The B2B promises to be one of the most unique trails in the country … eventually. The developing project lies on former railroad beds; unfortunately, many defunct Washington rail corridors (including a huge proportion of the B2B route) have reverted back to private ownership, which greatly complicates trail efforts. But hope springs eternal and the decades-old dream that first imagined the B2B survives with undying energy, dogged persistence, and noteworthy gains, even if with relatively little money.

Just a glance at the map will not only give one a picture of the proposed B2B and its progress to date, but it also illustrates the possibility of tying the B2B to Ferndale (and beyond?) from Everson through Lynden on a Nooksack River dike trail, and that's enough to make WashDOT and trail planners salivate. See Wish List Items 8-11. Anyway, back to reality ... the actual progress and imminent projects are as follows:

• Bellingham recently completed the B2B’s westernmost 1.4 miles (in green on the above map). Bellingham B2B Description and Map.
  
  
• The Mt. Baker Club has adopted a 7.5 mile stretch of the B2B (between Maple Falls and Glacier) as a signature project (in blue on the above map). Um, yes, they'd love new members and trail volunteers. You?
  
  
• WashDOT is in the midst of completing a $7M replacement Mt. Baker Highway bridge over Boulder Creek (the B2B is adjacent to the highway at that point) that includes a barrier-protected bike and pedestrian path. WashDOT Project Page - Pic of new bridge under construction (note the trail section on the left).
  
  
• Informed sources also indicate that WashDOT is tentatively planning to install a Mt. Baker Highway underpass at Mile Post 28 (near the Inn at Mt. Baker B&B) to permit B2B users to safely cross under the highway.
  
  
• Back in the intervening lowlands, Everson acquired just over a mile of abandoned right-of-way some years ago and has just recently completed trail improvements from old Millerton (Mission Road at Chestnut Street) up past Strandell (to Lincoln Street), a segment also in green on the above map.
  
  
• On Everson's horizon, the developer of a new north-side housing subdivision has indicated intentions to complete a further section of the B2B trail on the abandoned RR/RW adjoining its development (extending the B2B from N. Harkness Street to the Northerly City Limits).

The B2B backers are looking for a recognizable logo in order to develop publicity branding for their continuing campaign. A big step towards that goal has been taken with a community-wide logo contest--the entries have been received and are awaiting selection. You can take a look at the submittals here: B2B Logo Entries.

Meanwhile, as the B2B backers toil to fill in the gaps, let's take a peek at and experience a completed section.

Stop 1:
The posted coords would take you to the South end of the Everson segment (you'll be in Millerton, an early plat that never amounted to more than a sign along the railroad). Don't bother going there. Due to pending road construction making this stop largely inaccessible for an undetermined period of time, so here's a bye directly to the second stop: Go to N48° 54.566 W122° 21.321

Stop 2:
This stop's coordinates land you in Strandell, an early plat that never quite made it as a town (but, like Millerton, it did have its own identification sign along the railroad). There you will find four words; working North to South, top to bottom, the number of letters in each word form factors ABCD. To find the final, proceed to N48° [C][A].[D][C-A][C-B] W122° [A-B][C-A]. [D-(A+B)] [A][D-B]

Final:
The final is a camoed quart-sized container large enough for a few trade items, plus any coins and TBs passing through.

As my contribution to help America combat obesity, I suggest you park at a central point and enjoy a short out-and-back stroll on the B2B while hunting this cache. And, of course, help make the trail experience a fun time for everyone by honoring standard trail courtesy.

I (Teese) am a member of the Washington State Geocaching Association. If you are a geocacher in this state, please consider joining the WSGA . . . it's a great way to meet other cachers, access caching resources, and improve the sport. *** Click their icon for more information! ***