30 Minute Famine (5.7) Traditional Geocache

This cache is a small tube container hidden on the 40 meter long 5.7 sport climbing route 30 Minute Famine. This route is at a sport climbing crag called The Uncharted Sea, which was developed in 2000 by Greg Cornell and features textured slab climbing with incredible views! This geocache is an extreme challenge which requires specialized skills in multi-pitch rock climbing and the appropriate equipment.

The Uncharted Sea is situated about 300 vertical meters above Grotto Canyon. Finding the trail to the crag isn't easy, so read on for directions. Turn north off of Hwy 1A at the Baymag #2 sign and park straight ahead on a gravel road (parking coordinates provided). Head west towards Grotto Canyon and the provided waypoints. Take a high trail above Grotto Canyon, and turn uphill at a pale slab to reach the start of the Uncharted Sea trail (see the key waypoint). Follow the flagged trail up to the base of the crag. Expect the hike from car to crag to be 2 kilometers long (one way) and 300 meters of elevation gain, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Chances are good that you'll have the place all to yourselves. Even if you aren't a climber, you'll appreciate the nice trail and the views from the base of the crag! It's a great hike!

Once at The Uncharted Sea, the trail traverses along the base of the slabby crag. The climbs to the right are generally harder with very few features, while the climbs to the left are easier and on very featured and textured rock. You'll find that the climbs on the left side have many more bolts than the topo indicates, and are equipped with several intermediate rap anchors. Hence, you can get away with bringing one 50-60 meter rope for all the climbs, but you will need multi-pitch sport climbing skills. Bring at least 10 draws as the routes are very well bolted. 30 Minute Famine is the leftmost climb at the crag (at this time). It is a 40 meter long route that will probably have to be split up into two pitches, unless you brought a bunch of draws or skip some bolts. Descend via two 20-ish meter rappels, with bolted midway rap stations provided.

Note that climbing gear and experience with multi-pitch sport climbing is essential for this cache - do not attempt to scramble or otherwise reach this cache without a rope. This is a significant challenge requiring specialized climbing skills, equipment and a knowledgeable partner as a belayer. You will need experience lead climbing as this climb cannot safely be set up for top rope or rappel from above. Even once you reach GZ, finding the cache could prove to be a major challenge due to the number of potential hiding spots. Read the hint to help simplify your search.