HELP 024 Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

GeoFootstomper: Due to the new Alaska State Parks permit requirements, this cache will now be archived. The HELP Series was such an awesome power trail and provided countless miles of geocaching adventures over the years. It’s sad to see it come to an end, but I’m glad so many geocachers had the opportunity to enjoy it.

Thank goodness we picked such a terrific day for this CITO! When we set the date back in June, I was worried Mother Nature might throw rain, cold, or the dreaded Alaska combo platter of both at us. Instead, we hit the weather jackpot. The views were spectacular, and it couldn’t have been a better day to be out on the trail.

All the planning came together because of the great group of geocachers who showed up and made it happen. A huge thanks to the CO of this CITO, RSPace, Freeweez, Ladybug Kids, and the many others who pitched in.

We had eight ATVs and a good crew of walkers. Some cachers caught an ATV taxi out to the middle section and worked their way back, while the ATV crews headed farther down the trail and started retrieving caches from the far end. It was quite the operation, and somehow the whole plan actually worked! 😂

There were definitely mixed emotions today as we retrieved more than 100 caches because of the new Alaska State Parks permit requirements. This was a fantastic series that has been enjoyed by countless geocachers over the years. There were a lot of great hides, plenty of memories, and probably a few DNFs and choice words mixed in along the way. It was sad watching all those caches make their final trip down the trail.

But if they had to go, they certainly went out in proper geocaching fashion, surrounded by a bunch of cachers having a great time on a beautiful Alaska day.

Thanks again to the CO for putting together the CITO and for all her help working with the Alaska geocaching community to get this huge job done. And thanks to everyone who walked, rode, retrieved, hauled, carried, and helped clean up the trail.

More than 100 caches retrieved in one day. I’d say we definitely earned the smiley on this one! 😁

TFTC, everyone, and thanks for all the great memories along this trail!

More
Hidden : 9/1/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

CONGRATULATIONS go to fyshstyx, glennfish, and AKJoey for the FTF!!!

Welcome to the Hiking Eklutna Lake Powertrail - HELP, an Alaska power trail along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail in Chugach State Park. The caches in this power trail are placed under Chugach State Park License 12-004. The trail is accessible by walking, biking, horseback and in winter, dog mushing, snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing. ATVs are allowed from Sunday through Wednesday from April 1 to November 30. ** Please be bear aware and bring bear spray.** Each cache container must be opened and the log signed and replaced in the same cache container. Please put the cache back where you found it. Some power trails permit caches or logs to be moved. HELP does not. Unless otherwise noted, all caches are winter friendly. They are all micros; please bring your own pen for signing. “This scenic Eklutna Lakeside trail is an old road bed that follows the north edge of the lake for eight miles and then extends into the backcountry. In the summer the trail is bordered by colorful wildflowers and in the fall currants, cranberries and raspberries provide a special treat. “Each mile is marked for easy reference. Typical travel times for the 13-mile trail. One-way are: hiking - six hours; bicycle - two to three hours; horseback - four to five hours; and ATV - 50 minutes. The trail is usually open to ATVs Sunday through Wednesday, but may be closed at times due to trail conditions.” Eklutna Lake: “The Eklutna Glacier carved this valley as it retreated, leaving horizontal scarring on rock formations as evidence of its passage. Glacial and freshwater streams flowing into the valley created the 7-mile-long lake. Eklutna Lake feeds a power plant and provides drinking water for the Anchorage area.” Wildlife along Eklutna Lake: “Moose, muskrats and waterfowl may be spotted near the lakeshore. Brown and black bears, wolves, and mountain goats, inhabit the wilderness regions of the park and Dall sheep are often seen on the steep hillsides. A rock face at mile 1 of the Lakeside Trail is a spring lambing area and a particularly good place to see sheep year-round. Smaller mammals living in the area include fox, lynx, porcupine, hare, ground squirrel, ermine, marmot, vole, and pika. Golden eagles, hawks, ptarmigan, grouse and several varieties of songbirds nest in the area. Special precautions must be taken to avoid problems with bears. Do not leave food or garbage in the open or in your tent. Cook and eat at least 100 feet down-wind from your campsite. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear, make noise when you travel - tie a bell to your pack, whistle, talk, or sing. Bears, like other animals, may feel threatened if you get too close, and when threatened their reactions are unpredictable.” Links: • http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/eklutna.htm • http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/eklutrls.htm • http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/eklutnalaketrailguide.pdf

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