191 Pounds Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(large)
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We decided to place this cache to commemorate our recent loss.
Around this time last year, the two of us set out to climb this
mountain (what some of the locals refer to as "Tacoma Peak"). We
began our ascent up "Jester's Trail", complaining the whole way.
Just walking up the gradual incline at the beginning of our hike
was a struggle. We had to stop several times to rest, and even
then, we only made it up about 1/5 of a mile before we had to turn
back. You see, this time last year, we both weighed a combined 191
pounds more than we do today.
Last year, we kept getting sick of looking at all of the neat
mountain caches that were in this area, and trying and trying to
make it to the cache, before giving up, hanging our heads, and
going home. And we were definitely tired of writing, "Didn't have
the energy to make it to the cache, kudos to all who can make it,
maybe we'll try again sometime."
So, we made a joint decision to go on a diet and begin a daily
walking/hiking/Geocaching routine. With the help of some truly
exhausting geocaches (have you ever tried the "Kim's Emerald
Adventure" cache in South Lake Tahoe? DEFINITELY earned its terrain
5 rating), we are now down almost 200 pounds combined in 1 year. So
to celebrate, we decided to pack the largest ammo can we could find
(it's 18 x 14 x 8) on our backs, and hike to the very top of Tacoma
Peak to honor our commitment to ourselves and eachother... we knew
we could do it, and we did!
As stated, the cache is in a huge ammo can, which is in plain site
near the memorial flag at the top of the mountain. It has been
filled with dozens of brand new, wrapped-in-plastic cache trinkets,
and it's just waiting for you to come and find it!
How to get there: Go to the Foothills, and enter the desert near
where 48th street meets 15E. Every car we can think of can make it
down the dirt road at least a mile, but you can park anywhere you
like in that area. If you've got a 4x4, follow the dirt road all
the way to the base of the mountain (the road splits off a couple
of times, but as long as you are going in the direction of the
tallest mountain you see, you're on the right track). There is a
nice parking/sitting area at the base of the mountain (N32 38.211,
W114 20.796), and you can easily see the trail as it goes up the
mountain to the left. If you look up, you might be able to make out
the faint image of the flag you are hiking to! The distance from
the base of the mountain parking area to the flag is 2.6 miles
round trip. So if you have the ability to drive to that point, it's
the best option.
The hike: It's very steep, and a little scary if you are afraid of
heights. For the most part, there is a nice trail that is easy to
follow. When you start to get closer to the flag, things get a
little steeper, and you'll have to climb over some rocks and
boulders using your hands for a bit towards the end... but you can
do it!
We really hope that after reading this cache you are inspired to
give this hike a try. Take a picture of yourselves up at the flag,
and be proud of your accomplishment!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)