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The Partridge Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Gnarly Twotrack: Too many bugs, too much PI, not enough hits.

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Hidden : 8/10/2005
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A well-camouflaged container on Partridge Point near Alpena, MI. (The name "Alpena" comes from an old Indian word for "land of good partridge." The partridge discussed here is not one of the good ones however.)

(With apologies to Edgar Allen Poe.)

Once while I was caching, hiking, while I wandered to my liking,
Searching many a stump and curious rock pile covered there with mold,
Stepping past a picker, but then suddenly there came a snicker.
Then it came again but quicker, laughing like a joke was told
“Just my mind,” it must be only, cackling like a joke was told
Nothing else would be so bold

A cache I found then with no trouble, hiding there behind the rubble,
No, not buried, never, so the Geocaching guidelines say
(Law and Order not withstanding), it was sitting on a landing.
Did my caching business standing and then started toward the car.
Started feeling rather sickly as it struck me just how far
I must hike back to the car

Then I started walking, hoping that I knew where I was going
And I walked and walked and walked until I should have found my way.
Persisted in my searching then looked up to see a partridge perching,
And his chuckle sent me lurching — his eyes glued to me like tar.
Laughter suddenly erupted from its beak, “Hee hee, har har!
You forgot to mark your car!”

My eyes beheld my handheld, then I shouted, raved and yelled. Yelled!
New technology that cost us billions, useless to me now.
And the partridge still is perching, follows me as I am searching
And it laughs and laughs and calls its friends who come from near and far.
And the squirrels all are singing, “In your search to find a jar,
You forgot to mark your car!”

And the partridge still is mocking, pointing, laughing while I’m walking.
In the woods and paths and clearings there are crowds who stalk me now.
If you find the Partridge hiding, you must ask where I’m abiding.
Come and find me! But for now I’ll eat my last granola bar.
And the rabbits now are taunting: (yes, it’s really quite bizarre)
“You forgot to mark your car!”

Bad partridge!

**************************

There are some paths that lead to the cache, so bushwacking is not necessary. There is poison ivy in the area during the summer, so be careful. The best way to get to the cache and avoid the big patches of PI is to walk the gnarly twotrack (which starts near the curve sign on the gravel part of Partridge Pt. Road) to the clearing near the water. You can drive it if you think your vehicle can handle it. Mine certainly wouldn't. Then walk left (east) to N 45 00.325 W 83 26.035 and take the nice pathway that will lead to the cache.

Thanks!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

1. Va gur gerr. 2. Ybbxf yvxr gur gerr ohg vfa'g.

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)