Big Pine Island Roundabout Multi-Cache
Big Pine Island Roundabout
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This multi is located on SWFWMD lands.
This is not your usual cache. There are plenty of poisonous snakes and other hazards in the area. Wildlife abounds. The route is basically off trail for the entire length from Stage 1 to the final. If you do not navigate well I would not attempt it. I also do not recommend it for children. It would be best to take a partner. Cell phone coverage can be spotty. You will probably not see anyone in the area of the cache and its stages except maybe another cacher. You could be stranded out there for months. The cache is seasonal. The season to attempt this cache is the dry season. There will be times when the water will be WELL OVER waist deep along the approach and cache route. Be sure to go during lengthy dry periods. The entire route was dry when the cache was placed. Cache now consists of 6 small stages and the final which is a standard ammo can. The route is not marked. I know of two ways to approach Stage 1. The shorter way along the east side of the river and down the old tram road is about 1.75 miles. The longer way, which follows an old two track, is about 2.5 miles. These mileages are just to get to the first stage. Parking is located at the County Park located on each side of the road at the river. There is a $2.00 charge for parking. The longer way in currently has several caches along the route, the shorter way in had one cache along the route at the time of this multi placement. Some of the stages of this cache are covered in natural camouflage, please replace. Most stages are located under heavy tree canopy; therefore do not expect the coordinates to be extremely accurate. Each of the first six stages is placed in a holder. Please be sure to replace exactly as found. Please replace the cover at Stage 4 tightly and place securely back in its holder since there will be times of high water in which it could float away. The others probably will not go under water, but who knows? Enjoy the scenery. The trek around the island is about 2.25 miles. All stages are located around the perimeter. It is a pristine area of natural Florida. Please tread lightly. The island itself can be difficult to walk. The palmettos are thick. Many of the trails on the island will dead end into thick vegetation. The palmetto area is excellent rattlesnake habitat, therefore bushwhacking through the thick of it is not recommended. Please be careful. You would be better off looking for the path of least resistance while walking between stages. The area just downhill from the palmettos can be an easy walk. Keep the palmettos to your left and the swamp to your right when possible. From Stage 1 towards Stage 3 you may be able to follow an old abandoned unpublished Florida trail route. Look for the orange rectangular paint “blazes”. Do not follow the arrow on your GPS or you could be in for a more difficult and dangerous hike. Be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen and bug spray. Wear long pants and good shoes or boots. There is always a chance that you will be still on the trail when night falls; everyone should carry a flashlight, (Hint). Be careful out there. Save some waypoints to navigate home instead of using breadcrumbs. Enjoy.
Update: January 5, 2013. The final cache has moved again. Its former resting place was rotting away. A sixth stage was added to reduce the temptation of following the arrow across Big Pine Island. Read the logs at Big Pine Easy-Peasy for a better understanding. It is much easier to walk around the island in the transition zone.
Congratulations to duracell and Bill Z co MEFF.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage one] yb
[Stage two] uv
[Stage three] uv
[Stage four] yb
[Stage five] uv
[Stage six] xvaqn yb ohg ba gbc
[Final] yb