French River Folly Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is located in a region with which I am very familiar. It is the headwaters of the French River. Several years ago the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources decided that they would put a dam into this area. While their purpose may have been laudatory, the eventual effect was devastating. The concept was that this would enable them to control the river's flow in the fall so as to encourage more Lake Superior trout and salmon to enter the river and spawn. Of course in their fevered passion these same fish could then be trapped and their eggs and sperm extracted for purposes of subsequent stocking. Unfortunately in the process a most incredible region was forever altered. As you approach this cache and look at the stream, be mindful that at one time this area was full of brook trout ready to rise to a dry fly. Unfortunately because of oxygen deprivation due to dying vegetation, there are no more trout in the stream.
I have made this cache relatively easy to find after you have trekked in. It has no special theme and is located in a place where you can look out over the folly that was created. However since I have often stopped and cooked meals at this site, the cache starts out with various camping items. As you approach the cache site you will come across (on your left) the fire area that I have used.
Parking is best done at N 46º 58.846, W 91º 59.731 at the junction of Normanna and French River Roads. In the off-chance that the gate is open, you might be able to drive to the dam site (N 46º 59.586, W 91º 59.946). Otherwise it is about a 0.9 mile hike from the parking site to the cache. For much of the way you will be hiking along the crest of an esker left over from glacier times.
While you are in the general area, check out "Up the Trail" cache (GCJ6DC). Also the confluence of N47 W92 is not too far away. Check out the finding of confluences at: (visit link)
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)