At the same time we put in the night course we converted the SWAG IN THE CACHE TO BLUE ITEMS and a few natural mineral pieces for discovery or trade. PLEASE CONSIDER THIS A THEME CACHE FOR BLUE ITEMS AND TRADE FAIRLY WITH SWAG AND TRACKABLES TO HELP KEEP THIS CACHE ATTRACTIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW. PLEASE LEAVE THIS CACHE WELL BUT SUBTLY CONCEALED AFTER FINDING SO CHANCE OBSERVERS DURING PARK SEASON AND DEER HUNTERS DURING THEIR SEASON WON'T ACCIDENTALLY SPOT IT!
This is our 50th cache placement, and we had planned to locate it at or near the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, which celebrated its 150th anniversary this year, but a virgin woods State Natural Area covers most of the northern two-thirds of the island, and we didn't think even a reference point there would be suitable so far from where the ammo can is placed. We would, nonetheless, like to encourage visitors to the island to take in the tour of the lighthouse, so we mention the anniversary of the existing structure, built in 1858 and replacing the first lighthouse constructed there in 1836 before Wisconsin became a state. (Note: A couple years after we placed this cache, a "sweet" cacher was able to get permission to put a new cache called "The Beacon" near the lighthouse, and we were delighted to make it our find #3100.)
"Along Blueberry Trail" is a two-stage multi-cache with the first waypoint at the listed coordinates. Park maps available at the check-in station next to the Viking Hall Boat House at the ferry dock have Blueberry Trail clearly shown. Along the trail at the listed coordinates you will find a bench to rest at to enjoy the woods view and possibly spot some deer or other wildlife before searching for the final container. On the bench, dedicated to Thomas, you will find his date of birth. Subtract 1389 from his year of birth to get the seconds for the north coordinates of the final. Subtract 1725 from the same year to get the seconds for the west coordinates. Both have the same minutes as the first waypoint.
The final container is an ammo can loaded with blue and purple light sticks, a discover-only sample of local coral, a couple coral pieces for some young finders to take, some Matchbox jeeps for kids or to make travel bugs, several bags of glass "gems" and a couple jeep travel bugs. There is also a log book with pencil and an FTF pin for the first finder. Please try to trade so this cache continues to have trackable items, or just discover if you choose. We'd like to see this cache retain some good swag and trackables as it will be difficult to replenish often.
The cache was placed after consulting with park ranger, Randy Holm, and the Cache Placement Form 2500-118 was submitted to the park manager, Kirby Foss.
Enjoy the island and your walk along this pleasant trail!