Congratulations to PhotoE, first to find this cache, a feat that occurred on January 23, 2009.
In June 2001, a local Geocacher called Tropical Penguin placed two caches close to Rock Springs Run. Rock Springs #1 was on a sandbar island and was archived in 2003. Rock Springs #2, the letterbox/Geocache hybrid that this cache replaces, stayed active through major hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods, finally going missing in late 2008. Sadly, it now has been archived. Tropical Penguin's profile reveals that he is no longer active, having had only one find and two hides, all in 2001.
This cache is placed in recognition of the historic significance of those pioneering Geocaching efforts by Tropical Penguin. Rockhopjohn was the first finder of Rock Springs #2, on July 9, 2001; Out on Bail was the last logged finder, on November 22, 2008. For CondoMax, the owner of this replacement cache, it was his first Geocache find, on June 13, 2003. Through its long history, 59 finds were logged.
We wanted to place this tribute/replacement cache in a less traveled area, so as to deter mugglage. At the same time, we wanted to preserve the spirit of the original Rock Springs #2 cache, which could be accessed via land or water. Accordingly, we chose a location that is convenient to hiking trails, as well as to canoe/kayak landings at Big Buck and Otter camps. The one thing we couldn't preserve was the letterbox aspect, as we have no letterboxing equipment.
This cache is located in Wekiwa Springs State Park. Park hours for day visitors are 8 AM to sunset. You must pay a $6.00 per car entry fee (two to eight passengers) or $4.00 for a single admission.
The one-way hike from the Sand Lake parking area is about two-and-a-half miles; from Big Buck Camp, the hike is 0.3 miles; and from Otter Camp, a hike of 0.6 miles is required. A bit of minor bushwhacking will be necessary. Please do not destroy vegetation, hack a trail with a machete, use defoliants, etc. The park approved this cache under the proviso that it would not cause significant disruption of the ecology of the area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the park. Florida black bears and white-tailed deer are prevalent, as are gators and myriad bird species. Please respect the wild animals as you view them from a distance. Except for Geocaching trades, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.
The cache is a .30 caliber ammo can, and it contains the usual swag.
Particularly hardy hikers can actually access this from Rock Springs Run State Reserve. The entry fee there is only $2.00, and it is only a five mile hike to the cache from the parking area there. The only catch is that you have to cross Rock Springs Run a half mile from the cache. Well, the three of us who hid the cache (plus Cosmo, the GeoWonderGeezerDog) did just that the day we hid it and we lived to talk about it!
Come out and enjoy a walk or a paddle in the park and a great view of Rock Springs Run! At the time of this placement, there are several other caches in Wekiwa Springs State Park, including our own Geezers' Geek-O-Rama. Why not make a day of it?
We thank the park management and staff for approving the placement of this cache.