Geology Geocache #9: Glacial Glory Traditional Geocache
Geology Geocache #9: Glacial Glory
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Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is a standard ammo box hidden just off of a trail at the Coleman Glacier Overview at Mt. Baker.
The scenery from the Coleman Glacier Overview is spectacular (it'll take your breath away like a punch in the stomach mixed in with healthy dose of vertigo!). Glacial morphology is displayed in full glory including lateral morraines (forming the two ridges on either side of the glacier), crevasses, and terminal morraine (the ridge of sediment at the base of the glacier). The view of the glacier and the peak of Mount Baker is well worth the 1500 foot elevation gain and approximate 3 hour round trip hike on a well established trail. A few words of caution, however. There are four stream crossings, the third of which is cause for the "4" terrain rating. I suggest taking a walking stick to balance yourself. Use discretion when bringing small children (I had my four year old son in a Kelty Kids backpack to carry him across). During heavy rain or periods of snow melt the stream may be unpassable. Check with the ranger station for trail and stream conditions in the town of Glacier where you will need to purchase a pass to park your car at the trail head. Secondly, the overview ridge has a steep drop off. Again, keep small children in check. But there are plenty of spots to safely take in the amazing scenery and soak up the glacial glory. The first two-thirds of the trail (approximately) are in fairly heavy tree cover, but the final approach is alpine trail with excellent reception above the tree-line. The entire route is on a well defined earth trail (apart from stream crossings), no mountaineering skills/gear are required during the summer months when the seasonal snow has melted. Bring a camera!
Contents of the original cache included:
-A dial gauge
-Kid's game CD
-Micro pocket knife
-Miscellaneous toys
-"Green Man" geocoin (the last of my stache!)
Due to heavy hiker traffic on the trail the cache is well hidden and covered by rocks. Please be sure to rehide the cache just as well. Also, avoid trampling the alpine vegetation. The cache is hidden close to a trail where trampling is not required.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf uvqqra orarngu n ynetr obhyqre ng gur onfr bs na nccebkvzngryl 10' gnyy, 4" qvnzrgre cvar nobhg 100' sebz gur perfg bs gur tynpvre bireivrj evqtr.