In this unknown cache you will be traveling to the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost and westernmost parts of Massachusetts to find clues that will enable you to find the final physical cache. At each of these of compass waypoints you will pick up clues that will allow you to find the final. The final cache is located near the geographic center point of Massachusetts. It is a medium-sized physical cache. It is located at: N42 2A.BCD, W71 5E.FGH.
This cache is for the experienced cacher. Successful finders will be conversant with maps and possess moderate hiking skills. At each of the 4 waypoints you will pick up two of the missing digits for the final coordinates. The 4 waypoints may be found in any order. The terrain and difficulty are high on this cache. The terrain is high because the westernmost waypoint involves a 5+ mile round trip hike with moderate elevation. The difficulty is high because I haven't given you any information about where to park or begin each search. In addition, the 4 waypoints are small. Each of the waypoints are similar. Once you find one, you'll know what to look for. You will need to research maps in order to find the closest parking. The 4 waypoints are winter friendly and the final may be found as long as the snow is under a few inches of depth.
All four compass points are close but not on the actual north/south/east/westernmost point. It wasn't feasible to place the waypoints precisely on the extreme compass points due to issues relating to private land or legal access. I wanted to stay within generally accepted geocaching guidelines for cache placement. The bright side of this is that all four of the 4 waypoints located in areas that are attractive enough to stop for lunch and take in the view. All four waypoints and the final are located in public lands with legal and safe parking that you begin your trek from.
WAYPOINT NOTES
Northernmost - The northernmost point is on Grape Hill near the Salisbury/Amesbury border. I scouted the area extensively but the entire area is private land covered with "no trespassing" signs. I originally placed this waypoint on a tree along side a road a few feet from the northernmost boundary marker. But I decided that this was not an appropriate spot due to the close proximity of houses to the spot and the fact that the tree was on private property. The waypoint is located in a tiny little park with an attractive water view. Of the four waypoints this one is the furthest from the compass point, but still under a couple miles.
Westernmost - The westernmost point of Mass. is located on the western flank of Alander Mtn in Mt. Washington State Forest. This is the most difficult of the 4 waypoints to reach and the waypoint that made this a 4 terrain cache. It can be reached by the Alander Mtn Trail from the park HQ. It is about a 5 mile round trip to the beautiful open summit. Then you have a 0.2 mi bushwhack to the waypoint. The Massachusetts/New York border is nearby and is marked by a 4' high granite marker. The waypoint is located about 100' uphill from the marker. You may want to review maps of this area before you set out.
Easternmost - There are a labyrinth of private road signs that you'll see on the way to this waypoint. But don't worry there is a paved public road that will lead you to within a stone's throw of the waypoint. There is also a pretty nice view from here! The actual easternmost point on the mainland involves an admission during the summer, so I found this quiet little spot less than a mile away.
Southernmost - The actual southernmost point of Massachusetts would be on Nantucket Island, but I've decided to only consider the Massachusetts mainland for this cache. I have had difficulty maintaining the hidden waypoint in this area, so I am changing the requirement. Instead of searching for the waypoint that contains the clue you need please take a selfie with the tower in the background and attach it to a message and send it to me. Please do not post the selfie on the cache homepage. I will send you the clue that you need to work towards finding the hidden final. Feel free to look for the hidden waypoint at the listed coordinates but if you don't find it, send me the picture and you'll be good to go.
The clues that you will find at the north, east and west waypoints are displayed in similar fashion. The 2 clues for the southernmost waypoint will be sent to you when you send me a picture proving you've been to the southernmost point. You pick up two of the numbers needed to assemble the final coordinates at each of the four waypoints. You will need eight numbers in all in order to plug them for the final coordinates.
THE FINAL
Once you have found the four waypoints you'll have the coordinates for the final. It is located very close to what is considered the geographic center of Massachusetts. That seems appropriate, doesn't it? Unless there is more than 4" of snow you should be able to find the hide. The final is located within a signed conservation area on Rutland Heights. The conservation area isn't easy to find. But if you do, you'll find a "trail" that brings you within 200', then requiring a short bushwhack. Trails in this area are sketchy. Interestingly, some of the early finders came from other directions. Feel free to post notes as you progress through the challenge. I'm not big on FTF gifts so you won't find one. However, all finders will have a lifetime of bragging rights for this fine cache. What is cooler than that?!
Congratulations to Squashman for being the first to endure mountains, beaches and thorns to collect all four waypoints and find the final. Congrats also to the bjm3rd and KATnDOGZ team who were second to find and pamanyma for being the third to find. North, south, east and west - hope that you, too, will travel to all four corners and find the geographic center of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.