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The terrain is not difficult to navigate. There are quite a few paths in the entire area. Trust your GPSr, but there is quite a canopy, so you may lose a satellite or two. Use your instincts! (or the Force, Luke.)
This is a two-stage cache.
Park at Freedom Park in Rapid City, just north of town on the east side of Rapid City Road in Kalkaska County.
Begin your hike at the trail head by the bridge to find the coordinates to the actual cache. Sit for a spell after you find the coords and enjoy the scenery. Good luck, and have fun!
History:
Once upon a time, Rapid City, MI was a smallish, bustling town, and according to local history, was once a "brothel town" during the lumbering years in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Not a pretty picture for most, unless you were a patron, I suppose. Fortunately, it's improved over the years. Originally, when the Chicago & Western Michigan (now Pere Marquette) Railroad came through here in Charlevoix Township in 1891, the station was named Van Buren for landowners Charles E. and Carrie J. Van Buren, who platted and recorded the village as Van Buren in 1892. Mr. Van Buren became its first postmaster on November 22, 1892.
Its named was changed to Vanburen on January 18, 1895 and changed again to Rapid City, from its location on the Rapid River on April 30, 1898. (This information found on the internet - I can't vouch for it's accuracy but it's interesting lore. If you want to see some great old pictures of Rapid City, visit the Cone Corral at the south end of town. They have some wonderful old pictures on their walls, not to mention, really great pizza.)
While still a very small town, Rapid City is growing. Real estate in the area is booming, because of it's location near some of northern Michigan's most beautiful lakes. Rapid City is also home to Freedom Park, a ball field and woodsy park that follows the Rapid River, a fast, cold, spring-fed trout stream which flows into Torch River, and ultimately out into Lakes Skegemog, Elk, and Michigan.
This is a lovely hidden park with trails through thick cedar, poplar, maple, beech, birch, hemlock and pine, and other vegetation, including vines and flowering shrubs and plants, along the swift-flowing Rapid River. Dip your hand in the river and feel the cold, clear water that flows from springs from higher ground. Take your camera if you're into nature photography, there are so many opportunities, you won't be disappointed! Sit on a bench and enjoy the river and the many birds and other wildlife. Relax, slow down, and take your time.
The cache is a well hidden ammo can, and is filled with lots of useful stuff. If possible, please try to leave the same, and hide it exactly as you found it, or better. No matter what, have a great time and enjoy the park!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh'yy nyfb rawbl guvf va gur jvagre.