The only access point to this cache is from the Rest Area on westbound I-196 just south of Holland, MI.
I believe that travel bugs and geocoins are released to travel. Therefore it would be wrong of me to say you must leave anything in order to retrieve 1 or more trackable items. The goal of this geocache is not to restrict the movement of trackable items, but to facilitate their movement to other areas. There will be times when this geocache does not have any travel bugs or geocoins in it and that's perfectly fine since it just means that it's doing it's job by helping to move trackables on to different areas. So if you can assist 1 or more trackable items in their travels please feel free to take them and not leave anything. They are not swag so therefore you never have to leave other trackables or swag to move a trackable.
If you do move along a travel bug or geocoin please go to www.geocaching.com and update that you've retrieved it and also once you've placed it in a new cache please log which cache it was placed in. If you are not sure how to log the movement of the trackables feel free to contact me by clicking on my screen name at the top of this page and I will be happy to assist you. Remember you never have to leave anything to move trackables from this cache or any other cache for that matter.
This area is prone to having lots of mosquitoes in the warmer months so you may want to apply a layer of mosquito repellent if you plan on spending much time at ground zero. If it looks like you are going to need to walk through mud or water to get to ground zero I'd encourage you to look around since there are a couple different approach angles that can get you to the cache without destroying your shoes and socks.
To ensure there's lots of room for travel bugs and geocoins I'd ask that we try to keep the container no more than 1/3 full of swag. When I first placed the cache it was a little over 1/3 full, but that's only because I put a couple of pretty good sized pieces of nicer swag in it just to get it started.
Please notice I've rated the difficulty of this cache as very easy. So please return the cache to the same location you found it in and do not try and make it more difficult for the next geocacher who comes along. As long as the geocache is put back where it was originally placed it should be accessible year round.
If you approach ground zero very quietly you may be rewarded by seeing one or more deer in the area. I've kicked them up a couple times and there are always lots of their hoof prints in the area.
Thanks for visiting the I-196 Holland Travelers Rest Area and have a safe journey when you leave. Be safe and happy caching!!!!
P.S. There is another geocache close to this one that frequently has travelers that need to be moved along so while you're here you may want to check out that geocache too!
The most convenient parking is at the coordinates below. There is a well established geotrail right near the lamp pole with the number "7" on it. Using this trail you should be able to avoid muddy ground most times of the year. Keep in mind there is some poison ivy and prickly plants so I would NOT recommend wearing shorts while searching for this cache. Good luck and happy caching!
Congratulations to KOS Crew on their FTF for this cache!