Two days ago I headed to an anticipated first find of the new Bacon Cache in Squaw Peak Park in Phoenix placed by General Ursus. At a point about .14 miles from its location the trail changed to an unsigned, unnumbered route that caused me to hesitate. A few years ago I'd been embarrassed in front of a crowd when a SPP ranger yelled at me over his car speaker to get my bottom down from a location he thought was not correct. I suppose I was left with a greater than average consciousness of trail legality. Not a bad thing generally.
The General and I were not getting identical reports from officials about whether open but unsigned trails were legal. After exchanging a couple brief e-mails and his consequent asking on this listserv for the opinions of others regarding this placement, I decided that the trail might be alright after all, so made a second try this morning. Thanks to Highpointer and RTW for their responses, allowing me to get this one guilt free. The route, although maybe not as "official" as others in the area, appears to be used regularly and I'll now consider it OK unless I hear otherwise. I still made a first find, even though this has been in place for ten days.
The trail issue aside, I have to report that this is an excellent cache. It's a beautiful location, well hidden, requiring absolutely no searching in off route areas. Even the container is nicely constructed. Wear your hiking boots and be prepared for some loose slopes. If you like caches that require a bit of exercise and have outstanding views, you're bound to enjoy this.
The General made a good first hide. Thank you, SIR! (salute :o) )
Jerry
Offtrail
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