Once at the proper landing point the final cache should not be too difficult to locate. The cache is a small size container with a logbook and small creatures inside. You will need a boat of some sort to complete this cache. (Canoe, kayak, motorboat). We also suggest you always use a life vest (PFD) when boating on the river.
This cache is located on a small island with a sandy beach guarded at times by a non-indigenous White Swan. Watch out for this large white swan, he may attack you if you are in a canoe or kayak. Keep your distance! We were in a pontoon boat while placing the cache and he followed us down river. We returned to the island and placed the cache before he returned. This swan is a wild bird and could cause serious injury. Keep Yourself Safe!
Even if you can find parking closer to the cache, we recommend against attempting to swim as the river has a strong current. We also suggest you always use a life vest (PFD) when boating on the river. The property on both sides of the river is private property. This cache is on State waterway but not accessible from land without crossing Private property. ONLY approach from the river. DO NOT CROSS PROPERTY FROM LAND TO ATTEMPT THIS CACHE.
This is the six of six (6) caches you can find by enjoying a day on the St. Joseph River.
The other caches in the series:
Mother Goose (#1 of 6)
Pirahana or Poison Ivy (#2 of 6)
Deer Haven (#3 of 6)
Snake in the Grass (#4 of 6)
Mosquito Alley (#5 of 6)
Killer Swan (#6 of 6)
The entire series by canoe will take 3 to 5 hours. If you canoe, you start in Niles and end in Buchanan. By the sixth cache, you will be more than half way to Buchanan and it is difficult to canoe back up river.
The rating for this cache is based on the need for a watercraft and the swan. If it were in a park without the swan it would be rated a 2 / 1.5.