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Icefield Discovery Traditional Geocache

Hidden : 6/9/2001
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Located on the icefield plateau at the base Mount Queen Saint Mary, looking at a grand view of Mount Logan in the middle of Kluane National Park. Heaven on earth.

The coordinates are for the Icefield Discovery base camp, year 2001. We couldn't pick up more than two satellites when at the cache site itself. Elevation from the five year old Trimble Scout GPS varied from 2610 to 2620 meters (8560-8600 feet) while standing still.

Over the last three years the snow pack in this area has been increasing an average of 5 meters (17 feet) a year. Assuming this rate will be constant (not likely) the cache will be buried in within 20 years. (that's a hint)

Standing at the cache site, the tents at base camp were little blobs about 5mm high (another hint).

It took us, two reasonably physically fit, thirty year old, horribly inexperienced skiiers on incorrectly waxed skis, about 45 minutes to ski to the cache site and 30 minutes to get back. (again)

The cache is a 500ml clear plastic jar with a green screw on lid, a reused peanut butter jar, under some rocks. (do I need to say it?)

The contents are pretty basic: paper, crayons, some breath mints and a mini bottle of Glenfiddich. The real treasure is all around you (make sure you bring a quality camera and alot of film!).

The difficulty rating for this site can be set anywhere from 1 to 5+ depending on whether you fly or walk/ski/climb in. If I remember what I was told correctly it would take an experienced alpine adventurer about a week to get from the highway at Sheep mountain to the site. An inexperienced adventurer should not make the attempt. We flew in.

I strongly advise that you stay at least 2 days. Like good tea, it takes time for the awesome grandeur of the place to seep in and infuse thoughts and feelings with majesty.

For overview maps of where Mount Logan and Kluane National Park are see http://sts.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/ice2001/maps.asp

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

gbc bs fznyyre arnere ahangnx

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)