Mr. Kirchner operated a sugaring operation here starting in 1959
a it appears that at the end of one of those seasons, he just
walked away and didn't return. It is reported that he kept sheep on
the property and this resulted in very little undergrowth among the
large maples. Evidence of this operation can be found through out
the property. The tubing system for sugaring was developed in the
1960's and perfected as time went on. I am not sure if we are
looking at one of the original systems but it certainly is more
primitive than the current systems. It appears that sap was
gathered using traditional tin sap buckets and then poured into
garbage cans that were connected by tubing, some flexible, some
galvanized pipe, which then ran down hill to the sugar house. This
would have resulted in considerable labor savings over pouring the
sap in a collection tank on a wagon and brought down the hill to
the sugar house. Take the time to look for the remnants of this
system while you are on the way to the cache.
Although it is 0.47 miles as the crow flies to this cache, it is
0.97 miles by trail. There are a number of trail junctions and many
switchbacks and at times the arrow on your GPS will be telling you
to go in a different direction just stay on the trails and you will
be OK. I would recommend you print thetrail map. No bushwhacking is
required for any of these caches. They are all just off the trail a
bit.
I am marking this one as winter friendly but some digging in the
snow might be required. Just follow the hints and you will know
where. Gotta love the sound of a shovel hitting an ammo can under
the snow.
Verbal permission has been granted by the Stowe Land Trust to place these caches.