Nearly 30 years ago I overheard an old-timer talking to a customer in a local gun shop. Intrigued by the discussion, I introduced myself and listened as the old fellow told his story. He talked about the Legend of Steel "Steal" Mountain, as it was known back then, and about a robbery that was suppose to have happened long ago. He said back in the days of the Old Portage Railroad, there was a robbery where the thief made off with a good bit of loot. Don't remember if he said it was money, coins, gold or what. What I DO remember vividly was where he said the treasure was said to be hidden. He said..."If you stand on Route 22, where the road splits going up the mountain, and look down towards the Muleshoe Overpass stone arch, the hide is hidden in a cave above and right of the arch on the mountain behind it." Later, I decided to see if there was any truth to this. I made my way up the steep ravine that he mentioned, (approximately at N40d25.862, W78d30.955) after walking along the old railroad grade.
I was astonished at what I found! Indeed, after looking around for a while, there was a cave, or at least a sink-hole.... and here is the thing that really got me thinking..... wrapped around a nearby tree was an old steel cable that went down into the hole. Out here in the middle of no where, practically, WHY would there be a steel cable here?
Today, nearly 30 years later, I have once again found this spot described to me so long ago.....
So...... is this spot really a legend..... or is there possibly more to it? You decide.
Lastly, if you have ever heard of this legend, please describe your story as you log this find. This particular place has always been interesting to me.
A note about the location: Please be prepared for a hike. If approaching from the old railroad bed, you will encounter extremely steep terrain. I placed this cache today approaching from the west, parking at the terminus of Lilly Road, near the power lines. The walk to the cache from this location is roughly a mile one way.
This is a traditional hide, using a 0.50 ammo can. And it's full of swag for the kids! PLEASE RE-HIDE AS FOUND.
Good luck!