This is an adventure, searching for this cache will not appeal to everyone. I suggest hunting for it with a buddy. The cache is located in a pristine swamp in natural Florida. Please tread lightly. The area is full of wildlife, some of which can be dangerous. While placing the cache I saw a hawk, 3 owls, 2 wood ducks, a deer, an armadillo, 18 turkeys, 13 hogs and a coyote (first one I have seen in Hillsborough County). I picked this area for a new cache several weeks before it was placed, based on its appearance in Google Earth. Originally I tried to access the area from Trout Creek Park but was unable to find a suitable crossing of the creek until I crossed at the bridge (N 28° 05.844, W 82° 21.478) on the Off-Road Loop Trail (marker 40). That journey inspired the subsequent placement of Multiple Gators. Since then I have found an acceptable crossing (depending on water levels) but the bridge would still be my first choice for a creek crossing and access to the area. (Park at Trout Creek Park.) Another equally good parking area and access point is at Flatwoods Park, in which case crossing Trout Creek is not necessary. It may help to view the area on Google Earth in order to establish your approach options. There is a trail which runs south from the well house located at N 28° 06.172, W 82° 21.117 it will turn to the southeast. Or, if you start at Flatwoods, you can leave the paved bike trail at N 28° 06.140, W 82° 20.328 or N 28° 06.116, W 82° 20.477. All will follow a trail to the stage 1 area.
Once I actually got into the cache area I was pleasantly surprised. I will not elaborate, you will just have to commit to this one to see what I mean. Although, as water levels rise again all bets are off. The first stage of this cache is located near a trail that is not shown on the park recreation maps. Beyond that it is strictly bushwhacking. Wander at will. This multi may begin in a similar manner to some of my others, but things can change. There are three stages plus the final cache. Many stages are located under heavy tree canopy; therefore do not expect the coordinates to be extremely accurate. Stages may be easy or hard to find, only time will tell. For now I will rate it at a fairly high difficulty so as not to create any unreasonable expectations. It may help to take your reading glasses for Stage 4. It may also help to get it wet.
It is easy to get turned around out here. Be sure to check your track or store some waypoints in order to find your way out. The final cache is located in the middle of nowhere so plan on spending an hour or more to walk back out. With any luck and a few shortcuts this cache could be completed in half a day but it could take longer. Plan on walking 7 to 9 miles to complete this one, (parking to parking); although with shortcuts (bushwhacks) from the parking areas it could be shorter. Does that mean m^3 will start at 5:30 pm?
Enjoy the journey. Be sure to bring a camera and post your photos.
Congratulations to Bill Z and Ky Babe for the MEFF.