Special thanks to Mossy Moss for creating this series and allowingThis cache (like all the ones in the series) shows off some of the amazing wildlife you might see at this amazing lake.
Nestled in between HWY 1 and Lougheed HWY, Burnaby Lake is a truly urban park. Despite this, there are many amazing animals and plants that call this park home.
Cyprinus carpio is the scientific name of the common carp. These large fish are basically the wild version of goldfish. These fish are native to Asia, but have been introduced around the world. They can grow to much larger sizes then goldfish in bowls and tanks. They can get up to 120cm (47 in) long! These fish prefer to live in slow moving, warm bodies of water. This lake is the perfect habitat for them. Continue for a short paddle up towards Still Creek (at the Northwest end of the lake). As you paddle towards this slow stream, you will paddle through a very shallow area of water. Carp frequently bask in these shallows on sunny days, enjoying the warmth. As you paddle along, you probably will not see the fish, but you might see strange, underwater movement pushing the water and lily pads out of the way, almost like some ogopogo type lake monster swimming away from you. These ripples are actually the fish swimming away underwater.
To reach this cache you require some sort of vessel. Kayaks or canoes would work best. In summer the lake becomes covered with water lilies which might make paddling difficult. In August the water level gets very low and it will be hard to launch from Piper Spit. Paddle very carefully to avoiding getting stuck.
In the center of the lake is a rowing course. It isn't usually busy, but if there are rowers on the lake please take care to stay out of the rowing lanes.
This cache is a small water bottle. It is tied very carefully to prevent it from falling in the water, please do not untie it.
Other caches in the series:
GC2XQVC: Neovison vison
GC2XQRB: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
GC2XQM: Ardea herodias
GC3QYYA: Castor canadensis