Thin air, great view

The cache was missing. Quinn and I went up to check on the condition of a geocache I had hidden up in the mountains and to replace it if it was gone. I replaced the ammo can with another one, but this time with less goodies (in case it got stolen again). After replacing the cache we took our time to enjoy the view and decompress.

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The area had changed quite a bit since when we lived up there. After the firestorms in October of 2003 the forestry department department decided to create a fire break which I heard was to stretch for about 40 miles. This meant that many trees in a line were to be felled in order to create a void of fuel where firefighters have a better chance of controlling a massive blaze. Although it makes sense, it was a little disheartening to see the area after this was done.

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We started to go after more geocaches, but at a very casual pace. One of them brought us back to a hang glider launch point. The view from up here is very nice, allowing one to look over the entire Inland Empire. It was slightly hazy, looking from above, but not smoggy as I remember it being many times before.

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The next geocache we sought was called GONE FISHIN. We had attempted to find this one over 18 months ago, but gave up on it. Being more seasoned in the art of geocaching, we found this one right away - and without the GPS. After signing the log and rehiding it, we went on a relaxing walk along the trail that goes around Lake Gregory. It was nice to think back to when we were teenagers and how it felt to live up there.

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We then went in search of another cache, but it eluded us. Maybe it was gone. Not being in any rush or under pressure to find a lot of caches, we decided to call it quits for the day and to head back home. Not paying attention, we ended up on the wrong road and found a nice spot to hide another cache. Due to the fact it was next to a small wash and all the wood showed many signs of woodpecker activity, we dubbed this new cache Woodpecker Wash.

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While trying to hide the cache, a motorcycle came into view down the road, so I acted as though I was just taking a leak. After it passed, I looked back and saw Quinn looking at me. Suddenly he realized what he must have looked like to the motorcyclist, he joked, "Yep, I'm just standing here watching my buddy take a leak!"

This entry was brought to you by our friend Smokey the Bear,
who reminds us that "Only you can prevent wildfires."