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Hidden Campsite by the Lake Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

gc2002: After many years and many visits, I need to close this geocache location. When the cache was placed in 2003, the site was interesting but time has returned the campsite to nature. The container has been removed and will be used for another geocache. Thanks to all who visited, and possibly another geocacher can place a new cache at the lake. Happy hunting, Gc2002.

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A cache by Don Message this owner
Hidden : 6/2/2002
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

My favorite nature spot in Northampton. Short hike with very brief bushwacking. Man-made lake created in 1950's set in conifer and hardwood forests. Private lake now owned by City of Northampton. Not far from route 5 N/S & route 9 E/W. Please tread lightly and respect the scenic beauty of this place.

Park at moose lodge parking lot near wal-mart. Trail begins to the right of the lodge and leads into the woods and continues to the lake and earthen dam. Follow trail to the left at the dam towards cache site and around the lake. after about a 1/4 mile or so when cache is directly to the right, bushwack into the the woods and the site is near the lake shore. Bug spray is recommended. Excellent fishing here- bring a pole! Tons of bluegills. Have fun exploring the lake area- trail loops around the entire lake. I've seen great herons, fish eagles, kingfishers, deer, porcupines, quail, grouse, turkeys, bear, goldfinches, bitterns, beavers, muskrats and many butterflies. Wild grapes can be found in the summer.

Cache is an ammo box containing campsite games, blank cassette, kid toys, a bobber, incense, key chain, hologram glasses, tooth brushes, Danielle Steele novel, and other small items.

Great fishing spot at the culvert at the base of the dam on either side..lots of goldfinches, frogs, -harmless- water snakes, butterflies. Near the dam is a nice hill overlooking the lake.

Thorns Dogs Allowed
Bicycles permitted on paths Long pants suggested No restrooms available

From Audubon Birding report website-

A morning at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area in Northampton from the North Farms entrance produced a GREAT BLUE HERON, an OSPREY, 5 BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, 3 RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, a PILEATED WOODPECKER, 8 DOWNY WOODPECKER, a HAIRY WOODPECKER, 20 TREE SWALLOWS, 3 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 50 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, 2 PINE WARBLERS, 10 PALM WARBLERS, and 2 SONG and 2 SWAMP SPARROWS.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx va gur ebpx sbezngvbaf arne pnzcfvgr qbja gur uvyy.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)