Scotophobia, Myctophobia, Achluophobia, Nyctophobia, Lygophobia - different names for FEAR OF THE DARK. Here it is, just in time for your Halloween Adventure. If you have any or all of these phobias don't try this cache. Bring the kids if you must! Now for the caveats. The first settlers on the property, the Hartmeier Family raised 13 children on the ranch. One son died in a gruesome mining accident; his body was never recovered. It is said that he can be seen walking the farm on moonlit nights. It is also rumored that other family members are interred on the bluff south of the ranch site. You can see plaques with their nicknames affixed to the trees up there (near waypoint #3).
Driving Directions: From I-90 take Pullman/Colfax Highway exit 279. Go south on Highway 195 approximately 8 miles. Turn right on Washington Road to intersection with Keeney Road Property borders west side of Keeney Road for 1/2 mile
For those of you who Terra and Geocache - this is, indeed, a former Terracache. All the Terracachers in the local area found it - now it's open to the "greenies."Nothing is absolute but my guess is it would be near impossible to do this cache in the daytime. The route consists of three waypoints and a final (a huge ammo can). All coordinates given are offset from the actual location of the waypoint/final - some more than others. I've offered some hints at each waypoint save the first. You're on your own finding the first (and toughest) waypoint. This is to discourage attempts to cheat and do this one in the light of day. Start your hike here N 47 32.401 W 117 25.286. Shine your light on a short telephone company signpost at 200 degrees mag from the parking lot. You SHOULD see a bright white diamond. That is what you'll be looking for along the route. I suggest a powerful flashlight and a backup. If you've got a headlamp that would be really beneficial. A compass will help with the hints. When you get to the waypoint coordinates start shining your light in all directions - you'll know it when you see it! Good luck, have fun. And remember, real MEN (and real WOMEN too!) will do this solo. If you shine your light into the woods and see TWO white spots it's probably a deer; if you see red spots that is NOT a deer and it is Not the waypoint - start running, your life may depend on how fast and how far you can run. Keep an eye peeled for that wondering son too.
Fall 2016 Update:
When I adopt a cache I try to keep the cache and the listing as original as possible but in the 11 years this cache as been active there have been some changes to the area.
- The parking coordinates listed above are no longer valid. You should park at the main Slavin parking area near the corner of E. Washington Rd and S. Keeney Rd.
- This cache was originally intended to be done as a loop, and while that may still be possible in the early fall of a dry year it's best to follow the trails keeping to the left and going clockwise around the ponds and wetlands. The starting waypoint is close to the halfway mark so the distance traveled is about the same. Keep to the trails until the last 100' or so, There's no need to cut cross country.
- Please respect park hours, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. The total distance traveled is about 5 1/2 miles, over mostly flat terrain. You should allow approximately two to two and a half hours to complete the cache.
- If you haven't done many (or any) caches in the area my suggestion would be to arrive a little before sunset planning your route so you reach the start of this cache at about dark.