Sykesville Snallygaster Sighting #2 Traditional Cache
Sykesville Snallygaster Sighting #2
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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We found the nest of the Snallygaster!
In the 1700s, a gruesome flying beast appeared in the skies of Maryland. It was described as having a tail over 20 feet long, reptilian scales, razor sharp talons, and a blood-curdling shriek. The creature was named “Snallygaster,” probably derived from a mispronunciation of the German “schnelle geist,” which means “quick spirit.” Unlike the “schnelle geist,” the Snallygaster preyed on farm animals and was known to grab a child or two to feed its bloodthirst. Sightings began again in the prohibition era and the Snallygaster was believed to met its death in a 2500-gallon vat of moonshine. In 1973, the Snallygaster reappeared even more wicked and frightening than before. After briefly terrorizing the residents of Sykesville, it disappeared into the depths of Patapsco Valley State Park. Until recently, that is…
Not long ago, we were hiking along River Road and heard a horrible screeching sound. We thought it was the sound of a train that had gone wrong on the tracks, but there wasn’t a train in sight. It felt as if the temperature dropped by 20 degrees as the shadow of an enormous beast coasted overhead. The Snallygaster has returned. We followed a trail off of River Road and came upon a strange clearing in the woods. And there, we found the nest. It was littered with miscellanous, small trinkets, presumably treasures it took from its victims. Much to our surprise, we found an egg - already hatched. The Snallygaster has spawn. They are probably everywhere by now.
If you choose to look for the Snallygaster's nest, do not look in or on the structures you will pass on your journey. The Patapsco Valley Sate Park granted permission for us to leave the nest where we found it. Surprisingly, it's not up in a tree.
Be careful and good luck - Look out for hunters during hunting season, PI during the summer, and ticks all year.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Arfgyrq nzbat gur jbbq