THIS ONCE WAS A MULTI-STAGE CACHE; IT IS NOW A TRADITIONAL
CACHE, AND THE COORDINATES LISTED ARE FOR THE ACTUAL CACHE
LOCATION. The cache container is in the same location as before. If
you've found CTSR parts 1-3, you won't find anything new here.
Some underbrush thrashing must be braved to reach this cache. I
*STRONGLY* recommend approaching and leaving it *directly*
from and to the west. Trust me on this - I have done it several
ways. The Captain hid his loot quite well, and if you try it from
the north, south or east, you WILL end up with lots of scratches
and frustration. Don't let the distance fool you - there is a large
and dense briar patch along the entire east (parking area) side,
and you will NOT make it through. Read the logs if you don't
believe me. From the west, it will be MUCH easier. The terrain
difficulty reflects the final approach; the trails to the point
west of the container are about a 2.5 terrain.
Note that this is a LARGE container, and has pirate-related
items the kids will enjoy – trust me, there’s a LOT of loot to
enjoy, and don’t worry about trades, take some for free. After all,
we’re plundering a pirate’s treasure here! You should have plenty
of room for interesting goodies if you want to leave some behind.
You will find some pirate costume items in this container -
consider taking a photo in costume and posting it in the log! You
may enjoy the photos from the
previous incarnation of this cache.
Don't miss Pirate Pete, about 50 feet
directly south of the container, at N38 20.147 W076 29.880, doing
his best to guard the loot. In fact, you may want to visit him
first, as the approach may be a little easier this way. The last I
saw, he wasn't in good shape - although around Halloween you'll get
a laugh when you see him.
You'll need about a half hour round trip from the parking area,
and the park closes PROMPTLY at the posted time (you'll get locked
in if you're late!), so plan accordingly. It's highly recommended
that you have a paper printout of the park map with you,
from the "Friends of Myrtle Point".
From RumSkulls,
a site dedicated to maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay, comes
this quote: "Captain Thomas Smith was brought before the bar of the
Maryland Assembly in St. Marys, Maryland on charges of Piracy,
found Guilty, and hanged in 1638. He was denied counsel, but was
permitted to speak in his own defense after the evidence had been
presented. Several of the men who indicted him were those who had
fought against him earlier, and also served on the court that tried
him. What were his crimes? Loyalty to his friends, neighbors, and
the Colony of Virginia, apparently." Captain Smith certainly wasn't
happy about his fate. Perhaps his treasure is buried in St Mary's
County.