Austin Junction Traditional Cache
GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is placed at the Junction of Hwys 26 and 7. This is a favorite spot and has been for many, many years. Gpa came here when he first started elk hunting in the local area 20-25 years ago. (He doesn’t want me to tell my favorite story, so ask him sometime! Hint: it involves a phone booth, a first elk, a bar and a pick up.) We try to stop here when ever we come through. Since we have been caching, Gpa has wanted to put a cache here and now since Rivercacher had his gathering over Memorial Day (2009) we thought we better get it done before someone else does.
The town of Austin was started in the late 1800’s, Minot and Linda Austin ran a stage line between Sumpter and Canyon City. Linda ran the general store, hotel and boarding house. At one time, Austin boasted a population of approximately 500 people. In about 1917, the Oregon Lumber Company built a new double-sided sawmill about a mile down the Middle Fork of the John Day River from Austin. A company owned town was built for the mill workers and was named Bates. The mill there was closed down around 1975 and the townsite and mill are mostly just memories. We know a few people who grew up in Bates. It’s enjoyable to sit by the camp fire and listen to them talk.
This is a pretty easy find, you are looking for an Ammo can. It is full of just little trinkets like silly putty. And Gpa threw in some clay pigeons. I put in my Temecula CA geocoin. I was going to turn it loose when my brother was here visiting, but it didn’t happen and now it is time for it to go on its way. There is a bit of digging in the brush but not too bad.
We put in a certificate for 2 ice cream cones for the "first to find" prize. You'll know from where when you find it. Please enjoy. This cache was placed here with permission.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Byq 8