Molechunkamunk: Aziscoos Mt. Traditional Geocache
Molechunkamunk: Aziscoos Mt.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size:  (regular)
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Molechunkamunk, a.k.a. Upper Richardson Lake, lies within an unspoiled wilderness, rich in history, folk lore and wildlife. This cache is part of a series designed to share with you, some very special locations we have treasured in our lifetime (thus far), on and around this open space treasure we love so much.
For anyone unfamiliar with Molechunkamunk, it may seem odd to include a mountain as part of a lake series. But for anyone who has experienced just one of the frequently extraordinary sunsets from Upper Richardson, there is little mystery. And for anyone who has stood atop Aziscoos on a clear day and looked down upon the lake(s), well, you know why this is an important part of this series.
Aziscoos Mt. has its feet firmly planted at the western shore of the lake and rises to the pleasant, yet formidable height of 3,192 ft. The summit is a weather washed mix of granite and scrub brush vegetation. From it you have a 360 degree view of your surroundings which include three States/one Province (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Quebec), 25 bodies of water… which of course includes an eagle,s view of Molechunkamunk…. And more mountains than anyone has yet to count. This is the only known place from which you can see both Mt. Washington and Katahdin. You will need a clear day and a good pair of “long eyes” (binoculars) to see either, but chances are you won’t care if you can’t pick them out because there is so much to see.
The summit was the site of two fire towers dating back to the early nineteenth century. The latest was a 27’ beauty that stood out magnificently from the lake view. When decommissioned, it became a popular perch for hikers to take in the surroundings. What a difference 27’ makes. It was purposefully toppled back in the seventies and ultimately airlifted off the peak in July of 2004. The mountain and the towers are rich in history and a signboard just short of the summit will share some of that with you. One little aside… We have held to the “native-American” spelling… “Aziscoos”, although it is more common today to see “Aziscohos”, that being somewhat, but not entirely phonetically correct. In any event, they are one and the same.
The coordinates listed above are for the cache and the parking coordinates below are for the “North Trail”. It is well marked and uninterrupted despite the recent logging that has taken place. The foresters politely left much of the trail undisturbed while opening the woodland and thereby providing better wildlife viewing along the route. The trail is not difficult as a whole, but we have given it a “4” rating due to the last 25% or so. It gets steep and a little slippery in places, but it is one of the more beautiful trails you are likely to encounter in this neck of the woods.
There is an alternate trail (which is actually the original) called the “Tower Man’s Trail”. It begins at the cabled pull-off just north of the bridge, (where you would likely park if going after “A Fine Dam Cache”). We can’t speak for the condition or marking of this trail because we prefer the North Trail and haven’t done this one in some time. The Tower Man’s Trail is not as steep, but it is a half mile longer and adds at least a few hundred feet to the vertical climb. We don’t have the coordinates at this time, but it gets used a lot and shouldn’t be hard to find or follow. The two trails converge before the summit, so either way will get you there.
The cache is a two quart “lock & lock” wrapped in green duct tape and should prove an easy find, (this is all about the hike and the view). It initially contains an assortment of fun and useful stuff as well as a log book which we hope you will carry to the summit with you and record your thoughts about the hike behind you and the planet before you. For the FTF there is an unactivated travel bug that we hope will travel far and help you remember this special place.
Maintenance of this cache, as well as accessibility to it will be very limited once the snow starts flying. Travel bugs are encouraged in the cache, but those left too late in the season may spend the winter. Check with the owners before dropping them late in the year. Have fun. Respect Mother Nature. Tell us about your adventure. There are still some remains of the old tower that could use some CITO for those so inclined to help out. Enjoy!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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