FTF: MulderClan!

STF: SavvyCaches

TTF: EEVAH + RATCHET_FMR
 

Be aware that this cache is 30+ kilometres up Sts'ailes Forest Service Road, there may be logging trucks and other heavy machinery and fast moving vehicles at any time! Help keep yourself safe by staying on the right side of the road and driving as if you are expecting someone to be around the next corner. There is no cell service up here and it is a very long walk to civilization, at minimum come prepared with enough fuel, water, and a spare tire, always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back. I do not recommend taking a 2 wheel drive and/or lower clearance vehicle up here, the road is riddled with large potholes and rocks, this is not somewhere you want to puncture an oil pan. In the drier months FSRs can get extremely dusty, always have your lights on and only go as fast as you can see. This is also a very popular area, you will see lots of people up here in the spring, summer and fall, on weekends, and holidays. If there are people behind you let them pass, signal and pull over when it's safe to do so. The T rating is high because of the long rough road to get there and needing a specific vehicle, once you arrive at GZ it is more like a 1.5

Backroads Memories is a series of caches I'm starting to commemorate my love of off-roading and the outdoors and the memories I’ve made along the way. Caches will typically be placed at or near the places these memories were made. Please note: I do not have a specific number chosen in terms of how many caches will be in the series nor do I have a scheduled release/creation plan, they will be placed when the mood strikes me and when I’m in the area. These will be placed in areas I regularly visit so I can properly maintain these caches. 

Welcome to the Hale Creek off-road trailheads! If you look on your map you’ll see two trails leading to the Hale Creek Recreation Site down at the lake’s edge: the windy one to the North is the easy way, and the relatively straight one to the South is the hard way. 

The easy way was the very first “proper” off-road trail I did back in November 2021 when I was 18 and fresh out of high school, and my Subaru Forester (Grizwald) was pretty much stock aside from some new all terrain tires and a 1/4” thick aluminum skid plate I had made with my dad. I went out with an off-road group and they showed me what good driving, smart line choices, and aired down tires can get me through even with the car still basically stock. One of the people who spotted me ended up becoming one of my closest friends. Over time I’d become known as “Subaru guy” to people in the group. I’m no longer active in that group however it still holds a place in my heart for showing me the ropes, helping me improve my skills, and being the reason I met some lovely friends. 

Fast forward to now, January 2026, and both Grizwald and I have changed a lot. I’m turning 23 in a few months and in my first year of college, Grizwald has been modified a lot over the years, with a few more things planned and my wallet being the only thing holding me back lol (I’m sure many other off-roaders and those with other money-swallowing hobbies can relate haha).

There’s so many things big and small that I’ve changed about Griz but the most notable and beneficial are:

• Torq Master mechanical auto rear diff locker (lunchbox locker)

• Electronic centre diff lock

• 2”/2.5” ADF strut spacer lift

• Functional snorkel

• Rear spare tire carrier (learned the basics of welding and designed and made it myself with some a little help from my dad ^_^)

Of course there's still a number of things I’d love to do to Griz, extended travel adjustable coilovers and a 4”/4.5” total lift with either a 2” subframe drop or Porsche 930 hybrid CV axles (to maintain angles so I’m not breaking CVs every month) to name a few. Still I’m very happy with where it’s at now, which I didn’t think I’d ever say 4 years ago. 

It’s been an extremely fun journey building this thing up and it’s been a major source of bonding with my dad which is something I’m extremely grateful for. Every Monday I’d head over to my dad’s work after I finished work and we’d spend hours together on it, be it routine maintenance, metal fabrication, replacing something I broke, or adding new parts that had just arrived. Then afterwards we’d go to Whitespot and talk about cars even more, or if we were running late because a bolt broke or something wasn’t as quick and easy as it was supposed to be we’d order sushi or subway to the shop and eat in between fighting whatever part wasn’t cooperating. I grew up in a family that loved cars but until I got into off-roading I wasn’t interested whatsoever in the mechanical side of things, let alone working on my own car, so this was a pretty decent (positive) shift from how things used to be with my dad and I when it came to cars. 

Needless to say this is an important spot and one chock full of memories, naturally it felt like a very fitting spot for my first cache 💛 

You are looking for a small rectangular white container with an orange screw top lid. Please replace exactly as found and use stealth if there are other people/vehicles around to help ensure the longevity of this cache, this is a popular, well-known trail and high trafficked area, especially in the nicer months!

I've put a variety of trinkets in this one so please feel free to trade items! I'll try to bring things to restock it whenever I'm in the area and/or do maintenance. I'm excited to see how long it takes before someone makes the journey out for the FTF :)