This cache is a replacement of the "Meadowview Marsh Micro"
whose location was originally a film canister on fishing line in a
tree limb hole, which was knocked down by a storm, and now after
four years was a pile of rotting wood. Decided to upgrade to a
regular-sized L-n-L clear container inside a black plastic bag (for
concealment - not weather protection), thus a new cache listing.
Thanks to the 62 folks who enjoyed the prior micro.
The cache is in a wetlands area covering three former ash pits,
but is now full of cattails and marshy growth that birds and
wildlife love. It is on Eastman Chemical Company property, but the
public is welcomed to visit the section maintained by the Watagua
Audubon Society (Collins Chew who mows the path and also volunteers
at the Gray fossil site). Although you park at the fence where it
says Eastman – No Trespassing, there is a V-gate to the
southeast (refer to waypoint), which has the formal “Public
Welcome” sign (see attached picture in listing gallery). On
the back of the wooden sign is a box that has walking tour
information. Please return the brochures (and seal the zip bag)
once done, as I believe Collins is paying for the copying out of
his own pocket. You cross the open field (possible tick warning) to
steps down to the refuge trail. Take some time to see the flora and
fauna (so don’t come in the middle of a hot afternoon). Log
what you see, so that the rest can learn what is here. BYOP just in
case.
This is intended to be an easy hide to minimize the amount of
off-trail damage. This area may not be young child-friendly as
marshy along the edges, lots of spider webs (swing a stick up and
down in front of you), etc. While checking out the new location, I
spied a set of animal bones, a turtle shell, and several golf balls
from the nearby course (route from golf course is through the
marsh, so don't). About everytime that I have come here, there has
been some wildlife (doe running away today), so approach quietly to
observe and enjoy.
Update: The cache is doing quite well. Please refrain from
leaving stray golf balls as trade items in the geocache; you can do
better.
Permission for keeping this geocache reconfirmed in October 2011
with the Manager of Corporate Safety & Security for Eastman
Chemical.