Things Go Better With COKER Multi-Cache
infiniteMPG: Learned my lesson
Things Go Better With COKER
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
A challenging five part multi-cache located in a little known Manatee County reserve project.
Things DO go better with Coker! At least they did when Paddler Found and I placed this challenging five-part multi-cache. We did over 8 miles of hiking placing this cache and we were putting our gear up in the car when the rains started so hopefully your timing will be just as lucky! This cache is located in the little known Coker Prairie Tract of the Lake Manatee Reserve Project in eastern Manatee County which is 1,200 acres of “natural” Florida. The entrance was a challenge for us to find but you’ll have an easier time as we did the investigation for you. The entrance and parking is located at N27 27.835 W82 11.324. There is a cluster of trailer homes behind the entrance way so don’t drive past the listed parking location or you may find yourself in someone’s front yard.
Coker Tract Reserve contains areas of natural land including relatively unaltered sections of pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and hardwood hammocks. There were a few low spots that look like they may be a challenge during times of heavy rain so please be careful while hiking. The area retains surface water which drains into the Myakka River thru Coker Creek, thus the park’s name.
Park at the listed coordinates and bring comfortable shoes, bug spray and plenty of water as we estimate a straight find to find will require around 8 miles of hiking. There are no mountain bikes or horses allowed here so you’re on your feet and on your own. There are no restrooms or facilities located here so be prepared. Most pathways are on packed roads that have had maintenance vehicles travel upon them but other areas the pathways get more sandy. Information about the park and a trail map are available here :
(visit link)
but there were many side routes and offshoot paths that were not on the trail maps so there is much to explore here so plan on spending some serious time here. There is very little bushwhacking necessary as most caches are not far off the track but undergrowth may change as the season’s do. One part has some camo work that were are proud of so you may want to add a little time for that.
Part 1 is located at the coordinates listed above. Parts 1 thru 4 are micro caches and only contain small logs so bring your own pen. The final cache is a large ammo box and was stocked with some audio tapes (including Ren & Stimpy), colored pencils and a t-ball but there is room for much more so bring some items to trade.
Enjoy this hike in some un-explored territory and always practice CITO. There were signs of wild hogs at some places so use caution while hiking. We were shadowed by a pair of curious armadillos, we saw a beautiful hawk on the hunt, and even had some white tailed deer dart along the path while hiking. There is a decaying old bridge along the way who’s cross beams were sound but be extremely careful when crossing. Please hide all caches back as you found them to keep the wild muggles at bay.
This is natural Florida, enjoy it while it lasts.
----- Congrat's to Treadmark and Mr. & Mrs. Lighteye, co-FTF's on this challenging multi 3/2/2006!!!! -----
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Cneg 1 – Qba’g yrna ba zr… be ryfr!
Cneg 2 – Jnvfg uvtu jvgubhg n pyhr
Cneg 3 – Bire gur oevqtr naq gueh gur jbbqf
Cneg 4 – Unccl gb or n gerr uhttre.
Cneg 5 – Guvf unzzbpx qbrfa’g fjvat
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures