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Washington Trail - Mystic Rd Traditional Cache

Hidden : 8/20/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


This cache is placed along one of the routes George Washington possibly took on his way to Ft LeBoeuf (now Waterford) in 1753. This trip by Washington was the beginning of the French and Indian War.

Also near this spot, to the northwest, is the site of a private camp ground that also is the largest breeder of American Bashkir Curly horses in the US.

Here's a brief history of that place, from their site:

During the William Penn Land Grants, it was part of an extensive land holding by the Waterhouse family. As the government began to tax land, the people were land rich and money poor and consequently much of the farm was sold off to pay the tax man. Descendents of the original Waterhouse family still own the adjacent farm.

During the Roaring 20’s, summer months brought city dwellers out to enjoy the small cabins that were scattered all along French Creek. At the foot of the driveway was located the famous Red Slipper Lounge. Tall tales are told of its famous dance floor and wild times during Prohibition. The business eventually closed and sat idle for many years. It was purchased in the 1980’s and resumed business as Michael Vega’s Mystic Restaurant. Poor management led to a tax foreclosure sale and once again the building fell into disrepair until a snow load took it down in the winter of 2006.

In the 1950’s the property that is now the private camp was developed into Camp Mystic, the only ski slope in the area. The facility boasted a ski hill complete with a tow rope, along with a tobogganing and sledding hill and ice skating on the pond. There was a small rustic building with a wood burner that served as the ski lodge. Changing times and competition from Peek’n Peek and Mountain View ski areas eventually led to the closing of Camp Mystic sometime in the 1960’s. The lodge burnt down and the property sat unused for nearly 20 years.

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