A famous Apple computer slogan was “Think Different”. This is
your opportunity to “Cache Different”.
JTP, or "Journey to Paradise". This series is different from any
other I have seen in West Tennessee. The caches are only accessible
by approaching from the water. You CAN NOT hike to these caches. I
wanted to see if I could get people to try something they would not
have otherwise. I didn’t think many people would come out and try
it for a single cache, so, to make it worth your while, I gave you
FOUR to find! All are in, on, or around the northern part of Lake
Graham in Madison County. There are three other caches on the lake
and several others nearby, so you could easily make a day of
it.
Bring your own boat or rent one at the lake office. I suggest
getting a trolling motor, also. It is a long way to paddle in a jon
boat! They have outboard motors as well, but that is expensive,
loud, and unnecessary. A boat alone is $8, a boat, trolling motor,
and battery is $23, and a boat with an outboard motor (no trolling)
is $38. All include paddles and lifejackets. Watch out for all the
underwater stumps, though. If you do bring your own boat, instead
of putting in at the lake office, you may want to put in at the
upper ramp at the following coordinates:
N 35 38.536
W 088 43.510
The northern part of this lake is very pretty, but often
ignored. To even get to this area of the lake, you have to take
your boat under the road through a tunnel. In the spring, the
tunnel is full of nesting swallows. You can see their mud nests on
the under side of the bridge.
I am using this cache series to show others a little piece of
paradise. If you approach without using a loud motor, as I do in
the canoe, the northernmost part of the lake is quiet and tranquil,
with many great blue herons, deer, turtles, and other wildlife all
around. You can rejuvenate in the peace of nature, while getting to
find a few caches! I hope this will give everyone a truly unique
experience.
This first, southernmost cache is on an island near the western
shore. Be VERY careful getting in and out of the boat, as the bank
is pretty steep! I docked on the south side to get onto the island.
The west side is a nice, shady area to sit for a while in the boat
before continuing on. This ammo can when placed contained a tape
measure, sunglasses, batteries, toys, buji wipes for poison ivy,
among other things…
WARNING! A group of cachers was stopped by TWRA and told they
needed a lake permit, a valid fishing license, and a fishing pole
to be on Lake Graham legally. Evidentally, Lake Graham is a fishing
lake only and not a "pleasure lake". Those having pleasure on Lake
Graham may be in trouble! I have been out here many times and have
always gotten a lake permit, but was unaware of the whole "fishing
only" concept. They didn't mind the caches and said if the rules
were followed all would be ok. Just wanted you to know...