The Prospector's Journey Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

jamahu: The location of the final stage of this cache has been flagged by forest service as having Perimyotis subflavus hybernaculum activity (Tricolored bat hibernation). In order to reduce the spread of white nose syndrome in these bats, all human activity in this location has been restricted. As the final location was critical to the theme of this cache, I am archiving it rather than relocating. Thanks to all who have taken the Prospector's Journey!

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Hidden : 4/19/2008
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Thanks to NCPapaw for a wild beta-testing ride, valuable suggestions, and the FTF prize; and to 1101010 for advice, support, and the final cache container!

There's Gold in them thar hills!  Even before the era of the Forty-niners, the industrious few were already making their fortunes in the gold business in North and South Carolina.  Although things never seemed to "pan out" all that well for the miners here in the upstate, the results of these mining efforts can still be seen, if you know where to look.
This cache will give you the chance to step into the shoes of a Gold Prospector from the first signs of gold fever to the final payoff.  The coordinates to your base camp are located in the Waypoints section below, and from this location you will head out in search of your first hint of gold.

This cache is located on Clemson Experimental Forest property. Regulations for recreational use can be found here.

This is a multistage cache. The first stages are not containers in the traditional sense, but should be easily recognizable, while the final cache is an ammo box. The hike is 1.5+ miles round trip, depending on your method of attack. The first stage is not far off of a trail, but later stages leave the trail behind. A flashlight will be required, and a machete may come in handy for the final stage if you are caching in the spring or summer.

(Please note: Cache at your own risk. This cache involves the tunnel of an abandoned gold/soapstone mine. There are no restrictions to entry, but also no guarantees of structural safety.)

Update 3/10/13: The Clemson Forestry Department appears to be doing work in this area, so please use caution as you hike, especially if you are caching on a weekday. I am hoping that the areas where this cache is located will remain untouched, but there are no guarantees.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Stage 1] Vf gung n gval grrcrr? [Stage 2] Trg qbja, ybbx hc. [Stage 3] Lbh'yy unir gb tb nyy gur jnl va...

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)


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