Napoleon Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(micro)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
***15 years and still going strong!!*** The Napoleon cache is located slightly downriver of the historic (and now nonexistent) town of Napoleon, which pre-dated Iowa City. This cache is accessible only by boat, and is located on public land, on the banks of the Iowa River.
Note: I haven’t geocached in years, but came back to the site to check on this- so amazing it is still going! Thanks to those who have repaired it!! Nearest boat accesses are Sturgis (Iowa City) to the north, Hills (to the north) or River Junction (to the south). Please note, again, this cache is accessible only from the Iowa River shoreline, which in this area can be accessed only by boat. Any attempt to reach this cache "over land" would likely result in trespassing, and there are no nearby road or access points. Land up to the highwater mark on meandered streams is public land, but please do not abuse this privilege. The cache is placed high enough to be findable at low or high water levels (placed during slightly above average water levels) but please use caution during high water. Flow rates can be found here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/uv/?site_no=05454500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 This is a good chance to test your boat-caching skills and acquire a rare "5" for terrain. If you have tried The Grudge (GC111GK), and are ready for another challenge, give it a try. Please note that seekers assume the risk on this cache. Water levels can be unpredictable, and the river often has sweepers, strainers, downed trees, etc. The cache is located near what was today a good landing area, but sandbars shift. If you are using non-motorized craft, the shuttle route from Hills access to River Junction is only about 4 miles. The river length from Hills to River Junction is about 10 miles. On a good day, this can be accomplished in 3 hours or less, depending on your paddling speed. With motorized craft, you could reach this cache from either access in well under an hour. The cache is log-only, so please bring a pen. Mosquitoes were bad when I placed it, so be sure to bring insect repellent. I think this would be a beautiful cache to do during the fall! --- NAPOLEON -- This town, laid out in 1837 by John Gilbert, was located in Section 22, Lucas Township, about two miles south of the center of Iowa City, on the east bank of the Iowa River. It was named as the county seat six months after Johnson County was organized. Its post office was in operation from 2 Mar 1839 until 14 Nov 1839 when it was moved to Iowa City. John Gilbert received the commission as Napoleon's first post master but died the next day after receiving it. A log cabin and one frame house were the only buildings ever erected on the town site. --- More info on paddling this stretch: http://www.roguepaddler.com/iowa.htm On Napoleon: http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajohnso/1Postcard.htm
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)