I-20 “Pit Stop” Cache
This cache is located in a formerly abandoned gravel pit that has been transformed into a wonderful wetlands restoration park, complete with a 2 1/2 mile walking trail with observation points and bridges, visitors center, and a research center. You’ll probably catch sight of some deer or beavers along with all the plantlife here. This park is a rarity because it is a wetland surrounded by an urban environment. The park hours are from Daylight to Dusk, everyday with free admission. There is lots of family fun nearby with a movieplex, horse pavillion, and plenty of restaurants. There is also a new mini-putt golf course(open March-Dec.) located directly across from the park.
To get to the park, get off of I-20 at exit 114(Thomas Road). Go south of the Interstate to the first redlight and turn right onto Constitution Drive. Stay in the right hand lane after turning and drive west up Constitution Drive where you will bypass many restaurants and hotels. You will pass the West Monroe Visitors Center which is next door to a Holiday Inn. (I mention these because the nice lady at the Visitors Center informed me that they had secured permission from the wonderful folks at the Holiday Inn for geocachers to park in the back of their parking lot and access the trail located directly behind them, if for some reason the gates to the park are locked). Turn left after passing the Holiday Inn (DO NOT drive under the overpass). When you come to the stop sign, take a left on Downing Pines Road. You’ll drive about thirty feet and the driveway to the park will be on your left. You are now at the City of West Monroe Restoration Park. The trail starts at the left side of the sign.
This is a regular cache in a ammo can tupperware which I stocked with several different items. I rated it a 2 for difficulty and a 2 ½ for terrain. Please sign the logbook and take your picture with the camera(noting the picture # in the logbook). I will be posting these pics as soon as possible. My daughter also hid a nearby cache further along the trail that is stocked with items for the kids.("This is the Pits Cache"). Be sure to check hers out also. Jerry & Rita also have a fun cache to find while here in the park (Holiday Hide) You might want to bring bug spray with you in the warmer months.
This is Louisiana, and usually where there’s water, there’s mosquitos --or “Skeeters” as we affectionately call them.