This cache is a revisit of The Magnificent Mile cache placed
originally in late 2001 (GC2342). The original cache traversed
across land owned by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island which does
not allow cache placement on their land. This
cache is placed on Nature Conservancy land which does
allow geocaching.
You will be hiking in the
Long Pond - Ell Pond Natural Area. Other than the Audubon
Society and The Nature Conservancy, this area is also owned by
the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. A
hike through this area will bring you to steep cliffs, boggy
marshes, giant rhododendrons, talus slopes, scenic overlooks
and switchback trails. In 1974, this area was added to the
Registry of Natural Landmarks because it,
"Possesses exceptional
value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and
contributes to a better understanding of man's
environment."
You should park off North road at the listed parking Waypoint. If
the little lot is full, travel a little further down North Road and
pull off to the side.
The trail will almost immediately pose challenges for those not
accustomed to rock scrambling. Dogs and little kids will need help
in spots. The trail can also get very wet and muddy in the low
areas. You will only hike about a quarter mile before coming to a
sign post offering 3 choices for a hiking direction. The cache
coordinates should lead you West. Be sure not to go down the steep
cleft in the rocks if you are headed for the cache. Soon you will
come to another exposed rocky area where your quarry (pun?)
awaits.
After bagging the cache you should take some time to continue
down the rocky ravine you passed earlier. It will lead you along
the path of the original "Magnificent Mile" into the heart of the
Long Pond Natural area. It is well worth exploring all the climbs
and the drops, the wood bridges and the views of Long pond through
the Hemlock and the Mountain Laurel. This is one of the most scenic
woodland areas in all of Rhode Island. If you hike along this path,
blazed in yellow, you can look for the "Long Pond East" cache
(GCXADP) about a half a mile from the cleft, on DEM land.
Please be sure to take pictures and post them so that other
geocachers can get a taste of where their headed.
Congratulations to Amazing Ted for being the First to
Find!!