NoVAGO 2022 Best Series
"Sands of Iwo Jima" has been one of my favorite movies for a long time. Being a Marine Corps veteran, it's easy to have a deep appreciation for this John Wayne classic. Since the Marine Corps' birthday is November 10th and this cache will be published on the 13th, it seemed fitting to name this cache after that particular film. One scene in the movie recreates the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi and actually includes some of the veterans that participated in the historic event. The actual flag is on display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps just outside the Quantico Marine Corps base. If you haven't seen the movie or visited the museum, I hope you'll check them out.
This cache is being placed in association with the NoVA Chapter of the Military Association of GeoCachers (MAGC) event held nearby each month. If you haven't found the others in the series, they are all fairly close by, so I hope you have time to check them out.
It appears that the original hand crafted container has gone missing. I replaced it with a simpler and more traditional type. If you're curious, here's what the original container looked like.
Although not neccesarily a typical hide, this is a pretty simple cache that blends into the surroundings and it should be a fairly quick find for experienced geocachers, but perhaps a bit challenging for others. You'll be walking a short distance into a wooded area that will likely be muddy and slippery after it rains. Be careful. Depending on the season, you might also encounter PI, thorns, insects and critters. You will be visible from the nearby parking area and strangers are likely to be in the area, so stealth will be required.
Tools are not needed to access the cache. Please carefully replace it exactly as you found it.
You will need your own writing instrument. There is no room for SWAG or trackables. Parking is available close by. It is available 24/7.