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I Like Omar Too Traditional Cache

Hidden : 12/26/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Situated in the front range mountains of Coachella Valley.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed golf in Coachella Valley and has a namesake peak in La Quinta, Eisenhower Mountain (1,952 ft). Bradley Peak (2,030+ ft), overlooking Rancho Mirage, is named after fellow West Point classmate and five-star General Omar N. Bradley who also spent leisure time in the desert. This top has great views of the valley and Santa Rosa Mountains.

All of the approaches to Bradley Peak are strenuous. The ridge routes I hiked in the past, from the north and west, have become problematic. In 2003, Rancho Mirage completed the construction of a five-mile long wildlife barrier, the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Habitat Safety Fence. This 15-foot high fence for the length of the city hillside blocks the endangered sheep from grazing the lush landscaping in the valley, and from dying in the swimming pools and on Highway 111. Fewer than 700 sheep are said to remain. The sheep have now reverted to a natural diet and returned to their former range at higher elevations. But this tall fence also blocks hiker access.

One could hike up a very long way from the south off the Art Smith Trail. I instead scrambled up the scenic southeast canyon. Start at Blixseth Mountain Park, hike south across the levee, and trace the rugged canyon that forks off below Magnesia Falls. You must climb small dry waterfalls. And bypass large waterfalls unclimable by mere mortals. The terrain rating is real. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the adventure. Keep an eye and ear out for the shy bighorn sheep. I have seen them close several times, including today, and once on top.

I placed this cache just below the summit on a fine Boxing Day morning. Contains a log, pen and a find prize (Corazon Tequila fob) apt for the guardian.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jung n ybiryl qrnq/yvir ntnir... jvgu n cvcr obzo.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)