Puffer's Pond in the Fall of 2007 - Amherst, MA
This cache is the latest installment in a series of hides inspired by our clan's two children. Both of our kids love everything about water - swimming, skipping rocks, playing, and fishing. Puffer's Pond in Amherst, MA is all those and a bag of chips. Puffer's Pond is the crown jewel of Amherst recreational areas. Its land is now managed by the town and is part of the Pulpit Hill Conservation Area. This is a small cache that was put together by the kids and hidden with their help in this area.
The dam that created Puffer's Pond was built in the 1890's to power five saw, grain, and woolen mills. At the time the area was called Factory Hollow. In the early 1900's ice was cut from the lake every year to provide ice year-round for Amherst and the surrounding towns. In 1977 Edward Puffer, the third generation property owner, rebuilt the dam and then donated the pond and its surrounding land to the town of Amherst for all to enjoy. It is a lovely area and a real gem. Locals enjoy the nearby beach and swimming in the pond. Fishing is also allowed.
This cache will take you on a nice hike around Puffer's Pond. If you want a nice walk with opportunities to enjoy the pond's trails and visit the waterfall at the dam, park at the Mill Street parking area at N 42° 25.000 W 072° 31.228. You can also turn this one into a quick park and grab if you park on Pulpit Hill Road at N 42° 25.133 W 072° 31.026 - but with a nice walk from Mill Street available why would you want to do that, really? We highly recommend taking the 0.23 mile stroll from Mill Street and enjoying the area to its fullest. 
Take the upper trail around the pond. If you take the trail that follows the water's edge, you'll end up looking at this cache from the bottom of a really steep incline. Since this is a popular destination and police do occasionally patrol the area to keep the local college kids in check, this cache is not recommended at night.
Geoffrey has put together a nice prize for the First to Find: a set of unactivated travel bug dog tags. Enjoy the hunt!
Your Hosts, Geoffrey & Katherine, at the Puffer's Pond Dam - The WMC Kids