This cache is inspired by and is a continuation of Shakespeare's
King Henry VI trilogy - King Henry VI, Part III. A
synopsis of the play as well as the full text can be found here. The three Henry VI plays are part of the
historical series known as the wars of the roses. The
series follows the battles between the House of Lancaster and the
House of York for the English throne. The series name comes from
the symbols for the two houses - a white rose for the House of York
and a red rose for the House of Lancaster.
"Having nothing, nothing can he
lose". (Act III, Scene III)
The Bicentennial Trail
In 1976, the town of Amherst created the Bicentennial Trail. The
goal was to have a continuous trail that went from Amherst Center
up to Joe English Reservation. Unfortunately, that goal has yet to
be accomplished. However, there is about four miles of continuous
trail that goes from Joe English about 3/4 of the way to the town
center. The trail passes through three conservation areas and
several easements. This reminds me of the wars series - the House
Of York had plans on holding the English throne forever. They held
the throne for quite a while but, in the end, they came up short
also.
This conclusion to the Henry VI series brings you through the
most interesting part of the Bicentennial Trail. I saved the best
for last.
The trail is marked by white blazes but can be difficult
to follow at times. Keep you eyes open for the blazes and
especially the double blazes that indicate a turn and you should be
able to keep to the trail.
The Cache
You can reach this cache from the parking coordinates below or
by continuing to walk down the trail from Part I and Part II of the series. About 100' of light
bushwhacking is required to reach the cache. Be sure to visit
the overlook before bushwhacking - it's probably the most
interesting spot on the entire Bicentennial trail. Plus, you'll be
able to plot out the best bushwhacking route to the cache.
The container is a medium sized camouflaged lock & lock that
will be more difficult to find with more than a dusting of snow on
the ground.
The terrain has a '2.5' rating because there are some steep
drop-offs and elevation changes.
Please Note - there are closer places to
park, but you will either pass on private land or miss the
stream/esker/cliff.