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The Kayak Launch Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

NewEnglandGeos: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no word from the owner in the month or more since the last reviewer note was posted. If maintenance has been performed and you wish to have this cache unarchived feel free contact me through the Geocaching Message Center or at: reviewinggeos@gmail.com (summit pictures, ask for help, etc.)

Please reference the cache URL, or GC-ID (GCxxxxx).

Thanks for your understanding,

Calador/NewEnglandGeos
Groundspeak Volunteer Reviewer

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Hidden : 11/25/2010
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This is not accessible at high tide. Take caution if searching during an incoming tide or you'll get to wade back to shore. The tide comes in much faster than you'd think here. Otherwise, the terrain is appropriate for children. Please DO NOT bushwhack over the top of the island and disturb the delicate ground covering. The cache is accessible by walking along the shoreline. Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy, possibly.

Cache is a sandwich-sized rubbermaid container with a red lid.

You are overlooking 'the back channel' as it is known to the locals. This calm waterway is a good spot to kayak, provided you stay away from high-current areas under the bridges and the deeper channel traveled by motorboats. From where the cache is located, you'll see two large islands in the distance. The one on the left is Pest Island, where smallpox parties were held in the 18-19th centuries. The larger is Leach's Island. Both are homes to wild turkey, deer and lots of poison ivy and black flies, but are otherwise uninhabited by people and are privately owned. The large yellow mansion on the right is the historic Governor Wentworth Coolidge Mansion, open occasionally to be toured. The large white hotel in the distance is the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel. To the left and more proximal to where you stand, you'll see Snuffbox Island, with a remnant of an old foundation and chimney still standing. An old lady lived her life here. Urban legend says she had leprosy, or was a witch, or just a hermit, but the true story is lost to time. On the other side of the Piscataqua River (among the strongest currents in the USA so don't attempt to swim or kayak in it) is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the oldest continually operating shipyard and submarine base in the USA. The castle-like structure is the abandoned naval prison, a formidable place for the worst offenders from 1908-1974. Modeled after Alcatraz, it was placed where the tidal forces are very strong to deter escape. No prisoner was ever able to escape with his life.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx oruvaq gur prqne gerr ng nobhg rlr yriry. Qba'g ohfujunpx ba guvf vfynaq cyrnfr. Vs V frr qnzntr gb gur tebhaq pbirevatf V jvyy erzbir guvf pnpur.

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)