Captain Jack's Treasure Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

New York Admin: Its been far to long and maintenance does not seem to be forthcoming. I'm archiving today opening the area up to others that geocachers may once again enjoy visiting this area.

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Hidden : 9/10/2006
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Sand Island Great South Bay - requires a power boat, jet ski or kayak

This cache is inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the story of our real life local pirate Captain Kidd. Captain Kidd buried a treasure on Gardiner’s Island off the east end of Long Island. Even though this treasure was recovered shortly after his capture many people believe he buried others on Gardiner’s Island and elsewhere. To read more about Captain Kidd’s treasure go to this web site: (visit link)

Sand Island is located in the Great South Bay near Captree and Sexton Islands. The Island is uninhabited and officially unnamed. Sand Island is the name used by locals who often stop here by boat or jet ski for a picnic on the beach. The channel that runs by its western shore is called Snake Hill Channel. Even though older charts show this channel marked with many buoys, it has been officially closed for forty years and there are no longer any navigation aids to mark it. However it is still navigated by locals who use it as a short cut to the Fire Island Inlet. I have seen boats in the mid 30 foot range navigate it without any trouble. I have marked the Google earth image (see posted photos) with the route I use to navigate the channel. Included are the waypoints with coordinates. I have a 21ft outboard but have seen larger boats use the same route. If you come by power boat and are unfamiliar with the channel just take it slow. If you take it slow and do run aground you are unlikely to do any damage as the bottom is all sand in the area. As can be seen by the Google image the area around the Island is a maze of sand bars. This and the strong tidal currents are the reason for the 4.5 terrain rating. Especially if attempted by Kayak.

If attempting by Kayak please be experienced in open water paddling. Even though this a relatively sheltered corner of the bay it has very strong tidal currents. I have marked the Google Earth image with a suggested Kayak route. The route leaves from the Captree boat basin launching ramps. It would be best to leave near the end of the flood tide as the current is starting to slow down. The current through the state channel here peaks at about 2.5 knots. That is why it is important to plan your paddle at the end of the tide. This first section of the paddle is the most dangerous because of the current and the high boat traffic through here. Leave on the end of the ingoing tide, wait for a break in the boat traffic, then cross the channel to the north side as quickly as possible. If you follow the rest of the route as marked the remaining flood current will help carry you to the island. Try to reach the Island just before slack tide. This will give you enough time to find the cache and explore a little. Try to leave before the ebb current starts. If you leave too late into the ebb, the current will be very strong where you have cross the state channel to get back to Captree boat basin. If this happens and you are swept to the east, beach your kayak just past the fishing pier.

I have rated the general difficulty as 3.5. As with any good pirates treasure it has to be guarded by some force or curse. In this case the curse is green flies. My kids have renamed this Island green fly Island and they can be quite bothersome. Be prepared to loose some blood. Also remember to bring a pair of sneakers with you. Even though the sand beach that rings the island is quite pleasant to stroll on, once you go 10 feet into the Island it is like walking on broken glass. This is a roosting area for seagulls and they have over the years littered the island with bits of broken shells and fish skeletons.

The cache is a large Lock n Lock. It is well stocked with items for young and old. There is a $5.00 Starbucks gift card for the FTF along with a FTF poker chip. There is a second $5.00 gift card for the second to find. Some of the remaining items are: a pirate action figure, a Yankees logo base ball, a where’s George dollar, play money, toy trucks, and many more items.

Enjoy, but please be careful. Follow all safety afloat rules, life jackets for all children, better yet life jackets for all.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Uvtu fcbg, ohfu

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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