Time for Geocachers to gather at "the Gathering Place", Twanoh State Park. The word Twanoh is derived from the Skokomish people, meaning "gathering place". It just feels right for an end-of-summer picnic for us geocaching folk.
This is a really, really cool Washington State park, with many buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corp, in the 1930's. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families, ages 18–25 as part of the New Deal. Many structures in Washington State Parks were built during this time, and while some still remain in other State Parks, Twanoh seems to have the most extensive that have been preserved. It makes for a very nostalgic setting for native Western Washingtonians.
Twanoh also boasts the warmest water beach on Hood Canal. It is convenient for geocachers coming from Silverdale, Bremerton, Shelton and other south Hood Canal areas. There is lots of parking, a swimming area, and trails to wander. There are several close geocaches in the area, as well as in the Bremerton area. You will need a WA State Parks Discovery Pass to park.
A campground is available for those wishing to privately book a night or two stay. I am ClayArtist (Patti), the WSGA Olympic Peninsula Chapter Rep and will be staying from Friday to Monday. I will snag our picnic area early in the morning, at the listed coordinates and welcome people to come play from 11 am until 3 pm. Drop in for a bit or stay for the whole time. This is a potluck picnic, so please bring a side dish (salad or beans) or a dessert. I will provide hot dogs, with the condiments and tableware.
All geocachers (and cacher wannabees) are welcome! You don't need to be a member of WSGA to join us at this fun event. We will have lots of socializing time and close to the end, there will be a raffle for geocaching "stuff", including swag, pathtags, an uncirculated, collectible coin, and WSGA goodies. Donations for the raffle are always welcome, but not mandatory.
Just for fun, and especially for those staying a couple of days, I put together a bookmark list of geocaches in this area. There are about 120 on what I call "The Canal Run", from Belfair to Quilcene. This includes some around Mason Lake, the Skokomish River and Lake Cushman area. This is not for any kind of a challenge, unless you want to challenge yourself.
The "Canal Run" Bookmark List
Please do email me if you have any questions. I'm hoping to see a lot of cachers from the South Kitsap and Mason County area there!
The WSGA Main Website
WSGA Olympic Peninsula Chapter on Geocaching.com
WSGA Olympic Peninsula Chapter on Facebook
 This event is sponsored by Washington State Geocaching Association. If you are a geocacher in the state of Washington, please consider joining WSGA. See the WSGA website for details. |