A bird-brained multicache at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, with a few twists thrown in for fun.
Welcome to one of the hottest birding spots around and a principal site for Godwit Days, Arcata's spring birding festival. Enjoy a one-mile ramble and check out some of the 270 bird species that make their home here or pass through via the Pacific Flyway. The trail is mostly level and is open to bicycles as well as birders, dog walkers and joggers. It's a popular area, so bring your binoculars and you'll blend right in.
In your travels you'll pass several points of interest. PAY ATTENTION, and have fun!
Stage 1: A short walk from the parking area will bring you to Stage 1, where you'll find a dedication to the visionaries who combined cutting-edge wastewater treatment with a beautiful and varied wildlife preserve. The coordinates to Stage 2 are N40 51.437, W124 05.AB2, with A being the number of letters in the last name of the city manager named on the plaque and B being the day of the month it was dedicated.
Before you hurry on, check out the kiosk near the cache describing many of the bird species that can be found at the marsh - wow, that's a lot of birds! You might want to return here later.
Stage 2: When you get to Stage 2, there's a problem: we were in a daze, and misplaced the last three digits of the next stage coordinates, which are N40 51.277, W124 05.XXX. Where are those missing digits? Think like a birder and take a good look around.
Stage 3: A perfect spot to sit a minute and enjoy Klopp Lake. Look for pelicans, herons and cormorants as you catch your breath, and think "under."
Stage 4: Once you have the cache in hand, you'll discover our cuckoo crew did it again - some key numbers have been scattered by the brisk wind coming in off the bay. Luckily you have the information you need to fill in the blanks - that is, if you paid attention along the way. If not, you may need to revisit some of the reference points below and especially the kiosk near the first stage. Don't forget the hint too. Then it's off to the final!
Final: The final cache is a 4 x 6 lock 'n' lock. For the lucky FTF, there's a crisp $5 bill to feather your nest, plus a log, pencil, cache note, and a few cool toys. Congrats on a worthy journey - we're sure you'll have no egrets... er, regrets!