GC457B6 Traditional Cache On the Road to Recovery--Reprised
Type: Traditional | Size: Small Small | Difficulty: 2.5 out of 5 | Terrain: 4 out of 5
By: Denali41 @ | Hide Date: 01/13/2013 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N40° 43.020 W105° 12.914 | Last updated: 08/30/2019 | Fav points: 0
Dogs  Access or parking fee  Not Recommended for kids  Takes more than an hour  Scenic view  Significant hike  Not Recommended at night  Available during winter  Dangerous Animals  Hunting  No Horses  Thorns  Long Hike (+10km) 
CONGRATULATIONS TO icezebra11 FOR FTF!!!
Two years ago I published GC2WGRC  ~On the Road to Recovery~ , a cache on a mountain peak rising above  Gross Reservoir; the cache was placed as a tribute to Teresa Gergen’s determination and focused actions to recover from an extremely serious mountaineering accident.  She’s a phenomenal climber who has fought her way back to remarkable accomplishments.

This reprise cache deals with recent shoulder surgery I had, and my determined rehabilitation focus to return as quickly as possible to my outdoor adventures.  My recovery requirements have been relatively minor compared to what Teresa experienced, but they nonetheless were the direct reason that this cache was hidden and is being activated.  After weeks of rehabbing and physical therapy, both my therapist and orthopedic surgeon took all sorts of measurements of the maximum angles and limits of my arm/shoulder movements as well as some systematic evaluations of resistance recovery.  They used angle measuring devices to quantify range of motion attributes and reviewed the “numbers” before proclaiming that my progress was far ahead of what they expected me to have achieved by this point in the recovery. To my mind, my progress and present recovery status couldn’t realistically be gauged by plastic and metal measuring devices and resultant numbers.  Actual status could only be ascertained by how well I might do a valued activity under “field” circumstances.

So I soon found myself on the long ice crossing of Seaman Reservoir, heading for the ridge that ascends from the lake to the summit of Point 6823, a Ranked Peak that is the first mountain south of the prominent Bonner Peak.  The ridge extends fairly steeply above the reservoir for almost 1,500 feet of gain.  There’s no trail, and some bushwhacking through mountain shrubs is required.  I use trekking poles for back country hikes of this nature.  I decided that a hike of such distance (about 7 miles RT), a vertical gain of 1,500 feet, and the continuous use of trekking poles to ascend and descend moderately steep terrain supporting dense shrubs that needed to be negotiated, would determine if I was advancing at the rate I desired for my shoulder rehabilitation period. How would my shoulder handle this set of requirements–that was the question I kept asking myself as I trekked across the thick ice on the coldest day of this winter (mid-afternoon temperatures about 0 degrees F).  The ice crossing went as well as it had on three prior winter season climbs of this peak that involved round trip passages over Seaman Reservoir.  But I still had apprehensions as I approached the ridge and its brush and steepness that I would need to fight my way up and back down.  But it all went smoothly, and by the time I returned to my vehicle I was little worse for wear–a  true evaluation of my recovery status that was more “comforting” than a bunch of measurements of range of motion!

Now, the cache.  The container is a plastic cylindrical jar that’s wrapped in camo tape.  It contains a pen as well as the log paper, and a TB was left in it.  The site is fairly “snow friendly”, as it’s hidden in rocks that have a southern exposure, near the summit.  After most snow events, the cache should rapidly melt free of snow after several days of sun strike on these rocks.  Obviously, this won’t be the case after a dump of a couple of feet of snow.  But in most instances the cache should become exposed fairly soon after a snow ends. After you find it and sign the log, make certain you replace the small rocks and several pieces of wood on top of the cache to prevent small mammals from displacing it.  Also, make certain that you budget enough time to sit for a while on a soft rock at the summit and admire the superb views from this location–the flat lands of the plains begin immediately to the east; Seaman Reservoir is far below to the west; above it, the marvelous country that ascends upward to Greyrock Mountain and the really high peaks farther west and southwest are nicely seen.  Sit.  Enjoy.

Do not attempt to approach this cache from the East.  That would necessitate a trespass crossing of private land.

I suggest parking at the end of the road into Gateway Natural Area, off Colorado 14 in Poudre Canyon. From December 1st through the end of February access is free.  During other months of the year a daily access fee is required.  Enjoy your winter hike.  It’s a special season to be out in the lower foothills of the Front Range!  The cache is accessible during other seasons, but without solid ice the approach becomes more lengthy and difficult.  January and February are the best months.

