Wil McCutcheon presents - A 'Spotted Lake' in BC EarthCache
Wil McCutcheon presents - A 'Spotted Lake' in BC
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Travel along British Columbia's #3 highway - The Crow's Nest Highway, between Cawston, BC and Osoyoos over the southern end of the Thompson Plateau via the corridor known as the Richter Pass. Here, just 9 kilometers west of Osoyoos, you'll discover a special Earth-Gem known as Ktlil'x or Khiluk Lake or 'Spotted Lake'.
Containing some of the highest levels of calcium as well as both sodium & magnesium sulphates in the world, Spotted Lake is a natural rarity with healing properties, scenic beauty, and mystic lore.
The 'spots' or 'pools' are created by the concentration of different mineral deposits. Colours change depending on the variable types and amounts of minerals present, sky light conditions, and water volume.
During the summer, water rapidly evaporates, depositing the minerals in large sediment rings like the moon's craters however without 'impact'☄ as a source.
Now look closely and don't let you eyes deceive you. Sometimes what looks like a complete lake is really just a shallow or completely dry lake-bed with water possibly still trapped/contained within the individual rings. Perhaps with binoculars you might be able to determine the lake surface presence by spotting animal tracks upon just a muddy lake bed. These rings will of course become submerged again once mother nature re-sends the rain.
This lake is cradled in what is known as an endorheic basin. Set in a rock carved bowl lined with silt and mineral fragments. During seasonal heavy rains an ephermal creek will form. The lake water volume increases and a natural spillway develops. Maps show a thin blue line indicating flow to and from the lake which has even been named 'Conifryd Creek' however unlike other 'main stream'(...yes, pun intended😉) natural reservoirs this lake does not regularily take in or release notable surfice flowing volume as is regularly characteristic in most other hydrological systems. Water here primarily leaves via evaporation. The local desert conditions lend to speeding this process.
The alkali (salt lake) reservoir has been used for thousands of years by Okanagan First Nations as a spiritual and therapeutic gathering location. This site is protected as both a cultural and ecologically sensitive area.
You cannot access the lake however it can be viewed from either the shoulder of Highway #3 or from the Mt. Kobau Forestry Rd. Look for the roadside signage that inform what enhancement projects are currently under way.
**********************************************
To log your visit and enjoy your happy smiley, ... here is your mission (should you choose to accept it) ...
***Post up*** - 1 picture showing Ktlil'x and your GPSr/compass/ or sextant (whatever nav. aid you use to get wherever you go). Include yourself and your posse if you wish (always more interesting!).
Also ... Post Up - what colour(s) the lake was during your visit.
Email the EarthCache Host - Answers to:
1) -
- How many inflows (creeks, rivers, etc. – feeding this lake) can you see? (2 – 1 – or none?)
2) -- How many outflows (creeks, rivers, etc. – draining this lake) can you see? (2 – 1 – or none?)
[You may want to re-read the above site text and compare with your observations if unsure of your answers or, view this lake via the Google Map - satellite image feature.]
***Please 'POST PICS' - it's easy!! I hate vanquishing 'smilies' - so please please please - get your super-cool pics up asap!***
----------------------------------------------------------------
3Cheers to (May 20 by thefamousthree) this geocache's First To Find claim-staker(s)!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nabgure snagnfgvp 'fcbg' gb ivfvg! Sbe gubfr jub ner arj gb trbpnpuvat, guvf vf na 'RneguPnpur' abg n 'GenqvgvbanyPnpur'. Lbh ner abg ybbxvat sbe n uvqqra pbagnvare sbe guvf bar. Fvzcyl rznvy lbhe nafjref va gb zr (gur pnpur ubfg) naq/be cbfg hc n cvpgher bs lbh naq/be lbhe TCFe ng guvf ybpngvba! Gurer ner GenqvgvbanyPnpurf arneol fb or fher gb fant gubfr qhevat lbhe RneguPnpur ivfvg!!