Tenacity Multi-Cache

Tenacity is a 3 stage multi-cache that will require a kayak or small canoe.  You will be paddling through areas with very shallow water and narrow passages in the north section of the Thousand Islands.  I suggest you bring a writing tool and paper for figuring out the coordinates for stage 2 and the final.

The nearest public boat ramp is at Constitution Bicentennial Park located on the State Road 520 Causeway. Use the suggested landing site to access a small opening in the mangrove shoreline.  From there you should be able to follow the remnants of a trail to Stage 1.  No major bushwhacking or portages are needed  for this multi, but it will take real tenacity to find  the hidden passageway that leads you into the maze that brings you to Stage 2 without leaving any damage to our protected mangroves.  Stage 1 and 2 are small  tags tethered in place.  The final is an ammo can.  All stages are hidden in trees and you might have to climb to reach them.

The Thousand Islands was formed several thousand years ago when a storm battered the barrier island and breached it. Sand and water rushed in leaving a delta of islands to the west in the lagoon. It’s actually only about 80 islands depending on the water level. If it’s calm, you should be able to see the bottom throughout most of the area. There’s not much danger of drowning. Most of the surrounding water has an average depth of three feet but, you may cross a few navigational channels dredged to about seven feet. Watch out for manatee in these shallow waters. They can make a huge splash if you startle them. I was paddling close to shore when I noticed about a 6-7 foot manatee. I stopped and let it cross in front of me, but it panicked and hit the surface of the water with its huge tail sending two big waves right into my face. I was drenched and even had some sand in my mouth.

The final will take you north to an island with a hammock of tall Australian Pines. The island was a mess when I discovered it with garbage thrown all over the place. I made two trips in my kayak and carried off eight bags of trash including one nasty old rotted tent and a tattered nine foot tarp. I left some trash bags in the ammo can for those who would like to continue the effort. There will always be more to clean up. You may be surprised when you see something nearby. Its 22 feet long 4 feet wide and I can only imagine what crazy scheme cause someone to haul it out there.

Even if you find my final, you'll need more than tenacity to sign the log. You'll also need this: It's five letters and means about the same thing.

Congratulations to the hardy souls who ventured out today to claim the FTF. Way to Go LewM & SandiM and Muller413!