THIS PARAGRAPH WAS ADDED AUGUST 28 2022. THE ORIGINAL CACHE PAGE STARTS AT THE NEXT PARAGRAPH. The first stage might not be there. If not, here are coordinates that will get you close to the final. The loaded map — see below — may be helpful. N 035° 54.262' W 081° 54.345'
The Cache: An OD ammo box in a cool location.
NAVIGATION: There are several ways to get to this cache: two or four wheel drive vehicles using paved and dirt roads being the easiest and most commonly used.
TARGET: The first clue for this cache was originally located INSIDE another geocache, Cool Dip and a Cave Too. That cache has since been relocated to spot outside the cave, but to find the coordinates for the next stop, you will still need to venture inside the cave. You will be looking for a Skoal can.
NOTES on final location: Before you hunt for the final cache be sure no one is nearby to observe you slip off to look for the cache. Be quiet while hunting so as not to give your location away. Above all, use caution in this area. HINT: Gravity should be foremost in your mind. Sheer cliffs abound in this area so EXTREME CAUTION is required on this cache hunt. This cache is overlooking some of the wildest and most beautiful mountain terrain east of the Rocky's! Parts of this hunt can be dangerous due to various environmental factors such as steep cliffs and swift water so this may not be a good one for young kids (unless they have a guardian while you locate the cache).
CACHE ACTION: Print the below map to help you locate the cache when you get close to it's location. Be very careful not to slip and fall off of the mountain; if it has rained or the temperature has been at or near freezing and the rocks are wet/icy you will need to use extreme caution!
CRITTERS: Look carefully before and when you remove the cache because there may be snakes and/or stinging insects living here. This is their habitat, not ours. If you see any of these creatures please treat them with the respect that they deserve. DO NOT kill any animals as they all have a reason for living and are all protected by federal law.
If you do see a snake during your cache-hunt and are unsure of it's species check out my Snake Identification website and e-mail me copies of any snake photos you take.
Remember that this is a WILD area, and you may encounter any or all of the following: live wild creatures, mud, dirt, scat, uneven ground, rough surfaces, heat, cold, wet water, dryness, rocks, plants, sand, pollen, wind, air, weather, light, dark, and unpredictable sounds created from unknown sources. Just remember that there will be plenty of random and unplanned events as you hunt for this cache.
NOTE: Ignorant humans often throw trash in this area. If you see any, please pick it up so that the next person visiting this area can experience it as it is meant to be seen.
When you re-hide the Skoal can and ammo can please put them back exactly as you found them!!
AREA NOTES: There are many campsites along the roads near here so bring a tent if you plan to make this an overnight outing. The Linville Gorge area is known for the phenomenon known as the "Brown Mountain Lights". These are strange glowing and often multi-colored bursts of light that appear and vanish at random locations all throughout the gorge. The best time to see them is between 10pm and 2am. Check out the below websites for more info on the Gorge and the lights:
Brown Mountain Lights.Com
Brown Mountain Lights
Please take pictures of your hunt and post them on this page...!