Angel Rocks Event Cache 2006 Event Cache

Time: 9:00 am
Date: August 19, 2006
Location: Angel Rocks Trail Parking Lot (48.9 mile, Chena Hot Springs Road)

Calling all Alaskan Cachers!

The Angel Rocks Event Cache 2006 is looking for a few hardy cachers to meet at the Angel Rocks Trailhead to discuss current land issues and cache placement in the borough, get an update of the 2006 Alaska Geocoin, and introduce cachers to the Alaska Geocaching organization.

After the meeting interested cachers are welcome to travel part or all of the trail from Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs. This 9-10 mile trail provides moderate elevation gain, tremendous views on clear days, and time to meet, greet, and swap caching stories with fellow cachers. Come put a face with a name, a name with a cache, as well as find some nearby caches along the trail

There are 4 current caches along the trail. There might be more arriving shortly ahead of us if time permits.

The first cache, Angel Rocks Cache is a short distance into the hike and provides some good climbing and viewing of some rock formations that are very popular to the interior. Some cachers might choose to turn around at this point and drive the remaining distance to Chena Hot Springs Resort before continuing on the opposite end of the trail for other caches.

Further up the trail (actually quite a distance up the trail), you can also visit The Chena Coin Cache as it sits up on Bear Paw Butte overlooking the surrounding area. On a clear day this cache site provides wonderful 360 degree views.

A short while later, a new cache, Bear Paw Butte, should provide a nice relief as we start descending towards the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Finally, before making the last turn to the awaiting hot pools of water, the Chena Cache, allows the hiking cacher the chance to bag one of Alaska's oldest caches.

Cachers are welcome to hike some or all of the trail and we will arrange to have transportation at both ends of the trail so nobody gets stranded at the hot springs. Final details will be made the day of the event depending on who shows up and plans on hiking part or all of the trail.

Additional information about the Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Trail can be found here.

Please let us know if you are planning on attending and how many are in your group. I am working on arranging for some "extras" for the event and welcome any and all suggestions. Also please be aware that proper preparation for hiking in the Alaskan interior is needed. Rain gear, food, water, bug spray, etc. will probably be needed as will fresh batteries and common sense. Accommodations will be made for various hiking speeds as this is an event not a race.

Questions That Have Arisen

Question 1: What about rain? I plan on being there regardless and hiking as long as it is safe. Rain is just one of the possibilities on late summer/early fall weather in the interior.

Question 2: What about geopets? I have no problem with geopets as long as they are friendly and well behaved. Safety is foremost with any event. Use your own wise judgement. We are not bringing our two geogoats, aka Taco and Twix, despite their ability to pack all of our gear as they can be a bit obnoxious and pushy.

Question 3: What if I don't want to hike the whole distance? Sounds good to me. Please remember that you know your own abilities. You are welcome to come just for the meeting, hike the first cache, etc. The only "organized" part of this event is the beginning at the Angel Rocks Trailhead. After that ... pick your own adventure!

A limited number of 2006 Alaska Geocoins will be available for purchase.  The coins are currently being sold only at local Alaskan events before they become available via online purchase.  If you can't make the event, check the Geocache Alaska website frequently for sales updates.  The coins are trackable on geocaching.com and will add a custom icon to your profile when you log one.

Pricing as follows:
Bronze - $9.00 each
Silver - $30.00 each (one ounce 0.999 silver!)
Gold - $50.00 each (24K gold relief on one ounce 0.999 silver)

GeocacheAlaska extends a HUGE thanks to the Alaska Mint for providing a partial shipment in time for this event.  Bring cash or checks (made out to Mike Malvick, aka Daddy Ladybug of the Ladybug Kids and underwriter of the 2006 Alaska geocoin project) to purchase your coins at this event!