Went for a hike arround Cougar Mountain to located some geocaches. I started at 9 am on a cold morning. The trails started with very few people but by noon there were a quite a few. My first three geocaches took me over an hour to find. I started a few years ago but never really dedicated much time to the activity, hence why I am not very good at locating them. The pace at me finding caches increased throughout the journey. By the end of the day I much quicker finding them. My new system to navigate and locating the geocaches was a success. I got more proficient with the system and the process became quicker to implement through time. The system consists of some software on an old cell phone that is no longer in use. All the geocaches (including hints, descriptions, and logs) in the area are cached on the phone for offline use. I can use the built in GPS but choose a dedicated GPS to navigate. In addition I carry a SatCom that transmit my location every 10 minutes, more for me to be accustom carrying it and familiarizing myself with it.

The hike was beautiful, the weather was a bit chilly (34°F / 1°C) in the morning. I started the hike on a some what level trail which made it quick to get to my first geocache site. Later in the afternoon the terrain became more hilly. Traversing up and down ravines. It was well worth it, for the view and the water falls. By the late evening it started to rain. By the time I located the last geocache, the sun was well past the horizon. Hiking up hill in the dark for a mile to reach my car took allot of effort. I brought a flash light but wished I had my headlamp. I removed my headlamp at the last minute to same some weight. Will not make this mistake next time.

Over all it was a nice hike. Planning to come back here this coming Friday at another trail head.

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