Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

 July 15, 2008 by Chooch72

For the 6 people that are watching this cache on the date of this log, have fun getting to this as this hike has become my worst geocaching hike in my 2.5 years of doing this. I did some research after my failed attempt in June. I received an email from a previous cacher that gave me a clue to finding the cache. Using Google Earth I found a road that should have brought me right to the cache. When I got to the road I had researched, the gate was locked - I was afraid of this. Previous logs talked of a locked gate and it being quite a hike so it looked like I was in for some walking.

The roads were on my GPSr so I thought all was good and I wasn't bothered too much when I spooked a large animal out of a clearing but when I started passing other gates, something didn't add up. Then I hit private property - WTH?!?! These roads were on my GPSr so I quickly crossed it only to continue on the road that became overgrown.... Three hours into the hike I found a well maintained road with a gate about 1 mile from the cache - wow. The whole time I was declining in elevation and it would continue to the cache.

Got there about 4pm and quickly found the cache - HOOORAY!! It is great shape for being a Rubbermaid Container in the wild for just over 8 years..... I couldn't believe that 2 people found this cache accidentally - amazing! I swapped out some of the larger items and even dropped in a shiny object for the next finder - Hopefully it will be sooner than 4 years.

Knowing that I was running out of light I decided not to follow my original path but the road into the cache. I was also hoping the elevation change wasn't bad on the path out as it was in. The road was heading in the opposite direction of where I parked... oh great! I trudged on for another 5 miles and I won't lie, I'm not in shape for this kind of hike - I had overdone it.... feet burning; hip sockets in pain; back sore from the weight of my pack - damn did I screw the pooch on this one. I was getting close to Hwy 8 and hoping to hitch a ride back to my car as sunset was 2 hours away and my speed was down to 2.3 mph. Luck would have it that a gentleman heading home from fishing with his 3 dogs came barreling down the road. YES! I flagged him down and told him my plight, requesting a ride to the highway. He said sure so I hopped in. I was soooo grateful. As we sped down the road (he is retired from California and must think mountain roads are paved....) I told him of my adventures - we reached the highway and he said he would take me back to my rig - SWEET!!!! Its amazing how your vehicle can be such a wonderful sight! After over 7 hours of hiking I was so glad to be on 4 wheels.

At the time it didn't seem the smartest thing but grabbing the 3rd oldest active cache in Idaho was the prize.. I have now grabbed the 3 oldest caches in Idaho; the only ones with 2 digit GC numbers - YES! Enjoy your attempt - I'm sure it will be easier than mine.....
#1281

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My log entry and trade items Cache contents when I arrived Chooch72's GPSr and the container