 
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9 Logs: Found it 5  Write note 1  Publish Listing 1  Owner Maintenance 2  

Owner Maintenance 02/02/2019 By Denali41
I was in the vicinity today to find a new cache that was recently placed nearby. It was easy to hike over here to maintain my cache while my puppies Orizaba and Chimborazo and I were so close. The hike across the ice today was quite safe because of the recent lows temperatures in the lower single digits for several nights. Nonetheless, I was careful in making the two crossings. The hike up from the reservoir ice and back down reminded me of how steep the terrain is, and how much bushwhacking is involved. The cache was in fine condition, as I had anticipated after the recent visits by cachers. I noticed the changes in access fees to Gateway Natural Area, and will update the cache description to reflect the new requirements and charges.

Write note 01/14/2019 By Denali41
Wow, Bary, you had quite an adventure, indeed! I'd like to use Barasaur's Found It log as a stumping post to caution future seekers of these caches about ice approaches. I would never go across the ice on Seaman Reservoir unless there are abundant signs of ice fishing going on--either ice fishers scattered here and there around the lake, or fresh piles of ice chips from ice holes drilled by fishermen. Further, think about recent temperatures. Yes, we've had some cold days/nights, but over the past month we've had many days with highs in the 50s, and several in the upper 50s, far above the seasonal average highs for this period. The temperatures have been unusually warm. I wouldn't trust reservoir ice with that recent temperature history. Also, Terry Lake, right along Colorado Highway 1 on the north side of Fort Collins has had patches of open water until very recently--another clear signal that ice conditions this winter are suspect. Normally, January and February are safe periods on Seaman, but conditions point to the need for special caution this January. There is a safe overland route to these two caches that serves as an alternative to the ice route, even though when "in season" the ice route is easier. I know that one of the party of cachers who went for the caches talked just before their outing with a past finder, who advised to take the overland route.

So, as with any backcountry cache, evaluate conditions and requirements carefully before choosing route options and timing.

I'm glad that everything worked out OK, Bary!! And congratulations for getting two really nice caches. I loved the video--really nicely done!!

Found it 01/12/2019 By Pixel Magic
This cache has been on our radar for quite some time. We attended an event this week and a conversation arose about this cache. Before we knew it a plan was hatched to hike it with Barasaur and his co-worker and recent cacher, Sumesh. I stopped out at Gateway Natural Area during the week and discovered that there is no longer an amnesty period for entry to the park. Day passes are required at a cost of $7.00. There is signage that also prohibits walk-ins.

As we drove into Gateway we noticed just a dusting of snow from the night before. I was surprised at the number of cars in the lot at 9 in the morning. Hikers and fisher people are hardy sorts. We hiked over the river and along the roadway and up the hill to the dam. We noticed tracks in the light snow and saw hikers crossing the frozen surface going north. Our plan was to hike east to gain access to State Trust land without crossing private property. As we hiked we noticed some open water so we avoided that area and continued our hike with eyes open. We crossed and started bushwhacking up the hills in the general direction of the Tiny Tuttle cache ahead. We encountered some steep areas and would our way upward and eastward. After finding the Elevation cache we continued on to the north to locate this hide. The snow was heavier as we got to the crest of the hill. We found ourselves hiking through about 5" of fresh white snow. The sun already started melting snow on exposed faces of the hill and we found ourselves favoring those slopes for the warmth and footing with less snow. We got to the cache without note enjoying the 360° views. Great spot for views in all directions. This was the first time for Sumesh to take in the scenery from a height advantage. After snacking we spotted a route down from our northernmost spot and descended. We again found ourselves winding down the slopes toward the water that seemed so close, but was deceivingly distant. We hatched a plan to keep options open for hiking to a third cache nearby so we hiked to the water with that in mind. Barasaur made it to the waters edge before Sumesh and Peter did. The last section of terrain was quite steep so we took our time going down. Barasaur ventured out onto the surface of the reservoir. Despite testing the surface he broke off a large chunk of ice and found himself in the water. He righted himself without panic and was already upright on the ice by the time we reached his position. We moved super cautiously onto the ice and found that it supported us. We walked cautiously toward the peninsula and terra firma. Barasaur's outer pants started to dry quickly in the sunlight but an inner layer stayed damp. We abandoned any thought of additional caching in favor of getting back to the car and warming up our hiking partner. We walked along the peninsula back to the west edge of the Reservoir and saw that hikers and fisher people were returning to the parking lot as the sun would soon we gone. We crossed the ice on the shaded west end of reservoir and followed tracks back to our start. We counted our blessings as we packed up and headed home. Thanks for the cache.

See note from Cache Owner, Denali41, about dangers of ice travel.

Found it 01/12/2019 By Barasaur
Went to the NOCO dinner at Panera and had a great time. I even saw Denali41 at the event but nothing had happened yet as for this cache. Joined Pixel Magic and Dud&Plato to work through a new WIG that was just being published. When done, PM mentioned a hike near Seaman Res for a couple caches while the weather was decent. Ut oh here I go again. We made plans to do the hike on Saturday.

