A multi-cache off the blue trail in the Shade Swamp Sanctuary in
Farmington. The cache will take you on a tour of this unique (and
apparently rarely used) hiking area. Please refer to this link for
more information and a trail map (pdf file):Link
Expect to find the remains of a roadside wildlife sanctuary,
prickers, swampy areas (especially after heavy rains), a nice view
of Rattlesnake Mountain, ticks, mosquitoes (DEET is almost a
requirement for this hike) and skunk cabbage. Light bushwhacking
will be required for some stages. The trail you will be following
the majority of the time has sections that are better marked than
others. The blue trail is roughly a 1.5 mile hike.
Parking is available at N41 42.264 W72 51.555, near the
intersection of New Britain Avenue and Rt. 6. On Route 6, about 100
feet east of this intersection, you will see the remaining
structure of the Shade Swamp Shelter, which I believe is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places:Link
(If anyone knows any more history please contact me). Park near the
Shelter. Yes, you have to park on the grass; you will see 2 ramps
in the curb you can drive onto. Trailhead is behind the
Shelter.
Coordinates listed at the top of the page lead to Stage 1.
Bounce can be pretty horrendous here so just prepare to expand
your search area.
*****NOTE*****
This is a Five Stage Multi. None of the stages are hidden in the
typical "Unnatural Pile of Sticks/Rocks" way, and are generally out
in the open (with the possible exception of the final). To be fair,
here is the listing of the containers that you will be searching
for in each stage:
1st: Waterproof match holder
2nd: Decon box cover
3rd: Small plastic container, roughly the size of a film
canister
4th: Bottom section of a decon container. Also note that this
was a temporary, quick hide (mow permanent), and I scratched in the
numbers you need for the final. If hard to read, checksums for each
of the set of 3 numbers is: N=15 W=11
Final: Large tupperware container
*****NOTE*****
While you're here, you can also find the "King of Kame"
letterbox near Stage 3, which I found by accident while scouting
out this location.
Feedback would be appreciated, as this is only my 2nd cache.
Also, feel free to email me if any of stages need some maintenance.
Good luck!
