Old CCC Camp Traditional Cache
CapnFire: This cache is being archived today so that I can re-create it as a Multi-cache. The cache had to be changed some due to muggle-proofing. I hope to have the re-do approved soon and back on the board. CapnFire
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THE POSTED COORDINATES ARE NOT FOR THE ACTUAL CACHE - THEY ARE FOR A MICRO CONTAINER THAT HAS THE CACHE COORDINATES INSIDE FOR YOU TO COPY.
This cache is located on the CCC Annex area of Coopers Rock State Forest. It is approved by the WV Division of Natural Resources and the WV Division of Forestry.
Take Exit 10 of I-68, go north on Route 857. Go a short distance and turn right onto Quarry Run Road, CR 69/5. There are at least 3 distinct pull-off areas on this road – the one closest to the trail leading to the cache is at N 39° 40.502’, W 079° 50.617’. The trails leading into the cache area are relatively flat and easy walking. This would be a good family cache.
During the Depression, between 1936 and 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was brought into Coopers Rock State Forest to develop the land for public use and to suppress forest fires. The CCC built numerous structures in the forest, often using durable American chestnut wood from trees that succumbed to a blight that nearly wiped out the species.
The local camp, named Camp Rhododendron, was constructed on this site on Kelly Run. These young men, ages 18 to 25, were put to work building roads, structures, and bridges and planting trees, fighting fires and other arduous tasks. Their most astounding work was the connection of the Coopers Rock Overlook to the ridge top. This was done by constructing a bridge and carving out the stone steps that are still present today. Much of their other construction work can still be seen today and include the superintendent’s residence, picnic shelters, and the WVU Forest Manager’s residence. Eleven of the structures, including the rustic picnic shelters near the overlook, have been included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The micro portion of this cache is located somewhere between the foundations of two camp buildings. I believe one was the explosives shed (at least that’s what I was told). The only remains of Camp Rhododendron are the stone and concrete building foundations. When the CCC moved into an area, they typically brought their camp with them, in the form of heavy wall tents or pre-fabricated wooden frame walls. They would build a foundation and erect the structure over it. This would be their bunkhouse, mess hall, whatever, until time to move on.
The main cache is now a camouflaged ammo can. Original contents were:
Emergency Poncho
Set of Bungee Cords
Patriotic Kickball
Smokey Bear goodies
Logbook, pencils and sharpener
’52 Weeks’ Travel Bug
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx sbe fvatyr urzybpx gerr jvgu gjb gehaxf. Pnpur ybpngvba cbfgrq vafvqr zvpeb.
Treasures
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