🚨 ALERT 7/16/23: The cache page says that this is a traditional type. However, as of March 20th 2023, the cache has been changed to make it better hidden in this high muggle environment while also keeping it entertaining. I'm doing so that meant that the traditional label may not apply to this cache anymore. But I did not want to archive it and create a new one just to change the type. That being said here is the format of the cache. Once you find the cache at GZ. There will be a laminated paper inside. This paper contains a keyword which is NOT the logbook or the end of the cache. There is a certitude on this cache page which you will have to enter that keyword into which will then project a waypoint to the final container which will contain a logbook.
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This cache is located at a part of history that is tucked away in the middle of suburban Herndon, VA. While out with the dog, we stumbled upon this marker, and had no clue what it was for. After a bit of research and seeing the plaque out front, we found out what this place was and knew we had to place a cache here to commemorate it.
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For Best Historical/Educational Cache
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History of Mosby's Rock:
The exact spot where the cache is located is the same spot where Colonel John S. Mosby, leader of the 43rd Virginia Battalion of the Confederate Army would meet up after raids on Union outposts. Laura Ratcliffe, a well known spy for the South lived nearby and knew of the rock. In 1863, she suggested Mosby use it as a secret meeting place. He took her advice and here, at this rock, they would meet back up, divide the spoils, and make plans for future raids. At their greatest height, they were around 400 strong. They were very successfull in disrupting Union communications and raiding supply or payroll trains. They utilized guerrilla tactics and quick skirmishes to make up for their lack in numbers and weapons.They were disbanded when the Confederates surrendered, but never had to surrender on their own.
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It is amazing how such a historical spot is so tucked away, literally in the back of a quaint little town house neighborhood and behind the overflow gravel parking for the Baptist Church. It doesn't get more tucked away than that.
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Mosby's Battalion was also called Mosby's Raiders, Mosby's Men, and Mosby's Rangers.
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The plaque is missing as you'll see, but I found a picture of what used to be there.
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This is a picture of the Historical Marker that is still there on the corner of Squirrel Hill Rd. and McNair Farms Dr. I included a waypoint.
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As for the cache itself (please read):Â
- It's not a regular cache. You do NOT need to climb the tree to get to it. I mean you could if you really want to, since that's the only way I could place it. It would just 1) Be an awkward reach 2) This type of bark falls off if too many people climb the tree and 3) It is near houses and I know some people have qualms about climbing near houses.
- You WILL need a certain extendable magnetic TOTT. Terrain rating is if you have the TOTT, if you don't, Terrain is more like a 3/3.5.
- PLEASE bring the cache down gently and slowly and make sure it is fully returned.
- BYOP
- Be STEALTH itself (That's a pretty good rhyme. I'm gonna put that for every stealthy cache from now on.) The enemy might have spys trying to glean information on Mosby's next plan stationed in the decks above! Don't let them see you or Mosby's plan and hideout are forfeit.
- No night caching for the obvious reasons
Happy Caching!
FTF honors go to jemcjb!
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You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.