Geocaching in Gatineau Park
May 10, 2008
Every year we say we're going to tackle some of the Gatineau park geocaches and yet we never seem to make it there. So this year we decided to beat the bugs and head out for a hike after Sam's swim class. Our plan was to do the Lauriault Trail and pick up any caches along that trail including a very interesting sounding "Caving 101" cache. We packed a lunch and some caving gear for Sam and headed off. It was a perfect time to see the spring wildflowers and every corner we rounded we were greeted with the sight of wild leek, trilliums, bell worts, etc. The waterfall was beautiful and we had a great picnic lunch there. With many trees still just budding the bushwhacking was also a little easier and Sam's hiking pace and endurance have really progressed. In the end Samantha hiked the entire 7km by herself.
The cave treasure was an extra special treat. Samantha (a.k.a. Little Blue) became a little spelunker as she donned her turtle helmet and set forth with her super cool rooster flashlight clucking and crowing every time she pushed its tail for the light. There was no fear at all as she followed poppa into the cave and discovered a bat (later named 'bah-teh'). She quickly helped find the cache and insisted on bringing it out to momma and her brother. And of course she was just as eager to make a second journey into the cave to put back the cache.
On our drive we saw... an eastern wolf or a coyote?
First treasure found!
A hermit thrush
Momma, can I take this one for my rock collection?
Pretty spring leaves.
Samantha enjoying the trilliums.
Christopher is having fun too.
Sam reaches in...
... and there's the treasure!
Mmmm, wild leek!
A red trillium.
A tight squeeze.
Bellwort, dutchman's britches, wild ginger and rose twisted stalk.
Trillium over beech leaves.
Morel mushroom.
Christopher enjoying the fresh air... and his thumb.
Poppa, wipe that silly grin off your face, the cache is flying right at your head!
Rubby feeding Christopher lunch.
Mmmm, food!
Samantha enjoying her sandwich.
The 'tickle plant'.
Samantha collects the bridge toll from Rubby.
Is this the cave?
Rubby and Christopher on a log bridge.
Mommy look! It's a 'tungle!'
Hey, who's that hiding in a tree?!
Peekaboo!
Wait a second, there's a treasure under there!
Mulvihill lake.
Little Blue is ready with her turtle helmet and rooster flashlight.
rockhopper and Little Blue head into the cave.
'bah-teh' the bat.
This is so cool!
Mommy's turn.
That was fun... can we do it again?!