John's Gateway Traditional Cache
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Long tough hike, green speckled ammo can with a few treats for the kids.
The Gateway for John
When I heard that a friend’s cache placed in memory of his brother, John, had disappeared, I just had to go do this. Do not let the short hike distance showing up on your GPS receiver fool you, this will be a long and tough hike. The higher the lake is, the longer the hike. Watch for beaver dams and they can save you many steps!
Looking south you will see Lake Kanopolis, sprawling out to the south, not far west you can see all the way to Ellsworth and Kanopolis. Looking east, well now you now where the gateway came from. It is all eye candy to the east! You will be able to see the opening of three very beautiful canyons. The bluffs, trees, and grasses combine to, well, you will just have to go see it!
I placed this way too late in the day, I do not recommend being in here at night if you are not really familiar with the area! It was nice to sit here and watch the sun drop below the horizon, the coyotes were doing their serenade and the geese were returning to the lake by the thousands. It was a peaceful time and a great chance for reflection. I did not want to leave, but the cold night was rapidly approaching. It was time to go, a time that always comes too soon out here.
I hope John has a seat at least this beautiful to sit and reflect. This time of year always makes me a little sentimental as I nearly died in 1986, January 31, 1986 to be exact. I find I am a little softer emotionally and a little fonder of family and friends.
Like always, keep your wits about you and watch where you step, put your hands, and keep close track of your kids. Cache placed with permission of the Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Be sure to contact me at tyrfryr@cox.net if you notice any sort of trail developing to the cache. I was shocked to find beer cans in there today! I hauled out six and would encourage you to do the same. The Horsethief Canyon does require a Kansas Park Pass for your vehicle. Should you choose to hike in from the west, it is possible. Be ready to make a day of it though.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ba gbc!
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