The cache is not at the listed coordinates. They will lead you to the suggested parking area. This is a Geocache themed geocache, the third in a series (GC1347K and GC154N5 being the other two) which considers various aspects of Geocaching philosophy and concepts of the sport, intended to explore why and how we do what we do when we hide and seek hidden containers.
As you follow along, the various stages will lead you along an old railroad bed that was built here in the 1830’s and served as connection between the towns of Manchester and Branchville (and on to Charleston). Being of a non-standard gauge it became obsolete during the Civil War when the South began updating the entire track system to standard grade. All of the metal of this old track was salvaged and used in the war effort so little remains of where it ran, except for this country road with slow easy grades and wide open turns. As you follow along, you will see where excavations were necessary to cut the rail bed into the hills that reached down to the upper edges of Wateree Swamp. It’s easy to forget that all of this labor was hand worked by locals with mules and wagons.
Near the final stage, the old railroad bed will continue on its north-west track, towards Sumter Junction, as the PT turns away and starts uphill. As a side excursion, you can follow along the bed a short distance and view the first series of trestle pylons that allowed the trains to cross the edge of the swamp. If you’re really determined you can follow the pylons until you reach the Sumter Junction, which will be on the other side of the second set of bridge pylons, and a dark water stream.
All sorts of people are drawn to this simple sport, bringing their own reasons for participating and yet there remain common issues that we all encounter. From conception to execution of each and every caching excursion, success and enjoyment is relative to our ability to follow wherever it leads. Whether it’s following a programmed pointer, a set of listed instructions, a projected set of coordinates, or an orienteering compass to the final destination, it’s always the follow that comes first, that gets everything started.
The following short verse may be easy, or may be tough, to follow and understand, but will lead you to the first stage, if you follow my meaning...
Follow or lead, loading of waypoints, To hunting encounters that reach another incline level. Nearing old railroad trail head, then orientate. No other reason to hesitate, true hearted individuals release their youth, The healthy river extends endless, forward our unerring resolve, navigates into new environments… Opened hints seem extremely vague, even now natural, intuition negotiates easily.
We estimate solutions thoroughly; experience involves getting history to yield, The hide it resembles there yet; throughout haste, repeating every experiment… Tireless wayfarers oblivious, overtly humored, there wander obtusely.
…follow along a series of stages, and each will provide instructions to lead you to the next, along with encrypted hints and secret codes. Something you have learned recently will be invaluable on a couple of the stage hints.
Unless you have a very good memory, you will need to write down the information at each stage, as there are no copies available to take; please replace the instruction sheets before you proceed to the next stage.
The entire sequence of stages will cover about a mile and a half one way, of mostly level compacted trail. The final stage is an ammo can that contains the log book, a pen and trade items, hidden where you will need to pay special attention, and focus on your footing.
The tree cover along the way is moderate, except for the final stage where it is heavy and will affect the signal. The terrain is a slow, easy grade except for the last few hundred feet.
Be aware of the possibility for snakes, spiders, wasps, ticks, mosquitoes and other creatures you expect to see in a SC forest. There is no reason to enter any posted property to complete this geocache.
Have fun and enjoy the View!