While scanning around VCGI maps looking for interesting places where geocaches might go, I happened across an odd narrow strip of land in the middle of the Winooski Valley Park land down here in the Intervale. It appeared to belong not to the park or to the Intervale farms, but to the Burlington fire department. Huh?
A bit of further research revealed that in the 1940's the fire department had a wooden tower on Mansfield Avenue that was used to teach their personnel skills like rappelling, ladder access, and rescue tactics. To replace it, it seems in 1972 they built a 50-foot tall concrete tower down here in the Intervale. But all that's left of that reinforced structure today is a bit of the concrete slab and footers, and some rubble. The strip of land has been left alone to turn back into jungle in between the farm fields. If anyone has any more information on the tower, or when and why it was demolished, please share in your log!
This cache is located right near the little pile of rubble and the square tower foundation that is still evident at the edge of the cultivated field. There is a trail close by that goes from the road to the riverside -- it's part of a cross-country skiing trail system in winter, but it is still accessible during the summer. During the growing season this trail is bordered on both sides by electric fencing to protect the farm fields from wildlife, so I do not recommend bringing dogs or young children here during that time.
Drive slowly on the dirt road to avoid making dust clouds. And for goodness' sake, any time between April and October, bring every anti-mosquito spray or netting or zapper that you have. The bugs are brutal down here in the low-lying riverlands, especially once you delve into the undergrowth. If you don't have any repellant you may want to wait for winter weather.