him and he said "done deal." <br /><br />Time to celebrate the year of changes and to play a little catch up! I'll keep you posted.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-12578767079892036462010-05-29T23:34:00.000-07:002010-06-10T00:17:48.707-07:009 Pounds of Water<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavKsXspw5JrPq8qKaxoZwW65ukEraFuAtT9CFmDaN9I5l1CO6eLNBcFUyJDZLfQPtZQqFeC-QG6TTiEjRL8sweH1C3xbPeHThWB6DZNVtvbDeSaAGDOOkii2LvScFyoINQaFLZCrd8yk/s1600/us+at+Taggart+Lookout.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavKsXspw5JrPq8qKaxoZwW65ukEraFuAtT9CFmDaN9I5l1CO6eLNBcFUyJDZLfQPtZQqFeC-QG6TTiEjRL8sweH1C3xbPeHThWB6DZNVtvbDeSaAGDOOkii2LvScFyoINQaFLZCrd8yk/s320/us+at+Taggart+Lookout.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481037381005442946" /></a><br />Today I went caching with my caching partners in crime, Nurse Hatchett and Lillooet Lady. We decided that we would try the Taggart Peak Trail. Carol (Nurse Hatchett) is an ICU nurse and her days off are scheduled long in advance so we plan our hikes long in advance and then hope that the weather will cooperate for that day. Unfortunately, this time it couldn't have been much worse.<br /><br />The day started cloudy and progressively got worse from there. It rained and rained, soaking the forest like one of those misters you see in the produce section of the grocery store. <br /><br />Now if you're not from the Pacific Northwest you have to understand what it's like to hike in a temperate Rain Forest when it's raining. Let's just say they don't call it a rain forest for nothing. By the time we had reached Taggart Peak #12 we were soaked to the knees. By the time we reached the lookout there was no point in trying to stay dry.<br /><br />It was around this time that Lillooet Lady imparted us with one of her famous wise thoughts, one that made us go hmmmmm..."Why don't they make towels out of denim?" she said, "Because I'm sure I'm carrying about 9 pounds of water in my jeans!"<br /><br />It never fails to astonish me what I will go through and put myself through to get a couple of smilie faces. If you're a cacher and you're reading this maybe you have an insight into this phenomenom? Why do we do this to ourselves? Why is that when I came home today I was soaked to the skin, shivering and miserable yet completely happy?<br /><br /><br />Hmmmm?<br />Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to wring out my jeans.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-13916880803815550192010-05-12T12:46:00.000-07:002010-05-12T15:23:55.858-07:00Watch Lake - Camping with Our FriendsEvery year, on the first weekend of May, we go camping with the Veers & Klassens... and every year we try to go somewhere different. Seven years ago when we first started this tradition it was to find some pictographs in Lillooet near Seton Lake. The second year we decided to explore Hedley. We stayed at the Colonial Inn, saw all the ancient paintings on Old Hedley Road and took the tour up to the Mascot Mine. It was incredible.<br /><br />But then the boys (Tony, Terry & Werner) decided that this holiday needed something more. Something they'd enjoy. Apparently pictogaphs and historical tours weren't cutting it for them. They needed something else...like fishing.<br /><br />So we added fishing to the mix. The boys were happy. And let's face it ....if the men aren't happy no one is happy.<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftdguenther%2Falbumid%2F5470497595098381313%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />Around the same time I discovered this wonderful little thing called GEOCACHING. And, lucky for me, the girls (Joan & Carol) really enjoy it too and love going caching with me...so now we had to add geocaching to the holiday!! This is getting complicated!<br /><br />Fortunately British Columbia is loaded with history, fishing lakes, pictographs (though they are trickier to find) and caches....loads and loads of caches!<br /><br />This last trip we spent at Watch Lake where, much to his amazement, Tony caught his biggest Rainbow Trout ever - 10lbs and 30 inches long! What a happy man. Terry and Werner caught some nice fish too. We sat around the campfire, listened to the loons and ate, alot! Carol, Joan & I had a blast exploring the Painted Chasm, Clinton, Green Lake & 100 Mile House. We cached and explored for two days straight and I found my 1500th cache at Crater Lake... with my two awesome friends!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470495960759136226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuWPR4LDSRLhIsGHmu7rOpNSP4ze3r7qPpnYHyt9aFQZLTDuuxJNws5QLGl5qdh7UUBL3u6RaMO-qFf1TLSGVMS8-BpMmLbzDykv8qicJxv__ZiE0Pl3jhZkshoK7pokO7OCTlR8_jRA/s320/IMG_6429.JPG" /><br /><br />So once again we had another great holiday with our kindred spirits. Thank goodness BC is a big place... it's nice to know that we will never run out of places to fish and to hike and to cache and to explore.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-83777981527384002802010-04-12T21:24:00.000-07:002010-04-14T11:19:51.755-07:00New Truck! Let's Go Caching.I have to admit that I am so jealous of those lady cachers out there who have a husband or significant other who loves caching as much as they do. Because, let's face it, a woman caching alone, on a trail, in the forest is just not a good idea. I miss so many FTFs because I'm just not comfortable going alone, especially when Mtn-Man is busy publishing at 11pm! So frustrating.<br /><br />My husband does not get the whole "searching the forest for tupperware thing" but he does love the outdoors. He just loves being out there exploring any backroad that we haven't yet been on. Our two passions aren't exactly the same but they go hand in hand pretty well.<br /><br />Last week we bought a new 4x4. I knew it wouldn't be long, I hoped it wouldn't be long, before he'd be ready to take it out on a real test drive. Then last Friday he said, "Are there any caches you'd like to find on some mountain road? "Let's take the truck for a real ride." Yah!