This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. The posted coordinates give you a place to start. From there you will need to follow the directions to find the cache. The cache contains a stamp and stamp pad which must stay in the cache for other people to use. This adventure will take you on about a half mile walk or bike ride through a narrow wooded lot boardered by Alger Rd and a railroad. The trails here are designed for mountain bikes, but I saw more foot prints on the trails than tire treads. I have seen dog walkers, bikers, deer, and a few tents. If you follow my directions, you should stay well away from the tents and any squatters. I have provided parking coords for the nearby cemetery. From there it is an easy walk along the sidewalk and across the tracks. No parking in the cemetery at night. If you choose to park elsewhere, be careful crossing the street as both Kalamazoo and Alger can be busy.
Now on to our adventure.
The posted coordinates take you to a dirt trail heading into the woods. This is were you begin. As you follow the trail, you will see a large round cement foundation. Just past this you will reach an intersection in the trail marked with a "One Way" sign.
Follow the direction of the sign and stay on the trail. Keep in mind that this is a mountain bike trail, so you will want to be aware of bikers coming up behind you if you are on foot. As the trail winds around, you may be tempted to jump to another trail, but I would suggest that you stay on the well worn trail. The directions will be easier to follow.
You will reach your first "Y" in the trail. To left is a sign "Caution Wrong Way". Head this sign and take the right branch. Soon after this turn, your will come to a dry stream bed with broken asphalt marking the crossing. At least it was dry when I placed the cache, I'm not sure what it looks like other times of the year. Continue across and follow the trail. Stay on the main trail. Don't be tempted off any small side trails
Your next "Y" in the trail has no signs, but you will see a scraggly 5 foot evergreen a short ways down the right trail. If you take this trail, you will end up on Alger road and won't find the cache. Stay to the left and continue on. I know, it seems like a long hike. I did tell you half a mile at the start. We're not there yet.
Continue on, now staying to the right. You will come to a large tree leaning over the trail. This is where you will leave the trail. At the base of the tree is a 4x6 rail or balance beam. Check it out if you like. Take a look around. About 75 feet to the northwest, you will see a large fallen tree. The tree broke in two large pieces and looks like a checkmark or a lopsided "V".
Go to the stump of the checkmark and again look around. Now you are looking for a tall broken stump about 10 feet tall. Head in this direction. As you approach, you will noticd this has a large hollow. Pretty good spot for a cache, right? Nah, too close to the trail.
The log that used to belong to this stump has been modified to a balance beam/ rail. I really can't imagine anyone riding their bike on this, but I guess they could try. Follow this log, maybe test your own balance, until it ends at a ramp.
Keep going in the same direction about 50 feet further where you will find another tall hollow stump. The top of this one is leaning over to left. Once again, this hollow is too close to the trail.
Turn around with your back to the hollow. About 20 feet away along the ridge, you will see half of a shattered stump, about 5 feet tall. This is it! The cache is here. Be carefull you don't fall down the slope. Please sign the log and use the stamp if you choose. The stamp and ink pad must stay with the cache. Be sure to hide the cache the same or better than found.
If you rode your bike, be sure to follow the trails in the correct direction on your way out, not the same as the way you took in. One way trails for bikes, keeps everyone safer.
I hope you enjoyed your adventure!