1/2 KAHUNA By MrMom, MsBusyMom and TheGoo. 17 June, 2002
N43*06.586 W079*03.468 A part of the first and original Niagara
River caches.
This cache is part of our Lower Niagara River Gorge Series. All
hikes are near very steep cliffs without railings on well used
trails. For your safety stay on the trails. Follow waypoints
carefully. My seven year old daughter completed all hikes with
minimal complaints. Don't forget your camera. All caches take you
through Western New York's most picturesque river and lake views.
The entire Upper Niagara Series follows clear and level paths and
is well suited for the family. All readings were taken with a
Garmin 176c and a Garmin III. Averaged accuracy's are better than
30 feet. Know your ability; hike at your own risk.
The cache is located within The Niagara Gorge in Niagara Falls
NY off The Robert Moses Parkway. Park off season for free near and
read the signs at N43*05.565 W079*03.739. Free parking is available
near by with access to the park via foot bridge during peak season.
Note: Straight ahead is the location of the worlds first
hydroelectric generating facility. It collapsed during a massive
rock slide. A fellow geocacher's father was the only man killed in
the June 7, 1956 collapse. Take a look. The Discovery Center near
by showcases this regions rich history. Walk North to the trail
head at N43*05.877 W079*03.634. Follow the wide gentile trail down.
(no steps!) No turns. The views along this trail are second to
none! This is the Niagara's secret un-spoiled charm. Under the
current twin Whirlpool bridge spans, notice the foundation from the
original bridge long ago washed away. Shortly after this point the
trail narrows and begins to head up. From here on, the hike jumps
from 1.5 stars to 4 solid stars. For the family not ready for 4
stars, this is a great spot to view THE BIG KAHUNAS. This is North
Americas largest series of standing waves. There are none larger or
more violent! This is world class white water. Do you feel the
thunder? Water depth here is 40 feet. Standing waves reach 18 feet.
Family's with "young ins" can log this point (posted coordinates)as
a virtual cache listed under "½KAHUNA". Near the 1/2 KAHUNA
coordinates take and post a photo of the view. You or your GPS must
be in the frame of view. There are many scenic opportunities along
the trail, you are not limited by a ground zero pic. Only one
member of a team or group needs to post the photo. For your
personal and intimidating introduction to THE BIG KAHUNAS continue
on. The trails for the most part stay dry. Watch for falling rock.
On your way back, just past the trail head, walk through the tunnel
(to your short left) under The Robert Moses Parkway. Follow the
road to The Aquarium then take the foot bridge back to your
geo-mobile. This return route does not add any time to your
adventure. Total cache time is 1.5 hours round trip. The Mighty
Niagara awaits you.
Please trade fair and completely rehide the cache out of view.
Remember our motto: CACHE IN TRASH OUT. Pick up any litter and
trash on the way out.
Be sure to visit the entire Niagara
River Series of caches. The upper Niagara River caches: ERIE'S END,
WHICH WAY DOES A BEAVER GO?, NIAGARA RIVER SERIES TB HOTEL, FISH'S
SPAWN, THE OTHER SISTER.
The lower Niagara River caches: 1/2 KAHUNAS, THE BIG KAHUNAS,
RAW POWER, DEVIL OF A HIKE, RAPID ART, LIQUID FUEL, ROUNDABOUT
LEWISTON.