The Cacher in the Wye Multi-Cache
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Size: 
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This multi-stage cache will introduce you to historic buildings and natural surroundings of Wye Mills, Maryland; all in a half-mile stretch that affords great walking or biking on a pleasant day. The published coordinates will place you at Stage 1. Porta potties are located in the parking lot at the lake.
INTRODUCTION Stage 1 is Wye Oak State Park where the massive 450+ year old White Oak tree, the largest ever recorded in the United States, resided until a thunderstorm toppled it in 2002. Standing demurely next to the remains is a small brick schoolhouse dating to colonial times, and is believed to be the second oldest school in Talbot County. Read the history of both at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/eastern/wyeoak.html Stage 2 is the historic Old Wye Episcopal Church, built in 1721 with the “donations of 60,000 pounds of tobacco and 100 pounds of sterling.” This church is said to be one of the oldest Episcopal Churches in the country. The original church was built in 1721 over the foundation of an earlier structure believed to have been built in the last part of the seventeenth century. The exterior is the original brickwork. Read it’s history at http://www.wyeparish.org/history_insert.htm Stage 3 is the Old Wye Grist Mill, built in 1664. It provided flour for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and still operates on a limited basis twice a month. During the annual celebration of Wye Mill Day the mill comes to life, its restored waterwheel turning ancient grindstones, coating the rumbling timbers of the building as well as visitors in a dusting of fine white flour. Read more about it at http://www.historicqac.org/sites/WMgristmill.htm While you’re in the immediate vicinity, you should check out the following fascinating sites as well: Across the street from the grist mill is Wye Mills Community Lake, originally formed in colonial times for the purpose of holding water and diverting its flow to power the grain mill sited below it. Today the 50 acre lake is stocked with bass, perch, crappies and bluegills for sport fishing (freshwater license is required.) Finish off your tour with a short climb or drive up the hill on Rt 404 East to the Wye Mills United Methodist Church overlooking the lake, a very pretty example of late 18th century wooden churches. FINDING THE CACHE Due to the fragile and historic nature of the existing buildings and surrounding environments, I have chosen to make this multi-stage cache a puzzle using visual clues that will lead you to the eventual cache container. There are no containers hidden on or near any historic buildings, so please don’t pry at any of the historic structures! Please be respectful in the cemetery at historic Wye Church, and do not allow children to stand, sit or jump on headstones. Stage 1: Wye Oak State Park You will have to read the plaque at the tree and look carefully at the schoolhouse to discover the clues to Stage 2: 1. In what numeral month of 2006 was the clone seedling planted? (A) 2. How many windows does the schoolhouse have altogether? Do not count the window pane in the front door. (B) 3. How many panes of glass are in the small upper window on the left side of the schoolhouse? (C) Coordinates to Stage 2: 38 5A.1B1 N 076 04.B9C W Stage 2: Old Wye Episcopal Church Your coordinates will lead you into the middle of the cemetery to the site of the Davis family. 1. In what year was Elizabeth Davis born? (ABAC) 2. In what year did Elizabeth Davis die? (ABD-) Coordinates to Stage 3: 3B 5D.5AC N 07D 04.B7D W Stage 3: Old Wye Grist Mill Your coordinates will now lead you to the cache. Please make sure to carefully replace the log and lid so the container closes completely, and position the container for maximum protection from muggles and weather. NOTE: The mill is NOT on state park property, and the cache has been placed with permission of the organization that owns and manages it.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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