Toot Toot II Traditional Cache
OReviewer: As there's been no cache to find for a long time or has had no owner response for at least 30 days, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.
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OK, this is a really easy one, although it's camouflaged just to give you a little mental stimulation, and is intended not so much to challenge your Geocaching skills as to get you up near the Lebanon train station, which is about 450' south of this cache and which can be seen in the distance from the cache. The hint is a total giveaway, so use it only if you must. The cache includes a Travel Bug coupled with a Pathtag, a log, and a small writing instrument. The cache is not on or near the station or the tracks. You can park at the station if there are any vacant spots (usually only on weekends) or at the Lebanon Reformed Church (except on Sunday mornings) at the other end of this little street, appropriately named Central. You can actually drive up to virtually next to this cache. There are a few houses nearby, so keep a lookout for muggles. The top of the cache can be sticky, so try to remember to leave a slight crack at the closed end when you replace the top.
I've rated this 1.5 for difficulty since I'm not sure that it's handicapped accessible, and 2 for terrain since there is a short but somewhat steep hill involved if you park at the station.
And now some history. This station is part of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey line, which ran from Jersey City to Easton, PA as a commuter line (the eastern terminal was later moved to the Newark Pennsylvania Station in the early 70's) and as a freight line. The freight line ran much farther, to Bethlehem, where it took a sharp right turn and ran up to Scranton. It also had a branch going to the New Jersey shore, at the end of which is a loop for trains to turn around – the only one in the US. It’s still in use.
Today, the Central RR of NJ is NJ Transit, and it is a commuter line only – no freight. The current end of the line is in High Bridge, and the tracks are still in place but inactive past that. There is talk about restoring service to Phillipsburg or Easton to alleviate traffic on I-78. This would be a good idea and would not be all that expensive (in relative terms) since the right of way is still owned by NJ Transit and has not been turned over to local government for a rails-to-trails program. Service is during the week only, so on weekends and holidays there are no trains on this line. The new double-deck cars are in use as of a couple of months ago.
The Lebanon station is the home of lots of vintage rolling stock and engines, all of which are in a very slow state of restoration. There’s an old GG-1, a couple of EMD F-7's and lots of passenger cars, including a New York Central observation car. A few pictures are below. Bring a camera and take your own!
Edit Note: All of the old rolling stock has now been moved to Boonton except for the NYC car (Hickory Creek) and a couple of others.
Happy Geocaching!
Mac Carter
Cokesbury, New Jersey
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Or ba thneq arne AW 70 YO R 759
Treasures
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