I was inspired to place this cache by two of my all time favorite
caches “Quest for the White Buffalo” GCGGKK by pater47
and “Abandon Hope” GC11A7E by endorider.
Looking for a quick one during lunch break? Keep looking. Building
up your find numbers? Move along. Want a cache that is physically
challenging? One that if you start early enough and make all the
right decisions on, you just MIGHT finish it in 2 days? One that
you will be part of a select few that will even TRY a particular
cache? Here ya go! From the time you start till the time you
finish, you will have walked 23 miles. At each stage you will find
a water proof match holder with information needed to find the next
stage. The final stage is an ammo box full of junk.
The Cache Stages are located off of the Shockaloe Trail in the
Bienville National Forest. This is a 23 mile loop open to hikers
and equestrians. Parking coordinates are N 32 21.924 W 089 33.719
(Base Camp 1). Note that if the gate to either Base Camp is locked
it is OK to park on the road leading to the gate and enter on foot.
Be sure to not block the gate when you park. There is a $7.00 fee
for each vehicle entering the park for camping. There is no fee for
day use. However, each visitor must register at one of the check
stations. The closest check station is located at N 32 22.692 W 089
33.652.
You may note the presents of some old “Trail Closed”
signs at a couple of road crossings. These signs were posted during
the harvesting of timber that was downed during a storm. Management
has assured me that there is absolutely no problem with using the
trails.
There are 10 stages counting the final. The first stage is
located 1.1 miles as the crow flies from the listed parking
coordinates. The trail is your friend, stay on it, it will lead you
to within 0.1 miles from any of the stages of the cache (most
stages are only a few feet off the trail). You may wish to bushwack
your way to some of the stages; however, this is not recommended as
the brush and briars are very thick. Please re-hide the cache
stages as well or better than you found it
You will be hiking the loop in a counter clockwise direction.
Stages 1 thru 6 are located between Basecamp 1 and Basecamp 2.
Stages 7 thru 10 are between Basecamp 2 and Basecamp 1. Parking
coordinates for Base Camp 2 are N 32 25.910 W 089 33.486; again,
please don’t block the gate. Please note that Base Camp 2
received extensive storm damage and has not reopened for
camping.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED:
1) THIS IS NOT A WALK IN THE PARK! The stages are located in the
Bienville National Forest. The Bienville National Forest is a place
with an abundance of many creatures. Some bite. Team geocaching is
strongly encouraged on this one, both for safety reasons and
multiple eyes to spot the cache stages. There are no puzzles or
math problems associated with any stages of this cache.
2) Recommended equipment includes : Mosquito repellent, LOTS of
water, hiking boots/shoes/gaiters, combination
hiking/poking/critter-whopping stick, spare batteries, more water,
flashlight (even in daytime), food including plenty of snacks
(you’ll need it). You can carry a cell phone if you like, you
should have a signal most of the time. You will also need a compass
and if you are not very familiar with your GPS, you’ll need
your instruction manual.
3) Hunting is allowed in the areas you will be covering. Please
exercise caution, courtesy, and common sense during hunting
seasons.
4) Satellite reception will definitely be a factor at some of the
stages. DO NOT EXPECT your GPS to say the cache is right on the
money.
5) The adventure will take you through varied habitats and terrains
of the area. You may even be able to spot a Red-cockaded
Woodpecker. There are several colonies along the trail. In
addition, I spotted numerous deer, wild turkey, red tail hawks,
armadillos, and snakes while placing this cache.
6) Base Camp 1 is a great camp ground. It has a sheltered area,
camp sites (no electricity or water), and an outhouse.
7) Roosevelt State Park, N 32 19.147 W 089 39.980, is only 6.89
miles away as the crow fillies. It has a lodge, cabins, primitive
camping, and RV camp sites.
8) There is a nice door prize for the FTF.