Balm of WHAT?! Traditional Cache
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My family has been hiking Balm of Gilead Mountain for lots of years. It’s a short hike with beautiful views from the rocky cliffs on top. You see the whole Thirteenth Lake, and Peaked Mountain. You’re looking for a purple nalgene bottle, near the top, and not far off the main trail.
The name of the cache is “Balm of WHAT?!” because we didn’t know what the mountain’s name meant. Mom and I researched it, and found out it’s a cool tree that grows here.
To get here: Drive up to the Garnet Hill Ski Center (there’s a great map on the wall of the ski shop); follow the road around to the right. Parking access for the state trails is allowed at the tennis courts (see waypoints). Walk back toward the ski shop (10 yards east), and go up the dirt road to the right (south). Just a little way up, you’ll come to the old trailhead sign-in. Trails go to the old Hooper Mine, or William Blake Pond. Take the trail toward William Blake Pond, which is marked with red.
The trail meanders, then splits into 2 blue-marked ones. Take the right fork to Balm of Gilead Mountain. The final section of trail is marked in yellow (see waypoint). Trail goes off to the left, and soon goes UP. There are several fallen trees to hop over. The total hike is about 3/4 mile, and about 1 1/2 to 2 hours roundtrip.
The official trailhead is now on the Old Farm Road, another mile downhill from the tennis court parking spot. Good map there, and trail sign in, if you have a desire for a longer hike.
Hooper Mine trail takes you to the old garnet mine, where you can still find chunks of garnet. A fun rockhound hike, if you want to make a day of it.
Balsam Poplar and the Balm of Gilead
(Ontario Arborist, September 2004)
Hopulus balsamifera (also called P. candicans and P. tacamahaca) is one of the most northerly growing hardwood trees. It is characteristic of boreal forest species, growing almost to the tree line. Its southerly range includes the western mountains and the northern tier of the USA.
The medicinal properties of balsam poplar lie in the winter buds. These are black, upright and sticky. They are strongly aromatic and if chewed taste tarry and hot. It is not surprising that the buds contain and are covered with waxy resins, terpenes and phenolics with disinfectant properties. Humans and honeybees use the balsam for protection. Made into a tea, the balm relieves respiratory congestions and sore throat. Bees use it for propolis, a known antibiotic, for sealing their hives against winter and to keep out intruders.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jurer ebpx zrrgf gerr.
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