<br /><br />I had been waiting for a chance to travel up the West Harrison Forestry Service Road for so long so that's where I suggested we go. There is a series of caches that tjguy98 has placed at a bunch of interesting points along the road and a few others as well. We found all but one of tjguy98's caches. Just want to say here that I LOVE ammo boxes in the forest. Saves the environment from getting torn to pieces... but I digress....<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftdguenther%2Falbumid%2F5460054305650731009%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><br />Tony's favourite cache was called "Playtime" (GC1B0FE) - perfect spot to try out the 4 wheel drive - works great apparently. One cache by DanG took us to the most incredible view of the lake and then we paid tribute to Mtn-Man at GC1DCJ4 - another awesome cache!<br /><br />There was also the fossil bed that we had heard about but never seen. We both love finding these kind of unique places. I had remembered that someone had placed the FVRT cache there once quite a while ago and so I looked at the past logs and found the co-ordinates. We found the site easily enough but then Tony remembered that someone had said they were also lots of fossils at a landslide. We kept going, about 6km, down the road and came to a shale slide. Almost every rock there had a fossil in it! Very cool.<br /><br />So as you can tell we had such a great time. He got to put his new 'toy' through its paces and I found 8 awesome caches. For about the millionth time we commented on how glad we are to be living in British Columbia.<br /><br />Thanks honey for the awesome day!<br />So glad you bought that truck.Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-29113310804251149462010-02-16T19:52:00.000-08:002010-02-17T10:45:41.520-08:00Too Busy Caching!I know it's been soooo long since I last wrote here but I've been too busy caching to do any writing! I guess that's a good thing and a bad thing!<br /><br />In the last few months I've had the opportunity to do some caching in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington & California! Tony & I went on our annual trip to Texada Island and we enjoyed caching all the way there, up the Sunshine Coast and all around that beautiful island. And I had the honour of caching with "goinggone" as they reached their 2000th milestone at BC's Oldest Cache in the UBC Endowment Lands. Of course our favourite place to explore is our beautiful home province!<br /><br />And yes I love caching at home. The green, moss covered forests smell so rich & earthy and are so beautiful to look at and it is where I feel most at home - but it sure is fun to experience hides in other places and see how caches are hidden when there are no stumps or roots to hide them in!! The Prairie cachers are so creative in their hides (my dad was so impressed) and caching around Disneyland is pretty amazing... you'd think they'd all be teeny nanos in such an urban muggle-rich environment but one of the largest caches I've found in a long time was just metres from the Disneyland Gate!<br /><br /><embed height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="400" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftdguenther%2Falbumid%2F5439082166705586081%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed><br /><br />This incredibly mild winter may not have been too great for the Vancouver Olympics but it sure has been great for caching. We've done some awesome hikes, seen some amazing places and, in general, just enjoyed being out there. I hope you have too! Cache on!! I know I will!Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6362334416105254109.post-89489040986599426722009-10-28T10:58:00.000-07:002009-10-28T13:54:02.881-07:00GeoTourism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbHapS6h7xxfRREu0bDr5m5myxjbxMDR-QCdpbvfaz1x6rZcoyGt7hZ5Tb_xiaQoAdBzrxVz5-v3fMRWA5YF7QcFKB-KpV2S4PTYL85XGLhplA5kJeq-qrPbjp8eRR7mzzA-npH2KMyw/s1600-h/GCMAP%5B1%5D.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397736577201351042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbHapS6h7xxfRREu0bDr5m5myxjbxMDR-QCdpbvfaz1x6rZcoyGt7hZ5Tb_xiaQoAdBzrxVz5-v3fMRWA5YF7QcFKB-KpV2S4PTYL85XGLhplA5kJeq-qrPbjp8eRR7mzzA-npH2KMyw/s200/GCMAP%5B1%5D.png" /></a> There's a new word in the caching community...it's "geotourism" and you know what? I'm loving it!!<br /><br />This last weekend we decided that, before the snow started flying, we'd try to do a little sticker collecting and find some Gold Country caches. What a great time we had! While Carol drove and I attempted to navigate, Joan read to us from the Gold Country cache book. Every story was so interesting, well written and just brought our province's colourful past and each cache location to life! We learned some pretty cool new things and took in some amazing views. So far we've found 10 Gold caches. My favourites so far? The Pit House and the Old Bridge in Lilloet for the history and Hat Creek Coal for the view. Can't wait to do the rest! <div><br /><embed height="267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="400" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftdguenther%2Falbumid%2F5397726735545180993%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US"></embed></div><div><br />We also did a few "Pathways to Gold" caches. I picked up the Pathways book at the Tourist Info Centre in Lillooet and Joan read it to us. I especially loved hearing the excerpts from Harriet's journal as she followed her lost love to Barkerville. My favourite Pathways cache is 23 Camels. What an amazing bit of BC trivia.<br /><br />And now there's the Blue Sky Caches put out by the <a href="http://www.bcgeocaching.com/">BCGA</a> in conjunction with the Provincial Government. I've read that some provinces have completely banned caching in their provincial parks and our government is supporting us & encouraging us to get out there?! Very cool!<br /><br />I've always known what a great place British Columbia is but, thanks to great programs like these, those who come visiting, let's call them "geo-tourists," will know too.</div>Dawnellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06367336693142215784noreply@blogger.com2