GCZXC9 Kelsey Trail (Traditional Cache) in North Carolina, United States created by slackpacker

This cache has been archived.

slackpacker: Fun while it lasted, but I don't cache any more. I was fine leaving caches out there until GC changed their business model, made the $10 app I purchased a few years ago obsolete and replaced it with a marginally-useful new subscription-based app. Its their prerogative, but I figure I don't need to support that business model with my time and materials.

GCZXC9 ▼

A cache by slackpacker Message this owner

Hidden : 12/20/2006

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A quick jaunt on the historic Kelsey Trail.

A brief history lesson: the Kelsey Trail (named after Samuel Kelsey, one of the founders of Highlands and a major participant in construction of the trail) was completed in the early 1880's in an effort to provide sightseers with an easier route from Highlands to Whiteside Mt.

Excursions on the trail were by foot or horse-drawn wagon, and the trail was so popular that a livery stable was established in town to satisfy the demand. The trail wound through the primeval forest full of ancient, huge hemlocks (truly massive trees - all since logged), by magnificent falls (now behind the gates of Highlands Falls Country Club), past Garnet Rock encrusted with gems, to end at the old Cherokee Indian camping grounds at the base of Whiteside. The trail and hike up Whiteside provided a full day of adventure.

Unfortunately, development over the past century has obliterated most traces of the once-popular trail. However, the initial portions of the trail and the trailhead still exist; from the parking area, a small sign approximately 100 yards down the trail denotes this spot.

The cache is less than a quarter mile from the parking area, and the rhodo-shaded trail is almost flat. You are looking for a medium-sized camo'ed lock-n-lock container.

Oh, how I would've loved to see those giant hemlocks and the primeval forest . . .

FTF honors go to crowehunter and the shutterbugs!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

"onfr"-vpnyyl, bu ubj gur zvtugl unir snyyra . . .

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)

This cache has been archived.

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Kelsey Trail Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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Geocache Description:

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