Extreme Offroad Cache #2 - Bring a Snorkel Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

CaptainXJ: Well I hate to see this one go, but after some discussion I think its best due to the fact I forsee it comming up missing again because of muggles and other factors.

I have a new replacement cache already placed and submitted for approval (GC1EJ0P). Thanks to all who enjoyed this cache and hope you enjoy the new one just as much!

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Hidden : 10/3/2006
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Second in a series of caches to test you’re off road vehicle and driving capabilities.


This cache, like the first, is located in the Indian Springs Wildlife Management area. This area is open to the public during hunting season, please use precation. The cache is located along Licking Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. To reach this cache you will want to access the gravel road at coordinates: N39 41.353 W078 02.519. Drive down a ways and take a left at the Y : N39 41.502 W078 02.525. Follow the road down until you arrive at: N39 41.679 W078 03.144 and now make a right onto, wait that’s not a road, that’s water! The next .25 miles of your trip will take you up the Licking Creek as far as your rig will go until you reach a good spot to jump out and climb up to the cache (more on tackling that part later). The road crosses Licking Creek at this point and you will be driving upstream to access the cache. A few notes to those with out 4X4 vehicles. Aside from having to paddle upstream there are too many shallow parts of this creek to allow use of any type of boat and/or flotation device to access the cache. However while some parts are only ankle deep there are others that can be waist, neck or above head in depth therefore wading up to the cache spot is NOT recommended.

Ok before I get into the explanation id like to make a point. We placed this cache in a 1977 CJ5 with a 4 ½” lift and 33” tires. The water table at the time was very slightly above normal and there were places where the water easily came in over my running boards. While I did not take the easiest line to the cache spot I would not recommend this for stock 4X4 vehicles. Maxboost1998 came out in his 1989 S-10 Blazer (stock) and fell short of reaching the goal due to water intake (but he survived with only minimal damage)!

Ok now lets focus on the water crossing in your 4X4. WARNING: You can cause serious damage to your vehicle and to yourself if you do not take precautions when attempting to drive in water. Where playing in the water can be great fun, water will get into ABSOLUTELY everything: gearbox, axles, rubber boots, underpants and even your engine crankcase if you stay in long enough. Diesel people tend to play in water more often than others because they don't have the gasoline engine ignition problems and if their alternator light comes up on a submerged engine, they tend to ignore it because that will go out soon enough when the alternator is not submerged anymore. Bye alternator, too. Here are some tips to help you out:

1: Most 4x4s can be driven in water that is axle-deep without taking special precautions. (Max. wading depth is about 20 inches.) When the water is deeper, you need to know where your engine’s air intake and engine computer are located and don’t allow water to enter. Switch off headlights and allow them to cool, as sudden contact with cold water will cause the glass to crack!

2: When crossing shallow streams, drive slow and steady to create a small bow wave in front of your bumper that will reduce the height of the water behind the bumper and keep the water away from the air intake and electronics. Select low range and first gear, and keep steering straight. Be aware of what is in front and around you, take a spotter with you if possible to avoid sharp rocks and sink holes!

3: When crossing fast-flowing shallow streams, cross at an angle and drive slightly upstream. This presents a smaller surface area and lessens the force of the stream on the vehicle. (Never cross fast-flowing deep streams, as your vehicle can be swept away.) By all means, GO SLOW in water, and I mean REAL slow. Making the water spray up does not serve any purpose at all; it will only make the water ingress cavities where it would not get otherwise. It may also spray enough water into your air filter intake under the hood and destroy your engine (water is NOT compressible!) When the water is deeper than the bottom of the body of your vehicle, it will cause an upward force, same as in a boat. This makes you loose grip on the ground and the current may carry you away. If it is getting deep, open doors so that your vehicle can fill with water to get more weight on the ground!

4: You may wish to equip your vehicle with a snorkel. You may also wish to lower the air pressure in your tires for better traction on those wet slippery rocks. It is absolutely necessary to put in the fording plug in the bell housing breather hole at the back / bottom of the engine or your clutch may get soaked. Water ingress in your axles and gearbox is also very probable, so it is essential that you change the drive train oil VERY OFTEN (every day if you have to). Also check engine OIL very often for color change. When it looks like salad dressing, change oil because there is water in it. Also, try sealing off the oil filler aperture in engine. Engine oil breathers should be extended and ducted upward much like the air intake and the exhaust.

5: Apply your brakes several times after crossing water or deep mud to dry them out.

OK now that we have that out of the way here are some things you should NOT DO on this cache:

1: DO NOT take only one 4X4 vehicle. If you only wish to take one vehicle up the river at least leave the second close by on the road incase you need it for a rescue!

2: DO NOT attempt this cache in the rain, at night, or when it is flood season. You are only asking for trouble under those conditions!

3: DO NOT leave your tow ropes, chains etc at home. When you pay that $250+ tow and rescue bill you will wish you remembered to bring them!

OK, you’ve gone out, gotten all ready and had a blast playing in the water. You drive your rig up and park as close as possible to the coordinates and hop out, now for the easy part! Uhhh NO! You don’t think we would make this cache that easy to get to do you? Its not an extreme cache for nothing. The cache itself is a small camouflaged Lock and Lock located at the top of a small cliff overlooking the creek. Well depending on how close your rig was able to take you to the cache spot may change the severity of your climb to the top of the small cliff that overlooks the creek. While not a extremely far climb the cliff is at times very sharply angled with few handholds save for small branches and some roots. The ground is also littered with loose rocks, leaves, and pine needles. Please use EXTREME caution while climbing up and down retrieving the cache, as serious falling risks exist. The water at the bottom of this cliff is very shallow and littered with sharp jagged rocks!

Once you reach the top you will have a very nice view of the creek and the surrounding area. The cache itself is hidden in a beautiful mossy rock outcropping slightly off to the side of the cliff. It is safe to assume if you have made it this far you are an experienced Geocacher but id like to have a final note here. While the cache is (and should remain) well hidden, please do not go ripping and tearing this area up, as the moss is quite beautiful. The cache is about ankle high and should be easy to find even by a novice cacher with little poking and prodding.

Also cache does NOT have a pen, so please don’t leave it in the car!

We enjoyed hiding this cache very much and hope that you also have a great and safe (as possible, what’s the fun without a little adrenaline) time going, retrieving, and replacing this cache! Take some pictures of your adventure while your out and share them with the rest of us, we would love to see them!!!


Check out the other Extreme Offroad Caches:

Extreme Offroad Cache #1 - Indian Springs

Extreme Offroad Cache #3 – Wild and Wonderful

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Jr cerggl zhpu gbyq lbh va gur qrfpevcgvba.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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