F6F Hellcat
Although the Grumman F6F Hellcat was not as spectacular a performer as the Vought F4U Corsair, it was the strong point of carrier-based aviation in the U.S. Navy during the last two years of the war. Only 14 months elapsed between the prototype's first flight and the plane's debut in combat. From August 31, 1943, until the war ended, the 12,272 Hellcats proved to be worthy successors of the Wildcats. According to U.S. Navy records, of the 6,477 enemy planes destroyed in air combat by carrier-based planes, 4,947 were downed by F6Fs. This total reaches 5,156 if one adds the victories of the land-based Hellcats piloted by Marines.
This is part of a series of 23 caches dedicated to the American Aircraft of WWII. Each cache is dedicated to a particular aircraft model and can be logged as an individual find. The series consists of 16 regular caches and 7 mystery caches. The series will be divided into 5 sub-series, one for each category of aircraft (Fighters, Bombers, Seaplanes, and X-series Prototypes) and a final series consisting of three of the most recognizable aircraft of WWII. (P51 Mustang, B17 Flying Fortress and B29 Super Fortress).
This cache is part of the FIGHTERS sub-series. The log contains a code used to find the final of this sub-series: American WWII Aircraft-FIGHTERS (GC1BHV4).
FIGHTERS = N40 51.P40/P38 W07432.F4U/F6F
This cache is located along a portion of the Randolph Trails. These trails are well maintained and easy to walk. There is parking for this cache located at N40 51.752 W074 32.420. Trail maps are readily available at most of the trail heads. Randolph’s trail system runs a 16-mile course traversing five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir Watershed and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link together schools with neighborhoods and connect to Patriots’ Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside. Randolph’s trails should be viewed as a work in progress as the township continues to pursue easements and funding to expand our trail network. The township funds 90% of design and construction costs through state grants and developer contributions. Over $1.5 million in state grants and developer contributions has been invested in Randolph’s trails. Open year round, the trails can be used from dawn to dusk and are closed at night. During the winter months, there is no snow or ice removal, providing a wonderful opportunity for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Although there is no hunting allowed here, I have seen a few deer stands in the area. Be careful! The stands may have been left-over from a sanctioned deer hunt sponsored by the county in January 2008.