(This Cache is the second installment of the Old School Series- the goal is to take you somewhere special that you might not find without geocaching, I hope you enjoy this area as much as I do.)
Last winter I decided to try to become a birder, so I’ve been going out whenever I can, staring at the woods looking for birds. Being a newbie birder is super fun since you get the excitement of "discovering" a “new” species quite often, especially when you start with as little bird knowledge as I did. Birding also goes hand in hand with geocaching, since both involve wandering in the woods looking for small things that aren’t much interest to other people.
On the day I placed this cache, I hiked up to this beautiful spot in search of a view, but also hoping to see some birds! While at the cache location, in addition to the usual Alaskan songbirds, eagles, gulls, and ravens I heard a new sound- a Northern Flicker! If you’re like me and you don’t know what that is, look it up- it’s a beautiful brown, black and red spotted woodpecker. I was super excited to get a picture of one of those beauties…but alas, it flew off and all I got was a glimpse. If I ever get a picture of one, I’ll be sure and add it to the cache page.
There’s a pretty nice trail up here from Sunshine parking area (see parking waypoint). Follow the steep trail up and to the right. After finding the cache, continue out to see the stunning view of the Turnagain arm just south of the hide. But first, scan the hillside in front of you for sheep, bears, moose, and birds!!! We saw all of those on the day of placement.
Be sure to let me know if you hear my northern flicker calling when you come visit this cool spot!
Cache is placed in compliance with the Alaska State Parks permit # 21 KA-4267