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Bert Thomas Memorial Traditional Cache

Hidden : 9/20/2020
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


I hope you enjoy the drive north on the Ediz Hook to park and grab this micro easily hidden. You can also take the opportunity to stop and grab several other hides along the route. A walk on the beach always allows for spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Coming out at the time of the setting sun can be extremely rewarding with colorful skies and reflections!  

Please use your best elusive hunting and extraction skills due to the sometimes high muggle infiltration in the area. No need to search on the Rest Room facility building.

THE BURT THOMAS STORY

After four attempts that failed to swim from north to south, Thomas changed strategies and decided to swim in the south-to-north direction, starting in Port Angeles at this location and swimming to Canada. He started with the outgoing tide at nearly 6 pm on July 7th, 1955, with the water temperature at 46ºF.  He reached Canadian waters in a relatively quick 3 hours and 15 minutes with the help of his supporters who built a large bonfire on the Canadian side in order to keep his escort boat on course. A radio station set up loudspeakers and blasted military tunes over the water in an attempt to keep the former Marine motivated.

Only a mile from shore, it looked to be his day. But the tides had shifted and Thomas was fighting against the tide at 3 am in the morning. Cold and dark with the possibility of another defeat weighed heavily on his mind. But 2,000 spectators had lined the shore and watched Thomas dig deep until he reached the shore at 5:05 a.m. to finish the 18.3-mile crossing in 11 hours and 10 minutes.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)