This is a virtual cache, there is no container on site, instead there are specific logging requirements - read the description below to see what they are.
This virtual is located in Ludington State Park, one of (in my opinion) the greatest Michigan State Parks has to offer. There used to be a multi cache here years ago (GCGGZ0 - Sable Trail) but it ended up being archived due to these dunes being sensitive areas. So, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to place a virtual cache out here as a tribute.
To reach this virtual, you must first have a Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport (available for purchase at this link) and park in Ludington State Park - I'd recommend in the lot at the waypoint provided, it's just inside the gate and is the closest valid parking. Then, you must embark upon the 1.8-mile long Lighthouse Trail and take it all the way to the end, at Big Sable Point where the lighthouse is. After reaching the end, you must answer the questions I have asked on this page. But before I get to that, first here's a little bit about this area of the park: (you can print this out and read it on the hike if you'd like - you probably won't get cell phone service for most of it)
Standing on ground formerly known by French explorers as Grande Point au Sable, the Lighthouse Board recommended a beacon be placed in Ludington. In 1867, Big Sable Point Lighthouse was constructed, and on November 1 of that year, mariners as far as 19 miles out on the lake saw a constant white light for the first time.
Climate has not been kind to the lighthouse, and in early 1900, the tower had deteriorated so badly that cement was poured between the plates and brick. It was at this time that the black and white daymark was introduced. In 1949, Big Sable Point became the last Great Lakes light to be electrified, and automation of the light eliminated the need for a keeper, though the Coast Guard staffed the light until 1972.
Erosion has always been a problem at Big Sable Point, and in 1943, a seawall was built to help control the problem. But because the light was unmanned, the virtually abandoned property deteriorated further. In 1987, the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Keepers Association was formed, guaranteeing the preservation of this historic landmark. Restoration work began on the seawall, the original Fresnel lens was replaced, the building exterior and tower were painted and floors were refinished.
The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. It is one of the tallest in the state of Michigan at over 100 feet. From May-October, visitors can hike the 1.8 miles from the parking lot to the beach and climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower, which offers a spectacular view. The original keeper’s quarters houses a gift shop, where you can pick up a memento of your visit.
Logging Requirements:
I'll give you a couple of options for questions to answer here:
1. There is a boardwalk going around the lighthouse with names of people or organizations who have donated to the SPLKA. You can either find the first board in the path going south (that turns and passes the flagpoles) and tell me the year that is written on it, OR count the number of small, round windows in the tower of the lighthouse. The latter is the better option if there's a lot of snow on the ground.
2. There is a building that houses the fog signal closer to the lake, accessible by the boardwalk. I want you to tell me any of the intervals (in seconds) that the fog signal uses, or alternatively, the name written on the bench located just to the north of the fog signal building (3 words).
3. I won't make it required, but I'd love to see any photos you take of you and your team here, especially if you make the climb up to the top of the lighthouse. If you do want to climb, please note the fee and hours per the SPLKA:
Open Daily 10am to 5pm
Season May 10th through October 24th
Standard Admission to tour Big Sable $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students 17 and under.
Do not post these answers in your log! You may send these answers to me either by email or direct message, I check both. And please follow proper etiquette when logging - I reserve the right to delete any logs I suspect are armchair logs. It's well worth the walk out here, and there are buses available (depending on the season) if you have mobility issues, check the SPLKA website for schedule.
**The dunes surrounding the lighthouse are sensitive areas, please tread carefully and stay on marked trails whenever possible. Thank you.**
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.