Sawmill? No more... Traditional Cache
FrancisScottKey: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
Regards,
FrancisScottKey
Volunteer Cache Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Cache placed with approval of Green Ridge State Forest manager.
Green Ridge State Forest is one of Maryland's largest state forests and consists of approximately 46,000 acres of pine, oak, and hickory forests. Recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, public shooting range, hunting, fishing, and paddling. The nearby C & O Canal (operated by the National Park Service) offers biking, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities. The state of Maryland obtained the first portions of GRSF in 1931, and has continued to manage the forest for many uses.
This area surrounding White Sulphur Pond was home to the town of Finksburg (known as Mertensville to some) and was the location of a Mertens sawmill in the 1800’s. The Mertens family had their hand in many business ventures in the Green Ridge area. John Frank Wallizer worked for the Mertens as a cutting foreman at this sawmill, and claimed to have cut 92 million board feet of timber in his day. A board foot is a common forestry and lumber industry measurement that represents a piece of wood 12 inches wide, 12 inches long and 1 inch thick. He reportedly lost his hand while working at the mill and buried it in the Bender cemetery along Mertens Avenue. The town and sawmill were later abandoned. The Green Ridge Railroad (out of business since 1897) also once had a passenger stop in this location. Today, this area is a popular fishing destination, with a group campsite and several other campsites nearby. The Great Eastern Trail (blazed white) meets Wallizer Road just across from the pond.
Original contents include:
logbook & pencil
fishing bobber
keychain flashlight
carabiner keychain
MD agriculture pin
Mertens sawmill interpretive card
Congrats to WV Muddy Boots for FTF!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
ebpx ba!
Treasures
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