GC181ZN Medfield Swim Pond Woods (Traditional Cache) in Massachusetts, United States created by StuBops 1986

This cache has been archived.

StuBops 1986: This area has been flooded due to heavy beaver activity. In all my years of coming back here I have never seen beavers, nor any sign of them for that matter until I walked back here to check on the cache spot in hopes of getting it reactivated today. It is quite evident that there are at least a pair of beavers living back here causing quite a bit of "natural damage", (whom likely have a litter of pups on the way...)

The second bridge is washed out and there is just no way this one can continue (even when considering the seasons). I thought about placing another cache, maybe even a small but challenging multi closer to the pond but, this park really just doesn't seem to be cache-friendly. Too much juvenile activity such as littering and graffiti along with a significant burnt patch of woods leads me to believe that the local community needs to work on this more than the caching community does...

Thanks to all those who attempted this and expressed their joy. Anyone can feel free to place another cache out here if they wish.

-Stubops

GC181ZN ▼

A cache by StuBops 1986 Message this owner

Hidden : 12/21/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Stephen Hinkley Memorial Park is an outdoor, public recreation facility that is home to the towns swim pond/beach, a large fenced-in playground, a smaller open playground, picnic benches, stone grills and nature trails. Many Medfield residents come here with their families to cool off in the dog days of summer.

The secluded trails behind the park are relatively unused for the most part, and provide a quiet escape from the bustling park during the summer months. This is also a popular dog walking destination, just remember to leash them when you're in the main area.

The cache is a gray 10x3x4" metal lock box. Use the parking coordinates as your starting-off position, otherwise you may end up in private cul de sacs or housing developments.

Follow your GPS to the other side of the pond where you will have to locate a bridge-crossing (there will be atleast 1 or 2). From there, you will need to find the main trail that leads back to the cache. You're going the right way if you observe a swamp to your left and a housing development/more swamp to the right. As you make your way deeper into the woods, there will muddy areas, thorns, low branches and even posion ivy; Be aware of these challenges and you will succeed.

Initial Muggle Warning: During the summer months there will be a considerable amount of people in the first half of your trek. Parking may be difficult (Usually if you wait about 5 minutes a spot will open up). Also, children from the housing development like to play in the woods here so keep this in mind as well (they are the cache's #1 muggle threat!)

There is a granite memorial bench, commemorating Walter Frank, near the cache. I dont know who he is but I used to come here a lot as I live within walking distance. It's a great area to sit and enjoy nature. If you decide to check out the trail network that continues beyond the cache area (recommended), you will find Parker's Pond (that's my name!) and a number of other trails that stem off and snake their way through woods separating a number of new residential developments. Please be respectful and quiet back here as the land is privately owned by people who are kind enough to allow walkers to pass through. Share your gratitude if you're lucky enough to stumble upon one of them...

*I placed this cache at sunset with my Springer Spaniel in about a foot of snow, just before Christmas. We left some confusing geo-prints in the snow to throw anyone of who plans on attempting this. It is very doable in these conditions, especially if you have snowshoes. My intention was to provide newbies with a cache they could attempt if they got a new GPS for the holidays. FTF will find a reward!

***PLEASE Re-Hide/Camoflauge the Cache well!***

Good Luck Cachers!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

FUBER-yl lbh'yy svaq vg

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)