Scenic 40, The Challenge of Sideling Hill, Part II Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

FrancisScottKey: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.

Regards,
FrancisScottKey
Volunteer Cache Reviewer

More
Hidden : 11/29/2008
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Related Web Page

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

SPECIAL NOTE !!!! LOCATION AND TYPE OF CONTAINER HAS CHANGED *****

The Challenge of Sideling hill, Part II TRAVELING THE MOUNTAIN ROADS

While the highway from west of Hancock to Cumberland is one of the most winding of its length in the United States, there is absolutely no chance to lose the way, and the most should be made of the opportunity for viewing the scenery.

The various upgrades and downgrades are quite long and steep; but the curves are mostly wide and the surface fair to good throughout. With the car in good condition, and carefully driven, there is no danger, though one should not stop on the curves to view the scenery; and it is well also to keep on the lookout for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

Specific description of the different ranges crossed would be difficult at best; and the detailed maps show the roadway over them more graphically than text could possibly do; so the following paragraphs are purposely condensed.

The next range west of Tonoloway, and the second one beyond Hancock, is known as Sideling Hill, which reaches an elevation of 1,633 feet just before the principal curve on the summit.

From this point several wonderful views are to be had, not only eastward across the valley or vast ravine between the two ridges, but also westward over an apparently endless extension of mountains, through which Sideling Hill Creek winds its way to the now more-distant Potomac.

Higher elevations than this will be found on some of the ridges farther west; but nowhere else on the trip between Baltimore and Wheeling is there an ascent of 760 feet in a mile and a half, as on the eastern slope of Sideling Hill, or a descent of 495 feet in a single mile, as on its western slope. The latter, which starts along a ledge just beyond the summit, should be coasted (if at all), with the brake on lightly, not only on account of the grade, but especially to prepare for the very sharp left curve-almost a "horseshoe"-at the foot.
While a machine beyond control would probably be wrecked on that curve, it presents no danger to the experienced driver who knows about it in advance.

Naturally, however, the first-time traveler will experience a sense of relief at being on the easier grades between Sideling Hill and the next range. Thomas Cresap, the western Maryland pioneer and afterward a member of the Ohio Company, is said to have paid an Indian £25 for widening the original path over this hill, so that white men and wagons could negotiate it. That was a considerable amount in those days, and may give some idea of the work involved in the original clearing.
In Fry & Jefferson's map (1755) will be found the name "Side Long Hill," from which the present Sideling Hill undoubtedly came.
Even after this long descent, the downgrade continues about a mile to Bear Creek, which is crossed by a stone bridge, followed by a sharp left curve to the iron bridge across Sideling Hill Creek, at the base of the mountain.
(visit link)

The Challenge of Sideling Hill (GC1J2JM) has you stopping at the rest area just below the crest of the Sideling Hill Mountain, to find this cache you’ll have to travel to the bottom of this mountain as those pioneers before you did. Accessing this cache from the East.

You can experience the decent of the mountain to find the bridges described above. If you continue West down from (GC1J2JM) turn left onto McFarland Road (MD Rt. 144) just below the rest area and follow it to the bottom. Crossing Bear creek and then arriving at Sideling Hill creek.

This cache can also be accessed from I 68 East or West Bound at Exit 72 High Germany Rd. Exiting to the South side of the Interstate and following McFarland Road (Md 144) East until you arrive at Sideling Hill creek.

___________________________________________________

The original cache location has been moved away from the stream area.

This new cache is located just off the road.

Please DO NOT access this cache by the direct route from along the road, as this will leave a Geotrail for the Muggles to find it. Take the long route around to find this Bucket cache.

Due to the Muggles, this cache is Cammoed and Well Hidden.

Once you locate this cache look closely as I have added an aid to remove it from its hiding place.

Be CAUTIOUS in your search and always rehide as well or better than found.

___________________________________________________

Rememeber Travel Bugs need to keep Moving On !!! It’s very important that you move TB’s on there way as soon as you can (within two weeks if possible). They love to keep moving and racking up miles! Travel Bugs are NOT Free and have some personal meaning.

If your going to take one Please be Responsible.

Log It, Move It to a new cache and Enjoy its Travels.

I am a Member of the Maryland GeoCache Society (visit link)

*** FTF Award goes to RebRon ***

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ob gg bz bs ge rr fg hz c jv gu n pb eq n gg np ur q

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us