Geocache Name:
Thousand Steps Cache (GC59AF) by Team KP and Kid
Difficulty/Terrain Rating:
D3/T5
Why this is the Geocache of the Week:
It may be a bit of a misnomer, but the 1000 Steps Cache is not for the faint of heart. To reach it, geocachers trek up an old set of stone steps (just over 1000 steps, in fact) along the side of Jacks Mountain in Pennsylvania. The rewards of the journey are three-fold. There’s the stunning view at the top, which is well worth the climb. Then there’s the cache, a large, well-maintained ammo can that lends itself well to being a 1000th cache find milestone (check out the pictures and you’ll see why). Then there’s the fact that you can skip the stairmaster for the next few days…or week…or month. Geocachers in the area do this hike as a kind of rite of passage, even a pilgrimage. It’s a great example of a simple cache hide that brings immense pleasure to those who find it.
What geocachers have to say:
“We wanted to do this one for a long time and found a great day to do it. Lots of folks on the trail today even a couple with their pet goat. Thanks for bringing us here for the physical challenge and a great view. TFTC.” –Bob*kat
“When we arrived at the parking for this cache, it was pouring down rain, and I practically had to physically drag Zoimbeee out of the car to head up the steps. For most of the climb, we were surrounded by thunder and lightning, but there was no way I was going to skip this awesome cache location, if it meant arguing with a teenager the entire walk up and trying to convince him the entire experience would be worth it. Thanks for hiding this great cache.” –Geo_Ghosts
“What an exhausting hike to this one, and an awesome view. Creepy spiders all over, cant wait to see what kind the are. This was one of the most difficult terrains we have done, and loved every minute of it. Really enjoyed reading the history of the steps. Favorite from me. TFTC.” –GeoJane77
“What a fantastic thought for a cache! It does take you up a bit. The view is spectacular! We definitely will add this to our favorite list! Thank you for this well thought out cache. Winwinters and I are out and about. We are enjoying the hunt! Many thanks to all the CO’ s for hiding and maintaining these caches.
Thanks for the cache!” –PenguinTeacher
What the cache owner has to say:
When did you first visit the thousand steps, and how many times would you say you’ve climbed them since then to do maintenance on the cache?
“We first visited Thousand Steps about 20 years ago with our kids. They were around 10 &12 at the time. A few years later we started Geocaching as a family & decided to place a cache up at the top where the view is amazing. We use to go up a few times a year for maintenance. I even took up small bottles of water for those who didn’t bring any. In the past few years it’s been about once a year. Our daughter has helped with it also. We’ve even had fellow geocachers who were kind enough to help.”
What’s the main reason you think people go for your cache (despite the trek)?
“We think people go for this cache because of all that it offers, a challenging climb, an excellent view, lots of travel bugs, etc. Also because of all the great things geocachers write about it and it being a favorite of many.”
Do you have any funny stories about this cache or this area?
“My daughter and husband were in front coming down the steps my son and I following. All of a sudden my son stops because of a rattle snake on the steps. My daughter and husband stepped right over it and didn’t notice. It had just eaten (evident by bulge in body) so my husband set it way off the path.
Also my friend and I were doing the steps to get in shape and an older gentleman with a weighted backpack passed us a few times on our trek. Turns out he does Thousand Steps twice a day. We felt really out of shape after that.”
What’s been your reaction to all of the nice logs and Favorite Points?
“Our reaction has been one of amazement. We knew people would like it but we never expected it to be such a fan favorite or for it to be Geocache of the week!”
Is there anything you’d like to say to the geocaching community?
“Thank you Geocaching for getting our family into this wonderful sport! It was a way to keep our family close even as our kids grew and went off to college. Now our kids are Geocaching with their kids! Thank you to all geocachers who visited Thousand Steps. Thank you for making it a favorite and thanks for helping with the maintenance!”
Photos:
This cache is difficult to reach, but it’s well worth the hike. What’s been the most satisfying cache find you’ve had after a strenuous adventure?
Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog. If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, just fill out this form. Thanks!
