It was one year ago when Mrs. Byrd flew the coop to flock with her sisters for a weekend that I took our kids out for their first hike. As my son had just joined the Cub Scouts, I researched the requirements for the hiking belt loop and pin. It was there that I first noted the term "geocaching" - but as it was a merit badge for boy scouts I didn't pay it much attention - I just filed it away.
For our hike we decided to go on the trails near Camp Smith and set out for Anthony's Nose. We reached a clearing with a beautiful overlook, and the kids were tired, so we enjoyed a rest in that spot and turned around. When I got to the trailhead and looked at the map I realized we came up short.
This year, when my wife joined her sisters for their weekend of fun, we decided to complete our hike and honor it by placing this cache.
This is a steganography puzzle, though I suppose by telling you this, it no longer is.
Please also remember to bring your own pen.
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.
Honor roll of actual solvers:
Ripemous
Estes Clan in MD
Flyer 1957
LabRat101
LizrdH
taxman417
camelprodder
motorsagemann
JATLink
Ovaron
Please replace cache exactly as you found it and handle with care
A big thanks to JJ, who suggested this puzzle theme.
NYS Parks Permit No. 2013-10