Carson Trail Mystery Cache

THE CACHE IS NOT AT THE ABOVE COORDINATES!

These coords take you to the parking area of the first step of this cache, a mile long loop hike through a wildlife sanctuary. I wanted to take you to this beautiful place, but it is against the rules to place an actual cache here. Once you have the clues, you will have a quick drive and short walk to the final location! This cache can be accessed all year, and is dog (with leash) and kid friendly.

Rachel Carson was a world- renowned marine biologist, environmentalist, and author. Born in Pennsylvania, Ms. Carson was captivated by the sea, especially the ocean in Maine. She spent many years summering on Southport Island studying the beach and tide pools as research for The Edge of the Sea (1955). As part of her investigations for her greatest work, Silent Spring (1962), Rachel Carson brought to attention the links between unrestrained chemical use and the harmful effects on health and the environment.

Ms. Carson died of cancer in 1964; five years later this refuge was renamed in her honor. It consists of ten Divisions along 50 miles of coastline, and habitat types include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast. You will be visiting the Rachel Carson trail near the refuge headquarters.

“All the life of the planet is interrelated...each species has its own ties to others, and ...all are related to the earth.” Rachel Carson 1907-1964

This cache is available DAWN TO DUSK only- Park Rules, dogs allowed with leashes. In order to get the coordinates for the 2nd and final cache location, you will need to gather the numbers from the first stage. There is never a need to wander off of the designated path, and I am confident that everyone will obey the rules of this beautiful and protected sanctuary.

You will begin at the posted coords, in the parking lot of the Rachel Carson Trail, located in Wells on Route 9A not far from Route 1. I encourage you to read the kiosk and check out the printed material there. The one mile loop trail begins nearby; follow the signs and walk to the left. You will circle around past a total of 11 numbered lookout stations. All of the clues can be solved with information found walking the trail; the clues are simple enough for children to figure out since the point of this is to get you to this area, not to confuse you! (I suggest reading this log through completely before beginning.)

A: The white number you see at Overlook #2 is ____.

B: Between Overlooks #2 and #3, you will see a white posted birdhouse on the left. The first digit of the number on it is ____.

C: The total number of benches at Overlook #4 is _____.

D: Between Overlooks #6 and #7 you will see ?? more white posted birdhouses off to your left. This number?? PLUS 1= ____.

E: At Overlook #8 there is a plaque. ADD the first 2 numbers you see, and then SUBTRACT 2 to get _____.

F: Same as "D"! ____

G: The total number of pieces of trash that you will throw down in this beautiful place = _____.

H: At Overlook #9 there is a number carved in wood. Take this number and SUBTRACT 1 to get _____.

I: Overlook #10 brings you to a _________. How many letters are in this word? Now ADD 3 to get ____.

J: Overlook #11 has a wooden bench. The BOTTOM part, what you sit on, has ____ pieces of wood.

Now, plug in those new coordinates and head to the cache! You will find parking at the head of the trail. Cache is located about 10 feet off the trail; it is a small container with room for a log and perhaps some coins or small trade items. Nice view, huh?