TurtleLands Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Owned by the Town of Groveland Conservation Commission, "TurtleLands" is commonly known as the Meadow Pond Reservation.
In 2002, the Town of Groveland and several other organizations (from the TPL to the Essex County Greenbelt Association), wanted to purchase this property of about 58 acres, skirting Johnsons Pond. It was put to vote and town residents agreed to buy the land and preserve it.
The area was nicknamed "TurtleLands" because of the Blandings Turtle, an endangered little critter who has residents of the three neighboring towns (Georgetown, Groveland and Boxford) fighting for its preservation.
There are two methods of approach:
Dry Season, or, with nice heavy wetland boots
This is the preferred way in, because it is the sanctioned parking area for the conservation land. The only problem is, a little bit of rain puts the trail under water 300 ft from the parking area, and prevents you from getting into the rest of the area. If it is good and dry, or if you are good and brave, park at the Meadow Pond Reservation Parking Lot on Uptack Road at 42 43.967N 071 02.578W, walk in and eventually bear to your right. You'll find the trail to the cache with no problem.
Wet Season, or, whenever you feel like it
Approach via Stevenson's Way. The trailhead is not marked, but after talking to one of the homeowners today that's free access land to you, but she didn't exactly seem thrilled. I walked in because it was about .25 miles from my house. Park descreetly, perhaps up the street and not at the bottom of the dead end. Both homes have clearly marked "No Trespassing" signs. When you enter the area at the end of the dead end, bear to the left through two large trees at about 42 44.129N 071 02.314W. The path continues to the left along a swampy part of the pond, and eventually you'll come to another path where you will want to turn right and continue on. There is water on the trails in parts, but I (mom screamapillar) had no problem finding a way though.
Cache is a clear plastic container with white lid. Please camoflague it carefully when rehiding.
Initial cache contents:
Log book
Caribiner Keychain
Level Keychain
Measuring Tape Keychain
Orangey/yellow Monkey
Car
Hairclips for the little lady in your life (never used)
Enjoy.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf abg ybpngrq ng n fcbg jurer ghegyrf unat bhg. Lbh'yy or uvtu naq qel.