Into The Darkness

This cache is meant to only be hunted and viewed in the dark and since it is a night-time only cache, YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO IT DURING THE DAY.

A few things to know first:
Reflective tacks have been used to mark the beginning trail to the cache. These tacks are invisible during the day, but at night they can be seen when a light is aimed at them.

This cache also uses a special "beacon" that projects a beam of light in only a very narrow field of view. So if you are not precisely lined up on its "radial" you will not see it's light. The light will be a blinking red light. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB THE BEACON IN ANY WAY. The beacon is precisely aligned in a specific direction and if moved it will not be able to properly guide other Geocachers.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: You will need a bright flashlight, a compass, and of course your GPSr.

First step: Follow the path of the reflective tacks
The above coordinates will take you to the parking area and the beginning of the path into the forest. Using the flashlight, shine it into the trees and the reflective tacks will show you the way. Follow the path and when you arrive at 5 reflective tacks in an "x" pattern on a tree you are ready for step 2. NOTE: You will be staying on the main trail until you reach the tree with the "x" pattern and bushwhack from there.

Next step: Let the beacon guide your way.
At this point you need to look around for the beacon. You may have to wait to let your eyes adjust to the dark. The beacon will be above ground level and AT LEAST 50 feet away. Look for a blinking red dot about once per second. If you do not see it, walk in a circle around the tree and keep an eye out. When you see it, head straight for it.

Travel toward the beacon and if you lose the light, sidestep left or right until it becomes visible again. Arriving at the beacon record it's position on your GPSr. Now proceed at MAGNETIC bearing 215° for 112 feet (Using "project waypoint" on your GPSr or using the compass). This will be the location of the cache! Another "x" pattern of reflective tacks guards the cache.

Be sure to note the parking location in your GPSr so that you can locate your way back to the parking area. It may also be helpful to note all compass bearings from where you left the trail to the beacon and final so you can backtrack your way back to the trail. The total hiking distance to the cache and back to your car will be less than 3/4 mile.

There is an activated Ghosts of Geocaching Past geocoin in the cache. This coin is meant to stay in the cache so please do not remove it. Feel free to "discover" the coin if you wish. The cache itself is a small ammo can which contains a log book, pencil and lots of trade items.

Cache Recommendations:

* If you've never been on a trail at night, everything takes on a different perspective. To hike at night, is to intentionally allow yourself to slip out of your comfort zone and connect with the forest in a new and interesting way. If you want more natural light during your adventure, then hike during a full moon. You will find that the light from the moon is so bright that you cast a shadow.
* Bring a companion or two. This is strongly recommended, however, I would not include any young children in your party.
* A good light source for each person in your party, including extra batteries and extra bulbs. Headlamps work great and they keep your hands free to ward off any critters or bogeymen.
* Insect repellant!!! During warm months expect plenty of mosquitoes.
* The cache page printout.
* An orienteering compass is needed to complete this cache. (All bearings are magnetic) A GPSr can be used if you can switch from True North, to Magnetic North, and project a bearing but bring a compass anyway since the reception might be spotty.
* I strongly recommend marking the coordinates for each stage, so you can backtrack if you get lost, lose the trail of reflective tacks or the beacon.