A day trip to Port Washignton, WI, located north of Milwaukee on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2012 - Port Washington, WI Downtown Port Washington, WI Downtown Port Washington, WI

2012 - Port Washington, WI The water front at Port Washington, WI The water front at Port Washington, WI

2012 - Port Washington, WI Memorial to those lost at sea (Lake Michigan) Memorial to those lost at sea (Lake Michigan)

In an attempt to score the geocache Happy New Year, guardrail10 (GC38K4R) by Bobcam, an accumulation of two hours worth of conventional searching proved fruitless.  During the search for the cache, I discovered a few things in the area that were possibilities.  Perhaps the theory I was developing was a stretch but it seemed like it had potential.

The theory is that the geocache was hidden within the storm drain that is buried just a few feet from the listed coordinates.  The signs of the drain are subtle but they are there.  We made our way down to the river bank and scouted for the opening.  We waffled a bit but then our team decided to go for it.  We explored our way the entire half mile to what we believed to be GZ.  We were able to find our way by known landmarks (manholes and storm grates).  We searched a bit and came up empty.  I was SURE the cache would be located here but no Happy Dance for us today.  While I doubt I'll make it back into the drain, I am still convinced that my theory is plausible and that we just missed the hide.

WARNING  I am not sure of the legalities of entering storm drains.  Regardless, I do not recommend going into drains and you enter them at your own risk, especially when precipitation is imminent.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Track log dump from the GPS Track log dump from the GPS	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Draining to the Mississippi Draining to the Mississippi	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration The portal to geocache? The portal to geocache?
2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration The way out The way out	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration The right went unexplored, the left goes all the way to 19th Street The right went unexplored, the left goes all the way to 19th Street	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Looking up at manhole #2 (see map) Looking up at manhole #2 (see map)
2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Dan leading the way Dan leading the way	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Norvina beating tunnel rats with her stick Norvina beating tunnel rats with her stick	2012 - Extreme Geocaching or Urban Exploration Bart attempting to keep the walls from closing in Bart attempting to keep the walls from closing in

Today I set out on adventure with fellow geocachers Doublemoose and Geobex.  We were attempting to be the first to find on a brand new, water accessible only, 4.5/5 rated geocache called River Cache: Pickled Lilies (GC37YDE).  The geocache was hidden on Pickerel Lake, located in Lilydale, MN.  This was no ordinary paddle.

I've paddled lakes. I've paddled rivers. I've paddle into caves.  Paddled the BWCAW.  Paddled the dangerous swells of Lake Superior in May right after ice-out.  I've even paddled through barge traffic on the Mississippi.  But today is the first time I've actually paddled through ice.  Besides the effort of plowing through the ice like a Great Lakes Ice Breaker, it was very precarious trying to keep the boat off the ice and into the water.  We prevailed and came home alive.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Preparing for the voyage Preparing for the voyage	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Launching the boat Launching the boat	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Chopping ice to get us started Chopping ice to get us started
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Onward through the sheet of ice Onward through the sheet of ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling and chopping through the ice Paddling and chopping through the ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling and chopping through the ice Paddling and chopping through the ice
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling and chopping through the ice Paddling and chopping through the ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling and chopping through the ice Paddling and chopping through the ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Almost to open water Almost to open water
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN We made it to open water We made it to open water	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice Paddling through open water to the next sheet of ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Back into the ice, thicker than ever Back into the ice, thicker than ever
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Making our way to the geocache Making our way to the geocache	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Our trail through the ice Our trail through the ice	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Our ice trail Our ice trail
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Approaching the geocache Approaching the geocache	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Doublemoose scores the find Doublemoose scores the find	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Bart presenting the geocache Bart presenting the geocache
2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Doublemoose pulls in the geocache Doublemoose pulls in the geocache	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN We scored the find and were first to find as well We scored the find and were first to find as well	2011 - Paddling a Frozen Pickerel Lake, Lilydale, MN Our trail through the icy landscape, St. Paul in the background Our trail through the icy landscape, St. Paul in the background

