Dr. Holt’s Plantation Multi-Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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A two-part multi-cache, named after Dr. Matthew Holt and his vision to change an old sheep pasture to a diverse pine forest. It is intended to dovetail with “Holt Your Horses” by 20-53, offering geocachers a nice hike throughout the entire 148 acre. The first part is a micro, then an old reliable ammo box. Steep trails separate the two parts of the preserve (and the cache), so less ambitious hikers may opt to drive from one trailhead kiosk to the other.
The Winifred Matthews Holt Preserve is believed to have once been used as sheep pasture. Dr. William Holt reforested the open areas with 23,000 assorted pines, white spruce, Douglas fir and larch which he managed for wildlife habitat. To increase the land's value for wildlife, the Holts built the pond, which is probably fed by a spring (and is also a great swimming hole for dogs!). Dr. Holt and Winifred Matthews Holt donated this hillside to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) in 1994, which they maintain for public access.
This cache came about while trying to find, and then fix the multi-cache “Holt Your Horses” by 20-53, and is thus perhaps its evil twin. Unlike HYH, part 1 of this multi is very well hidden, and is the reason for the difficulty rating. If you haven’t yet logged “HYH”, you may want to do that one first, as it will tend to lead towards the beginning of this cache. The trail map posted on the MHLC web site may prove useful. Both caches are located on mixed hiking terrain, but no serious bushwhacking is necessary. Please BYOP, as the first part is too small to hold a pen. The ammo can has been salted with some trinkets for those interested: a wooden train whistle, an “antique” fish weight, LCR game… The “first to find” will also find a clue to the location of a small token of appreciation – a 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar hidden elsewhere in the preserve.
Parking is available at both trailhead kiosks. Bring your dogs if you like, since the MHLC preserves are very dog friendly.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Part 1] Gur nafjre yvrf jvguva.