Lac Hatchet Traditional Cache
The-Goat: Archived due to NCC edict on the Gatineau Park's Conservation Zone.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache lays claim to one of the very few areas of the Gatineau Park that have not yet been overcached. Its a bit further to the West of the Park than most and in an area where the hills are kinder and gentler (not as high).
Its not a difficult route unless you decide to take a direct line. In fact it can be done entirely on well marked trails as the paths are marked every 10 or 20 metres with yellow paint on trees. Its really an extension of the yellow box trail series that runs East of the Eardley Masham road. The trail to the cache is about 2.5km with only moderate changes of height if you take the recommended route.
For the more adventurous there are at least three possible entrances to the trail system that could take you to this cache. However after exploring the possibilities, I think that parking and starting on the trail at (START) 45 34.764 N 76 05.502 W gives the nicest walk with a few viewpoints along the way.
After about 2.25km you will get to (TURN) 45 34.5885 N 76 06.6391 W. At this point look to the North and you should see a cairn which is on a very well marked trail heading more or less due North. Its only another 580m to the cache but I found pleny of evidence that its used by bears. Don't be tempted by the earlier path that heads in the right direction unless you want to do some bushwacking.
The original cache contents are shown in the photo and everything is double bagged as these Gatineau caches seem to be sparcely visited and the contents may need to be preserved for years.
The cache is placed under the cover of a very obvious fallen tree which may offer some winter protection if the snow is not too deep. I've included some pictures of the cache location.
Very near to the cache is Lac Hatchet which is quite pretty (see the picture) but at the time of cache placement was the source of lots of inquisitive mosquitos.
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Treasures
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