WWII-era C-46 Plane Crash Traditional Cache
WWII-era C-46 Plane Crash
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
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Bushwhack the whole way. Shortest way is starting just north of Mason Lake, Jessup Lake Rd. 3 mi one way as the crow flies, but you have to cross a big river. Another option, the “long way” starts at the Pillsbury parking lot, 4-5 mi one way, no major river, but more varied terrain. Allow 8-14 hours roundtrip depending on your route & fitness level. I took the Pillsbury route & did 11.5 hours hiking time w/ an overnight stay in the middle. Bring lots of water, too much water, or a filter.
In 1944, a C-46 cargo plane disappeared while on a training mission at night. Believed to have crashed in a nearby lake, the search had ended. 11 months later it was found unintentionally while a group was seeking a downed civilian plane, in pieces on the side of Blue Ridge Mountain. Three airmen perished.
Today the site remains much as it was left 67 years ago. In 1997, an expedition from the local Caterpillar Club ("an informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft" - Wikipedia) finally located the plane after several attempts. You can read about their efforts at: www.caterpillarclub.com, under the 1944 heading. A plaque they placed remains today, also in the photos, as well as some other memorials.
This is a little-known site that deserves more awareness due to the sacrifice made in service to our country. The cache difficulty is set due to the potential for inaccurate readings. But I don't want anyone getting out there and not finding the cache. It is in a small bundle of birch trees, directly between and 25ish feet downhill from the propeller and the engine. Photos of each are available below.
WORD OF CAUTION: When you find the site, there are pieces everywhere. Unfortunately, many are concealed by heavy fern ground cover. WATCH YOUR STEP! Those pieces are sharp.
FTF PRIZE: www.amazon.com/America-Stories-War-DVD-Collection/dp/B001D98U4K (sans "ammo box")
Feel free to message me with route questions.
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