NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL BE TOTALLY WEATHER DEPENDENT. IF SNOW IS EXPECTED, THE EVENT WILL BE POSTPONED. THE MOST IDEAL CONDITION IS SUNSHINE--TEMPERATURE IS NOT A FACTOR. STAY IN TOUCH WITH THIS PAGE AND THE UTAG FORUM FOR UPDATES. AIM HIGH! WILL MAKE THE CALL ON WHETHER IT WILL BE POSTPONED. THAT CALL WILL COME AS LATE AS THURSDAY NIGHT, 13 JAN 05.
DATE: 15 Jan 05
TIME: Be at coords no later than 8:45 AM so we can start up the canyon by 9:00AM
MEETING LOCATION: Posted coordinates are to Farmington Pond parking lot. We'll be driving up Farmington Canyon from the pond.
DIFFICULTY: There really aren't any steep parts to the planned snow shoe route; however, realize it will probably be cold and there's more exertion hiking in the snow. Having said that, you've probably experienced much more difficult hikes during your normal geocaching routine.
4X4 VEHICLES: If you have a 4X4 (not ATV) and feel comfortable in driving this canyon (some don't feel comfortable even in the summer!), please make a note that you are available to drive and how many passengers you can carry.
DURATION: Please plan to just make a day of it. We will definitely plan to be back down the canyon and to the parking spot by about 3:00-4:00PM. And then the real party begins!
ITEMS TO BRING: Bring water, snacks, and some kind of lunch. We'll be munching along the way. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and layering of your clothes will be important. The parking location up the canyon is in the shade all day and is cold starting out and cold when departing.
NOTE: For those that might be concerned about avalanche danger, there is no avalanche danger in the area where we will be shoeing.
DRIVING A LONG WAY AND DON'T THINK YOU CAN MAKE IT?: Don't let this deter your participation in this event. If you have a really long drive (whatever your definition is), contact Aim High! and I'm sure we can accomodate putting a few cachers up the night before and probably arrange places for others.
We'll consolidate cachers into four wheel drive vehicles for the drive up Farmington Canyon. We will drive to the "fork" and park there--this is where Skyline Drive forks and one fork heads to Francis Peak and the other continues on Skyline Drive and eventually comes out at the "B" above Bountiful.
The purpose is to just get in the great outdoors and do some snow shoeing/XC Skiing.
Here's a list of the caches in the order we're planning to hit them:
PJ's Red Can
shackin with the beavers
Shackin With the Beavers II
Light Up The Sky
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!
If you want to attend this event and you don't have any snow shoes, contact Aim High! and he'll see if he can round up some loaners. I can probably rent shoes and poles for about $5--that's another alternative. Most sporting goods stores rent snow shoes.
There were 23 geocachers/friends that did this last year and it really was a beautiful hike. We don't plan on rushing the outing at all. Just plan to go at a leisurely pace and enjoy the views--bring your camera for sure!
SOUP AT UTAH JEAN'S: Once back to Farmington Pond, we will then make about a mile drive over to Utah Jean's where hot fresh soup, scones & honey, and other goodies will be served. It's a perfect way to end a great day in the outdoors!!
If you have any questions direct them to Aim High!