Rat Island Traditional Cache
CallMeCrazyKB: Going to archive this since it's no longer in place and I'm unable to replace it due to COVID-19 precautions.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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The name of this cache comes from an inside joke from my childhood. Thought we'd try for a high terrain rating on this one, and had been on the island once before, many years ago. I was recently reading a story of cachers braving extreme weather conditions to find a cache, and it reminded me of this little island. I thought - that would be a perfect place for a cache! While it's certainly not inaccessible, you'll need some sort of watercraft, and you're pretty much guaranteed to get wet!
What an adventure this one was to place! My family owns a cottage and a boat along Grand Lake St. Mary's, and riding around on the boat the other day I thought this little island would be the perfect place for a terrain cache! We took the boat out to the island, got within about 10 feet of it and stayed put so we didn't run aground - and I tied the cache to my ponytail holder, jumped in and swam/waded to the island!
There is no way to swim to this island without some sort of watercraft - you will need a boat or perhaps a jet-ski. Please note that USCG certified life jackets MUST be worn in and around the water and be available on all watercraft. There are several marinas in the area, all around the lake where watercraft can be rented/and or put into the water, in addition to the boat ramp listed as a waypoint for private craft. There are probably several more of these, and if you use one feel free to put the coordinates in your log - this is simply the only one we've ever used!
The best way to approach the island is from the East (heading West) - there is a small alcove with a couple of ramshackle docks and piles of rocks on this side that should aid you on getting up on the island. Night caching is not recommended simply due to the dangers of operating watercraft in the dark. PLEASE do not disturb anything (besides the cache) in this beautiful, yet lesser traveled location! Camping is available in St. Mary's State Park for anyone who plans to spend the night.
Obviously the biggest challenge here is going to be getting to the island itself, but once you do get there, you are looking for a bison tube wrapped in camo tape. The log inside is double bagged to make sure it doesn't get wet. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO BYOP! I wanted to hide one nearby but didn't have one handy - so make sure you have one or you'll be majorly kicking yourself if you have to make the journey to and fro again just to get one!
There is a small amount of tree climbing involved in finding this cache, depending on the seeker's height. I'm rather short so climbing was necessary for me to place it, but taller cachers might be able to reach it from the ground.
PLEASE replace the cache carefully as found - obviously I'd prefer to have to do as little maintenance as possible! And if you get it, tell me your story in your log! I love reading about other people's caching experiences and would be fascinated to learn all about your journey to this one! Can't wait to see how long it takes someone to score the FTF! Happy caching!
*Please note that THIS CACHE CANNOT BE ACCESSED IN THE WINTER! Though the lake sometimes freezes over, it would be incredibly dangerous to try to walk on the ice from the shore to the island. Please ONLY access this cache when you can approach it via watercraft.
**Disclaimer: Some environmental agencies have warned against swimming or wading in the water of this lake due to the presence of some sort of toxic algae; personally, I've been swimming in that lake every year for 26 years without any ill effects. It appears that my experience is not unique as hundreds of people who swam prior to the advisory being issued never fell ill, and the beach and boat swim were both heavily populated by swimmers, skiers, tubers, and boarders of all ages this Labor Day weekend. I have quite a bit of family in this area and I nor anyone I know have ever had any ill effects even after skiing, tubing, jet skiing, etc. (and probably even swallowing quite a bit of water). Obviously everyone has to make their own choice based on their perception of risk, but personally I have no qualms about contact with the lake now or at any point in the past or future. I'm placing this here at the request of another cacher - again, you can make your own decision - but I'm sure at least a few of you, like me, have been swimming for years with no problems!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Svfuvat yvar