Trail-builder creativity!
Thanks to the amazingly dedicated efforts of Peggy Price and her crew from the Newcastle Trails organization, this new section of the May Creek Trail is now complete. Starting behind the stormwater detention pond near the intersection of Coal Creek Parkway and May Creek Road, this wonderful new trail transports the hiker or trail runner into a beautifully peaceful world of ferns, trees and moving water.
Switchback down the beautifully designed new trail to the confluence of Boren Creek and May Creek. Enjoy splendid rainforest views of this deeply incised stream as it splashes past big old maples, cedars and firs. Marvel at the trail-builder's art and efforts that are opening this previously hidden area for the public's outdoor enjoyment.
This new portion of the May Creek Trail is one segment of a planned Mountains-to-Sound walking route. Peggy is always working on a trail somewhere, but she could use more volunteers. Contact Newcastle Trails at http://www.newcastletrails.org/
Summer Vegetation
This first part is now done, as is another segment that switchbacks down from the old trestle footings at the west end of the May Creek rail trail. Newcastle and Renton are collaborating on a connecting trail system that would include a bridge over May Creek between them. Renton is also in the process of buying properties to eventually build the Honey Creek Trail down to the proposed bridge, and their portion of the May Creek Trail downstream and under I 405, all the way to Lake Washington Boulevard. They have purchased the property between I 405 and Lake Washington Boulevard along the south bank of May Creek, and have built a park where GC4Y0JK is.
The entire May Creek Trail will be approximately 4.5 miles long (1.0 mile (of this new portion) from Coal Creek Parkway to the rail trail, 1.2 miles along the existing rail trail, about 0.3 miles down to the proposed bridge site, and maybe another 2 miles down to Lake Washington).
Here's what Peggy says about this area:
"It's amazing how it feels like there is no civilization just about the entire way from Coal Creek Parkway to Lake Washington Boulevard. Even right below I-405, the trail will hug the foot of such a huge, steep embankment, that you won't even know the freeway is up there until you approach the underpass used by May Creek. It's about the only woodsy corridor left for the area's large wildlife (deer and coyotes, mostly; although a young orphaned bear is also trying to figure out how to cope in his mother's large territory. I heard that she was likely the bear who was run over on I-405).
May Creek becomes the rushing "May River" in the wintertime, but the trail is suitable for hiking in all seasons. It includes probably the best creek view in the Issaquah Alps--especially when the leaves are off the trees. People seeking freedom from their cooped-up existence can use the trail to find peace, natural beauty, and a sense of wonder. One of the nice qualities of the "East May Creek Trail" is that it changes character every time it rounds a bend--all wild, but with different attributes".
May Creek
Many studies have shown that exposure to nature can increase people's attention span and help them concentrate; as well as reduce the symptoms of both attention deficit disorder and depression. Exercise increases these beneficial effects.
Peggy has loved building trails since she was little. Her father put sand out behind the garden house when she was about four years old, and she immediately started making "roads" and stick bridges. When her family would go on hikes, her father would point out the features of the trails and explain why something worked, or didn't work, and what techniques can mitigate the problems. Peggy began building trails in junior high school, and built several trails around her house, including a path from the end of the cul-de-sac to the school above. She comes from a long line of trail builders; her father and grandfather built trails in Yosemite National Park, on Orcas Island, and in the Rockies. Getting out in the woods and building trails brings her peace, gives her time to think, is great exercise, brings a sense of accomplishment, and gives balance to to her life. Doesn't this apply to ALL of us?
Peggy says, "I didn't realize until very recently how special my upbringing was in exposure to the principles of trail design and maintenance. It's been really wonderful to have the chance to help create such a special trail system in Newcastle. (Peggy has worked on lots of them, including the marvelous new Terrace Trail!) There aren't many towns that have such an opportunity. I have learned some techniques that just don't seem to be common knowledge, even in contemporary trail-building circles. I think the techniques used now were developed primarily on the East Coast and Midwest, and either don't fit here or don't include some options we need. Here, you can't remove the tops of weeds and expect them to die. And trenches, dips, and culverts don't always take care of drainage issues--hence the "rock sandwich" technique used across the water line on May Creek". If you meet her out working on the trail, talk to her about "rock burritos", "swamp switchbacks", and the challenge of building rock walls. Her Dad always stresses "three-point contact," and when she tells him she's starting a new trail, he tells her to "Get the duff out!"
We are certainly fortunate to have this energetic and talented woman improving our outdoor environment!
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Cache Description
The geocache will likely be very easy! The final is right near the start of the trail, and hopefully will entice you to continue down to enjoy all of this lovely area; there's more to come! And if you're coming in from the west (from the existing May Creek Rail Trail), please continue past the Final to view all of the new extension.
You're looking for a camoflaged smallish regular-sized container, with room for a few small toys and transportables. It is very near the trail, not in the woods.
The reason that it is a multi is simple. I didn't want to take the chance that a single seeker would not continue farther down to see more of this lovely trail, so I put a waypoint farther in to reduce this risk. And the reason the final is where it is? Farther in it gets too close to other, extremely enjoyable caches.*
Simple instructions for Waypoint 1:
1 - Go to the approximate listed coordinates, past the lowest stretch, where the trail most closely approaches the stream, past the marvelous ramp and the beautiful stone pipeline crossing, and find a big tree near N 47 31.190 W 122 09.915.
2 - Look at May Creek
What's down there?:
a) If a big, bent Douglas Fir tree, the Final is at N 47 31.148 W 122 09.785
b) If a mudslide, the Final is at N 47 31.145 W 122 09.715
c) If you can't see the creek, the Final is at N 47 31.145 W 122 09.825
d) If some large green rocks, the Final is at N 47 31.157 W 122 09.755
3 - Go find the Final!
If you can still enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of this area while potentially DNFing on a different geocache, feel free to attempt this one's evil step-sister.
GC383Q6
Congrats to sproutter for an early morning FTF!
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*Although really, they're not very close, one's even on the other side of the creek, and essentially inaccessible from here.