Up until 1969, the Sooke Watermain used to provide water to the
City of Victoria through this 1.1m diameter concrete pipe. The
demand eventually outstripped the supply so the Kapoor Tunnel was
bored through 8.8km of rock to directly connect the Sooke Lake and
the disinfection plant at Japan Gulch.
As a civil engineering student, I just marveled the obstacles and
terrain the pipe builders had to overcome in order to construct a
level pipe. The cache is hidden at one of the engineering landmarks
along this pipe's length.
As far as I know, this pipe does not have any heritage protection
so I hope to raise awareness of this pipe's existence.
Fortunately, CRD water owns the corridor this pipe passes though of
approximately 50m. Please do not stray to far or you may trespass
on private property. I have spoken with the CRD water manger and he
said that hikers may travel on the pipe at their own risk. When
passing near a residence, please keep your voices down to respect
their privacy.
Parking is available on Glinz Lake Road just before the Camp
Thunderbird gate. You should see where the road severs the pipe
approximately at N48 23.992 W123 38.181. There is a dirt patch off
the road where you can park.
Another parking option is at the base of Impala Road at Sooke
Highway. This road is really steep and unpaved. I was slipping and
sliding around like I was on snow! The owner at the top apparently
drives like a crazy person so just walk up of down.
If you want to do a car shuttle, parking a vehicle at each of these
trail heads is the way to do it. Expect 3-4 hours of walking
between them.
Photo Credit: Kim Cousineau <kc12345>
I hope you enjoy this cache. It's a nice big one
filled with plumbing swag. Hopefully this will help you get back to
the roots of what Geocaching is all about! BRING YOUR CAMERA, TAKE
LOTS OF PICTURES! Enjoy!
