Arched Bridge Conservation Cache Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

The Seanachai: Greetings from Geocaching.com,

While we feel that Geocaching.com should hold the location for you for a reasonable amount of time, we cannot do so indefinitely. In light of the lack of communication regarding this cache it has been archived to free up the area for new placements. If you haven’t done so already, please pick up this cache or any remaining bits as soon as possible. If you are in the process of replacing or repairing your cache please e-mail me in response to this archival and, if possible, I will unarchive your cache.

I want to thank you for the time that you have taken to contribute in the past and I am looking forward to your continued contributions to the sport of Geocaching.

The Seanachai
Geocaching.com Volunteer Cache Reviewer

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Hidden : 5/2/2010
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This is a reasonably short multi with two waypoints and a final. Total round trip distance is about 1.6 miles with minimal elevation changes. The trails are not terribly challenging and all but the search areas can be accessed on a mountain bike. Bikes should get you within 50-feet of both waypoints and within 100-feet of the final. There will be some great photo-ops at both WP1 and the final where there can be a good view, depending on the weather.

Parking can be found at N42 42.083 W71 28.977. The posted coordinates are for the first waypoint of this cache.

This cache takes you along an abandoned RR line and past a wonderful stone arch bridge built in the late 1800s. The RR line was first chartered in Massachusetts in 1871 and in New Hampshire a year later, the Nashua, Acton & Boston Railroad was backed by the Concord Railroad because it was an alternate route to Boston, competing with the Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell Railroads. In fact, the route was six miles shorter than the combined Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell route. When the line opened in 1873, the bold move to attract Boston bound traffic from Nashua via the Fitchburg Railroad, caused an undercut in fares on the Nashua & Lowell and Boston & Lowell lines. Despite what seemed to be a promising venture, the Nashua, Acton & Boston never enjoyed success.

The line was leased by the Concord Railroad in 1876; and in 1895, along with the entire Concord Railroad, it became a part of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The RR line didn’t attract much revenue and through freights were eventually stopped. No station on the line was more than four miles away from another railroad. Passenger service ended with mixed trains in 1924. By petition in 1925, the line was abandoned; and in 1926, the only part left intact was in Nashua. The rails were left in Nashua until 1980, being used as an industrial spur, until they too were taken up.

The first stage will take you by the Stone Arch Bridge. Stop and take a picture or two - make sure you check both sides of the bridge – and appreciate the architecture of the bridge.
The second stage will have you walking the old RR bed. The area is now used by walkers and the occasional ATV but is perfectly suited for mountain biking, hiking and more. There is an abundance of birds in the area and you may spot some additional wildlife if you are patient. While setting this cache I saw a number of hawks in the area.

The trip from WP2 to the final will take you thru the quarry area where the stone for the Stone Arch Bridge you’ve already seen was cut. While in the quarry area, you will certainly notice some of the artwork by the local teens. It’s quite ‘colorful’ but not too bad. I didn’t see any that was offensive but I’m sure it’s there if you look close enough.

There will also be the opportunity to do some CITO at the parking area and on the way to WP1, as this seems to be a party spot used by the locals. Once you’re past stage one, there won’t be much CITO required.

The final is a 40oz screw-top container. There are some rocks in the area of the final that can be slippery when wet so please be cautious – keep the kids away from any dangerous areas so no one gets hurt. There are a few drops in the area so some caution should be used.

Both the WPs would be considered micros but neither stage would be considered a ‘normal’ micro. Both the waypoints are winter friendly.

There is parking for maybe 3 cars is a small paved area off the road. There is also a road leading to the trail (where there’s a sign that says “no motorized vehicles” that may provide some additional parking. I haven’t tried it so you’re on your own if you decide to park along the access road or in the field.

FTF prize is an AFRL coin - that's from the Air Force Research Laboratory, where I worked for many years. It's for your personal collection, since it's not trackable.

** Congratulations to co-FTF cachers Still_Avatar and Bill_The_Cat_89 and a special congrats to SCR1BBLES - glad you ended up with that big, orange marble - I liked that too !

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

JC1: qbjafgernz fvqr, abg va gur ebpxf JC2: ZNZQ zvtug or cebhq bs guvf bar

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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