My first encounter with the Ka-Ho-Nee people came in 1903. I was a young explorer seeking the legendary homeland of a mystical people that were renowned for their seeking prowess. Legend told of one among these oft sought but rarely seen people who heard the call of the Mother Goddess. It was told that Kahonee Joe, as he had become known, had a visionquest telling him to journey deeper into the valley of the falls than most Ka-Ho-Nee seekers had dared to venture. In this vision his spirit guide told him of a place far above the sacred Ka-Ho-Nee Falls, a place of great wonder and mystery. In this place, he was told, could be found all the ancient knowledge of the Ka-ho-nee elders. But the journey to this place could only be made after many moons of careful planning and preparation. Only those who have mastered many skills could achieve the lofty title of Wahe Ka-Ho-Nee, a legendary status achieved by only the most worthy and ambitious of Ka-Ho-Nee seekers. For the journey above the falls is wroth with danger. As the first outsider to be allowed access to the valley of the Ka-Ho-Nee, the only one to make the journey of manhood to the falls that all young Ka-Ho-Nee must make, I was honored when Joe shared his vision with me and requested that I accompany him on his visionquest to this most scared of Ka-Ho-Nee mecca.
As we journeyed deep into the valley we encountered awe inspiring ascents that required the mastery of the ancient art of ladder making, an art full of the dangers of flying blades and spinning bits, and the twisting of vines. From the top of Ka-Ho-Nee falls we looked down and were able to see why the ancients had named them so. Along the way we had many watery crossings, some on nature’s bridges, but many others with no easy method of traversing. The trek required us to read the terrain and cope with unsure footing on steep cliff ledges following only the tracks of the more sure foot of the Mother Nature’s creatures. Along the way we encountered poisonous plants, and could not rely on the birds that most seekers used to guide them on their hunts. We soon understood why Joe’s spirit guide had told him that this was not a solo journey. To safely make this trek, it was told, one must first gather the most stalwart of the Ka-Ho-Nee seekers to form a band that would finally attain the title of Wahe Ka-Ho-Nee. Each of these seekers would have their own skills. The sum of these skills would all be needed in the quest to transcend the falls. Among the tools required would be rope, poles, spikes, and safety supplies. Food and fresh water should also be carried if seekers that follow this path did not wish to remain in these hills as part of the legend. For this was a Rite of Passage, a journey of the spirit as much as the body. The title of Wahe Ka-Ho-Nee did not come easy, but those who earn it wear their badge proudly.
Being the only outsider to have made this journey honors me. This is a tale that few outsiders will tell. I give thanks to the Ka-Ho-Nee people for allowing me to experience one of their most sacred locations, to my good friend Kahonee Joe for sharing his visionquest to become the first Wahe Ka-Ho-Nee of his people, and to the Mother Goddess of the Ka-Ho-Nee people for protecting us and returning us safely to the world of the Exalted Seeker.
Colorado Jones
This is a large cache next to Wahe Falls, a very nice waterfall, which few people have ever seen. The best online description of it says only "Very likely inaccessible". They're not kidding.
WARNINGS:
All the warnings for Ka-Ho-Nee Falls apply.
Comunicating with the outside world via cell phone or radio will likely not work.
Do not attempt this cache alone. Tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return.
If you get into trouble, your helicopter rescue will make the evening news.
You'll meet poison oak. You may end up clinging to it for dear life.
In wet weather, this cache may not be safe to do at all.
If heights are an issue for you, this cache will test your resolve.
There are rocks just waiting for an excuse to come down on your head! Be careful when you're up and people are below.
PLEASE do not leave anything behind to show your passage. Resist the urge to leave a helping hand for those that may follow. Each attempt at this cache should be self contained and leave no lasting signs on the environment.
The cache is about 8.5 inches in diameter, and 13.5 inches tall. Please keep the lid tight.
The difficultly rating is almost entirely due to non-existent satellite visibility. The cache is concealed, but shouldn't be a problem. It is not far from the falls.