The cache is not at these coordinates.
But, this is where you should start your journey. This hike will probably take a couple hours. BEWARE: Archery hunting is allowed in this area (9/15 - 12/31)
Welcome to the Wilkie Unit area of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The Wilkie Unit is located predominantly in river bottoms, and features three prominent lakes (Blue, Rice and Fisher) and large areas of associated marshes. The trail also has some awesome views of the Minnesota River.
This is the next of Hike with Me caches that I have started since moving to MN. Since most of my cache finds are done while exercising, I thought I would offer this delight to others.
These caches will not necessarily be hard to find, but you will have to put some miles on the legs for them. So lace em up, grab some water, and come join the fun.
Your hike will be a T-section hike following the Minnesota River Trail. Totally, this will be maybe 4.5 miles, depending on how much you wander around. The waypoints are all on trails, which can be accessed all year long, although when there is rain, it might get a bit wet at times. The final coordinates for the cache are placed in a winter friendly place not too far from the parking lot.
All Refuge lands, including the Wilkie Unit are open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Trail conditions on the Refuge vary throughout the year. Be prepared, as you may encounter changes in trail conditions while hiking, including periodic flooding, wet or muddy areas, thorny vegetation, and rough ground. Trails are ungroomed in winter and may be snow-packed and icy. To protect wildlife, please stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed at all times while visiting the Refuge.
As for the waypoints ...
Dike Sign – Directly under the construction sketch, there are two words: Construction and ____? How many letters are in that 2nd word. Consider this A.
*** Looks like the sign might be down for winter. Consider A=8.
East End – Face the river directly and look across at about 10 o’clock. There is a small colored sign across the river. What color is it: 1 – Red; 2 – Yellow; 3 – Black; 4 – Plaid. Consider this B.
Pillars – There are how many big cement pillars are there nearby? Consider this C.
West End – The trail unofficially ends here. It does continue past this obstacle, but at this point of the year, it is a complete bush wack through itch weed. Not sure anyone has hiked it in a long while. Why does the trail end here: 1 – Tree is down; 2 – New Fence in place; 3 – trail is washed out. Consider this D.
With this info, grab a pen and consider:
Final:
N 44 47.7CD
W 93 25.5BA
Hope you had a great hike!