This is one of 12 caches placed
in the CSI series. Prizes may be won for finding the whole
series.
Read my Profile for more
information.
You will need to write down the LETTER found
on the inside lid of the ammo can at each cache in the CSI
series.
Upon finishing all 11 caches, figure out the
final cache, called
CSI - Swan Song, using the chart
provided.
This cache is along the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail
at the Salt river overpass.
The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail of Mid-Michigan (PMRT) stretchs
from downtown Midland to the outskirts of Clare, a distance of some
30 miles, and provides many barrier-free, non-motorized recreation
and transportation opportunities.
The City of Midland owns a three mile portion of the trail
located within the City limits of Midland. This section was
developed by the Midland Area Community Foundation. The first part
of the Rail-Trail (12 feet wide with an asphalt surface) was opened
to the public in mid-June of 1993, and was formally dedicated on
July 17, 1993. In June of 1994, this section linked with the first
5.5 mile section of the County owned portion of the trail at Dublin
Avenue. This section continued the trail northwest through Averill
to the Village of Sanford. In 1995 Sanford was linked with the City
of Coleman, making the Pere Marquette approximately 22 miles in
length. The County section of the trail is 14 feet wide.
In early 1998, the County of Midland transferred ownership of
the 8.25 mile undeveloped portion of the trail in Isabella County
to Isabella County. This transfer opened the door for development
of the trail from Coleman to the outskirts of the City of Clare,
which was completed in summer, 2001. The Isabella County
section is also 14 foot wide asphalt.
Since it's opening in 1993, the Pere Marquette has been used
extensively by people of all ages for walking, running, bicycling
and in-line skating. It is also used for transportation to
work, shopping, recreational events, and for physical
fitness. Family use has been particularly evident, as well as
use by both senior citizens and youth.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources owns the abandoned
CSX Transportation right-of-way from the west side of Clare to
Baldwin. This segment is known as the Pere Marquette State Trail.
While a 2.6 mile section of active line through the City of Clare
separates the PMRT from this DNR acquisition, the City of Clare is
working on a connector through the City. Plans envision a
continuous rail-trail from Midland through Sanford, Coleman, Clare,
Farwell, Evart, Reed City and on to Baldwin and perhaps even
Ludington. Should the latter be possible, a link with Wisconsin via
ferry service could be attained!
The current 30 mile portion of the PMRT and future segments will
form the backbone of a long distance recreation and transportation
network. The current portion links the City of Midland's downtown
business district and adjacent "Tridge", to Emerson Park on the
Tittabawassee River, including the Historical Society's Dow Museum
and Bradley House, and then travels adjacent to the campus of
Northwood University and on to Dublin Avenue. The trail then moves
on to Averill, an important lumbering era historical site. The
"Banking Grounds", where pine logs were stored in the winter, is
owned by the Midland Area Community Foundation. This site may serve
as one of the future staging areas for the Rail-Trail. It will also
provide picnicking and river access opportunities, and more
importantly, interpret the site's rich history. Development plans
have yet to be set. The Rail-Trail then continues on to Sanford
where access is provided to many area attractions including shops
and restaurants, the Senior Citizens Center, the Sanford Village
Park, including fishing and canoe access to the Tittabawassee
River, and the Centennial Museum featuring several restored
historic buildings and railroad artifacts. Sanford Lake County Park
is also nearby and easily accessible. This park features an 1,100
foot swimming beach, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a boat launch,
modern restrooms, and a bathhouse. Two paved parking lots are
available in Sanford adjacent to the PMRT, one with a restroom
building for trail users.
From Sanford the Rail-Trail links with two more County Park and
Recreation areas, and two natural areas of statewide significance:
a coastal plain/wet sand prairie, and a 19 acre bog. A boardwalk
into the bog offers trail users a splendid view of this unique
ecosystem. One of the parks with access from the trail is the Pine
Haven Recreation Area. It features 8 miles of hiking, mountain
biking, and cross-country ski trails, and is approximately three
miles from the Rail-Trail via local roads. In a future development
phase a more direct link from the Rail-Trail is planned. With a
bridge across the Big Salt River, the area could be accessed from
the Rail-Trail simply by crossing adjacent Saginaw Road. The other
park is Veterans Memorial County Park which features 180 year old
White and Red Pines. These pines offer an interpretive link with
the Averill "Banking Grounds". Direct, non-motorized, access from
the Rail-Trail to this park has been developed.
From Sanford to Coleman, the Pere Marquette crosses three former
railroad bridges which have been restored for non-motorized use.
These bridges offer great views, and are trail highlights not to be
missed. Also enjoy great views of adjacent farmland as you near
Coleman. Two restrooms are also available. One is located
between Sanford and North Bradley, and the other between North
Bradley and Coleman.
In Coleman, the Pere Marquette has been incorporated as part of
a "Town Square" concept, making it a focal point for the City. The
Coleman trailhead features a parking area for trail users and a
restroom building. In Coleman you can stop for food and
refreshments at local establishments, browse shops in the downtown
area, and generally enjoy the city. A bicycle shop is also located
adjacent to the Pere Marquette.
From Coleman to the outskirts of Clare the Rail-Trail passes
through Loomis, where parking and restroom facilities are
provided. A general store is also nearby. Also nearby
is the Lawrence McDonald wildlife sanctuary. Further west,
and not far off the trail, is Isabella County's Herrick Park,
offering swimming, fishing and camping.
The PRMT of Mid-Michigan provides a multitude of benefits which
will only increase as development continues. An influx of regional
and statewide visitors are warmly welcomed. The trail also
receives many out-of-state visitors. With the proposed linkage to
the west side of the lower peninsula, the Rail-Trail's national
draw will likely increase. The Rail-Trail also protects the
historical integrity of the old Flint & Pere Marquette Railway,
including its unique bridges. It provides environmental education
opportunities, access to rivers, parks and historical areas. And,
it allows its many visitors to enjoy all it offers from an
unhurried non-motorized perspective, whether that be from a
bicycle, wheelchair or on foot. The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail of
Mid-Michigan is a very special linear park of regional, state and
national significance.
Here is the complete cache series;