GCT5T0 White Oak Trace (Traditional Cache) in Missouri, United States created by JohnTee

This cache has been archived.

JohnTee: Since this cache required the geocacher to leave the marked trail, this cache is going to be permanently archived. MO DC is very interested in placing caches on the nature center grounds, they will just have to be placed within the guidelines of not leaving the marked trail. A challenge indeed.

I'll be working with them to place two new caches in the near future, one handicapped accessible and one with a good hike, so keep watching the area.

Otherwise, this is a beautiful trail and nature center to visit.

JohnTee

GCT5T0 ▼

A cache by JohnTee Message this owner

Hidden : 1/25/2006

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Just north of the city of Cape Girardeau, MO, in Cape Girardeau County. White Oak Trace is located at the Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Center within North County Park.

Terrain: The trace consists of features two miles of nature trails over rolling hills. Paths are packed gravel, steep in places, with some steps over 12" high and multiple elevation changes of over 100'.
Altitude: Approx. 500' above MSL.

There are two trailheads located near the Nature Center and another connecting the nearby Cypress Crossing and Maple Hollow Trails. The trace consists of four trails (Tulip Poplar Hill, Ridgetop Trail, Paw Paw Valley and Sinkhole Bottom), forming three, half-mile, intersecting loops. Searching for the cache, count on walking one and a quarter to two miles for the round trip; depending on which trail you choose to start out on and follow. Ridgetop Trail (¼ mile) is paved and handicapped accessible; the search for the cache is not friendly to handicapped individuals, strollers, etc. Trail sections are gravel and may be steep in places; some individuals may find this to be a moderately strenuous hike.

For the FTF: there is a Sassafrass Walking Stick hidden somewhere along the Trace. The cache contains an envelope with coord's for its hiding place. I think it will be a harder find than the cache was. If you don't want it, or don't have time to look for it, feel free to leave it for someone else.

This is also listed on Navicache (visit link) as N01E9C. Please consider logging your find there also. Just trying to spread the joy! :)

Cache contains:
Pkg. 8" Ball Bungees
CD: Jewel, Pieces of You
NASCAR Jarrett #88 Keychain
Cassette Tape: Rick Springfield, Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet
Boom Boom Huckjam McDonald's Toy
2 Titelist Golf Balls
CITO - bags in 35mm film containers
FAM Racer TB

Waypoint averaged 4 times
EPE (Estimated Position Error) 20', Under winter, leafless condition. Garmin eTrex Legend.

This cache placed with permission of the park superintendent.

Take time to visit the Conservation Center and walk the other trails in the park. The park also features picnic shelters and two stocked fishing lakes.

Conservation Campus Regulations
Building Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. And from noon to 5 p.m. On Sunday. Closed Mondays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Area Hours: Open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Regulations: Pets, horses, hunting, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the nature center grounds or trails. Jogging, bicycling, skateboarding, in-line skating, scooters and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
Website: missouriconservation.org/areas/cnc/cape

Driving Directions: Located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99) and Kingshighway (State Highway 61).

While you're in the park, visit these other geocaches, located on the Maple Hollow Trail, .5 mile to the northwest:
(GCH3ZW) Maple Hollow – Regular Cache (visit link)

(GCP148 ) What Year Is It – Micro Penny Cache (visit link)

Other caches around the Cape Girardeau area: (visit link)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Uvag 1: Fbhgu bs genvy Uvag 2: Ubyybj ybt ba tebhaq

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)