Wet Maze Outing

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:32 pm

Just wondering how many cachers would be interested in doing "Wet Maze" (GCB9A8), hidden just over 7 years ago, in the Eldorado Marsh, west of Fond du Lac.

Tentative date would be Saturday, January 16th at 1:00. Linda and I will provide hot chocolate after the walk to GZ. Boots should be sufficient, but you can bring snow shoes.

You can cache before and after, if you like, but 1:00 should give a few cachers some driving time. If we park at the church, it would take about 90 minutes round trip...less if the DNR parking area is accessible.

Post if interested!

WGA Member Joined: 2007-11-26 Posts: 3258

Depends...what'll be in the hot chocolate?

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:16 pm

Miniature marshmallows! wink

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:26 am

If the weather and driving conditions are favorable, we'd like to do this.

Joined: 2009-06-08 Posts: 199 Location: Williston, ND

We would love to go along with you guys on this one, but we will be out of town. Make sure you all step heavily and leave a nice trail for us to follow when we get home!!

Have fun!

Joined: 2009-06-08 Posts: 199 Location: Williston, ND

Upon review, I thought I could go, but I still will not be able to go. I will check out the parking area today to see how close you guys will be able to get.

Joined: 2009-06-08 Posts: 199 Location: Williston, ND

I checked it out, and school road is totally snowed in, with a "road closed in winter" sign. If you have a capable 4wd, you could get in, I was able to. It was very tempting to go back to get the plow truck to help you guys out, but I am sure the DNR would frown upon that.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-11-26 Posts: 3258

That adds a wee bit to the walk. I am not taking the Sebring in the snow this season. Embarassed

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:02 am

Will check the personal calendar tonight. Sounds like fun.

Any worries that the upcoming daytime highs will be hovering around 32 and sunny that it might cause ice issues? Reading the logs back we see issues with Ice during all winter months so I guess it's to be expected in the marsh there. Since you've visited on more than one occasion Jim you would probably be able to give a prediction? wink

I'm no stranger to breaking through the ice in the winter while caching... or fishing. I prefer not to swim in the winter but a wet leg or foot is no big deal.

Extended 10 day on TWC calls for No Snow and a high around 30 on Saturday. Good weather for caching as you'll stay pretty warm on that hike by the sounds of it.

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:30 am

I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY have to check with the wife first but I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY I'M READY

WGA Member Joined: 2007-11-26 Posts: 3258

In all seriousness I am "out" for this one. Weekends are family time and if we go caching it has to be reasonably family friendly...though the kids do like snowshoeing...and I've taken them through some real crap already...but I am afraid to even mention this idea to the better half!!!!

You wanna go WHERE???? Shocked

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:44 am

Did ya tell her about the hot coco w/ mini mashmellos? I would think that be the deal maker!

WGA Member Joined: 2007-11-26 Posts: 3258

cheezehead wrote:

Did ya tell her about the hot coco w/ mini mashmellos? I would think that be the deal maker!

Only if she drops me off and drives over to the outlet mall for 2 hours...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:06 pm

I buzzed past School Road this morning, too. The "Road Closed in Winter" sign is interesting, since there are always wheel tracks in the snow.
But parking at the church, and walking in the wheel tracks, should be fairly easy! Straight shot to the parking area.
Walking on the frozen weaterway is the best route, as it takes you to within .15 miles of GZ. Last year, I skirted 2 open holes, but they were just breathing holes for otters or muskrats. It would take about 3 days of 40 degree weather to make it iffy. The variable is how high was the water level when it froze? The DNR usually lowers the level for deer hunting, and doesn't raise it again until the thaw.

So, honestly, I'm not expecting any wet feet (but bring some dry footwear, in case I'm all wet!). I also think that kids would enjoy this level walk. I did read gotta run's log from late summer, but I would never try this one in warm monthes...not because of the water, but the MUCK that is under the water!

Hey, 44 smilies in 7 years; it must be a bit of a challenge! And it is closer than the shore of Lake Superior, although I would love to go there in March. After the Packers lost, and there were no Events for next weekend, I thought, "Why not"?

If we can't get to the cache, it will be interesting how many DNFs get posted. But I seriously anticipate SUCCESS.

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:14 pm

Is BakRdz bringing "Roosevelt"?