The Salt Spring 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 off of Quaker Rd., in the tiny town of
Somerset, NY. We stumbled across this wonderful trail while taking
a random drive through the area last weekend. The hike will take
you on a well-maintained trail that runs through the forest
alongside Fish Creek in Somerset. The parking area for this cache
has room for a handful of cars. You’ll want to park near
N43.21.623/W078.33.374 and look for the Salt Spring trailhead to
begin your journey.
This trail ends at the site of an Indian relic: a 300 year-old Salt
Spring. There is a sign next to the salt spring that contains
information provided by the town of Somerset historian. It
reads:
The Salt Spring is a 300 year old Indian relic. It is one of
the oldest manmade artifacts in Niagara County. The earliest known
occupants of Western New York were the Neuter Indians who occupied
this area in the early 1600’s. Indians chose this campground
because of the salt spring. Indians dug down about 8 feet to the
bedrock and placed the hollowed buttonwood log in an upright
position over the spring. This acted as a reservoir. Water was
scooped out. By evaporation the salt was perfect for preserving
fish and wild game. The hallowed log was here far before white man
ever came. It was not in use by the Indians in 1810 when the first
settlers came to this area. By then Indians were getting salt by
trading furs at Fort Niagara.
You can log your visit to the salt spring using the logbook that
sits a top the sign, however, please note that this is NOT the
cache. Anyone not actually logging your visit in the ammo can will
have their find deleted. Your caching journey will take you further
down Fish Creek. Once you’ve spent some time checking out the salt
spring, you’ll want to enter the creek bed and continue hiking
downstream. At the time this cache was placed (Summer), the creek
was pretty much dry. However, you should be sure to wear a good
pair of boots because the creek bed is a bit muddy (Seems to be our
trademark ;) ). If you choose to bushwhack, be prepared for some
thorns. If the creek is full, your best bet may be to strap on some
watershoes and stick to the creek. Oh, and don’t forget the
bug-spray! Also, we did see a sign that said "Hunting is allowed
with written permission only", so be sure to take the proper
precautions during hunting season. Please stick to the creek bed as
much as possible during the hike and exit only when you’re near
ground zero. You’re looking for a camo’d .30 cal ammo can. As
usual, please be sure to re-hide the cache extremely well after
you’ve found it. Good luck and happy caching! Original cache
contents include:
Logbook and pen
Assorted first aid supplies
Keychain flashlight
Light-up ring
Pair of glow-sticks
Light-up dinosaur
TB
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)