Beaver Creek meanders through the forest so the direction of flow changes frequently. The Ice Age Trail crosses the creek without the benefit of a bridge.
A ford is a convenient accessible place along a river or stream where in normal conditions, the water is sufficiently shallow for people and animals to walk across in safety. It is a natural phenomenon, in contrast to a “low water crossing,” which is an artificial bridge that allows crossing a river or stream when water is low.
The names of many towns and villages are derived from the word “ford,” (eg: Oxford – a ford where oxen crossed a river).
Stream and river crossings present a challenge to trail managers. They must consider safety, connivance, cost, and esthetics. Each kind of water crossing has consequences for the recreation experience and the lands being accessed. The water level at this location is normally quite shallow, so the lack of a bridge allows esthetics to be maintained without significant impact on safety or connivance except when floods or seasonal runoff occurs. Caution should prevail.
Various layers or channels of water move at different speeds. Lower layers with objects such as rocks, soil, and tree ruts, move more slowly than top layers because of friction. The top layer is affected only by the air.
Look for a wide, straight, slow-flowing and obstruction free section to cross. Check the opposite bank to make sure you can easily exit the stream. Always wear footwear for traction and to protect your feet from underwater debris. It may be safer to wade across instead of trying to stay high and dry on a slippery log or series of unstable, slimy rocks. If you elect to cross on logs or rocks, a walking stick can reduce the chance of a slip and fall.
Let your mind and heart settle into the rhythm and adapt to nature rather than trying to control it.
IATCC is the cache designation to highlight a series of EarthCaches along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail grouped into a special category called "ColdCache."
The Ice Age Trail is one of eleven National Scenic Trails designated by the National Park Service. This unique trail is entirely within the state of Wisconsin and follows along the terminal moraine of the most recent glacier which retreated about 10,000 years ago.
This project is supported by the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA). The goal is to bring more visitors to the trail and promote public awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Wisconsin’s glacial landscape.
The IATA has created an awards program to encourage visits to the trail and ColdCache sites. This awards program is separate from, and in addition to, any other Geo- or EarthCache awards program.
A current list of approved ColdCache sites can be found on the “IATCC Bookmark List”. More information on the Ice Age Trail Atlas, the Companion Guide, the ColdCache Project and Awards Program can be found on the “ColdCache Webpage”
Resources
Geology of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail; by David M. Mickelson, Louis J. Mahler Jr., and Susan L. Simpson
Roadside Geology of Wisconsin; by Robert H. Dott, Jr and John W. Attig
Wikipedia
DNR Permission
A ColdCache Form has been submitted to Tim Vetter of the Chequamegon National Forest managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: www.wi-geocaching.com/hiding
To claim this find:
1. How wide and deep is Beaver Creek at the location the trail crosses?
2. How did you choose to cross? Why? Did you get wet?
3. How might moments of flooding impact the area?
4. Are there any locations nearby for the water to settle, allowing some of the pollutants to filter out?