GC9T6YF MISummerFun 2022 - Paddle The Pictured Rocks (Traditional Cache) in Michigan, United States created by MI_SUMMER

This cache has been archived.

MI_SUMMER_FUN: Thanks to all who visited. Pathtags will be in the mail soon to those who earned one but have not yet received it.

We'll see you all next summer!

GC9T6YF ▼

A cache by MI_SUMMER_FUN Message this owner

Hidden : 5/21/2022

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Welcome to the inaugural MI_SUMMER_FUN series. In this series, there are 14 caches plus one mystery bonus cache. In order to locate the bonus, you need to visit this cache and 13 others in this series first. At each cache you will find a bonus code that will substitute in to the following phrase (observe the capitalization) and form the final coordinates (there is a checker at the bottom of the cache page).

CAcHESUMmeRFuN

Sandstone cliffs - ochre, tan, brown, sandwiched with layers of white and green - tower 50 to 200 feet above the water of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Deep forests, emerald, black, and gold, open onto small lakes and waterfalls. The images are reminiscent of a painter's work: a palette of nature's colors, shapes, and textures creates the scene that is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

This place of beauty was authorized as the nation's first national lakeshore in 1966, to preserve the shoreline, cliffs, beaches, and dunes, and to provide an extraordinary place for recreation and discovery. Little more than six miles across at its widest point, the park hugs Lake Superior's shoreline for over 40 miles.

There are plenty of opportunities for Michigan summer fun here! Hiking, camping, taking a boat tour - but since this cache is titled Paddle the Pictured Rocks, let's talk about just that. The park is renowned for its water resources, from Lake Superior to inland streams, waterfalls, and lakes. The inland lakes are the best places for paddling. Grand Sable Lake, Little Beaver Lake, and Beaver Lake are easily accessed by vehicle.

Before you get to the park, make sure you have the right equipment and the right skills: A sea kayak is the only type of kayak that should be used on Lake Superior. If you are using a recreational kayak or canoe, consider paddling on island lakes or nearby rivers. You will also need proper equipment:

PFD (Personal Flotation Device) / Life Jacket - required
Whistle or Air Horn - required
Wet Suit / Dry Suit (for paddling on Lake Superior and during cooler weather on other lakes)
Spray Skirt (for paddling on Lake Superior)
Paddle Float
Bilge Pump
Paddle Leash
Marine Radio

Can you save yourself? You need to be able to perform a self-rescue. Read, research on-line, take lessons. And then practice, practice, practice! Always wear your life jacket! Wear a wetsuit. Cold water kills! Paddle with others. Make sure they know how to perform rescues too.

Leave a float plan with someone who cares about you. This includes information such as your name, type of boat and equipment used, and your planned route and schedule. Don't forget to tell them when you get back so they would know when to start searching.

Alternative places to paddle: Your decision on where to go paddling should depend on your type of boat, experience level of each person in your group, and the weather. Inland lakes are the best places for paddling.

If you choose to use a guided kayak tour company, a list can be found at Kayak and Other Guided Tours - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

The cache is hidden along the trail in a nice Lowell area park, not too far from water though not nearly as picturesque as the Pictured Rocks. Note that you MUST sign the actual cache log to get credit for the cache. That might be harder than you think.

The series this year focuses on fun summer activities that you can (maybe) only do in the great state of Michigan! The caches in this series are:

Walk Across The Mackinaw Bridge	Explore The Gerald R Ford Museum	Take A Sand Dune Buggy Ride
Dive A Great Lake Shipwreck	Hunt For Yooperlites	Search For Petoskey Stones
Go Wild At Michigan Adventure	Chase That White Ball	Trail Ride In A Topless Jeep
Enjoy A Pronto Pup	Climb A Lighthouse	Celebrate Christmas In July
Paddle The Pictured Rocks	Root Root Root For The Tigers	GO GEOCACHING!! (Bonus)