Ben Herr Traditional Cache
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This site is on Herr's Island which is in the Allegheny River under the 31st Street Bridge and is now called Washington's Landing. There is a beautiful bike/jogging trail around the island which can also be accessed from the pedestrian bridge from River Road.
CAUTION: There are Stinging Nettles in the area. If you get "stung" wash the area with water (soap and water is better but who hikes with soap). Late spring and summer are when you are most likely to get stung. For most people the rash will go away on it's own in a few hours (unlike poison ivy). The new container is a peanut butter jar. Keep this in mind when planning trades. The site is easily accessible via the trail along the north shore of the Allegheny River which is part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail [see link below]. I suggest you catch the trail near PNC Park and just follow your GPS on foot or bike. There is also a small parking lot on River Road across from the pedestrian bridge and, if you are in a hurry, parking lots on the island quite close to the cache. This cache is not in a wilderness location but I think you will enjoy the trail, especially considering the history of the island. Herr's Island was rechristened Washington's Landing by the City of Pittsburgh as part of the clean-up and rehabilitation of the former industrial brownfield site. This site is really easy to find and the above information is all you really need. But since this is meant to be a beginners cache here’s some more info: Take the multimillion-dollar pedestrian bridge [see link below] that connects the trial to the island via the old railroad bridge. Or if you want a shorter hike (or perhaps a safer place to park) take River Road past H J Heinz and turn right onto the 30th street bridge (about fifty feet before the 31st street bridge). Park in the trail access parking lot under the 31st street bridge. The island was settled by Benjamin Herr who operated a water-powered mill in the back channel. Federal regulations required that livestock being transported by railroad must be given rest stops. Stockyards were constructed on Herr's Island. Over time, the stockyards were expanded; slaughterhouses and processing factories covered the island. More info at the links below. Picture of the bridges and more history of the island: http://pghbridges.com/pittsburghE/0586-4479/herr_is_rr.htm TrailMap:http://www.friendsoftheriverfront.org/misc_docs/TRHT%20Map%20and%20Guide%202012%20FINAL.pdf Virtual cache locations on the island: Water fountain: N 40° 28.101, W 79° 58.478 Cityscape photo vantage point: N40° 27.617, W79° 58.860
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[The wise
sage who comes from Apollo, Gives these hints to cache seekers that
follow: Tis a neat spot indeed, But beware of itch weed, and a tree that looks] jubyr znl or ubyybj. Ohg va 2021 n punvafnj unq sha ohg vgf fgvyy gurer va gur fghzc.
Treasures
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