Sandy Paws Traditional Cache
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Abiectio placed this cache in 2012, long before the Greenway was extended and the trail bridge was built over the Wolf River (opened late 2021). We began walking the many trails in this area years ago and watched the construction and extension of the Greenway, the suspension bridge, and Boardwalk with connection to the Greenline. Progress! But progress had a price - in this case, the original cache location was razed to make way for the bridge and trail. We are so happy to see so many people enjoying these trails - hiking, biking, running, and even the occasional kayak on the river. The new location is suitable for the current environment and celebrates the addition to the area - the hint has also been updated.
This is the original cache description when Abiectio created the cache 13 years ago:
The reports began shortly after the flood waters began to recede in early May of 2010. Odd, eery howls started to be heard after dark along the Wolf River South of the Southwest Tennessee Community College campus. The early reporters of the howls were, for the most part, parents picking up their children after soccer. Despite their descriptions of the howls being "bizarre", "bone-chilling", and "blood-curdling" their reports were ignored.
These reports ceased in late June of 2010. The reason for the cessation is not known. However on July 26th, 2010 at 1:37 a.m. a report was filed with the Memphis Police Department. A motorist stranded along I-240 reported hearing a "frightening" howl and, upon looking East across the Wolf River saw a "dog like creature that was walking on it's hind legs." It was also noted in the report that the night was cloudless and the moon was full.
Since July of 2010 there have been seventeen additional reports filed with the Memphis Police Department. Twelve of these reports were filed by motorists along the same stretch of I-240 as the July 26 report. Two additional reports were filed by construction crews along that same stretch of highway.
Due to space constraints I will not detail the reports here. However, all reports occurred after dark and all described the howls in similar terms. Only three of the reports listed a visual sighting. All three sightings were consistent with the July 26 report.
As the reports continued to come in Wildlife Officers with TWRA along with Shelby Farms Park Rangers examined the area that had received the majority of reports. The tracks that were found were easily explained away as dog tracks. Despite this the officers set up several game cameras in the area. No conclusive images were captured.
After reviewing both the Police and Wildlife officer's reports and comparing them with reports of "odd" creatures from other areas the most similar is the Michigan dogmen. While the creature spotted in Shelby Farms is smaller and less "man-like" there would appear to be a connection. Both walk on their hind legs and have a strong dog like appearance. The howls from each have also been described in similar fashions.
Due to the similarities and the strong number of reports I believe that further study and research of this creature are warranted. Near the site where one of the game cameras had been located I have placed a container with a journal. As you explore this area please add to this journal your observations.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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