Definition
The orthocenter of a triangle is the intersection of its altitudes. The altitudes are the lines that join each vertex perpendicularly to the opposite side.
As a multi
This is a simple tag hunt with 3 tags and the cache. It will take you on a long hike, round trip of about 4.5km, through the western part of the South March Highlands.
- At the posted coordinates, you will find three tags. Use the one labeled “WP2”; ignore the others.
- At the second tag, you will find the coordinates for the last tag.
- At the third tag, you will find the coordinates for the cache.
- The cache is within 100m of the last tag.
As a puzzle
Although the cache is primarily designed as a multi, you may also find it as a puzzle by using your GPS to find the orthocenter of a triangle. Doing so will shorten the hike to a round trip of about 2km.
- There are three tags at the posted coordinates. They contain the coordinates of the three vertices of a triangle.
- Use the vertices to calculate the orthocenter.
- At the orthocenter, you will find the coordinates for the cache.
- The cache is within 100m of the orthocenter.
To calculate the orthocenter:
- Determine the bearings of each side of the triangle.
- From each vertex, project a waypoint toward and perpendicular to the side opposite it.
- Create a route that goes from one vertex to the point projected from it, to the second vertex and then to its projection, and to the last vertex and then to its projection.
- Map the route, and then zoom in closely to the intersection of the route. That is the location of the orthocenter.
Parking and access to the posted coordinates
There is very limited parking, a maximum of 3 cars, at the closest parking coordinates on Huntmar Road. It is not possible to park along the shoulder. This parking is probably not available in winter. You will walk 300m along the road and then follow a short trail down a gravel embankment.
The alternative is to park at the Brady Trailhead on Second Line Road and walk through the highlands. This will add about 5km to your hike.
About the South March Highlands
The South March Highlands are owned by the City of Ottawa and primarily maintained by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association. They were nominated as one of Canada’s Great Places in 2012.
It’s a large area with an intricate trail system so be sure to have a map with you. The best choice is Dedale’s NCC Trail map for your GPS. Click here for an image that shows the relevant portion of the highlands with some additions and deletions.
Except for the posted coordinates and the final approach to the cache, the route is entirely on trails. The tags at the posted coordinates are on an old apple tree near the trail; the others are on the backs of trees beside the trail. The terrain rating reflects the fact that the trails are occasionally rocky and/or steep. You will go off trail to get to the cache but it is no harder than the rest. Just watch your footing.
The trails are excellent for hiking, mountainbiking, skiing and snowshoeing.