**The cache is not located at the listed coordinates. Below you will find an image that will lead you to the general area. Once you arrive in that area, the Whereigo cartridge will give you the final coordinates. Use the Whereigo app and download the cartridge named Cryptid Quest, or click here to navigate to the website.**
Welcome to Cryptid Quest! A Geo Art for those participating in GeoWoodstock XXI that are looking for a more relaxed and accessible caching experience while in the Mountain State. Appalachia has a rich culture and mythos surrounding the area, no more exemplified by the myriad of "Cryptids" that are rumored to be found nearby. Cryptids are an elusive class of creatures with sometimes supernatural abilities or appearances that, despite best efforts, haven't been proven to exist. Join me as we explore some of the Cryptids that may or may not inhabit the hills of Appalachia!
Ogua
The Ogua is a legendary water-dwelling cryptid from West Virginia, particularly associated with the Monongahela River and its tributaries. Described as a massive creature resembling a giant turtle with a long, serpentine neck (Sometimes with two heads) and a muscular tail, the Ogua is said to be a fearsome predator. Native American legends portray it as a dangerous entity capable of capsizing boats and dragging both humans and livestock into the depths. Some versions of the tale describe the Ogua as a guardian of the waterways, punishing those who disrespect nature. While modern sightings are rare, reports of unexplained disturbances in the water keep the legend alive. The Ogua’s myth likely stems from a combination of prehistoric fossil interpretations and stories passed down by Native tribes, blending history and folklore into one of Appalachia’s most intriguing aquatic mysteries.
I chased him all the way over here, and he's just perched on top of that building... taunting me. Gosh I wish I could keep my hands still so these photos weren't so blurry, but I'm just too excited!