Today was the last official paddling run for me on the Cannon River system.  It included about a 2 mile paddle to explore the sea caves on Byllesby Lake.  Normally, most of these pothole-like caves are under water but the low river levels allowed for a closer inspection.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

 

2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves
2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves	2011 - A Look Inside the Byllesby Lake Sea Caves

Today following Minnesota's 2nd Annual BWCAW Geocaching Event near the end of the Gunflint Trail, Molly and I hiked the Magnetic Lake Trail to the earthcache Magnetic Rock (GC2EW2H).  The round trip distance was 3.3 miles and took 2 hours and 6 minutes, which included about a 30 minute break.  Average hiking speed was 2 MPH.  The elevation reading at the lowest point was 1607', the highest point was 1825', for a total elevation change of 218'.  Observations during the hike indicated that this immediate area was still recovering from a forest fire which took place back in spring of 2007.  There was no evidence from the blow down in 2000 though I am not sure if this area was spared or if the forest fire cleaned up most of the debris.  Blueberries were in full bloom and in about a month, berries will be abundant.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness The trail to Magnetic Rock The trail to Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness On the trail to Magnetic Rock On the trail to Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Recovery from the 2007 Ham Lake fire Recovery from the 2007 Ham Lake fire
2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness A very bare wilderness A very bare wilderness	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Geological formation overlooking a marsh Geological formation overlooking a marsh	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness The trail to Magnetic Rock The trail to Magnetic Rock
2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Geology on the way to Magnetic Rock Geology on the way to Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Geology on the way to Magnetic Rock Geology on the way to Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Look at the boulder carefully, looks like a plump dog with its back to you Look at the boulder carefully, looks like a plump dog with its back to you
2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Molly on the way to Magnetic Rock Molly on the way to Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Approaching Magnetic Rock Approaching Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Approaching Magnetic Rock Approaching Magnetic Rock
2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness A lot bigger than it appears from a distance A lot bigger than it appears from a distance	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Our entire caching gang Our entire caching gang	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Bart and Molly at Magnetic Rock Bart and Molly at Magnetic Rock
2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Bart and Molly at Magnetic Rock Bart and Molly at Magnetic Rock	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Look at this geological formation very carefully and then explain to me its origins Look at this geological formation very carefully and then explain to me its origins	2011 - Magnetic Rock, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness The top of Magnetic Rock The top of Magnetic Rock

Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event was held today, Saturday, August 21st, 2010.  It's been such a fun experience the last two years that we just had to plan the third annual.  Like the two previous events, it will be held in Dakota County's Miesville Ravine Park Preserve, located about four miles south of Miesville and six miles northeast of Cannon Falls.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Bowersm on the river.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Some of our event crew getting outfitted.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Thegilby4 coming out from the channel finding a geocache.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Jam of Zoejam72 showing off his boat.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Headed down the Cannon River.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Troyml in his inflatable kayak.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event The flotilla headed down the river.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Headed down the river.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Headed down the river.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A quick stop on Kid Island.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A quick stop on Kid Island.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A quick stop on Kid Island.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Headed around the bend on the river.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Paddling past the bend.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Geocaching at Cotton Picking Goodness.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Geocaching at a Secret Grotto.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view up river.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A self portrait on the Cannon River.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Watching our caching team from a distance.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Thegilby4 checking his email.	Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Paddling through the storm debris.
Minnesota's 3rd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event The finish line is in sight.

With my visit to Gooseberry Falls State Park, I've officially completed the Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari.  The adventure, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is a three year program to help introduce park visitors to geocaching.  Each of Minnesota's 72 state parks has its own collectible trading card depicting a critter that is significant to the area each park resides.  Trading cards are collected by finding and logging the geocache within each state park.  Collect all 72 cards and you are among a very distinct group that has had the privilege to visit every corner of Minnesota.  The program is scheduled to run from May 2nd, 2009 through May 2nd, 2012.

