The Donora Branch II: Grahm Crackers Traditional Cache
The Donora Branch II: Grahm Crackers
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The Donora branch of the Pittsburgh & West Virginia Railway (part of what is known as the alphabet route) probably closed in the late 1970's to very early 1980's. Evidence of the line remains from cuts and fills used to level the railbed to the old ties on the side of the railbed to the two tunnels which still stand.
To find this cache you will have to find your way atop the eastern portal of the Grahm tunnel. This will not be easy. You may be able to find another approach to make this a little easier. You may be able to find another approach to make this more difficult.
There are steep hills, there is mud, and there are jaggers. Needless to say the normal hazards (snakes, ticks, etc) should be watched for. Hint: Making a beeline isn't always the best answer. Looking at topographic maps first would be a very wise move. Please avoid the posted private property of the nearby golf course to the east and several industrial areas to the west.
Strangely enough, the easiest approach (and coolest, in my opinion) would make this a 5 star difficulty as special equipment would be required (namely a flashlight and galoshes) and parking near the original Donora Branch cache.
The terrain rating is based on the approach we took when we hid the cache which started from a parking spot at the end of the cemetery (do NOT park here at night, please respect their rules and regulations if you choose this parking spot). From there you can either go down and back up the valley as we did, or skirt the golf course property to an area near the Vang tunnel. If you take that option, you will cross a VERY impressive fill in the valley, just watch your step and stay on the old railbed as there are steep drops to either side.
Please rehide well, log DNF's and post pictures if able. Good luck and always cache safe. The cache is NOT inside the tunnel, but rather atop the eastern portal. Unlike Vang, you can see light at the end of this tunnel, however like Vang the eastern portal is flooded with a foot or so of water. Please use your best judgment should you opt to walk through either tunnel for any reason.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Hc gbc (ABG VAFVQR) va dhntzver oruvaq frzv-snyyra hcebbgrq gerr
Treasures
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