This is TreePlanter's first cache hide and the first state of
Michigan cache Permit issued in the state for this sport. This
cache is in the Proud Lake Recreation Area. A State Park
yearly pass or a day pass must be purchased. Best Parking is at:
N42 34.352 W083 34.182 Start at the Horse Loop #1 Trailhead, by the
parking area.
This is a Fun
Bridge?
No need to cross the river by the parking area. There is a "NEW"
foot bridge over the river later in this adventure! You will be
walking on the Old Chief Pontiac Trail. This is an old
Indian Trail that runs a very long way through Southeast Michigan.
Chief Pontiac once lived in this area and walked on this very same
path you will be following today! He is said to have had a home on
Apple Island , in Orchard Lake. This great Indian chief was born
around 1720, probably in the Ottawa village on the Detroit River. A
friend of the French, Pontiac was angered by the British rule which
began in 1760, and plotted its overthrow. In 1763 he led the
Indians of the area in an attack on Detroit with other tribes, who
were inspired by him, rose against the British in the West and
overwhelmed every fort save Fort Pitt and Niagara. He was a great
battle planner and fierce warrior! But, Pontiac's siege of Detroit
failed. With it, this greatest of Indian uprisings also failed. In
1769 Pontiac was killed by another Indian in Illinois. He probably
was buried in St. Louis, Missouri.
The city of
Pontiac was named in his honor. You are looking for a Green
ammo box. You will be hiking off trail, at the end, for this
cache. (No need to cross any wetlands or RR tracks by
bushwhacking.) It can be muddy in the Spring. My sons
Christopher, and Dougie, picked out the hiding spot. Be sure
and listen to the Indian Calls heard in this forest. The Cache
is stuffed with goodies. There are extra trash out bags in the
box also. Please trade fairly. Hope you enjoy the woods! There
is a First and Second, Finders Prize in this Cache! If you are
thirsty: There is a great well at: N42 34.313 W 083 34.812.
You can't even tell it is well water. Picnic Tables are there
too. Have a rest and hit Deep Woods Cache next!
***If I can do this cache, YOU can
too!!
After the Russel Bridge crossing the trail is sometimes wet,
depending on the weather and the time of the year. You may need
hiking boots. Write on the back of pages in the Yellow Log
Book.