Second Class Boy Scouts work on building their outdoor survival
and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools,
and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and
demonstrated. A second class scout, having completed all the
requirements, should be able to lead a hike, care for his own
equipment, set up a campsite, and perform basic first aid.
This 2 stage multi will take you on a circuit around Colchester
Pond and the theme is nature observation. Your goal is to
observe the plants and wildlife as you hike to the cache. Make
a list of animals you saw or heard. Obviously your experience won't
be the same from season to season or even from day to day. Some
wildlife I observed while putting this cache out were grey
squirrels, red squirrels, chipmunks, Canadian geese, monarch
butterflies, woolybear caterpillars, dragon flies, blue jays and
garter snakes. However, even if you don't view a living creature,
you may see tracks, droppings, feathers, etc. You may hear signs of
wildlife as well. Feel free to bring a camera and share pictures of
any interesting or odd plantlife or animals. Stealth is required -
not to find the cache but to find the woodland inhabitants. Parking
is available from dawn to dusk. Head north on the main trail to
find stage 1. Then continue clockwise around the pond for the
final. Continuing on the main trail will bring you back to the
parking area. The hike is about 2.5 to 3 miles so plan accordingly.
Please note: stay on the main trail until you are about 300 feet
away from the final. then head toward it. There is a very steep
dropoff nearby. Take care to watch geopets and geocubs. The final
is away from the dropoff. Good luck and "Be Prepared"!