Ice Road Traditional Cache
Downrigger1: Because the terrain is no longer safe for average geocachers, we are archiving this cache in order to place a different one nearby that still highlights the information about the Ice Road and the method of transporting lumber at the turn of the century. Be sure to check for the new one soon.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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Located 250 feet off road, off trail with one short steep climb likely. Large rocks and berry bushes in the area.
The container includes a small gift for FTF.
This cache is hidden near an Ice Road. You should park on Grave Lake Forest Road, not on Highway 38.
The Ice Road was created in the 1890's when this area was first being forested by immigrants. Major foresting was done in the winter for two main reasons. One, there was an abundance of labor due to local farmers not having crops in the winter. They left the rest of the family home to tend the livestock. The second reason is why you are visiting this cache. Travel in this mosquito infested, variable terrain with many bogs and lakes was very difficult in the summer months. However in winter the ground was firm enough to support heavy wagons or, in this case, sleds. To further strengthen the ground and to enhance movement of these heavy logging sleds over the ground, special wagons were used to haul and disseminate water over the road. This water quickly turned to ice in the Minnesota cold thus leaving a tough yet slick layer on the surface. This ICE ROAD then facilitated movement of the logging sleds over the surface. Near this cache you can see where a trench was cut through the hillside to ease the burden of going over this hill. The extra material from this cut was then used to fill in a small natural valley just west of the Ice Road sign.
While here, take a moment to read the small interpretive sign. Also notice the special horseshoes attached to the sign. These shoes were designed to give the work horses better traction on the slick surface.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gurer znl or na rnfvre jnl.
Treasures
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