Dirt 66 Traditional Cache
--cappy--: Thanks to all that ventured out for this cache. Archived and will not be replaced.
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The route to this cache will take down the last gravel and dirt portion of Route 66, in use from 1926 until 1933. This route was bypassed, along with the towns of Calumet, Geary and Bridgeport in 1933.
Near the cache site, you should see remnants of the ‘Route 66 Key Bridge’. Check out the picture posted farther down the page. This 900 foot long suspension bridge was the only way to cross the Canadian River in 1926 without plowing through a low water ford. Key Bridge was a private toll bridge and the owner charged $1.00 for cars, $1.50 for trucks. This outrageous fee (equal to a day’s wages!) was dropped in 1930, but only after the state bought the bridge. In the meantime, the state had decided to build a more direct alignment of Route 66 and pave it with ‘Portland Cement’ concrete. When the new route opened, the suspension bridge fell into disuse, eventually closed and was sold for scrap.
Two of the easier ways to arrive at the cache site:
(1)From Downtown Geary, go South on US 281 about 0.75 mile to N35 37.255 W98 19.071. The dirt road headed South is the original alignment of Route 66 before 1933. Follow this road to a three-way intersection at N35 33.864 W98 19.867.
(2)From I-40 Exit 101, take US 281 North about 3.5 miles to N35 33.078 W98 18.433. The gravel road going generally Northwest from this point will take you to a three-way intersection at N35 33.864 W98 19.867.
NOTE: The road West from the three-way intersection is the original alignment of Route 66, and will take you toward the cache. Parts of the road may be difficult during or after wet weather.
You are looking for an ammo can. Please put it back like you found it! There may be some ATV riders and various muggles around on weekends.
After you find the cache, look in the middle of the road for remnants of the suspension cable. Also to the Southwest are some concrete and steel anchors. The pilings of the old bridge should be obvious standing to the Southeast. If you have time, take the road (it gets a bit rougher) going West to the railroad crossing. You can take a short walk down the abandoned tracks to a cool railroad bridge built in 1915.
Enjoy!
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