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James/Younger Gang Escape Route - Klondike Hill Letterbox Hybrid

Hidden : 8/12/2009
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Fifth in a series that traces the route the James-Younger gang took after their unsuccessful attempt to rob the First National Bank in Northfield in 1876. Cache IS NOT at the listed coordinates; however, using information obtained there will yield the coordinates of the cache.

By Friday morning, the 8th of September, the day after the robbery attempt, pickets were being set up on all roads, fords and bridges in the gang's path. A major artery for the posse is the Sakatah Singing Hills Railroad, now a 50 mile-long bike path. After spending the night in Kilkenny the gang traveled south and west paralleling the railroad but on the north side of the Cannon-Sakata-Tetonka-Elysian-Frances chain of lakes. They tried to break through near Waterville but were deterred by a large posse. Approaching the ford on the north side of Tetonka they were spotted by a two-man picket and gunfire was exchanged. The gang backed off. But then the guards vacated their position to get reinforcements. And the gang crossed.

After determining their whereabouts from a lad, named Wil Rosenau, the gang headed towards Klondike Hill, the highest point in three counties, northwest of Elysian. Realizing that the hill would make a great lookout and figuring the gang is there, a posse surrounded the hill and decides to wait the gang out. And they waited, and waited. Finally they closed in. No gang. Either the gang gave them the slip or they by-passed the hill to begin with. Night #2 settles in. The rain increases. The gang heads north and west towards Lakes German and Jefferson and then towards Marysburg.

To find the cache: The coordinates will take you to an old thresher at the base of the hill. While you're there, you may as well climb to the peak. On the north side of the thresher is stenciled a 5-digit serial number ABCDE. Let F = A+E and G = B-D. Using those you'll find the cache at N 44° 13.FGA' , W 093° 42.AGC'.

This is also a letterbox, so bring your stamp and pad if you have them, and refer to the letterbox clues for additional hints.

Previous stop: Kilkenny.

Next stop: Marysburg.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)