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Hillbilly's Katy Trail (Grandin to Van Buren Tram) Traditional Cache

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Hidden : 11/4/2003
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache adventure begins at one of the best overlooks in the Ozarks and leads you on a search for clues along an old tram bed nicely snuggled between the Current River and scenic bluffs.

I am hesitant to share this area with the rest of the world, but since only about six of you will venture to find this cache, I don't think I should be too concerned about giving away this beautiful spot.

You'll need to reach the right gravel road to begin this little trip. It's Carter County 60-221, which is off PP Highway, just off Highway 60. You'll find Carter County 60-221 at N 36 57.993, W 90 51.743. The cache coordinates will then take you to a truly beautiful overlook. After enjoying the overlook, we'll let the adventure begin. Though the first clue is only 0.15 miles away from the overlook (as the crow and only the crow flies), we recommend following the road down to the Clubhouse Campground where you'll hit the tram bed.

The clues are conveniently provided on Southwestern Bell buried cable signs located along the tram. I'd love to see the more adventurous visit the tram and bring their Trek, Giant, Canondale, or whatever kind of bicycle you have and ride the tram. Sure it's rough in places, but the terrain is almost always level and the adventure scale would rise considerably. Any hybrid or mountain bike should be able to handle it with no problems. The tram can be driven with any high clearance auto (read: anything greater than a passenger vehicle). Four wheel drive is not necessary.

Your first clue is at N 36 55.415, W 90 54.059 near a nice bluff. The sign has four numbers on an orange sign separate and below the main sign. Add the four numbers together. This is Clue A.

The second clue is at N 36 56.161, W 90 57.182. Write down the second number on this sign. This is Clue B. You'll enjoy walking under the bridge and enjoying the view of the river.

Clue #3 is at a sign in a scenic rocky area, N 36 56.578, W 90 57.698. This sign has a wooden post with three silver numbers on it. The last (bottom) number is Clue C.

The fourth clue is in another scenic area with the highest bluffs along the tram. It's at N 36 57.459, W 90 59.102. Take the middle number from the orange arrow below the main sign. It's Clue D.

The last clue is near the end of the tram adventure. If you continue on the tram you will eventually drive straight into Van Buren. Enjoy a banana marshmallow milkshake at the Jolly Cone (a seasonal establishment). Look for the last clue at N 36 58.319, W 90 58.628. Subtract the second and third number from the first number on the orange arrow. This is Clue E.

With your clues you can now find the cache, 'cause it's hidden at (and it's less than 500 feet from the road):

N 37 E2.AC6
W 90 BB.1D6

At one time Grandin was the largest sawmill in the world. you may enjoy this link:
(visit link)

The Grandin to Van Buren tram is shown on this 1904 Rand-McNally Railroad map:
(visit link)

Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Gur pnpur vf uvqqra va n ubyybj fghzc naq pbirerq jvgu na vagrerfgvat naq cerggl ebpx.

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)