Salt Island Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Salt Island offers a beautiful views of the ocean from its dramatic rock ledges. The Island is only accessible by foot at dead low tide. You'll need to scramble across sea-weed-covered boulders and then climb steeply up the rock face of the island.
Access is from Good Harbor Beach.
The clear lock n lock box is carefully hidden where Muggles are unlikely to find it. Although you do not need to move any rocks to find the cache, you will need to search further between the crevices than Muggles are likely to explore.
Salt Island is connected to the mainland at dead low tide. If you are willing to wade up to your knees, you have about a 3 hour window for walking on the island (1.5 hours before and after low tide). Otherwise, plan to swim and expect some mild surf.
The views from the island are well worth the trip. Looking west and a little north, you can see the twin lighthouses out on Thatcher Island. Most Muggles go to the highest point at the south end of the island for the best views. The cache is located further north near some dramatic ledges that you won't want to miss.
The terrain is too steep for young children without very close parental supervision.
Access to Salt Island is through Good Harbor Beach. The City of Gloucester describes the beach as follows:
Good Harbor Beach - Located on Thatcher Road, Rte 127A, Good Harbor is a beautiful beach with lovely, white sand facing the Atlantic. At low tide, one can walk out to Salt Island while at high tide one can enjoy body surfing or boogie boards. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Surfing, inflatable objects and all floatation devices with the exception of Styrofoam boogie boards are prohibited during the hours lifeguards are on duty. Alcohol is also prohibited. Gloucester has adopted a Carry In – Carry Out Policy for Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches so please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are available as well from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. During periods of inclement weather, all facilities may close early. Parking is available during the week at a rate of $20 per vehicle, and on the weekends and holidays at $25 per vehicle. (After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rates charged, weather permitting.) Space is limited so you will need to arrive early on a nice day in order to get a parking space. The gates open at 8:00am and are locked at 9:00pm. The beach is handicapped accessible with approximately 16 handicapped spaces in the lot and a drop off space near the footbridge. A beach wheelchair is available – ask at the collection booth upon arrival or ask the lifeguards. Buses are prohibited from the parking lot and any large groups must receive a permit ($25 per permit). Directions: - take Rte 128 North into Gloucester. Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport. Go through the two rotaries. At the first traffic light you have two options. First option is to take a left onto Eastern Ave. Follow Eastern Ave for approximately 1 to 1 ½ miles and Shaws Plaza will be on your right. Turn right onto Barn Lane at the end of the plaza. At the end of Barn Lane turn left onto Thatcher Rd and the beach lot will be on your right. If you go straight through the first light, you will then take a left onto Bass Ave at the next light. Follow Bass Ave to Thatcher Road and turn left onto Thatcher Road. The parking lot will be up on your right. (visit link)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg'f ghpxrq onpx njnl fb lbh'yy cebonoyl arrq gb yvr qbja gb frr vg cebcreyl.