GC9VZ53 North Douglas Creek
Type: Multi | Size: Micro | Difficulty: | Terrain:
By: MikeyMoore @ | Hide Date: 06/12/2022 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N38° 53.806 W104° 50.712 | Last updated: 07/07/2022 | Fav points: 0
                     

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Please read the warnings at the end of this page before attempting to find this cache!  This cache is not for everyone!

This challenging 3-stage multicache will take you on a tour of part of North Douglas Creek, which begins in the foothills near Pikeview Quarry, and flows southeast into Monument Creek.  It is a concrete-lined creek, known locally as "The Ditch".  It is often completely dry; however, after the Waldo Canyon Fire, it has been known to rage during a flash flood.  During such an event it can run dangerously swift and deep, so you do not want to be near The Ditch when rain is even in the forecast.

Stage 1 (at the posted coordinates) is particularly challenging.  Even when most of the creek is dry, there is often a small amount of water flowing at this location, and the ground can be very slimey and slippery.  In addition, the creek "wall" is pretty steep, and it can be harder to climb out than to climb in.  Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to make an attempt.  Access to Stage 1 is from the north side of Garden of the Gods Rd. only (the south side is completely fenced off).

At the posted coordinates you will find information to lead you to Stage 2.  Stage 2 is located at N38° 55.??? W 104° 52.??? (the hint will tell you the rest of the coordinates).

At Stage 2 you will find another hint which will lead you to the Final.  The Final is located at N38° 55.??? W 104° 52.??? (the hint will tell you the rest of the coordinates).  The Final contains nothing but a log.  Bring your own pen, and perhaps some tweezers.

You could easily ride your bike between all the stages, but would have to park the bike and walk the last part to each stage.

Beautiful North Douglas Creek

Warnings (Please Read These!)

• This cache should only be attempted on a dry day.  If rain is at all likely, or if the creek is running wet from previous rain or snow, save this for another day!  The creek is subject to dangerous flash flooding.
• Likewise, if there is ice in the creek, stay away -- wait for it to melt and dry.
• Stage 1 (at the Posted Coordinates) can be tricky to exit.  Make sure you have a plan for climbing back out with wet boots.
• Be prepared for slimey, slippery conditions.  Falling in such conditions would not be pleasant.
• Make sure you look at the cache attributes, otherwise you might not have everything you need.
• None of the stages require walking into the road.
• Do not park in the bike lane!  You will be able to find nearby parking for all stages, but you may have to take a short walk.

Still feel like going for it after all those warnings?  A small log awaits your signature!

Congrats to R&B CO for FTF!

Additional Waypoints

029VZ53 - Stage 2
N/S __ ° __ . ___ W/E ___ ° __ . ___

FN9VZ53 - Final Location
N/S __ ° __ . ___ W/E ___ ° __ . ___

06/29/2022 By Rob14erGuy
Stage 1 certainly is slippery! No matter how slow and careful you walk through that shallow water, you will slip! I looked at some numbers for awhile but figured it just couldn't be the right ones. Went a little closer to the coordinates and spotted the correct ones!
Got to stage 2 and spotted it before I even stopped walking! Love it when that happens!
Spent some time at stage 3, looking in lots of usual places before I had the idea, maybe it's there!!! Sure enough, found the final and signed the log.
I really find it interesting mapping waterways and thinking about the engineering in drainage through residential area. Thanks for this nicely done multi!

06/15/2022 By ernie66
I was booked with zoom meetings from 6am - 2pm. Working for a global company has its drawbacks. If the meeting involves India, it’s usually either 6am or 6pm . I declined my “optional” 1-2pm meeting with the note “meeting overload” and went caching!

Stage 1 was great fun. I checked both sides hoping one would be easier but they are equally steep. I devised a plan in case my “ultra-grip” Teva soles couldn’t manage the exit. So in I slid - committed now!

An inch of slimy water made the wet creek bottom ultra-slippery even with “ultra-grip”. Barefoot didn’t help with traction at all! Maybe microspikes? I slipped a few times but didn’t fall. It turns out there was no need for any concern today, though -- once I found the clue, “ultra-grip” did the job to exit the creek.

Stage 2 and the final both took… well… they seemed to take a long time but were probably more like 10 minutes.

Definite favorite here!! Would have left a TB but none of the ones I had with me would fit . TFTC!

06/15/2022 By R&B CO
FTF Saw this publish yesterday and when still unfound this morning I headed over. No problems at stage 1 but needed a nudge from CO at 2 - too many options! Happy to see blank log at final. Great excuse to get out early while it’s cool. Thanks MikeyMoore for your help and a fun new multi. Well done. Awarding favorite point

06/14/2022 By IgnotusPeverell
Published