Adventurer's Cache Traditional Geocache
Team Rampant Lion: I'm moving west (SF) so asked some friends to help me clean up. Swampgirl & Bugboy & TAG were kind enough to help remove this cache. Thank you very much.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
VERY IMPORTANT: This is a Wildlife Management Area and hunters are present during all active seasons - wear orange. If you plan to search for this cache alone, please make sure someone knows where you are going.
I started out with a different name for this cache but my own adventure in placing suggested a different name. The area is such where I have a feeling you will experience similar challenges in trying to find this one. Be descriptive and write your story here.
My adventure started as soon as I tried to pick the best route in. The parking lot I chose appeared on the topo map to have a reasonable route to my intended spot. Despite the impression the map gave me, I was immediately challenged by thick swamp and brush overgrowth. I was in muck up to my knees. I won't tell you where to park but instead attach a map of the WMA so that you can choose a route of your own. Your choice will determine the first part of your adventure.
After making it through the swamp, I began to climb and climb and climb. My intended spot was at the highest elevation so I knew this was coming. I was surprized with how thick the forest was (and I was placing this in February!). I made it to the spot and this was where the real adventure began!
I found the perfect spot for a large cache (a 50 mm ammo can with all the usual goodies). As I covered the hide so that it fit the traditional highlands form, a howl that I can only describe as similar to the one in "American Werewolf in London" came from directly behind me. When I say directly, I mean like the 100' range. HOLY MOLEY! What was that??? Don't you hate turning around, when you KNOW something is there? Although I didn't want to, I turned slowly, and there is the distance was something. Not a bear, but something with BIG eyes and a shoulder height as least as tall as my Bernese Mountain Dog (BIG). Suddenly all the rumors of the Mountain Lions living in Milford came racing into my mind. Headline - Lion eaten by Lion!
I slowly removed my bear mace (figured it would do something, right?) and began to walk slowly away from the figure. I still don't know what it is. Oh man, it's slowly but purposely walking towards me. Be calm! I keep walking but so does it. Resisting every urge to run, I decide making noise can't hurt, right? I yell and it let's out another of those blood curling howls. (An aside, during all of this Bailey, my 110 lb. dog is hiding behind me). Time to move more purposely, I pick up the pace and notice it has held it's ground. As I decend, it falls out of view. A few more steps and RUN!!! I am now high tailing it down the hill, stopping every 50 yards to see if I hear that I'm being followed. I'm not - keep RUNNING!!
As I turn to look again, I hit my shin on a rock and tumble onto the ground. As I writh in pain, I notice moisture at waist level. First thought, I've SOILED myself. Second thought, my eyes are now burning and my throat is closing up. WHAT'S UP?!?! As I stand up, a pink cloud envelopes me. ARRGH!! I fell on the bear mace and punctured it. Now I'm trying to run, half blind, gagging, bleeding and followed by a dog in the same condition. My mind is racing, maybe I won't taste as good covered in bear mace, can the pain of being eaten be any less than the burning of my eyes, maybe it'll eat Bailey first. We push forward, finally stumbling out on the road. A 0.38 hike back to the car and I can declare us ALIVE!!
Ok, so who's ready to go caching? I have a feeling this area will generate a few more stories. Go in prepared (as I still don't know what that animal was) and I'm sure you will come out with an adventurers story of your own. They can't call this "Bear Swamp" for nothing, right?
IMPORTANT NOTES. This cache hunt involves some steep climbs. A lot of loose rocks and branches require constant attention. Likely not a suitable hike for children or those with bad knees (like me). Also be aware that Sussex County New Jersey has many bears and poisonous snakes. Be alert! If you know what to do if you have an encounter, you will enjoy exploring one of the greatest natural resources in Northwest New Jersey.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf uvqqra haqre n ynetr hcebbgrq ebbg.