This location has several unusual features that at first, made
me think of putting a multi here. In that I have a dislike for
them, and I have to assume some others do also, I chose to do a
Traditional with reference and waypoints to unique features,
including an offset to a letterbox named
“The Sad Bug”.
I suggest you park at the referenced parking location, and
follow the trail on the other side of the gate. No need to cheat
here. If you attempt to bushwhack I can assure you , it will take
three times the amount of time, and you will come out muddy , wet,
and in warm weather, most likely, eaten alive.
The trail is on land belonging to the Natural Resoures Trust of
Plainville, Inc. and will start out on the other side of the
locked gate as a wide trail or old access road. It will quickly
turn right and take you to a concrete dam on the east bank of
Turnpike Lake. Across the lake is a view of Route 1. I have been
told that this lake was created, or at the least expanded, when in
was mined for the gravel to construct the highway. Years before,
the French troops of Lafayette camped in the fields here. Hence the
name of his then headquarters, and now restaurant, “Lafayette
House” on Route 1 in Foxboro.
No need to cross the dam. There is
an
archived cache on the other side. Some may remember it. I made
the jump in January looking for it when the whole thing was covered
with ice. I can’t recommend it! Turn around, and at the end of the
dam, the correct trail is on your left, more or less a game trial.
Follow your GPSr from here. The trail and referenced waypoints will
follow along a mill canal constructed approximately in 1791. Cross
a couple bridges, and make a loop, so you do not need to backtrack;
it is about equal distance from the cache location to parking no
matter which way you go.
The cache is a 50 caliber ammo box. For the past year or so, I
have swapped and collected, shall we say, unique swag while
caching. I had it proudly displayed in my wife’s china cupboard. It
was the Good, the Bad, and the Ugliest that I could find! After
prolonged, constant subtle suggestions from my wife, it’s now time
that I give it up and let it go! Please consider this as a
SWAG RECYCLING STATION! Some of this
stuff you may have seen before. There’s enough stuff for the first
year. I think the kids will find something they like in this
one!.
(The Shepard Mill is on the other side of the chain link fence
from the posted coordinates. Stand and view the mill ruins from the
guard rail as this part of the property is not open to the public.
The water drop and wheel location are clearly visible. )
Across from where you parked is the location of an old Drive In
movie theatre. I can’t recall its name, it might have been the
“Boro” but I think that was on Route 1 near the Christmas Tree
Shop…. I’m sure the local old timers will recall and straighten me
out in their logs!
Please be careful crossing the street to view
the Mill
Location, and as always near water or on the street, watch the
small kids carefully. The top of the mill canal bank is narrow,
covered with roots, and in icy weather, could be treacherous. There
are some downed trees across the trail on occasion, so if you come
across one you think you might have trouble negotiating through or
around, this one’s not for you!
Take your time and visit the unusual
anomalies, stamp the letterbox, or just grab the cache for the
"number", It's up to you!
Congratulations to CRAZY DIAMONDS for FTF!!
In 20 Degree weather
also!