GCEC99 Legend of the Goatman (micro) (Traditional Cache) in Kentucky, United States created by Cache Masters & Dread Pirate Roberts'

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GCEC99 ▼

A cache by Cache Masters & Dread Pirate Roberts' Message this owner

Hidden : 3/22/2003

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Take I-64 to the Gene Snyder Freeway to Taylorsville Road. The site is approximately 2 miles to the East. The cache is located near Pope Lick Creek which is underneath an 80’ high trestle. The cache is in a film canister. Also, please bring a bag to fill with trash--this area needs some geocachin' TLC ;)
Park here: N38 11.515 W085 29.306

This cache is the first in our series of haunted Kentucky spots. We highly recommend that this cache is sought at dusk to get the maximum amount of heebie jeebies—bring your flashlight in case the darkness creeps up on you. You will have to cross a shallow creek so bring some spare socks or waterproof boots. Obviously, don't attempt to cross the creek if the waters are high.

The story of the Goatman of Pope Lick began as early as the 1800s. One version claims that the Goatman is the ghost of a boy who attempted to cross the trestle with his pet goat. Both were killed by a train and it is said that at night you can see a lantern's glow moving back and forth across the tracks. Some accounts claim the Goatman pushes people off the tracks; others that he is trying to warn those foolish enough to cross. Still others go so far as to say that he hypnotizes his victims and leads them in front of on-coming trains.

Witnesses claim the Goatman is covered in white fur, others say that it has the body of a man/boy and the head of a goat. It is said that he wails in response to the train whistle. Many area farmers claimed the Goatman mutilated their sheep. The best known story claims that a Boy Scout troop was camping near the trestle and the Goatman screamed and threw rocks at them until they fled.

Still skeptical? A Google searches will confirm our tale. Also, a short independent 1988 film called 'The Legend of the Pope Lick Monster' by Louisville filmmaker Ron Schildknecht is available at some branches of the Louisville Free Public Library.

Do NOT attempt to walk on or near the trestles at any time for any reason! The fences near the top on either side are there for your protection, do NOT try to climb the fence. The geography of this location makes it impossible to hear a train whistle until it is too late. Trains go by frequently--two went by during the 20 minutes we were placing this cache. Over 25 people have tragically died there, either from being struck by a train or from jumping off the trestle to avoid a train. These deaths are NOT an urban legend; they are real.

As if there weren't enough warnings on this page already...watch out for snakes around the creek. Also beware of flying snakes as Paddy Yenar sent one into orbit after it bit his boot [:)] If you DO encounter snakes, give yourself another star on the difficulty rating.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Lite:] Funxr n yrt! [Spoiler:] Vg vf va gur yrt bs gur gerfgyr arnerfg gur juvgr pebff.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)