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Mike's 50th series LbNA #18927

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Oct 26, 2005
Location:
City:Cascade Locks
County:Multnomah
State:Oregon
Boxes:4
Planted by:Logos
Found by: The Beachbucks (2)
Last found:Sep 4, 2006
Status:FFFFFFFa
Last edited:Oct 26, 2005
6/24/06 update: We braved the heat to replace the missing boxes today. I ended up moving the existing ones around a bit, so the clues for all four boxes are different. If you haven't found box #1 or box #3, they're worth the trip back out there. (They were the cool ones)

***

I carved this series of stamps to honor the 50th birthday of a good friend, who also happens to be a former ice dancing partner. In addition to being a figure skating judge, formerly competitive ice dancer, and Monty Python aficionado, Mike is an avid hiker.

Since my partners in letterboxing are 8, 5, and 3 years old, we had to choose an easy hike to place these boxes. We picked the Wahclella Falls trail, located off I-84's Exit 40. To find the trailhead coming from the West, turn right off exit 40 (Bonneville Fish Hatchery), then take another immediate right. Follow the road to the Wahclella Trailhead. My trail guide says this is a heavily used trail, so take care not to be observed with the letterboxes.

*WARNINGS* 1) There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead, so go before you go! 2) There is, however, poison oak in abundance, so make sure you know what to look for.

The hike is an easy 2-mile round-trip. When we were there (October), salmon were spawning in Wahclella creek. We saw easily dozens of them leaping up falls, chasing around pools, and just hanging out. It was pretty amazing!

Box 1: "It's a Gumby!" **Replaced, 6/24/06

This box is in the spot where box #2 used to be. Hike until you reach the dam. There is a wide clearing in the trail across the trail from the fish ladder. On the far edge of the open spot, look for a HUGE stump on your left. Under the stump, find a moss-covered fallen log at approximately 75 degrees magnetic. Look underneath for the box, hidden carefully under some rocks.

Box 2: "Sk8r Boi" **New location, 6/24/06

At the foot of the stairs is an elf grotto. You'll find box #2 under an elf cairn, guarded by swords. Re-hide this one well, if you would.

Box 3: "Dancin' Fool" **Replaced 6/24/06

Veer right. Just across the footbridge is a tall, hollow, splintered snag on the right. Stop and look for the maple on the left with a hollow, huckleberry-hosting stump underneath. Dancin' Fool is hidden well back under the stump, behind rocks and bark.

Box 4: "Perfect 5.0" **New location, 6/24/06

Those of you familiar with figure skating may be aware of the recent, unfortunate demise of the old 6.0 judging system. This box was named with that in mind…

After Dancin’ Fool, follow the trail to the falls. Cross the long bridge at the falls. Curve sharply around and up, watching for the large cedar. At its base is a nice, flat slab of granite perfect for sitting and watching the falls. Deeply underneath, hidden under many, many rocks, is the box.

That’s it. You can just continue up the trail – it connects at the fork and takes you back to the trailhead. We hope you enjoy the boxes! Comments or questions to Logos at tamaialden@yahoo.com.

Planted by Logos, Miss Kitty, Snuggle Bunny, and Tractor Boy.