This cache is a celebration of -- or maybe just an escape from! -- my turning 40 years old as of the date this cache was placed! See that gorgeous mansion across the pond? That'll be mine in another 40 years...maybe. I honestly cannot believe that no one has placed a cache at Mitchell Pond, because this is a truly beautiful area that everyone should visit.
There are a number of (deliberate?) red herring hiding places around here, but if you move something, please make sure to put it back exactly as you found it, so as not to spoil the effect for the next cacher! Also, as always, please return the cache AS FOUND so that others may enjoy it.
I would appreciate it if no one gave away any hints in your log below. Hopefully, it won't take you 40 years to find this, but I would like it to be a challenge...much like my past 40 years have been!
UPDATE: Also see my Fifty Years (GC8H0BE) cache I just placed...10 years later to the day!
FYI: There are actually two legal ways in to this cache: long and easy, or short but tricky. Which you take is up to you.
Mitchell Pond on my birthday at sunset....
This was voted Granite State Geocachers "Cache of the Month"!
Congratulations to bkajz for FTF!
UPDATE 8/4/2023:
There has been concern that there is a "No Trespassing" sign posted just before you get to the geocache, but this is only for the property to the right side of the trail (so do not go off the trail!). The trail itself is a connector to conservation land, and both the conservation land and trail is public property. The cache is located within a couple feet of the trail itself, so it is legal, and it has been approved by our friendly neighborhood Geocaching reviewer. Thanks!