2014-02-20 45 -122

Location

In an upscale neighborhood of Lake Oswego, in the driveway of a parcel undergoing construction.

Participants

Plans

It was pretty spur of the moment - we weren't sure if we'd have the time. But it looked like a gorgeous area, so at the last minute we just decided to go for it.

Expedition

Expedition 1

We set out soon after 4 PM (after work), grabbed some Wendy's along the way on Powell Blvd. It was very difficult to follow the GPS because of traffic. We ended up missing three turns in a row because we weren't able to change lanes in time to make them due to all the backed up rush hour cars. However, eventually, we finally made it onto OR-43S and had a nice scenic drive along the Willamette towards Oswego Lake. And no, that's not "Lake Oswego" - the actual lake.

Our plan was to hit the hashpoint first, then go to a park and finish off our meal. The first part of the plan turned out to be the easiest: we found the hashpoint with no difficulties, took some photos, and got honked at by a grumpy local driver-by. Getting to the park, however, turned out to be a whole 'nother adventure. First, we attempted to go to the South Shore Natural Area, which supposedly had a GeoCache hidden by a bench, but that turned out to be inaccessible to cars - only the bike lane actually went off the road into the area, while cars were supposed to just pull over and engage in "vista point"-ing. Then we tried Lake Grove Park on the other side of the lake, but that was fenced off with a chain linked fence, and had a very imposing sign that notified us that the park was ONLY open during summer break, and then ONLY for people who can prove that they are residents of the City of Lake Oswego. So we finally tried George Rogers City Park (not to be confused with George Rogers Park nearby), which was brilliant. This park is a memorial to the Oregon Iron Co. with a HUGE furnace (pictured), as well as some so-called "Salamanders", which are big 'ole globs of iron that they occasionally had to scoop out of these XIX c. furnaces.

All in all, this was a very lucky geohashing spot and I'm glad we were able to make it out there and see the lake.

Expedition 2

Jim decided to go for it after meeting with some folks after work, on his way home. I was late getting out of work, and even later getting to the hashpoint, so it was pretty dark, so I just got to the spot and headed home.