This cache takes you to Sand Ditch Road, a minimum maintenance, level B service, county road. As you approach the road you will be greeted by a sign that says” “Enter at your own risk”.
To start the cache please park at the following coordinates, at the start of the road next to the blacktop.
N 42 10.095
W 90 58.085
Don’t drive too far or you will go down a large hill. If you parked correctly you will have the view in the picture below. IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENTER THIS ROAD WITH YOUR CAR!! You will just get stuck and, what’s worse, there’s no phone service on most of this road.
This is meant to be a scenic walk-in cache. As you leave your car behind follow Sand Ditch Road down the hill and be ready for a one-plus mile walk, which will take you through several canyons, crossing several small streams, to the shore of the Maquoketa River. The road does not branch off in different directions so you really can’t get lost (just don’t follow the streambeds). While the road is completely unsuited for car traffic, it is actually a pretty decent walking trail. Along the way you are likely to see some wildlife. When I placed the cache I saw several bald eagles and I ran into a baby beaver. At the end of the trail awaits a full size cache, but save some of your energy for a final hill-side climb. Please hide the cache as you found it, or better (these types of caches are generally waterproof but they can leak when laid on the side).
After locating the cache don’t forget to visit the large sandbar by the river, visible from the cache site. The sandbar is a nice scenic location and a great place to find some fossils. Actually most of the rocks you see along your walk have abundant fossil deposits. Sand Ditch is a dead end road so you will have to return to your car the same way you came in.
In summary, here are the ground rules for this cache:
1. DO NOT DRIVE ON SAND DITCH ROAD!! (Don’t!)
2. The road is county owned, but the land on both side of the road is private, so please stay on the road, and don’t enter private land. You will see many signs along the road to remind you of this fact.
3. Since there is no, or very poor, phone service on most of this road it might be a good idea to let someone know where you are before you attempt this cache.
Have an adventure, be safe, and above all,
Enjoy, PJM