This is a cache that was designed to be located at night. You will need to bring a GOOD flashlight (powerful beam with adjustable focus). This one will be especially fun for children!
This cache is located in the Lake Dardanelle State Park and hidden with the Park's permission. The Park is open to the public from 6 AM to 10 PM. Only registered visitors are allowed in the Park during the hours from 10 PM to 6 AM. Therefore, please do not start your hunt for this cache after 9 PM unless you are a registered visitor staying within the Park. Allow yourself 30 to 40 minutes to complete this night cache.
To find this cache, you will follow a trail of reflective thumb tacks located on trees across the park that will eventually lead you to the cache hiding spot. All of the reflectors are white in color. A small flashlight or head lamp will not work well for spotting the reflectors, as some are located far apart. At the least, a larger flashlight with a beam that can be adjusted from a broad beam to a sharp, focused beam is recommended. These reflectors are best seen when the light is held close to your head at eye level. Also, the reflectors will be much easier to see when it is actually dark. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait at least 1 hour after sunset before starting your hunt.
Start your adventure by going to the posted coordinates. Standing there, use your flashlight and look in all directions to locate the first set of reflectors, which will consist of a set of 2 reflectors, one mounted above the other. After you locate the first set of reflectors, proceed to them and, standing close to those reflectors, use your flashlight (again, looking in all directions) to find the second reflector stage, consisting of a single reflector, and proceed there on foot. Continue this process to follow the trail of reflectors, which will eventually lead you to the cache.
Please note that the trail is marked with single or dual white reflectors. The dual reflectors have one mounted above the other, to indicate major changes in your journey or in places where there may be a large distance from the previous reflector stage, to make the next stage more obvious. Watch carefully for these.
NOTE:On 12/13/17, the trail was relocated a little about midway through the trail. If you get to a place where the next reflector is not visible and you are at a parking area, start crossing the parking area, walking across it along the same line of travel projected from the last two reflector locations you found. Keep your eyes open and your bright flashlight surveying the area ahead of you in all directions. About halfway across the parking lot, you should be able to pick up the reflector trail again.
When you reach the cache location, you will see a diamond pattern of 4 reflectors. The cache is at this point. But it may take a little searching to find it!
WARNING!!! -- There is a large animal burrow near the cache hiding spot. It is quite visible. Just be aware of it and take care not to step into it. I don't want anyone to twist or break an ankle or leg while doing this cache!
You will be looking for a camoflauged regular-size cache container containing a logbook, pencil, and a few goodies for the kids and adults (initially). Feel free to take something, but please trade with a comparable item, if possible, to keep the cache stocked.
Once you have found the cache and returned it to its hiding spot (please rehide it as you found it!), look for a trail of reddish-orange reflective tacks to lead you back to a spot where you will be in sight of your starting point.
I hope you enjoy this cache! Please share your experience in your online log! And if you really enjoyed it, be sure to give it a Favorite point!
Hidden with permission of Lake Dardanelle State Park, Permit # 25-13.