COME JOIN Our mission as we gather together for Summer of CITO #2 in Prescott, AZ!: Focus on litter clean up, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cachers once again, yet giving a chance to "spread out", with the possibility of finding geocaches along the way. Terrain will vary depending on where you choose to go, but along the road itself is 1.5, depending on which section there could be more slope which would up the terrain (in addition for reference, cache pages list terrain ratings). At 7:45am to beat the heat, we will "social distance" meet and greet in the parking lot, give you a chance to check in, and then we will divide up (by choice) sections down Walker Rd. and throughout the Lynx Lake Recreation Area of the Prescott National Forest and be out for our mission.
What to bring/wear: Gloves, (if possible bright colors or safety vest), sunscreen, hats, WATER, snacks,trash-grabbers (or special stick with a pointy tip), geocaching TOTTs, GPS with a PQ of the area or offline list on your phone,hand sanitizer and/or wipes. I would suggest wearing hiking boots for the varying possibilities and for secure footing. Since we will be spread out in groups and not in a central spot you might want general first aid supplies, extra trash bags. Please leave space in your vehicle to bring the trash out of the area.
For safety of children, please leave the CITO work along the main Walker Rd. for those who are 18 or older. There are plenty of areas on trails around caches, near the lake, or by campgrounds and/or dispersed camping areas for families with kids to focus efforts.
Caching or Fun options AFTER the event- Plan ahead as there is a wide wide world of opportunity in Prescott! Puzzles, challenge caches, letterboxes, earthcaches, and many traditional caches are waiting to be found. ( A few adventure labs are in town if you haven't tried them yet!) You can plan for an entire day of adventure in the area after the event. Possibly spend some time down at Lynx Lake: Bring a fishing pole and chairs, or your own kayak (boat rentals currently closed due to COVID-19) or explore the new Hoot Owl Trail #745 on your ATV and geocache along the way! (Park at Seven Mile Gulch Trailhead just after mile marker 2). Or hike/bike trail 62 (with parking) for more geocaching options. The local Prescott cachers are friendly people and we can offer guidance if needed.
Parking possibilities- Most of the time we will be using free parking alongside Walker Rd. at various pullouts along the road (please only park cars at complete pullouts over the line for safety!) The Highland Center also has free parking. Seven Mile Gulch trailhead (there's a sign on the west side of the road around mile marker 2) also has free parking. If you go to the Lynx Lake north or south shores, you can use a National Park permit or purchase a day use permit for $5. There are enough free possibilities for miles up and down Walker Rd. though.
Restroom facilities are limited due to Forest Closures, but I believe there is an available porta potty currently at the North Shore of Lynx Lake. We are close enough to the main highway 69, that you can also find restrooms at a commercial location.
Photos- Please take pictures of fellow cachers with all of the Trash OUT and post it on our event page!
If you are not comfortable or if you are sick – please stay home.
I strongly suggest that we wear a mask or face cover if you have one and try to stay at least 6 feet away from each other (thinking of more when we gather at the start because naturally we will be 6 feet apart during the trash removal!)
I am trying to pick varying days of the week for the CITO events as some working friends have differing days off, this one will be a Thursday morning. My heart aches at all the trash that is everywhere, I have wanted to see if we can do our part as geocachers to help beautify our "playground" and continue this effort. Please keep watch for the weather as temps vary, and monsoon season shall be upon us.
An additional bonus: I believe this event will qualify you for the seasonal CITO souvenir. Hope to see you!