Branches, Bicycles and Bare Feet Multi-Cache

Inclined to see the flooding first-hand, a trip to McBaine was attempted on the 1st of June. The MKT trail had washed out in several locations exposing large, coarse rocks. One portion between what were once crop fields and Brushwood Lake was still underwater. My bicycle was set aside in favor of a barefoot wade to a dry area near the lake's bridge. Long branches discarded from nearby trees hindered progress. Despite a steady pull from the two-foot deep water, many bicyclists arriving from the Katy trail attempted to cross while riding. A few were successful.

When the waters receded, it was evident the MKT trail was in terrible shape. Small gravel hills were created by currents pushing loose rock off higher ground. Some areas were quite rough and difficult to traverse. Action needed to be taken and was quickly seen to by Boone County Facilities Maintenance. Within less than a week, the MKT was restored to its pre-flood conditions.

To locate this geocache, you will visit some of the places flooded in the late spring of 2013. Start at the posted coordinates and find a large pipe coming out of the ground close by. Take note of the year, degree of bend and class number. Then, proceed to a second pipe structure at N 38° 54.687 W 092° 25.842. Write down the full number (not the letter) stamped into the bolts. Derive coordinates for the final by substituting the following information:

A = last 2 digits of the year
B = first digit from degree of bend multiplied by 2
D = class on posted pipe minus bolt number on second pipe
F = second digit from degree of bend.

Place those values into the following coordinates to find the final container: N 38° 54.AB W 092° 25.DF. Please be stealthy as the MKT trail is busy throughout the year! The trail is open during daylight hours only. Also, should the Jefferson City Missouri River level be above 25 feet, the area around this posting will experience flooding.

Permission to place this geocache was kindly provided by Bob Davidson and the Boone County Commissioners. Many thanks go to them for their efforts in creating a county geocaching policy and restoring the MKT!