Talus Rocks Traditional Cache
RottenWood: Looks like the cache needs some TLC. I'll be back in the PNW in 3 or 4 weeks. I'll renew it then.
Stay tuned.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A traditional cache in an unusual place. Talus Rocks is a jumble of house size boulders half way up the North side of Tiger Mountain at 1220 ft elevation. The hike up from the West Tiger trail head is strenuous. Getting to the cache location can be a challenge. But, once you are there it is an easy find.
Welcome to Talus Rocks. Please be careful as you explore this special place.
As you walk over, between, and under these boulders, ask yourself how they got here. Were they carried here by a glacier? Did they fall from the mountain above? Is this where they were created?
The mosses, plants, and trees growing on these rocks give testament to the tenacity of life. Against great odds they found a foothold and have flourished. However, their existence is tenuous. Any damage would take many years to recover. Please stay on the established informal dirt paths.
The satellite signals here are not strong at best. Then when you get between the rocks, the signals are almost not existent. I have made the hide fairly easy to minimize unnecessary trampling of the fragile plants. However, getting to the location can be a significant step. Once you are there, it is easy. Climbing or entering the caves is not necessary.
The cache initially contains a number of treasures I have picked up on my travels of the world. There is a tiny cricket water bowl I found in the cricket market in Shanghai. There is a large denomination of a currency that was discontinued. There is a small origami doll from a shrine in Tokyo. There is a pair of bells from Mumbai that if tied to a backpack would assure no bear is ever surprised. Since there are caves nearby, there are flashlights and spare fresh batteries.
I do not advocate entering the caves. There are bats there that need their sleep so they can fly far at night and eat many mosquitoes. However, I know there are children that would be like me at that age. My parents could not keep me out of this kind of place. If you do go in, please consider some logic cave explorers use. Carry more then one light source incase one is dropped or lost. Never jump down to a lower place – you might not be able to jump back up. And finally, take only memories and leave only footprints.
Linger and enjoy this, one of my favorite places.
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I spoke with MilesG and Sandy at the Lake who were the first to attempt this cache. They think I should expand on the words “significant step” above. So, I will say you need a certain amount of agility and daring to reach this one.
Do not climb the boulders!
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Congratulations to Team Retrievers on the FTF of my first cache! Yippee!
TR is right. “The Step” would not be advisable in wet or icy conditions. I add a picture of me making the step. It is a spoiler. So, don’t peek unless you are not nimble or you are bringing youngsters to this one.
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September 2010 update.
DO NOT CLIMB THE BOULDERS!!!
The cache can be reached via existing informal dirt paths with one small gap. No climbing is necessary. If you can not take the step, please log a DNF rather than attempt alternate routes.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1. Svaq gur fgnvef gura vgf friragl srrg ornevat gjb gjragl qrterrf gehr sebz gur gbc fgrc.
2. Nyzbfg va ivrj bs gur gbc fgrc.
3. Va n perivpr.