Return of the Swamp Thing Traditional Cache
Return of the Swamp Thing
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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At Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, CT. Ample parking is available off Rt. 80. A very popular four season park; bring the kids and dogs. Hike the trails in search of Indian caves, explore the jagged rocky ledges and recesses, relax by the cooling waters, or picnic in the soft pine woods. Trail maps are usually available from a box at the gatehouse. There is a fee to drive into the park during the summer season.
My favorite line from this campy horror film classic is when Heather Locklear says, “Why can’t men be more like plants?” Hmmm. Don’t expect a plant monster to come running after you during your search here, but keep an eye out for other wildlife as you go on the Paul F. Wildermann swamp walk. I thought this little corner of Chatfield Hollow State Park deserved some more attention, especially since the boardwalk has received an upgrade. The original was constructed back in the late 80’s when Harvey Redak was the Park Ranger (the project was “totally unauthorized”, according to Harvey). To see a beautiful photograph of the original, go to www.nicholsonprints.com/PhotoPagesBig/D3397.htm. As you can see, the original design allowed you to get closer to nature, but the newer one probably makes the insurance companies happier (see photo). Harvey also moonlighted at the time with the George Manston Band and they would often practice in the park during the summers. After parking your car in one of the lots outside the gatehouse, proceed down the main park road until you come to the Beach/Bus parking sign. Now you can let your GPSr take over and enjoy the walk. Reception is really poor in the area of the cache; I took an average of readings over two different visits, but could not do better than 30 foot accuracy. The hints should ensure eventual success. It’s wheelchair accessible except for the last few feet. You will be looking for a small Skippy jar so trade items should be kept small. There’s a Dunkin Donuts card for the first to find! More than 3”-4” of snow may hinder your search. Please make sure you rehide the cache they way you found it. To return, you can retrace your steps back to the parking lot, or follow the road north, then east as it crosses the dam back to the main park road. While you are here, check out the other caches within the park and on the other side of Rt. 80. Have fun!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre fubeg ybtf, gevnathyne fgbar.