As we've been recently working on another hide near one of the tributaries of the Patapso, we decided to take a break today and come down and explore the other end. We've offered three trail coordinates for your consideration in approaching this hide, your choice will be dependent on what sort of watercraft you use as to which is best for you. We urge you to anticipate what the local conditions will be at the time of your search. Tide and local waterbourne traffic can have a significant impact on your ability to succeed in making the find here.
Your opportunities to conduct CITO activities while you are here abound. It is not unlikley that you will encounter a significant amount of outwashed trash both in the water, and in the adjacent parks should you visit them. Should you choose to collect some, be advised that there are is not much in the way of local bins in which to depsoit what you've collected, so you may have to take it home to dispose of it properly, come prepared for that.
You will also likley encounter local fishermen and crabbers, both waterbourne and shore-side. Having read Maryland's recent report on the state of these waters (which can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/jyvn8qv) not sure we'd be eating what came out of these waters, but apparently some do. Recommend you don't mess with the crab pots in the area (you'll see lots of buoys) crabbers tend to get very possessive of their gear...
So, all that said, making your way to this hide can proivide for an interesting boating experience in a combined natural/industrial area of Baltimore Harbor. Interesting sites nearby to see: The Hanover Street Bridge, Viet Nam Veteran's Memorial, The Baltimore Rowing Club (you may see them sculling north of the Hanover Street Bridge), and of course, Fort McHenry is just round the corner to the east. The Gwynn's Falls Trail passes through here, it is a mile walk north on it to the Baltimore Inner Harbor, and a fourteen mile walk/bik ride up to Leakin Park at the other end. There is also a nearby park called "Ferry Bar," we could not find any information on a ferry here, if anyone does uncover some inforamtion about it we'd love to here it!
Note that while this is not yet a portion of the harbor that features a major shipping channel, there can be extensive recreational boating traffic in here, including large and fast cigarette boats, which create a significant wake.
The hide itself is a recycled stage from our first multi-cache, "Lunchbreak in Groton" archived back in 2006. It is well hidden, and should prove a significant challenge, even to experienced cachers.
As with all your searches, please do some research, and use good voyage planning techniques. Know your limitations, employ risk management, and don’t take on something that is beyond your capability. Some of you do this all the time, some rarely; in the end, it is you who are accountable for what happens to you, mentally, emotionally and physically as the result of seeking this hide.