My adventure started on opening day of the program, May 2nd, 2009 when the state park system held an event at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park to introduce the new three year program.  Since I had completed the 2008 Minnesota State Parks Geocaching History Challenge the year before, I had no interest in visiting all of Minnesota's 72 state parks a second time.  It did not take long for me to get absorbed into the program and within one year's time, I had completed the challenge.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Mille Lacs Kathio State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Crow Wing State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Charles A. Lindberg State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Father Hennepin State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Sakatah Lake State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Rice Lake State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Myre-Big Island State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Louise State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Carlos State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Glendalough State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Maplewood State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Buffalo River State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Red River State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Old Mill State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Bronson State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Hayes Lake State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Franz Jevne State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Moose Lake State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Banning State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Fort Ridgely State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Flandrau State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Minneopa State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Wild River State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Interstate State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed St. Croix River Boom Site State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed William O'Brien State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Kilen Woods State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Shetek State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Split Rock Creek State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Blue Mounds State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Carley State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Whitewater State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Beaver Creek Valley State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Great River Bluffs State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed John A. Latsch State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Frontenac State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Afton State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Fort Snelling State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Camden State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Upper Sioux Agency State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lac Qui Parle State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Big Stone Lake State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Glacial Lakes State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Maria State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Sibley State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Monson Lake State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Savanna Portage State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Schoolcraft State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Hill Annex Mine State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Scenic State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed McCarthy Beach State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Soudan Underground Mine State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Bear Head Lake State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed St. Croix State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Itasca State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Lake Bemidji State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Zippel Bay State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Garden Island State Recreation Area	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Big Bog State Recreation Area
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Jay Cooke State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Split Rock Lighthouse State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Cascade River State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Grand Portage State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Judge Magney State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Temperance River State Park
2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed George H. Crosby Manitou State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Tetteguche State Park	2010 - Minnesota State Parks Geocaching Wildlife Safari Completed Gooseberry Falls State Park

During my visit to Minnesota's north shore over the Memorial Day weekend, I hosted and attended Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event (GC23RM5).  Following the event, all of us event attendees day-tripped into the wilderness for a gruelling but adventurous ride.

The first leg of our adventure was to visit the virtual geocache Mystical Dolmen Rock (GC587F).  We departed Sawbill Landing at 8:05AM. We arrived at the dolmen rock at 10:00AM.  We spent about 30 minutes at the rock exploring, socializing, snacking and taking photographs.  We departed the rock at 10:30AM and arrived back at Sawbill Landing at 12:40PM.  Total distance paddled on this leg was 5 miles each direction for a total of 10 miles. Total time paddling was 4 hours and 10 minutes.  Our average paddling speed was a little over 2 mph.

The second leg of the journey was to visit the virtual geocache Kelly-Jack (GC2878).  We drove from the Sawbill Landing to the Baker Landing and arrived at 1:55PM.  After getting our gear unloaded and prepared, we started paddling about 2:15PM.  We arrived at the portage between Kelly and Jack lakes at 3:40PM, which is where the hike in to Kelly-Jack begins.  In all, we spent 40 minutes hiking to Kelly-Jack, exploring, taking pictures, and returning to our boats.  We departed the portage at 4:20PM.  We arrived back at Baker Landing at 6:15PM. Total distance paddled on this leg was 3.9 miles each direction for a total of 7.8 miles. Total paddling time was 3 hours and 20 minutes.  Paddling to Kelly-Jack our average speed was 3 mph and paddling back was a slower 2 mph as a headwind had picked up from the south.   The total distance paddled today was 17.8 miles.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Our boats parked at Sawbill Landing awaiting departure.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Group photograph of event attendees.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Norvina smiling not realizing the gruelling paddle ahead.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view from Bart's boat.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Entering the actual BWCA Wilderness.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Norvina coming down the first portage.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Aix sponsa at the first portage preparing her boat.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view of Kelso Lake.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view of the lilies on Kelso Lake.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Another view of Kelso Lake.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event The gorgeous view at Kelso Lake.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event More Kelso Lake beauty.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Approaching the mystical dolmen rock.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event The mystical dolmen rock balancing on all threes.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Another angle of the dolmen rock.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A group picture at the mystical dolmen rock.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Another angle of our group at the mystical dolmen rock.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Our boats parked on shore beside the dolmen rock.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Norvina on the rock.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Bflentje and Norvina on the dolmen rock.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Closeup of Bflentje and Norvina on the rock.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Bflentje imitating but not replacing Doublemoose as the Thinker.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Glacial erratic on Kelso Lake.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A closeup view of glacial erratic on Kelso Lake.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Evidence of the 1999 straight line winds in the BWCA.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Damage from the 1999 blowdown in the wilderness.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Unbelievable damage from the 1999 storm.. that was 11 years ago.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event More damage from the July 4th, 1999 storm.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A sheet of ice inside of the Kelly-Jack mining cave.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view looking out of the Kelly-Jack cave.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Another view looking out of the Kelly-Jack cave.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event And another view looking out of the Kelly-Jack cave.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A group photograph at the Kelly-Jack cave.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event We made it to our second destination.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Norvina stretching or holding up the cave?	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event Bflentje outside of the Kelly-Jack cave.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event The entrance to the Kelly-Jack cave.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view of Jack Lake from the portage.	Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view of the portage from Kelly Lake to Jack Lake.
Minnesota's BWCA Canoe-in Geocaching Event The final group photograph after having completed the entire journey.

