This is our first cache and celebrates our 100th find which was the final for A B.C. Challenge http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=48cbe975-1eb4-45bc-8afa-172c5ddaf1f4 If you are on the same quest you may be able to save some gas but will not save any energy.
The cache is located on the east shoulder of Burnaby Mountain. The terrain difficulty is due to the length of the walk to the cache, and the fact that there are a few steeper sections. The main trail is wide and graded. In summer it can be hot so bring water. It is great for those winter days where the sun peeks out and you want to make the most of it. There are trails in the woods that parallel the main Powerline trail that are cooler and more fun, especially on a bike.
The posted coordinates take you to the main parking area and trail access at the top of North Road. Note that there is no parking between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Also, be respectful of the no parking areas - I suspect the neighbours are pretty vigilant about reporting violations. There are various access points to the trail system with trails shared by bikers, walkers, and even horses on the main trail. Brave or energetic people could opt to hike down from SFU, or up from Barnet Highway. Here is a link to the City of Burnaby map of the entire Burnaby Mountain trail system. http://www.city.burnaby.bc.ca/__shared/assets/Parks_and_Trails_-_Burnaby_Mountain_Conservation_Area_Map3258.pdf
The Burnaby Mountain Biking Association has worked for years with the City of Burnaby to create and maintain the trails here. Visit them at http://www.bmba.ca/
Waypoint #1 – Main parking and access – Is This Zee End? No silly – it is the beginning! Look for a thin yellow topped warning sign – the ones you really need to pay attention to - if you dig it. These are all around the area and the info is the same on all so if you need to park elsewhere, don’t worry. North coordinates - Letters A – K represent the first set of numbers West Coordinates – Letters L – V represent the second set of numbers N49 16.BCD+F W 122 53.MLR-P
Waypoint #2 – Is This Zee End? Not quite there - but close. When I reach this point my options are to go straight up, or straight down. I usually hang around and ponder for a while and decide that since what goes up must go down (and vice versa) that perhaps this is a good destination on its own. Look for a danger sign A= number of letters in last word B= number of letters in third to last word Look for a trail marker – on the back there are two numbers C= 1st number D= 2nd number North Coordinates – ADD BA+B to previous coordinates West Coordinates - REPLACE last 2 numbers of previous coordinates with BA+CD Note: where 2 or more letters are together - put the numbers together - do not mulitply. ie: X=1 Y=2 Z=3 then XYZ=123
Final Location: Zee End Is Here! Into the cool of the forest. The GPSr was bouncing around a lot so – on the left side of the trail there is a hiding spot near 2 trees growing together – you’ll know where - about 1 metre off the trail. As always, watch out for muggles but also be mindful of mountain bikers coming up (or down) the trail. When someone is riding downhill towards wearing a full face helmet and full body armour, the fact that hikers technically have the right of way is moot, I gladly step out of the way to let them pass.
There are several other caches in the area that should make the trip worth the effort. You may want to consider a return trip via the "Dead Moped" trail appx 50 metres north of the kiosk to the right - longer trip but walking a biking trail is almost as much fun as riding it (without the fear of falling). And remember – IT IS NOT ZEE END – IT IS A NEW BEGINNING – Keep exploring!