Not all that glitters is gold... Multi-Cache
GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer
Not all that glitters is gold...
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Size: 
(regular)
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A scenic and fun multi showing off some little-known sites in the Norbeck Preserve.
This cache is designed to take you on a tour through days gone by and see how they got things done 80 or 100 years ago.
The first stage will take you to an unnamed but sizeable mine-site next to a very large and unusual shelter that shows evidence of many years use. Legend has it there is a natural stone basin somewhere in the rocks above and earlier visitors have cast their coins into the pool hoping to find their fortune. The trick is finding the way up. If you choose to seek it out, perhaps good fortune will come your way, who knows?
Find the coodinates for stage 2 and follow the trail along the creek to your next stage deep in the heart of one of the most diverse examples of Black Hills fauna you can find. There seems to be no end to the varieties of plant life here, and the orange stained creek is unusual to say the least.
Stage 3 brings us out to a good sized meadow, the site of a long abandoned settlement. Here you will find remnants of several foundations, a well built cellar and a stone lined, hand-dug well that still holds plenty of water.
The final stage is a short walk up the road to the site of the once prosperous Dike Mine. Records show this site produced some very big spodumine and beryl crystals as well as many tons of feldspar, amblygonite, and some large sheet mica. No record of gold or any other precious metal being found here, but in the case of the Dike Mine, not all that glitters is gold! The mine was operated by Reinbold Metallurgical Co. through 1935 then sold to a Mr. Smith of Custer who worked the mine until the Second World War put an end to most mining operations in the Black Hills. The mine changed hands again in 1944, and soon disappeared into obscurity. There appears to be no further activity after the war and as you will see, much of the mine is now flooded. Look closely through the archway and you can see the opening to the inclined shaft showing just above the water line. Notice the vast amount of material removed from the open-cut piled all around the site and don't miss the powderhouse just south of the workings.
There are coodinates listed below for the parking area. From here follow the road past the locked FS gate until it intersects a small creek. Pick up the path here leading downsteam to the first stage. You may be tempted to bushwhack your way in, but this is NOT recommended. There are decent trails all along the route and you will need to leave them only breifly near the final. Once on the creek trail remember to keep left (your GPSr will show the way). The cache log will list a shorter alternative route to the parking area. The total trip is around 3 hours along some of the most beautiful and lesser known trails in the Black Hills. Experienced Mountain Bikers will enjoy this one as well.
The cache itself is a medium size ammo can with all the standard stuff. Lots of good swag here, including a new, un-registered Travel Bug for First-to-Find! The cache also contains a disposable camera, please take a shot or 2 and let me know what number you are so I can post some pics.
Remember, as with any abandoned mine, hazards are commonplace and sensibility will get you far. There are steep drop-offs near the final, so keep the kids close if you bring them along. It is not necessary to put yourself in danger to reach the cache, so have fun and enjoy this special area.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nyy jnlcbvagf ner sbhaq ba "gnttrq" gerrf
Treasures
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