I was down in the Caledonia, MN area while turkey hunting and decided to explore Beaver Creek Valley State Park.  This gorgeous state park is located within the Root River Watershed which over time has created a geological wonder.  The area is surrounded by steep bluffs, outcroppings, ravines, underground springs, and in some places, open caverns.  I managed to hike the entire Hiking Club route today and it was the perfect spring day for it.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park Entrance to Beaver Creek Valley (picture taken 06-19-2009) Entrance to Beaver Creek Valley (picture taken 06-19-2009)	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The suspension bridge leading into the forest The suspension bridge leading into the forest	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The creek running through the bluffs The creek running through the bluffs
2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The creek running through the bluffs The creek running through the bluffs	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The creek running through the bluffs The creek running through the bluffs	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park Looking down towards the ravine Looking down towards the ravine
2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The trail through the bottom of the bluffs The trail through the bottom of the bluffs	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The trail through the bottom of the bluffs The trail through the bottom of the bluffs	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park A sea of Wood Anemones A sea of Wood Anemones
2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The bridge ruins at the northern most end of the park The bridge ruins at the northern most end of the park	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The Hiking Club password marker near the bridge ruins The Hiking Club password marker near the bridge ruins	2010 - Beaver Creek Valley State Park The Hiking Club password The Hiking Club password

Last year I hosted Minnesota's First Ever Canoe-in Geocaching Event.  It was such a success that this year, on Saturday August 22nd, 2009, I hosted Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event.  The venue was the same this year and was held on the beautiful Cannon River.  We dropped our boats in at the Cannon Falls landing and paddled to the landing at Miesville Ravine Park Reserve.  Paddling geocachers had fifteen geocaches, eight of which were new, to find along the 6.5 mile journey.  Festivities following the run down the river included a picnic and social hour.  A new addition to the event this year was the sweet corn feed, of which everyone seemed to enjoy.

I do not have a precise head count of event attendees but there were 43 RSVPs, 38 geocachers logged the event electronically, 54 individuals signed the paper log, and the shuttle bus was standing room only.  The event was attended by some geocaching legends, a handful of fresh, new, geocachers, and every level in between.  It was difficult to get a boat count this year but I do have confirmation that the Cannon Falls Canoe Rental shop ran out of canoes and had to place inexperienced paddlers in kayaks.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Gathering at the top of the river.	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Who's riding with who?	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event My paddling companions, my little Laura and friend Ryan.
Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A geocache stop along the river.	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Landing near geocache Cotton Picking Goodness.	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Paddling down the lazy river.
Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event Relaxing after the long paddle.	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event A view of the picnic.	Minnesota's 2nd Annual Canoe-in Geocaching Event The attendance log.