ILLUMINATION
"The Ten Essentials" were first identified by The Mountaineers in 1930. They were updated in the early 2000s and now include Ten Essential "Systems":
1. Navigation (map and compass)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter
This cache focuses on illumination. A quick lesson before you head out with your trusty electronic torch. THIS WAS DESIGNED TO BE FOUND DURING THE DAY WITH A HIGH POWERED LIGHT.
About ten years ago, LED lights started to make a significant appearance in stores. LEDs use less power than your typical incandescent bulb. However, in the case of my two Maglights, one LED and one incandescent, the latter has a knack for projecting more light, further. Individual experiences may vary of course. Head lamps may or may not be powerful enough.
The starting coordinates will get you within ¾ mile of the cache. Yes, it is just over a mile round trip. From the starting point with your trusty flashlight, you should be able to spot you clue. About 10 feet up a tree you will spot a reflective tack. This tack indicates the direction of travel.
As you move, you will notice them frequently in the beginning of the hunt; you may even be able to go from tack to tack. Towards the middle they will become more sparse, place every 300’ or so (well its a D-3 cache), again around the 10’ mark. As you get closer to areas you need to pay attention to, they will be placed closer together. Three arranged in a triangle indicate a turn to the trail; three vertical indicate the final cache location.
Good luck, and chose your tool(s) wisely.