As a cryptozoologist, you’ve been ‘squatch hunting for years. You’ve finally been able to make it to the deep woods of Mount Rainier in Washington, where the air is as thick with lore and stories as it is with mosquitoes in the summers. Washington State has more Sasquatch sightings than any other state or province in North America, so it was high time you made the trek, like so many before you.
After coming up empty a little further south in Skamania county (where, incidentally, it is illegal to hunt Sasquatch), you make your way here, where the locals all know someone who has seen or heard something they suspect to be a Sasquatch, if not seen one for themselves. You’ve had a full day collaborating with local experts, checking out the sites, and now you're dining at a nearby hangout, reviewing your notes:
Sasquatch 101:
- Apes referred to as Bigfoot or Sasquatch, rooted from the Salish term “saskehavas,” have been sighted by white people since 1811. Many Native American and First Nation stories include characters that fit the present-day description of Sasquatch.
- Sasquatch are thought to be large primates with black, grey, brown, red, or white hair. They have a 35-year life span and can be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet tall.
- Sasquatch are predominately nocturnal omnivores.
- One thing that most sightings have in common, regardless of location, is a foul smell surrounding the area.
- Most Sasquatch are observed walking with a smooth stride, often described as cross-country skiing.
- Global organizations have accumulated dedicated researchers to gather evidence to prove the existence of Sasquatch.
The Cache
WP1
At the posted coordinates, you’ll learn how Sasquatch like to travel. How many Sasquatch are at these coordinates? Let this number equal A.
WP2
At the second waypoint (Stage 2), you’ll discover a favorite food item of Sasquatch in the spring, and their favorite transportation method in the winter. What item is this Sasquatch holding? Let the number of letters in that word equal B.
The cache can be found near a recent sighting at N 47º 08.9A9 W 121º 3B.6BA
(Checksum: A+B=9)
As you're enjoying your meal, you get a tip from a local about the recent sighting at a nearby park. The locals call it Dean Kell Park, but as you look for it on the map, the kind stranger stops you. “It’s not an official park,” he says, “but it’s what we call it 'cos Dean Kell logged the land, even though he’s dead and gone.”
Armed with this information, you're hot on the trail. Hop in your car from here – please do not walk along the busy highway.
Approach ground zero from Highway 410, heading south just beyond the center of Greenwater. The parking coordinates have space for a few cars on this DNR land. As you approach, make sure to notice the large stumps scattered around – perhaps logged by Dean Kell himself.
Think that all this Big Foot stuff is mumbo jumbo? Something for people with too much time on their hands? Just remember:
Works Cited
Bigfoot Encounters. (n.d.). Skamania County, Washington State Bigfoot Ordinance, No. 69-01. Retrieved from Bigfoot Encounters: http://www.bigfootencounters.com/articles/skamania-ordinance.htm
Coleman, L. (2011, January 28). Cryptomundo. Retrieved from Bigfoot, Not Bigfeet! Nor Bigfoots! Nor Sasquatches!: http://cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/no-bigfeet/
Modern Notion. (2014, October 27). Life. (J. Hrala, Editor) Retrieved from Modern Notion: http://modernnotion.com/dont-shoot-bigfoot-in-washington-its-homicide/
Pyle, R. M. (1995). Where Bigfoot Walks; Crossing the Dark Divide. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
The Bigfoot Field Research Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bfro.net
Zazzle. (2016). Retrieved from Believe Bigfoot Posters: http://www.zazzle.com/believe+bigfoot+posters
2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and to celebrate, Visit Rainier and WSGA hosted the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - 100 caches placed in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The geocaches highlighted the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Rainier region. Participants received geocoin and pathtag prizes for finding all the caches.
