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Tree Hugger Traditional Cache

Hidden : 12/10/2011
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This microcache is camouflaged to match its hiding spot. Please bring a pencil; only a small log inside. It is well off the trail and you may need to navigate between thorns and other brush. The difficulty is because of the small cache size, mud along the trail, thorns and the challenge of getting a good GPS fix at this spot. (However, the hint will help a lot.)

Located near the Donovan trails opened by the Essex Country Trail Association on November 13, 2011. Access this cache through the Masconomet grave site located at 305 Sagamore Street in Hamilton, MA. Starting at the trail head near the fire hydrant (42"37.896' N 70"49.252' W) follow the ECTA trail East until it turns North (toward Willow Hill). Turn South on the unmarked trail (toward Eveleth Hill) and when you have come about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) from the trail head begin bushwhacking. The cache, located in a low area between Sagamore Hill and Eveleth Hill (near the Essex town line), is about 190 feet off the trail. After finding the cache, be sure to follow the ECTA trail North to Willow Hill where the scenic rolling farmland is exceptional.

Native American "Sagamore" (Chief) Masconomet is believed to have been buried atop Sagamore Hill (42°37.872'N 70°49.165'W) in Hamilton. However, you will find no indication at the 305 Sagamore Street mailbox of the significance of the wide driveway leading up the hill. (The driveway also leads to an Air Force Solar Radio Observatory (visit link) . The "Green Gate" at the bottom of the hill closes at sunset.

The Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle of Sept 18, 2008 explained: "Though he died 350 years ago, Masconomet's presence is keenly felt here, where people pay homage by hanging gifts in the trees near the gravestone and from where, on a clear, winter day, you can see clear to the ocean in one direction and to southern New Hampshire in another."

"On Sept. 13, 2008, the 350th anniversary of Masconomet’s death, people came from around the area for a commemoration ceremony honoring the life of the man known as the Sagamore of Agawam, (visit link) whose territory encompassed what are now the communities of Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and more."

Congratulations to chief turtles for being FTF (visit link)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Pyvzo gur Ovt I naq uht gur Terng Gerr. :)

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)