Wouldn't you know that Friday ended up raining and snowing that night coating the foothills with a new blanket of powdery white snow. Yep going to tackle what we read as a steep hike in the slippery snow. The hike started with a walk across the frozen reservoir that met us with a dog on the ice from a local home in the area. He soon realized we were not going to enter his territory and left us to our walk.

We strived to hike on the southern faces of the valley's as much as possible to lessen the amount of snow and slipping as possible but at times we had no choice but to dig in with poles and just climb the white surface slowly. We started the hike at 9am and reached the first cache on our list, (Elevation 6278!) at near 11:30am. We were happy to find it in great shape. After a brief pause to sign the log and a few pictures we headed off to our final cache destination, (On the Road to Recovery).

This part of the walk was fairly smooth as we had now finished the initial steep climb and was much gentler in nature. It is still almost 3/4 of mile though along the snowy gently climbing ridge. We finally reach the cache and Sumesh, who is a co-worker here training from India was in awe of the views from this final location. Yes, a new cacher in the making, who lives at sea level, and has never cross country hiked is now one of only about 6 other cachers to reach this cache.

Now came the decent and the return. We took a different route down that seemed to be what might have been a better way up, it always seems that way as you return. It was still very steep and as we neared the lake the route we had chosen found us sliding and in a super steep decent to the lake edge. IT was slow and holding on to any bush was helpful as we slide along.

I was the first to the edge and I reached out to the ice with my pole and tapped on it trying to verify it's sturdiness before stepping onto it. All seemed well and I lightly stepped onto the edge. Took about 2 more steps when an about 10 foot diameter section broke lose dropping me into the lake. I dropped in chest deep and immediately spread my arms catching onto the broken ice chuck. I then hollered out to the others I'm in the lake, the ice broke. I didn't want them to hit the edge where they were and be in the same predicament. I struggled a bit and slid myself on my stomach up and onto thicker ice. Pulling kept pulling myself on my stomach along the ice listening for it to stop crackling and popping under me. When it did I moved up to my hands and knees and crawled a bit further still listening to the ice for any noise and then after another 10 feet I stood up. My back pack was still mostly dry as it only hit the bottom edge of it when dropping in so I pulled out more jackets and gloves and put them on so as to try and stop the breeze from cooling the now soaked clothing.

Pixel Magic and Sumesh finally had reached the edge, also tested the location they were at and eased onto the lake. We carefully and quickly moved across the lake on our journey back to the car. As the sun set or we entered into shady areas I could feel the cold seeping into me. It was not too bad but I do have to say by the time I had gotten home I was very glad to divest of my wet cold clothing for a warm shower and some hot tea.

In the end we captured 2 great caches, walked 7.5 miles, crossed the lake a couple of times, captured some great views with our cameras, and logged another great day of memories in the Colorado Mountains.

See Video

(10541)

Owner Maintenance 05/01/2016 By Denali41
I was in the "general vicinity" (whatever THAT means in a backcountry context!) today with my puppy Orizaba, and decided to make the additional elevation gain and distance to check on this cache. It was quite an effort...Everything's in fine condition.

Found it 02/26/2016 By tinytuttle
Well it started off a rather cool day and when I arrived at the parking lot I was greeted by a red fox ( see attached pic) After doing some Topo map reading the night before I decided to get on the trail about 9am. I plotted my route and stuck to it, getting to point 6620 just south of the cache location was a workout indeed about half an hour later I arrived at GZ and signed the log and replaced the original container with a more rodent proof one. Lunch consisted of protein bars, fruit, and hamburger leftovers that Mr. fox was interested earlier, all washed down with a special elixir if " Tahosa Juice" slightly south of gz. The views were just as splendid on the way back down as they were on ascension route. Thanks Denali41 for an awesome cache as well as a good workout!

Found it 10/26/2013 By casteelm6
good slog from the long direction, watch out for Yogi!

Found it 02/16/2013 By icezebra11
Woo Hoo! Another {FTF} on a quality Denali41 cache. It had been nearly 4 weeks since I went on a cache hike and boy am I feeling it. This 4 T really burned my legs and lungs. Now I need to be on the road to recovery. The ice on Seaman is about 4-5 inches thick and it's starting to have some small open water spots along shore in a few places. The ice route won't be available much longer if we don't get some cold weather. It was in the 50s today on this hike, only a long sleeve T-shirt and I still worked up a sweat. Retrieved the T-Rex bug and left my Be Prepared bug, this is it's first drop off point. I will be curious to see how long it hangs out here, probably a while. Thanks Steve!!!

This entry was edited by icezebra11 on Saturday, 16 February 2013 at 22:53:03 UTC.

Publish Listing 01/31/2013 By HighCountryAdmin
Published