DO NOT LOOK FOR THIS CACHE ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 19, 2012.
This cache and some others that I own on Mackinac Island are going to be disabled on Oct. 4th and archived sometime after Oct. 29th.
On Oct. 19th I will be removing this cache and reusing the container to create a new cache. Normally I would just archive a cache and let the container remain for several weeks so anyone with old waypoints wouldn't look for a cache that has been removed. I can't do that with this cache as the existing container will be reused.
Logs will be allowed until Oct. 18th despite this cache being disabled. I'm posting a disable log to help warn geocachers that this cache will soon be gone.
This is a night cache so be sure to bring a source of light. This cache starts on Deer Park Trail just off of Custer Road. At some point you will need to leave the trail. Your path could lead you into area of light brush. Please be careful of your eyes while attempting this cache. Low hanging twigs and branches do exist in the area.
Your journey begins with two markers. Follow the single markers to the final pair of markers. The cache will be within a dozen feet of the final pair. Please replace as found for the cacher to enjoy. If you are lucky enough to complete this challenge, look for the large light to the north west. Walk west past one road through the short wooded area to another road. Then run for your life back to your bed and pull the covers over your head and hope that you weren't followed.
Another hazard also may exist in the woods on this island. Read the following and make your own decision to enter these woods in the dark.
As long as man has lived in this area stories of strange happenings in the night have been told. You can believe them or not, that is up to you.
The Indians that lived here told stories of strange sounds heard in the woods. Food stores would be missing and one story tells of a young maiden disappearing during the night. The Indians called this creature "Koko Tohopha" or "Midnight Beast"
When the the first settlers came they heard of these stories. The stories were dismissed as Indian folklore. At least until the War of 1812. Crops that were grown in the area called "Soldier's Garden" started to vanish. The officers at the fort believed Indians were responsible. Most of the enlisted men started to think it could be the "Midnight Beast".
When a young girl died in 1894 she was buried here on the island. When her grieving mother went back to her grave a few days after the burial she saw large footprints in the soft dirt on her daughters grave. That's when the islanders really started to believe in the "Midnight Beast"
After several more unexplainable events leading up to the 1950's a tall fence was placed around the town. The fence was electrified to help keep the beast out. The beast touched the electrified fence for several night as islanders heard the spark and it's cries. The beast has not been heard of since. Some say it's still on this island, others think it may have crossed the ice bridge one year for the upper peninsula. The fence was allowed to fall into disrepair, but the electricity was never turned off in case of the Midnight Beast's return.