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This micro is hidden 8.2 km. from the entrance to the sanctuary (see TABPK waypoint). The trail meanders up and down, through thick and thin stands of pine, birch and mostly poplar, until emerging on a well maintained quad/ski-doo trail. Caution should be used in winter or when it's raining because the path can become slippery in many places. I would recommend heading out early to reach this cache, it is at least a three hour hike if you take breaks along the way. Enjoy!
Ministik was the first bird sanctuary established in Alberta in 1911. It's 20,000-acres terrain provides for a diverse array of habitat including an excellent undisturbed example of mixed wood boreal forest. Ministik Lake is home to many threatened migratory birds such as the American white pelican and blue heron. The landscape supports abundant populations of moose and white-tailed deer, and lesser populations of mule deer, lynx and coyote. Enjoy hiking, trail riding and birdwatching.
*excerpt from www.edmontoncountryside.com/Ministik-Bird-Sanctuary webpage.*
There and Back Again, well that's a perfect description of my experience placing this tiny micro. During my walk to place "Quoth the Raven", I came across a fork in the trail just after the Waskahegan Fire Tower. It was marked with blue diamonds. I thought to myself, "I wonder where that trail goes?" I put the thought aside figuring I would one day return to follow it. Later that evening, I was sitting in my hot tub, and it donned on me that I had forgotten my compass at the Fireplace while eating dinner. I figured that I shouldn't leave it there and it would be easy to retrieve it. Then I thought, well, I have another cache ready to go so I might as well travel down the blue trail and hide it.
The next day I did just that, retrieved my compass and headed off to the fork in the road. On the way to the Fire Tower I ran into a gentleman on his mountain bike. He had eight sled dogs harnessed to it and they were pulling him down the trail. It was a really neat sight to see. I chatted with him for about ten minutes then said goodbye. I continued to the tower where I stopped and had a break, a bit of orange pekoe tea and a couple of cookies. I looked out to the east in the hollow down there and saw a cow moose sitting just inside the treeline. She was the first real wildlife I had witnessed since coming here.
With my break over, I set out to conquer the blue trail. I followed it until coming to a well maintained ATV trail, and eventually a cross roads. I decided to go south. All along the way, painted bird houses dotted the trail sides, and then the trail gave way to a fence with a gate in it. On the other side of the gate there was a cut-line that traveled south. The fence ran the whole length. I decided to go through the gate and follow the cut-line. After about an hour of walking, the cut-line ended abruptly into a marshy area, with many signs of a healthy beaver population. I looked at my GPS and noticed I was due east of "Quoth the Raven". I assumed there was nothing in between but bush and marshland. Against my better judgment, I set off towards more familiar territory, wading through neck high grass and cattails, and thorn infested bush. Did I mention that it had started to rain and I was getting increasingly more wet with every step I took. Eventually, the forest gave way to a large lake, which I believe to be Bray Lake. I followed the shore around, about 3 km., and looked at my GPS again. I was still 1.7 km. away from my cache and getting ever so tired and sore.
Anyways, to make an even longer story short, I reached the cache, dried my feet and put on new socks, and set out down the Waskahegan trail for the entrance. All in all, I walked over 22 km's for just over 8 hours.
So I called this cache "There and Back Again" because I have been there and back again twice now.
Extreme caution should be used at all times in the sanctuary. I would recommend taking a buddy to all caches in this area, although, I went by myself. There are many hazards that could arise, both from animals, the land, improper judgment, and if you are here during hunting season, hunters (during this season wear something orange, it will identify you as a human). Remember, during the rutting season, the most dangerous animal in my opinion is a bull moose. They are very territorial and will attack. You should also bring lots of water and some food, this is a long hike and your body will need nourishment.
That being said, the cache is a cammo film canister that contains only a log. Bring your own pencil.
To reach this cache follow the Waskahegan Trail south, past the Fire Tower until you reach a fork. It is marked by blue markers. Head east along this trail until it merges with the ATV trail. Follow the ATV trail east to the cross roads and proceed south. This trail will lead you to the cache site.
There are many good places to visit in the sanctuary, I would recommend that you stop at the Fireplace for a weenie roast. I would also recommend resting at the Fire Tower before proceeding to the cache. I have included waypoints for these locations and also waypoints for navigation.
P.S You should take the time to find the other caches in the area. They may lead you to some really unique places. Also, if anyone knows what the painted walking sticks are for, email me to let me know.
*** I WILL BE EDITING THE WAYPOINT DIRECTION TO THIS CACHE SOON. I WILL BE INCLUDING KICKBUTEDMONTONS DIRECTIONS FROM THE EAST GATE AND UPDATING THE CACHE DESCRIPTION TO MATCH THAT OF THE NEW ONE. PLEASE BE PATIENT ***
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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