Locals have also bee using part of Troy Meadow as a dumping
ground for years.
The cache is considerably easier in the winter, so get the full
enjoyment out of it, do it in the summer, late spring or fall.
The walk in can be muddy and extremely slippery, so be very
careful. Boots with lug soles are highly recommended. In drier
seasons this may not be a problem.
The few finders of my previous cache, Indefatigable, may find
parts of this one familiar.
When the Wisconsin Glacier began its retreat about 15,000
years ago, it left behind Lake Passaic; a 30 mile long, 10 mile
wide and 200 ft. deep body of water (with some decent trout fishing
I bet). As the lake drained, what remained was a pretty darn big
swamp. The cache location, Troy Meadow, is one of the few remaining
vestiges of this ecosystem that hasn't been lost to development
(yet).
The remains of Lake Passaic are still evident today in areas
such as the Great Swamp, Black Meadow, Great Piece Meadow, Hatfield
Swamp, here in Troy Meadow and in the basement of area homes
whenever there is a lot of rain. Troy Meadow is a little known
wildlife preserve, covering a couple thousand acres, hemmed in and
threatened by development on all sides.
Be sure to budget a little extra time to explore the area. It
is quite a departure from the mountains of the Highlands Region.
The meadows, lowland forests, vernal pools and swamp areas have a
beauty that is quite different from the Highlands and one that is
experienced by very few area hikers. Marked trails are scarce, so
most of the time you must make your own way. Birders and nature
lovers, don't forget your binoculars, as you will be amazed by the
variety of birds and other wildlife you'll encounter.
